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Bykhovskaia M. Dynamic formation of the protein-lipid prefusion complex. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00601-5. [PMID: 39257001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles (SVs) fuse with the presynaptic membrane (PM) to release neuronal transmitters. The SV protein synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) serves as a Ca2+ sensor for evoked fusion. Syt1 is thought to trigger fusion by penetrating the PM upon Ca2+ binding; however, the mechanistic detail of this process is still debated. Syt1 interacts with the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) complex, a coiled-coil four-helical bundle that enables the SV-PM attachment. The SNARE-associated protein complexin (Cpx) promotes Ca2+-dependent fusion, possibly interacting with Syt1. We employed all-atom molecular dynamics to investigate the formation of the Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex interacting with the lipid bilayers of the PM and SVs. Our simulations demonstrated that the PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex can transition to a "dead-end" state, wherein Syt1 attaches tightly to the PM but does not immerse into it, as opposed to a prefusion state, which has the tips of the Ca2+-bound C2 domains of Syt1 inserted into the PM. Our simulations unraveled the sequence of Syt1 conformational transitions, including the simultaneous docking of Syt1 to the SNARE-Cpx bundle and the PM, followed by Ca2+ chelation and the penetration of the tips of Syt1 domains into the PM, leading to the prefusion state of the protein-lipid complex. Importantly, we found that direct Syt1-Cpx interactions are required to promote these transitions. Thus, we developed the all-atom dynamic model of the conformational transitions that lead to the formation of the prefusion PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex. Our simulations also revealed an alternative dead-end state of the protein-lipid complex that can be formed if this pathway is disrupted.
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2
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Bender J, Kundlacz T, Rudden LSP, Frick M, Bieber J, Degiacomi MT, Schmidt C. Ca 2+-dependent lipid preferences shape synaptotagmin-1 C2A and C2B dynamics: Insights from experiments and simulations. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00280-6. [PMID: 39173623 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Signal transmission between neurons requires exocytosis of neurotransmitters from the lumen of synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft. Following an influx of Ca2+, this process is facilitated by the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1. The underlying mechanisms involve electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions tuning the lipid preferences of the two C2 domains of synaptotagmin-1; however, the details are still controversially discussed. We, therefore, follow a multidisciplinary approach and characterize lipid and membrane binding of the isolated C2A and C2B domains. We first target interactions with individual lipid species, and then study interactions with model membranes of liposomes. Finally, we perform molecular dynamics simulations to unravel differences in membrane binding. We found that both C2 domains, as a response to Ca2+, insert into the lipid membrane; however, C2A adopts a more perpendicular orientation while C2B remains parallel. These findings allow us to propose a mechanism for synaptotagmin-1 during membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Bender
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Til Kundlacz
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Lucas S P Rudden
- Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Melissa Frick
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Julia Bieber
- Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matteo T Degiacomi
- Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Carla Schmidt
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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3
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Liu M, Wang C, Huo L, Cao J, Mao X, He Z, Hu C, Sun H, Deng W, He W, Chen Y, Gu M, Liao J, Guo N, He X, Wu Q, Chen J, Zhang L, Wang X, Shang C, Dong J. Complexin-1 enhances ultrasound neurotransmission in the mammalian auditory pathway. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1503-1515. [PMID: 38834904 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Unlike megabats, which rely on well-developed vision, microbats use ultrasonic echolocation to navigate and locate prey. To study ultrasound perception, here we compared the auditory cortices of microbats and megabats by constructing reference genomes and single-nucleus atlases for four species. We found that parvalbumin (PV)+ neurons exhibited evident cross-species differences and could respond to ultrasound signals, whereas their silencing severely affected ultrasound perception in the mouse auditory cortex. Moreover, megabat PV+ neurons expressed low levels of complexins (CPLX1-CPLX4), which can facilitate neurotransmitter release, while microbat PV+ neurons highly expressed CPLX1, which improves neurotransmission efficiency. Further perturbation of Cplx1 in PV+ neurons impaired ultrasound perception in the mouse auditory cortex. In addition, CPLX1 functioned in other parts of the auditory pathway in microbats but not megabats and exhibited convergent evolution between echolocating microbats and whales. Altogether, we conclude that CPLX1 expression throughout the entire auditory pathway can enhance mammalian ultrasound neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Liu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Changliang Wang
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lifang Huo
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Cao
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuguang Mao
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziqing He
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanxia Hu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijian Sun
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Deng
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiya He
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifu Chen
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meifeng Gu
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liao
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Guo
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang He
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libiao Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Congping Shang
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ji Dong
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Ultrasound perception mechanisms revealed by comparisons of microbats and megabats. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1335-1336. [PMID: 38862856 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01803-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
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5
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Leitz J, Wang C, Esquivies L, Pfuetzner RA, Peters JJ, Couoh-Cardel S, Wang AL, Brunger AT. Beyond the MUN domain, Munc13 controls priming and depriming of synaptic vesicles. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114026. [PMID: 38809756 PMCID: PMC11286359 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle docking and priming are dynamic processes. At the molecular level, SNAREs (soluble NSF attachment protein receptors), synaptotagmins, and other factors are critical for Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis, while disassembly factors, including NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) and α-SNAP (soluble NSF attachment protein), disassemble and recycle SNAREs and antagonize fusion under some conditions. Here, we introduce a hybrid fusion assay that uses synaptic vesicles isolated from mouse brains and synthetic plasma membrane mimics. We included Munc18, Munc13, complexin, NSF, α-SNAP, and an ATP-regeneration system and maintained them continuously-as in the neuron-to investigate how these opposing processes yield fusogenic synaptic vesicles. In this setting, synaptic vesicle association is reversible, and the ATP-regeneration system produces the most synchronous Ca2+-triggered fusion, suggesting that disassembly factors perform quality control at the early stages of synaptic vesicle association to establish a highly fusogenic state. We uncovered a functional role for Munc13 ancillary to the MUN domain that alleviates an α-SNAP-dependent inhibition of Ca2+-triggered fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chuchu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John Jacob Peters
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sergio Couoh-Cardel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Austin L Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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6
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Bykhovskaia M. Dynamic Formation of the Protein-Lipid Pre-fusion Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.17.589983. [PMID: 38659925 PMCID: PMC11042276 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles (SVs) fuse with the presynaptic membrane (PM) to release neuronal transmitters. The SV protein Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) serves as a Ca2+ sensor for evoked fusion. Syt1 is thought to trigger fusion by penetrating into PM upon Ca2+ binding, however the mechanistic detail of this process is still debated. Syt1 interacts with the SNARE complex, a coiled-coil four-helical bundle that enables the SV-PM attachment. The SNARE-associated protein Complexin (Cpx) promotes the Ca2+-dependent fusion, possibly interacting with Syt1. We employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) to investigate the formation of the Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex interacting with the lipid bilayers of PM and SV. Our simulations demonstrated that the PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex can transition to a "dead-end" state, wherein Syt1 attaches tightly to PM but does not immerse into it, as opposed to a pre-fusion state, which has the tips of the Ca2+-bound C2 domains of Syt1 inserted into PM. Our simulations unraveled the sequence of Syt1 conformational transitions, including the simultaneous Syt1 docking to the SNARE-Cpx bundle and PM, followed by the Ca2+ chelation and the penetration of the tips of Syt1 domains into PM, leading to the pre-fusion state of the protein-lipid complex. Importantly, we found that the direct Syt1-Cpx interactions are required to promote these transitions. Thus, we developed the all-atom dynamic model of the conformational transitions that lead to the formation of the pre-fusion PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex. Our simulations also revealed an alternative "dead-end" state of the protein-lipid complex that can be formed if this pathway is disrupted.
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7
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Jahn R, Cafiso DC, Tamm LK. Mechanisms of SNARE proteins in membrane fusion. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:101-118. [PMID: 37848589 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are a family of small conserved eukaryotic proteins that mediate membrane fusion between organelles and with the plasma membrane. SNAREs are directly or indirectly anchored to membranes. Prior to fusion, complementary SNAREs assemble between membranes with the aid of accessory proteins that provide a scaffold to initiate SNARE zippering, pulling the membranes together and mediating fusion. Recent advances have enabled the construction of detailed models describing bilayer transitions and energy barriers along the fusion pathway and have elucidated the structures of SNAREs complexed in various states with regulatory proteins. In this Review, we discuss how these advances are yielding an increasingly detailed picture of the SNARE-mediated fusion pathway, leading from first contact between the membranes via metastable non-bilayer intermediates towards the opening and expansion of a fusion pore. We describe how SNARE proteins assemble into complexes, how this assembly is regulated by accessory proteins and how SNARE complexes overcome the free energy barriers that prevent spontaneous membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Jahn
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - David C Cafiso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lukas K Tamm
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Chang HF, Schirra C, Pattu V, Krause E, Becherer U. Lytic granule exocytosis at immune synapses: lessons from neuronal synapses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1177670. [PMID: 37275872 PMCID: PMC10233144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1177670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated exocytosis is a central mechanism of cellular communication. It is not only the basis for neurotransmission and hormone release, but also plays an important role in the immune system for the release of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. In cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), the formation of the immunological synapse is required for the delivery of the cytotoxic substances such as granzymes and perforin, which are stored in lytic granules and released via exocytosis. The molecular mechanisms of their fusion with the plasma membrane are only partially understood. In this review, we discuss the molecular players involved in the regulated exocytosis of CTL, highlighting the parallels and differences to neuronal synaptic transmission. Additionally, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of both systems to study exocytosis.
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Bykhovskaia M. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Proteins Regulating Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:307. [PMID: 36984694 PMCID: PMC10058449 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal transmitters are packaged in synaptic vesicles (SVs) and released by the fusion of SVs with the presynaptic membrane (PM). An inflow of Ca2+ into the nerve terminal triggers fusion, and the SV-associated protein Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) serves as a Ca2+ sensor. In preparation for fusion, SVs become attached to the PM by the SNARE protein complex, a coiled-coil bundle that exerts the force overcoming SV-PM repulsion. A cytosolic protein Complexin (Cpx) attaches to the SNARE complex and differentially regulates the evoked and spontaneous release components. It is still debated how the dynamic interactions of Syt1, SNARE proteins and Cpx lead to fusion. This problem is confounded by heterogeneity in the conformational states of the prefusion protein-lipid complex and by the lack of tools to experimentally monitor the rapid conformational transitions of the complex, which occur at a sub-millisecond scale. However, these complications can be overcome employing molecular dynamics (MDs), a computational approach that enables simulating interactions and conformational transitions of proteins and lipids. This review discusses the use of molecular dynamics for the investigation of the pre-fusion protein-lipid complex. We discuss the dynamics of the SNARE complex between lipid bilayers, as well as the interactions of Syt1 with lipids and SNARE proteins, and Cpx regulating the assembly of the SNARE complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bykhovskaia
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Hesselbarth J, Schmidt C. Mass spectrometry uncovers intermediates and off-pathway complexes for SNARE complex assembly. Commun Biol 2023; 6:198. [PMID: 36806321 PMCID: PMC9941103 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The SNARE complex assembles from vesicular Synaptobrevin-2 as well as Syntaxin-1 and SNAP25 both anchored to the presynaptic membrane. It mediates fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane resulting in exocytosis of neurotransmitters. While the general sequence of SNARE complex formation is well-established, our knowledge on possible intermediates and stable off-pathway complexes is incomplete. We, therefore, follow the stepwise assembly of the SNARE complex and target individual SNAREs, binary sub-complexes, the ternary SNARE complex as well as interactions with Complexin-1. Using native mass spectrometry, we identify the stoichiometry of sub-complexes and monitor oligomerisation of various assemblies. Importantly, we find that interactions with Complexin-1 reduce multimerisation of the ternary SNARE complex. Chemical cross-linking provides detailed insights into these interactions suggesting a role for membrane fusion. In summary, we unravel the stoichiometry of intermediates and off-pathway complexes and compile a road map of SNARE complex assembly including regulation by Complexin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hesselbarth
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Biocenter II, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carla Schmidt
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Centre, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry - Biochemistry, Biocenter II, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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López-Murcia FJ, Reim K, Taschenberger H. Complexins: Ubiquitously Expressed Presynaptic Regulators of SNARE-Mediated Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:255-285. [PMID: 37615870 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release is a spatially and temporally tightly regulated process, which requires assembly and disassembly of SNARE complexes to enable the exocytosis of transmitter-loaded synaptic vesicles (SVs) at presynaptic active zones (AZs). While the requirement for the core SNARE machinery is shared by most membrane fusion processes, SNARE-mediated fusion at AZs is uniquely regulated to allow very rapid Ca2+-triggered SV exocytosis following action potential (AP) arrival. To enable a sub-millisecond time course of AP-triggered SV fusion, synapse-specific accessory SNARE-binding proteins are required in addition to the core fusion machinery. Among the known SNARE regulators specific for Ca2+-triggered SV fusion are complexins, which are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons. This chapter summarizes the structural features of complexins, models for their molecular interactions with SNAREs, and their roles in SV fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José López-Murcia
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Kerstin Reim
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Holger Taschenberger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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Tanaka H, Kanda M, Shimizu D, Tanaka C, Inokawa Y, Hattori N, Hayashi M, Nakayama G, Kodera Y. Transcriptomic profiling on localized gastric cancer identified CPLX1 as a gene promoting malignant phenotype of gastric cancer and a predictor of recurrence after surgery and subsequent chemotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:640-653. [PMID: 35726075 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Localized gastric cancer (GC) becomes fatal once recurring. We still have room for improving their prognoses. METHODS Transcriptomic analysis was done on surgically resected specimens of 16 patients with UICC stage III GC who underwent curative gastrectomy and adjuvant oral fluoropyrimidine monotherapy. Four of them were free from disease for longer than 5 years, and the others experienced metachronous metastasis within 2 years after surgery. Quantitative RT-PCR determined mRNA expression levels of primary gastric cancer tissues, which were collected from 180 patients who underwent gastric resection for stage II-III GC without preoperative treatment between 2001 and 2014. We tested alteration of malignant phenotypes including drug resistance of GC cell lines by siRNA and shRNA-mediated knockdown and forced expression experiments. RESULTS CPLX1 was identified as a candidate biomarker for GC recurrence among 57,749 genes. Inhibiting and forced expression experiments indicated that CPLX1 promotes proliferation, motility, and invasiveness of GC cells, and decreases apoptosis and sensitivity to fluorouracil. Subcutaneous xenograft mouse models revealed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of CPLX1 also attenuated tumor growth of MKN1 cells in vivo. Overexpression of CPLX1 in gastric cancer tissue correlated with worse prognosis and was an independent risk factor for peritoneal recurrence in subgroups receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS CPLX1 may represent a biomarker for recurrence of gastric cancer and a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruyoshi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mitsuro Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Dai Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Chie Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshikuni Inokawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Norifumi Hattori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masamichi Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Goro Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery (Surgery II), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
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13
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Piersimoni L, Abd El Malek M, Bhatia T, Bender J, Brankatschk C, Calvo Sánchez J, Dayhoff GW, Di Ianni A, Figueroa Parra JO, Garcia-Martinez D, Hesselbarth J, Köppen J, Lauth LM, Lippik L, Machner L, Sachan S, Schmidt L, Selle R, Skalidis I, Sorokin O, Ubbiali D, Voigt B, Wedler A, Wei AAJ, Zorn P, Dunker AK, Köhn M, Sinz A, Uversky VN. Lighting up Nobel Prize-winning studies with protein intrinsic disorder. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:449. [PMID: 35882686 PMCID: PMC11072364 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) and their importance in biology are becoming increasingly recognized in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and chemistry textbooks, as well as in current protein science and structural biology curricula. We argue that the sequence → dynamic conformational ensemble → function principle is of equal importance as the classical sequence → structure → function paradigm. To highlight this point, we describe the IDPs and/or IDRs behind the discoveries associated with 17 Nobel Prizes, 11 in Physiology or Medicine and 6 in Chemistry. The Nobel Laureates themselves did not always mention that the proteins underlying the phenomena investigated in their award-winning studies are in fact IDPs or contain IDRs. In several cases, IDP- or IDR-based molecular functions have been elucidated, while in other instances, it is recognized that the respective protein(s) contain IDRs, but the specific IDR-based molecular functions have yet to be determined. To highlight the importance of IDPs and IDRs as general principle in biology, we present here illustrative examples of IDPs/IDRs in Nobel Prize-winning mechanisms and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Piersimoni
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marina Abd El Malek
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Twinkle Bhatia
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julian Bender
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christin Brankatschk
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jaime Calvo Sánchez
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Guy W Dayhoff
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Alessio Di Ianni
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Dailen Garcia-Martinez
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Hesselbarth
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Janett Köppen
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Luca M Lauth
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Laurin Lippik
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Machner
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Shubhra Sachan
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Schmidt
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robin Selle
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ioannis Skalidis
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oleksandr Sorokin
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniele Ubbiali
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bruno Voigt
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alice Wedler
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alan An Jung Wei
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Peter Zorn
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alan Keith Dunker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Research Training Group RTG2467, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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14
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Mochida S. Mechanisms of Synaptic Vesicle Exo- and Endocytosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1593. [PMID: 35884898 PMCID: PMC9313035 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Within 1 millisecond of action potential arrival at presynaptic terminals voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open. The Ca2+ channels are linked to synaptic vesicles which are tethered by active zone proteins. Ca2+ entrance into the active zone triggers: (1) the fusion of the vesicle and exocytosis, (2) the replenishment of the active zone with vesicles for incoming exocytosis, and (3) various types of endocytosis for vesicle reuse, dependent on the pattern of firing. These time-dependent vesicle dynamics are controlled by presynaptic Ca2+ sensor proteins, regulating active zone scaffold proteins, fusion machinery proteins, motor proteins, endocytic proteins, several enzymes, and even Ca2+ channels, following the decay of Ca2+ concentration after the action potential. Here, I summarize the Ca2+-dependent protein controls of synchronous and asynchronous vesicle release, rapid replenishment of the active zone, endocytosis, and short-term plasticity within 100 msec after the action potential. Furthermore, I discuss the contribution of active zone proteins to presynaptic plasticity and to homeostatic readjustment during and after intense activity, in addition to activity-dependent endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiko Mochida
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
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15
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Atlas D. Revisiting the molecular basis of synaptic transmission. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102312. [PMID: 35760141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Measurements of the time elapsed during synaptic transmission has shown that synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion lags behind Ca2+-influx by approximately 60 microseconds (µsec). The conventional model cannot explain this extreme rapidity of the release event. Synaptic transmission occurs at the active zone (AZ), which comprises of two pools of SV, non-releasable "tethered" vesicles, and a readily-releasable pool of channel-associated Ca2+-primed vesicles, "RRP". A recent TIRF study at cerebellar-mossy fiber-terminal, showed that subsequent to an action potential, newly "tethered" vesicles, became fusion-competent in a Ca2+-dependent manner, 300-400 milliseconds after tethering, but were not fused. This time resolution may correspond to priming of tethered vesicles through Ca2+-binding to Syt1/Munc13-1/complexin. It confirms that Ca2+-priming and Ca2+-influx-independent fusion, are two distinct events. Notably, we have established that Ca2+ channel signals evoked-release in an ion flux-independent manner, demonstrated by Ca2+-impermeable channel, or a Ca2+ channel in which Ca2+ is replaced by impermeable La3+. Thus, conformational changes in a channel coupled to RRP appear to directly activate the release machinery and account for a µsec Ca2+-influx-independent vesicle fusion. Rapid vesicle fusion driven by non-ionotropic channel signaling strengthens a conformational-coupling mechanism of synaptic transmission, and contributes to better understanding of neuronal communication vital for brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Atlas
- Dept. of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel.
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16
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Bera M, Ramakrishnan S, Coleman J, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE. Molecular determinants of complexin clamping and activation function. eLife 2022; 11:e71938. [PMID: 35442188 PMCID: PMC9020821 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we reported that Synaptotagmin-1 and Complexin synergistically clamp the SNARE assembly process to generate and maintain a pool of docked vesicles that fuse rapidly and synchronously upon Ca2+ influx (Ramakrishnan et al., 2020). Here, using the same in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we determine the molecular details of the Complexin-mediated fusion clamp and its role in Ca2+-activation. We find that a delay in fusion kinetics, likely imparted by Synaptotagmin-1, is needed for Complexin to block fusion. Systematic truncation/mutational analyses reveal that continuous alpha-helical accessory-central domains of Complexin are essential for its inhibitory function and specific interaction of the accessory helix with the SNAREpins enhances this functionality. The C-terminal domain promotes clamping by locally elevating Complexin concentration through interactions with the membrane. Independent of their clamping functions, the accessory-central helical domains of Complexin also contribute to rapid Ca2+-synchronized vesicle release by increasing the probability of fusion from the clamped state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Bera
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - James E Rothman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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17
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Xia X, Wang Y, Qin Y, Zhao S, Zheng JC. Exosome: A novel neurotransmission modulator or non-canonical neurotransmitter? Ageing Res Rev 2022; 74:101558. [PMID: 34990846 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmission is the electrical impulse-triggered propagation of signals between neurons or between neurons and other cell types such as skeletal muscle cells. Recent studies point out the involvement of exosomes, a type of small bilipid layer-enclosed extracellular vesicles, in regulating neurotransmission. Through horizontally transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, exosomes can modulate synaptic activities rapidly by controlling neurotransmitter release or progressively by regulating neural plasticity including synapse formation, neurite growth & removal, and axon guidance & elongation. In this review, we summarize the similarities and differences between exosomes and synaptic vesicles in their biogenesis, contents, and release. We also highlight the recent progress made in demonstrating the biological roles of exosome in regulating neurotransmission, and propose a modified model of neurotransmission, in which exosomes act as novel neurotransmitters. Lastly, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the enlightenment of the current knowledge on neurotransmission to the future directions of exosome research.
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18
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Rubio C, Taddei E, Acosta J, Custodio V, Paz C. Neuronal Excitability in Epileptogenic Zones Regulated by the Wnt/ Β-Catenin Pathway. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:2-11. [PMID: 31987027 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200120143133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that involves abnormal and recurrent neuronal discharges, producing epileptic seizures. Recently, it has been proposed that the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for the central nervous system development and function because it modulates important processes such as hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic clefting, and mitochondrial regulation. Wnt/β- catenin signaling regulates changes induced by epileptic seizures, including neuronal death. Several genetic studies associate Wnt/β-catenin signaling with neuronal excitability and epileptic activity. Mutations and chromosomal defects underlying syndromic or inherited epileptic seizures have been identified. However, genetic factors underlying the susceptibility of an individual to develop epileptic seizures have not been fully studied yet. In this review, we describe the genes involved in neuronal excitability in epileptogenic zones dependent on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rubio
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Elisa Taddei
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Jorge Acosta
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Verónica Custodio
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Carlos Paz
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
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19
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Bera M, Ramakrishnan S, Coleman J, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE. Molecular Determinants of Complexin Clamping in Reconstituted Single-Vesicle Fusion.. [DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.05.451112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTPreviously we reported that Synaptotagmin-1 and Complexin synergistically clamp the SNARE assembly process to generate and maintain a pool of docked vesicles that fuse rapidly and synchronously upon Ca2+ influx (Ramakrishnan et al. 2020). Here using the same in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we establish the molecular details of the Complexin clamp and its physiological relevance. We find that a delay in fusion kinetics, likely imparted by Synaptotagmin-1, is needed for Complexin to block fusion. Systematic truncation/mutational analyses reveal that continuous alpha-helical accessory-central domains of Complexin are essential for its inhibitory function and specific interaction of the accessory helix with the SNAREpins, analogous to the trans clamping model, enhances this functionality. The c-terminal domain promotes clamping by locally elevating Complexin concentration through interactions with the membrane. Further, we find that Complexin likely contributes to rapid Ca2+-synchronized vesicular release by preventing un-initiated fusion rather than by directly facilitating vesicle fusion.
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20
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Shvarts-Serebro I, Sheinin A, Gottfried I, Adler L, Schottlender N, Ashery U, Barak B. miR-128 as a Regulator of Synaptic Properties in 5xFAD Mice Hippocampal Neurons. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2593-2607. [PMID: 34151409 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01862-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive synaptic dysfunction, deterioration of neuronal transmission, and consequently neuronal death. Although there is no treatment for AD, exposure to enriched environment (EE) in mice, as well as physical and mental activity in human subjects have been shown to have a protective effect by slowing the disease's progression and reducing AD-like cognitive impairment. However, the molecular mechanism of this mitigating effect is still not understood. One of the mechanisms that has recently been shown to be involved in neuronal degeneration is microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation, which act as a post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. miR-128 has been shown to be significantly altered in individuals with AD and in mice following exposure to EE. Here, we focused on elucidating the possible role of miR-128 in AD pathology and found that miR-128 regulates the expression of two proteins essential for synaptic transmission, SNAP-25, and synaptotagmin1 (Syt1). Clinically relevant, in 5xFAD mouse model for AD, this miRNA's expression was found as downregulated, resembling the alteration found in the hippocampi of individuals with AD. Interestingly, exposing WT mice to EE also resulted in downregulation of miR-128 expression levels, although EE and AD conditions demonstrate opposing effects on neuronal functioning and synaptic plasticity. We also found that miR-128 expression downregulation in primary hippocampal cultures from 5xFAD mice results in increased neuronal network activity and neuronal excitability. Altogether, our findings place miR-128 as a synaptic player that may contribute to synaptic functioning and plasticity through regulation of synaptic protein expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anton Sheinin
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irit Gottfried
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Adler
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nofar Schottlender
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Ashery
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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21
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Complexin Suppresses Spontaneous Exocytosis by Capturing the Membrane-Proximal Regions of VAMP2 and SNAP25. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107926. [PMID: 32698012 PMCID: PMC7116205 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal protein complexin contains multiple domains that exert clamping and facilitatory functions to tune spontaneous and action potential-triggered synaptic release. We address the clamping mechanism and show that the accessory helix of complexin arrests assembly of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex that forms the core machinery of intracellular membrane fusion. In a reconstituted fusion assay, site-and stage-specific photo-cross-linking reveals that, prior to fusion, the complexin accessory helix laterally binds the membrane-proximal C-terminal ends of SNAP25 and VAMP2. Corresponding complexin interface mutants selectively increase spontaneous release of neuro-transmitters in living neurons, implying that the accessory helix suppresses final zippering/assembly of the SNARE four-helix bundle by restraining VAMP2 and SNAP25.
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22
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The Accessory Helix of Complexin Stabilizes a Partially Unzippered State of the SNARE Complex and Mediates the Complexin Clamping Function In Vivo. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0526-20.2021. [PMID: 33692090 PMCID: PMC8026252 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0526-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous synaptic transmission is regulated by the protein complexin (Cpx). Cpx binds the SNARE complex, a coil-coiled four-helical bundle that mediates the attachment of a synaptic vesicle (SV) to the presynaptic membrane (PM). Cpx is thought to clamp spontaneous fusion events by stabilizing a partially unraveled state of the SNARE bundle; however, the molecular detail of this mechanism is still debated. We combined electrophysiology, molecular modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis in Drosophila to develop and validate the atomic model of the Cpx-mediated clamped state of the SNARE complex. We took advantage of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) B and G, which cleave the SNARE protein synaptobrevin (Syb) at different sites. Monitoring synaptic depression on BoNT loading revealed that the clamped state of the SNARE complex has two or three unraveled helical turns of Syb. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the Cpx clamping function is predominantly maintained by its accessory helix (AH), while molecular modeling suggested that the Cpx AH interacts with the unraveled C terminus of Syb and the SV lipid bilayer. The developed molecular model was employed to design new Cpx poor-clamp and super-clamp mutations and to tested the predictions in silico employing molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, we generated Drosophila lines harboring these mutations and confirmed the poor-clamp and super-clamp phenotypes in vivo. Altogether, these results validate the atomic model of the Cpx-mediated fusion clamp, wherein the Cpx AH inserts between the SNARE bundle and the SV lipid bilayer, simultaneously binding the unraveled C terminus of Syb and preventing full SNARE assembly.
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23
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Complexin-2 redistributes to the membrane of muscle cells in response to insulin and contributes to GLUT4 translocation. Biochem J 2021; 478:407-422. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in muscle cells by rapidly redistributing vesicles containing GLUT4 glucose transporters from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane (PM). GLUT4 vesicle fusion requires the formation of SNARE complexes between vesicular VAMP and PM syntaxin4 and SNAP23. SNARE accessory proteins usually regulate vesicle fusion processes. Complexins aide in neuro-secretory vesicle-membrane fusion by stabilizing trans-SNARE complexes but their participation in GLUT4 vesicle fusion is unknown. We report that complexin-2 is expressed and homogeneously distributed in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. Upon insulin stimulation, a cohort of complexin-2 redistributes to the PM. Complexin-2 knockdown markedly inhibited GLUT4 translocation without affecting proximal insulin signalling of Akt/PKB phosphorylation and actin fiber remodelling. Similarly, complexin-2 overexpression decreased maximal GLUT4 translocation suggesting that the concentration of complexin-2 is finely tuned to vesicle fusion. These findings reveal an insulin-dependent regulation of GLUT4 insertion into the PM involving complexin-2.
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24
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Bykhovskaia M. SNARE complex alters the interactions of the Ca 2+ sensor synaptotagmin 1 with lipid bilayers. Biophys J 2021; 120:642-661. [PMID: 33453271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Release of neuronal transmitters from nerve terminals is triggered by the molecular Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1). Syt1 is a transmembrane protein attached to the synaptic vesicle (SV), and its cytosolic region comprises two domains, C2A and C2B, which are thought to penetrate into lipid bilayers upon Ca2+ binding. Before fusion, SVs become attached to the presynaptic membrane (PM) by the four-helical SNARE complex, which is thought to bind the C2B domain in vivo. To understand how the interactions of Syt1 with lipid bilayers and the SNARE complex trigger fusion, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at a microsecond scale. We investigated how the isolated C2 modules and the C2AB tandem of Syt1 interact with membranes mimicking either SV or PM. The simulations showed that the C2AB tandem can either bridge SV and PM or insert into PM with its Ca2+-bound tips and that the latter configuration is more favorable. Surprisingly, C2 domains did not cooperate in penetrating into PM but instead mutually hindered their insertion into the bilayer. To test whether the interaction of Syt1 with lipid bilayers could be affected by the C2B-SNARE attachment, we performed systematic conformational analysis of the C2AB-SNARE complex. Notably, we found that the C2B-SNARE interface precludes the coupling of C2 domains and promotes their insertion into PM. We performed the MD simulations of the prefusion protein complex positioned between the lipid bilayers mimicking PM and SV, and our results demonstrated in silico that the presence of the Ca2+ bound C2AB tandem promotes lipid merging. Altogether, our MD simulations elucidated the role of the Syt1-SNARE interactions in the fusion process and produced the dynamic all-atom model of the prefusion protein-lipid complex.
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25
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Blumer R, Streicher J, Carrero-Rojas G, Calvo PM, de la Cruz RR, Pastor AM. Palisade Endings Have an Exocytotic Machinery But Lack Acetylcholine Receptors and Distinct Acetylcholinesterase Activity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:31. [PMID: 33369640 PMCID: PMC7774060 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this work was to test whether palisade endings express structural and molecular features of exocytotic machinery, and are associated with acetylcholine receptors, and enzymes for neurotransmitter breakdown. Methods Extraocular rectus muscles from six cats were studied. Whole-mount preparations of extraocular muscles (EOMs) were immunolabeled with markers for exocytotic proteins, including synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP25), syntaxin, synaptobrevin, synaptotagmin, and complexin. Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) were visualized with α-bungarotoxin and with an antibody against AChRs, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was tagged with anti-AChE. Molecular features of multicolor labeled palisade endings were analyzed in the confocal scanning microscope, and their ultrastructural features were revealed in the transmission electron microscope. Results All palisade endings expressed the exocytotic proteins SNAP25, syntaxin, synaptobrevin, synaptotagmin, and complexin. At the ultrastructural level, vesicles docked at the plasma membrane of terminal varicosities of palisade endings. No AChRs were associated with palisade endings as demonstrated by the absence of α-bungarotoxin and anti-AChR binding. AChE, the degradative enzyme for acetylcholine exhibited low, if any, activity in palisade endings. Axonal tracking showed that axons with multiple en grappe motor terminals were in continuity with palisade endings. Conclusions This study demonstrates that palisade endings exhibit structural and molecular characteristics of exocytotic machinery, suggesting neurotransmitter release. However, AChRs were not associated with palisade endings, so there is no binding site for acetylcholine, and, due to low/absent AChE activity, insufficient neurotransmitter removal. Thus, the present findings indicate that palisade endings belong to an effector system that is very different from that found in other skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Blumer
- Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, MIC, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Streicher
- Department of Anatomy and Biomechanics, Division of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Science, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Génova Carrero-Rojas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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26
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Ginger L, Malsam J, Sonnen AFP, Morado D, Scheutzow A, Söllner TH, Briggs JAG. Arrangements of proteins at reconstituted synaptic vesicle fusion sites depend on membrane separation. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3450-3463. [PMID: 32860428 PMCID: PMC7711843 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins, including N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), Synaptotagmin‐1 and Complexin, are responsible for controlling the synchronised fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane in response to elevated cytosolic calcium levels. A range of structures of SNAREs and their regulatory proteins have been elucidated, but the exact organisation of these proteins at synaptic junction membranes remains elusive. Here, we have used cryoelectron tomography to investigate the arrangement of synaptic proteins in an in vitro reconstituted fusion system. We found that the separation between vesicle and target membranes strongly correlates with the organisation of protein complexes at junctions. At larger membrane separations, protein complexes assume a ‘clustered’ distribution at the docking site, inducing a protrusion in the target membrane. As the membrane separation decreases, protein complexes become displaced radially outwards and assume a ‘ring‐like’ arrangement. Our findings indicate that docked vesicles can possess a wide range of protein complex numbers and be heterogeneous in their protein arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Ginger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joerg Malsam
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas F-P Sonnen
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - John A G Briggs
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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27
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Walters D, Vogel KR, Brown M, Shi X, Roullet JB, Gibson KM. Transcriptome analysis in mice treated with vigabatrin identifies dysregulation of genes associated with retinal signaling circuitry. Epilepsy Res 2020; 166:106395. [PMID: 32679486 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Vigabatrin (VGB; γ-vinyl-GABA) is an antiepileptic drug that elevates CNS GABA via irreversible inactivation of the GABA catabolic enzyme GABA-transaminase. VGB's clinical utility, however, can be curtailed by peripheral visual field constriction (pVFC) and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Earlier studies from our laboratory revealed disruptions of autophagy by VGB. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VGB administration to animals would reveal alterations of gene expression in VGB-treated retina that associated with autophagy. VGB (140 mg/kg/d; subcutaneous minipump) was continuously administered to mice (n = 6 each VGB/vehicle) for 12 days, after which animals were euthanized. Retina was isolated for transcriptome (RNAseq) analysis and further validation using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). For 112 differentially expressed retinal genes (RNAseq), two databases (Gene Ontology; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were used to identify genes associated with visual function. Twenty four genes were subjected to qRT-PCR validation, and five (Gb5, Bdnf, Cplx9, Crh, Sox9) revealed significant dysregulation. IHC of fixed retinas verified significant down-regulation of Gb5 in photoreceptor cells. All of these genes have been previously shown to play a role in retinal function/circuitry signaling. Minimal impact of VGB on retinal autophagic gene expression was observed. This is the first transcriptome analysis of retinal gene expression associated with VGB intake, highlighting potential novel molecular targets potentially related to VGB's well known ocular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Walters
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Kara R Vogel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Madalyn Brown
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Xutong Shi
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - K Michael Gibson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
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28
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Kishimoto Y, Akaike T, Ihara H. SNAP-25 S-Guanylation and SNARE Complex Formation. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1860:163-173. [PMID: 30317503 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8760-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP), which is the second messenger in nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species redox signaling, covalently binds to protein thiol groups (called S-guanylation) and exerts various biological functions. Synaptosomal associated protein 25 (SNAP-25), a member of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, plays an important role in the process of membrane fusion. We previously showed that SNAP-25 is S-guanylated at cysteine 90. In addition, we revealed that S-guanylation of SNAP-25 increases SNARE complex formation, but decreases the affinity of SNARE complex for complexin. Since SNAP-25 plays a critical role in regulating exocytosis, it is important to elucidate the physiological or pathophysiological meanings of S-guanylation of this protein. Here we describe a protocol for detecting 8-nitro-cGMP and S-guanylated proteins in cells by immunocytochemistry, and methods to detect SNARE complex in 8-nitro-cGMP-treated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kishimoto
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Molecular Toxicology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ihara
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan.
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29
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Brunger AT, Choi UB, Lai Y, Leitz J, White KI, Zhou Q. The pre-synaptic fusion machinery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 54:179-188. [PMID: 30986753 PMCID: PMC6939388 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review recent insights into the neuronal presynaptic fusion machinery that releases neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft upon stimulation. The structure of the pre-fusion state of the SNARE/complexin-1/synaptotagmin-1 synaptic protein complex suggests a new model for the initiation of fast Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion. Functional studies have revealed roles of the essential factors Munc18 and Munc13, demonstrating that a part of their function involves the proper assembly of synaptic protein complexes. Near-atomic resolution structures of the NSF/αSNAP/SNARE complex provide first glimpses of the molecular machinery that disassembles the SNARE complex during the synaptic vesicle cycle. These structures show how this machinery captures the SNARE substrate and provide clues as to a possible processing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Kristopher Ian White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
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30
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Snead D, Eliezer D. Spectroscopic Characterization of Structure-Function Relationships in the Intrinsically Disordered Protein Complexin. Methods Enzymol 2018; 611:227-286. [PMID: 30471689 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complexins play a critical role in the regulation of neurotransmission by regulating SNARE-mediated exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Complexins can exert either a facilitatory or an inhibitory effect on neurotransmitter release, depending on the context, and different complexin domains contribute differently to these opposing roles. Structural characterization of the central helix domain of complexin bound to the assembled SNARE bundle provided key insights into the functional mechanism of this domain of complexin, which is critical for both complexin activities, but many questions remain, particularly regarding the roles and mechanisms of other complexin domains. Recent progress has clarified the structural properties of these additional domains, and has led to various proposals regarding how they contribute to complexin function. This chapter describes spectroscopic approaches used in our laboratory and others, primarily involving circular dichroism and solution-state NMR spectroscopy, to characterize structure within complexins when isolated or when bound to interaction partners. The ability to characterize complexin structure enables structure/function studies employing in vitro or in vivo assays of complexin function. More generally, these types of approaches can be used to study the binding of other intrinsically disordered proteins or protein regions to membrane surfaces or for that matter to other large physiological binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Snead
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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31
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Brunger AT, Leitz J, Zhou Q, Choi UB, Lai Y. Ca 2+-Triggered Synaptic Vesicle Fusion Initiated by Release of Inhibition. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:631-645. [PMID: 29706534 PMCID: PMC6056330 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent structural and functional studies of the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery suggest an inhibited tripartite complex consisting of neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), synaptotagmin, and complexin prior to Ca2+-triggered synaptic vesicle fusion. We speculate that Ca2+-triggered fusion commences with the release of inhibition by Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin C2 domains. Subsequently, fusion is assisted by SNARE complex zippering and by active membrane remodeling properties of synaptotagmin. This additional, inhibitory role of synaptotagmin may be a general principle since other recent studies suggest that Ca2+ binding to extended synaptotagmin C2 domains enables lipid transport by releasing an inhibited state of the system, and that Munc13 may nominally be in an inhibited state, which is released upon Ca2+ binding to one of its C2 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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32
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Makke M, Mantero Martinez M, Gaya S, Schwarz Y, Frisch W, Silva-Bermudez L, Jung M, Mohrmann R, Dhara M, Bruns D. A mechanism for exocytotic arrest by the Complexin C-terminus. eLife 2018; 7:38981. [PMID: 30044227 PMCID: PMC6075865 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
ComplexinII (CpxII) inhibits non-synchronized vesicle fusion, but the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Here, we provide evidence that the far C-terminal domain (CTD) of CpxII interferes with SNARE assembly, thereby arresting tonic exocytosis. Acute infusion of a CTD-derived peptide into mouse chromaffin cells enhances synchronous release by diminishing premature vesicle fusion like full-length CpxII, indicating a direct, inhibitory function of the CTD that sets the magnitude of the primed vesicle pool. We describe a high degree of structural similarity between the CpxII CTD and the SNAP25-SN1 domain (C-terminal half) and show that the CTD peptide lowers the rate of SDS-resistant SNARE complex formation in vitro. Moreover, corresponding CpxII:SNAP25 chimeras do restore complexin's function and even 'superclamp' tonic secretion. Collectively, these results support a so far unrecognized clamping mechanism wherein the CpxII C-terminus hinders spontaneous SNARE complex assembly, enabling the build-up of a release-ready pool of vesicles for synchronized Ca2+-triggered exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Makke
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Maria Mantero Martinez
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Surya Gaya
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schwarz
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Walentina Frisch
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lina Silva-Bermudez
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin Jung
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Mohrmann
- Institute for Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Madhurima Dhara
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Bruns
- Institute for Physiology, Center of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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33
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He R, Zhang J, Yu Y, Jizi L, Wang W, Li M. New Insights Into Interactions of Presynaptic Calcium Channel Subtypes and SNARE Proteins in Neurotransmitter Release. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:213. [PMID: 30061813 PMCID: PMC6054978 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potential (AP) induces presynaptic membrane depolarization and subsequent opening of Ca2+ channels, and then triggers neurotransmitter release at the active zone of presynaptic terminal. Presynaptic Ca2+ channels and SNARE proteins (SNAREs) interactions form a large signal transfer complex, which are core components for exocytosis. Ca2+ channels serve to regulate the activity of Ca2+ channels through direct binding and indirect activation of active zone proteins and SNAREs. The activation of Ca2+ channels promotes synaptic vesicle recruitment, docking, priming, fusion and neurotransmission release. Intracellular calcium increase is a key step for the initiation of vesicle fusion. Various voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) subtypes exert different physiological functions. Until now, it has not been clear how different subtypes of calcium channels integrally regulate the release of neurotransmitters within 200 μs of the AP arriving at the active zone of synaptic terminal. In this mini review, we provide a brief overview of the structure and physiological function of Ca2+ channel subtypes, interactions of Ca2+ channels and SNAREs in neurotransmitter release, and dynamic fine-tune Ca2+ channel activities by G proteins (Gβγ), multiple protein kinases and Ca2+ sensor (CaS) proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfang He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Infectious Disease Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Laluo Jizi
- Department of Neurology, Liangshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Xichang, China
| | - Weizhong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Center of Polar Medical Research, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoling Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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34
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Rizo J. Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus. Protein Sci 2018; 27:1364-1391. [PMID: 29893445 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research for three decades and major recent advances have provided crucial insights into how neurotransmitters are released by Ca2+ -triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis, leading to reconstitution of basic steps that underlie Ca2+ -dependent membrane fusion and yielding a model that assigns defined functions for central components of the release machinery. The soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin-2 form a tight SNARE complex that brings the vesicle and plasma membranes together and is key for membrane fusion. N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and soluble NSF attachment proteins (SNAPs) disassemble the SNARE complex to recycle the SNAREs for another round of fusion. Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 orchestrate SNARE complex formation in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner by a mechanism whereby Munc18-1 binds to synaptobrevin and to a self-inhibited "closed" conformation of syntaxin-1, thus forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex, and Munc13-1 facilitates assembly by bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes and catalyzing opening of syntaxin-1. Synaptotagmin-1 functions as the major Ca2+ sensor that triggers release by binding to membrane phospholipids and to the SNAREs, in a tight interplay with complexins that accelerates membrane fusion. Many of these proteins act as both inhibitors and activators of exocytosis, which is critical for the exquisite regulation of neurotransmitter release. It is still unclear how the actions of these various proteins and multiple other components that control release are integrated and, in particular, how they induce membrane fusion, but it can be expected that these fundamental questions can be answered in the near future, building on the extensive knowledge already available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Departments of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
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35
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Choi UB, Zhao M, White KI, Pfuetzner RA, Esquivies L, Zhou Q, Brunger AT. NSF-mediated disassembly of on- and off-pathway SNARE complexes and inhibition by complexin. eLife 2018; 7:36497. [PMID: 29985126 PMCID: PMC6130971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SNARE complex disassembly by the ATPase NSF is essential for neurotransmitter release and other membrane trafficking processes. We developed a single-molecule FRET assay to monitor repeated rounds of NSF-mediated disassembly and reassembly of individual SNARE complexes. For ternary neuronal SNARE complexes, disassembly proceeds in a single step within 100 msec. We observed short- (<0.32 s) and long-lived (≥0.32 s) disassembled states. The long-lived states represent fully disassembled SNARE complex, while the short-lived states correspond to failed disassembly or immediate reassembly. Either high ionic strength or decreased αSNAP concentration reduces the disassembly rate while increasing the frequency of short-lived states. NSF is also capable of disassembling anti-parallel ternary SNARE complexes, implicating it in quality control. Finally, complexin-1 competes with αSNAP binding to the SNARE complex; addition of complexin-1 has an effect similar to that of decreasing the αSNAP concentration, possibly differentially regulating cis and trans SNARE complexes disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - K Ian White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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36
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Liang B, Tamm LK. Solution NMR of SNAREs, complexin and α-synuclein in association with membrane-mimetics. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 105:41-53. [PMID: 29548366 PMCID: PMC5863748 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
SNARE-mediated membrane fusion is a ubiquitous process responsible for intracellular vesicle trafficking, including membrane fusion in exocytosis that leads to hormone and neurotransmitter release. The proteins that facilitate this process are highly dynamic and adopt multiple conformations when they interact with other proteins and lipids as they form highly regulated molecular machines that operate on membranes. Solution NMR is an ideal method to capture high-resolution glimpses of the molecular transformations that take place when these proteins come together and work on membranes. Since solution NMR has limitations on the size of proteins and complexes that can be studied, lipid bilayer model membranes cannot be used in these approaches, so the relevant interactions are typically studied in various types of membrane-mimetics that are tractable by solution NMR methods. In this review we therefore first summarize different membrane-mimetic systems that are commonly used or that show promise for solution NMR studies of membrane-interacting proteins. We then summarize recent NMR studies on two SNARE proteins, syntaxin and synaptobrevin, and two related regulatory proteins, complexin and α-synuclein, and their interactions with membrane lipids. These studies provide a structural and dynamical framework for how these proteins might carry out their functions in the vicinity of lipid membranes. The common theme throughout these studies is that membrane interactions have major influences on the structural dynamics of these proteins that cannot be ignored when attempting to explain their functions in contemporary models of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyong Liang
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Lukas K Tamm
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Kishimoto Y, Kunieda K, Kitamura A, Kakihana Y, Akaike T, Ihara H. 8-Nitro-cGMP Attenuates the Interaction between SNARE Complex and Complexin through S-Guanylation of SNAP-25. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:217-223. [PMID: 29110463 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is the second messenger in nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species redox signaling. This molecule covalently binds to protein thiol groups, called S-guanylation, and exerts various biological functions. Recently, we have identified synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) as a target of S-guanylation, and demonstrated that S-guanylation of SNAP25 enhanced SNARE complex formation. In this study, we have examined the effects of S-guanylation of SNAP-25 on the interaction between the SNARE complex and complexin (cplx), which binds to the SNARE complex with a high affinity. Pull-down assays and coimmunoprecipitation experiments have revealed that S-guanylation of Cys90 in SNAP-25 attenuates the interaction between the SNARE complex and cplx. In addition, blue native-PAGE followed by Western blot analysis revealed that the amount of cplx detected at a high molecular weight decreased upon 8-nitro-cGMP treatment in SH-SY5Y cells. These results demonstrated for the first time that S-guanylation of SNAP-25 attenuates the interaction between the SNARE complex and cplx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kishimoto
- Department
of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Kohei Kunieda
- Department
of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
- Department
of Protein Factory, Translational Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kitamura
- Department
of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Yuki Kakihana
- Department
of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Department
of Environmental Health Science and Molecular Toxicology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ihara
- Department
of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
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38
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Senatore A, Reese TS, Smith CL. Neuropeptidergic integration of behavior in Trichoplax adhaerens, an animal without synapses. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:3381-3390. [PMID: 28931721 PMCID: PMC5612019 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.162396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trichoplax adhaerens is a flat, millimeter-sized marine animal that adheres to surfaces and grazes on algae. Trichoplax displays a repertoire of different feeding behaviors despite the apparent absence of a true nervous system with electrical or chemical synapses. It glides along surfaces to find food, propelled by beating cilia on cells at its ventral surface, and pauses during feeding by arresting ciliary beating. We found that when endomorphin-like peptides are applied to an animal, ciliary beating is arrested, mimicking natural feeding pauses. Antibodies against these neuropeptides label cells that express the neurosecretory proteins and voltage-gated calcium channels implicated in regulated secretion. These cells are embedded in the ventral epithelium, where they comprise only 4% of the total, and are concentrated around the edge of the animal. Each bears a cilium likely to be chemosensory and used to detect algae. Trichoplax pausing during feeding or spontaneously in the absence of food often induce their neighbors to pause as well, even neighbors not in direct contact. Pausing behavior propagates from animal to animal across distances much greater than the signal that diffuses from just one animal, so we presume that the peptides secreted from one animal elicit secretion from nearby animals. Signal amplification by peptide-induced peptide secretion explains how a small number of sensory secretory cells lacking processes and synapses can evoke a wave of peptide secretion across the entire animal to globally arrest ciliary beating and allow pausing during feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Senatore
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1C6
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Lai Y, Choi UB, Leitz J, Rhee HJ, Lee C, Altas B, Zhao M, Pfuetzner RA, Wang AL, Brose N, Rhee J, Brunger AT. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Vesicle Priming by Munc13 and Munc18. Neuron 2017; 95:591-607.e10. [PMID: 28772123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Munc13 catalyzes the transit of syntaxin from a closed complex with Munc18 into the ternary SNARE complex. Here we report a new function of Munc13, independent of Munc18: it promotes the proper syntaxin/synaptobrevin subconfiguration during assembly of the ternary SNARE complex. In cooperation with Munc18, Munc13 additionally ensures the proper syntaxin/SNAP-25 subconfiguration. In a reconstituted fusion assay with SNAREs, complexin, and synaptotagmin, inclusion of both Munc13 and Munc18 quadruples the Ca2+-triggered amplitude and achieves Ca2+ sensitivity at near-physiological concentrations. In Munc13-1/2 double-knockout neurons, expression of a constitutively open mutant of syntaxin could only minimally restore neurotransmitter release relative to Munc13-1 rescue. Together, the physiological functions of Munc13 may be related to regulation of proper SNARE complex assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hong Jun Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Choongku Lee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bekir Altas
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Austin L Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - JeongSeop Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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40
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Dhara M, Mohrmann R, Bruns D. v-SNARE function in chromaffin cells. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:169-180. [PMID: 28887593 PMCID: PMC5748422 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Vesicle fusion is elementary for intracellular trafficking and release of signal molecules, thus providing the basis for diverse forms of intercellular communication like hormonal regulation or synaptic transmission. A detailed characterization of the mechanisms underlying exocytosis is key to understand how the nervous system integrates information and generates appropriate responses to stimuli. The machinery for vesicular release employs common molecular players in different model systems including neuronal and neuroendocrine cells, in particular members of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) protein family, Sec1/Munc18-like proteins, and other accessory factors. To achieve temporal precision and speed, excitable cells utilize specialized regulatory proteins like synaptotagmin and complexin, whose interplay putatively synchronizes vesicle fusion and enhances stimulus-secretion coupling. In this review, we aim to highlight recent progress and emerging views on the molecular mechanisms, by which constitutively forming SNAREpins are organized in functional, tightly regulated units for synchronized release. Specifically, we will focus on the role of vesicle associated membrane proteins, also referred to as vesicular SNAREs, in fusion and rapid cargo discharge. We will further discuss the functions of SNARE regulators during exocytosis and focus on chromaffin cell as a model system of choice that allows for detailed structure-function analyses and direct measurements of vesicle fusion under precise control of intracellular [Ca]i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Dhara
- Molecular Neurophysiology, CIPMM, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Ralf Mohrmann
- Zentrum für Human- und Molekularbiologie, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Dieter Bruns
- Molecular Neurophysiology, CIPMM, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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41
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Gipson P, Fukuda Y, Danev R, Lai Y, Chen DH, Baumeister W, Brunger AT. Morphologies of synaptic protein membrane fusion interfaces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9110-9115. [PMID: 28739947 PMCID: PMC5576828 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1708492114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release is orchestrated by synaptic proteins, such as SNAREs, synaptotagmin, and complexin, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We visualized functionally active synaptic proteins reconstituted into proteoliposomes and their interactions in a native membrane environment by electron cryotomography with a Volta phase plate for improved resolvability. The images revealed individual synaptic proteins and synaptic protein complex densities at prefusion contact sites between membranes. We observed distinct morphologies of individual synaptic proteins and their complexes. The minimal system, consisting of neuronal SNAREs and synaptotagmin-1, produced point and long-contact prefusion states. Morphologies and populations of these states changed as the regulatory factors complexin and Munc13 were added. Complexin increased the membrane separation, along with a higher propensity of point contacts. Further inclusion of the priming factor Munc13 exclusively restricted prefusion states to point contacts, all of which efficiently fused upon Ca2+ triggering. We conclude that synaptic proteins have evolved to limit possible contact site assemblies and morphologies to those that promote fast Ca2+-triggered release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Gipson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukuda
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Radostin Danev
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Dong-Hua Chen
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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42
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The primed SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin complex for neuronal exocytosis. Nature 2017; 548:420-425. [PMID: 28813412 DOI: 10.1038/nature23484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synaptotagmin, complexin, and neuronal SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins mediate evoked synchronous neurotransmitter release, but the molecular mechanisms mediating the cooperation between these molecules remain unclear. Here we determine crystal structures of the primed pre-fusion SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin-1 complex. These structures reveal an unexpected tripartite interface between synaptotagmin-1 and both the SNARE complex and complexin. Simultaneously, a second synaptotagmin-1 molecule interacts with the other side of the SNARE complex via the previously identified primary interface. Mutations that disrupt either interface in solution also severely impair evoked synchronous release in neurons, suggesting that both interfaces are essential for the primed pre-fusion state. Ca2+ binding to the synaptotagmin-1 molecules unlocks the complex, allows full zippering of the SNARE complex, and triggers membrane fusion. The tripartite SNARE-complexin-synaptotagmin-1 complex at a synaptic vesicle docking site has to be unlocked for triggered fusion to start, explaining the cooperation between complexin and synaptotagmin-1 in synchronizing evoked release on the sub-millisecond timescale.
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43
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A Membrane-Fusion Model That Exploits a β-to-α Transition in the Hydrophobic Domains of Syntaxin 1A and Synaptobrevin 2. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071582. [PMID: 28753981 PMCID: PMC5536069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parallel zippering of the SNARE domains of syntaxin 1A/B, SNAP-25, and VAMP/synaptobrevin 2 is widely regarded as supplying the driving force for exocytotic events at nerve terminals and elsewhere. However, in spite of intensive research, no consensus has been reached concerning the molecular mechanism by which these SNARE proteins catalyze membrane fusion. As an alternative to SNARE-based models, a scenario was developed in which synaptotagmin 1 (or, 2) can serve as a template to guide lipid movements that underlie fast, synchronous exocytosis at nerve terminals. This “dyad model” advanced a novel proposal concerning the membrane disposition of the palmitoylated, cysteine-rich region of these synaptotagmins. Unexpectedly, it now emerges that a similar principle can be exploited to reveal how the hydrophobic, carboxyl-terminal domains of syntaxin 1A and synaptobrevin 2 can perturb membrane structure at the interface between a docked synaptic vesicle and the plasma membrane. These “β-to-α transition” models will be compared and contrasted with other proposals for how macromolecules are thought to intervene to drive membrane fusion.
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44
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Snead D, Lai AL, Wragg RT, Parisotto DA, Ramlall TF, Dittman JS, Freed JH, Eliezer D. Unique Structural Features of Membrane-Bound C-Terminal Domain Motifs Modulate Complexin Inhibitory Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:154. [PMID: 28596722 PMCID: PMC5442187 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complexin is a small soluble presynaptic protein that interacts with neuronal SNARE proteins in order to regulate synaptic vesicle exocytosis. While the SNARE-binding central helix of complexin is required for both the inhibition of spontaneous fusion and the facilitation of synchronous fusion, the disordered C-terminal domain (CTD) of complexin is specifically required for its inhibitory function. The CTD of worm complexin binds to membranes via two distinct motifs, one of which undergoes a membrane curvature dependent structural transition that is required for efficient inhibition of neurotransmitter release, but the conformations of the membrane-bound motifs remain poorly characterized. Visualizing these conformations is required to clarify the mechanisms by which complexin membrane interactions regulate its function. Here, we employ optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to precisely define the boundaries of the two CTD membrane-binding motifs and to characterize their conformations. We show that the curvature dependent amphipathic helical motif features an irregular element of helical structure, likely a pi-bulge, and that this feature is important for complexin inhibitory function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Snead
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
| | - Alex L Lai
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, IthacaNY, United States
| | - Rachel T Wragg
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
| | - Daniel A Parisotto
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
| | - Trudy F Ramlall
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
| | - Jeremy S Dittman
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
| | - Jack H Freed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, IthacaNY, United States
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New YorkNY, United States
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45
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C-terminal domain of mammalian complexin-1 localizes to highly curved membranes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E7590-E7599. [PMID: 27821736 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609917113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In presynaptic nerve terminals, complexin regulates spontaneous "mini" neurotransmitter release and activates Ca2+-triggered synchronized neurotransmitter release. We studied the role of the C-terminal domain of mammalian complexin in these processes using single-particle optical imaging and electrophysiology. The C-terminal domain is important for regulating spontaneous release in neuronal cultures and suppressing Ca2+-independent fusion in vitro, but it is not essential for evoked release in neuronal cultures and in vitro. This domain interacts with membranes in a curvature-dependent fashion similar to a previous study with worm complexin [Snead D, Wragg RT, Dittman JS, Eliezer D (2014) Membrane curvature sensing by the C-terminal domain of complexin. Nat Commun 5:4955]. The curvature-sensing value of the C-terminal domain is comparable to that of α-synuclein. Upon replacement of the C-terminal domain with membrane-localizing elements, preferential localization to the synaptic vesicle membrane, but not to the plasma membrane, results in suppression of spontaneous release in neurons. Membrane localization had no measurable effect on evoked postsynaptic currents of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, but mislocalization to the plasma membrane increases both the variability and the mean of the synchronous decay time constant of NMDA-type glutamate receptor evoked postsynaptic currents.
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46
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N-terminal domain of complexin independently activates calcium-triggered fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E4698-707. [PMID: 27444020 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604348113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complexin activates Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release and regulates spontaneous release in the presynaptic terminal by cooperating with the neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and the Ca(2+)-sensor synaptotagmin. The N-terminal domain of complexin is important for activation, but its molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Here, we observed that a split pair of N-terminal and central domain fragments of complexin is sufficient to activate Ca(2+)-triggered release using a reconstituted single-vesicle fusion assay, suggesting that the N-terminal domain acts as an independent module within the synaptic fusion machinery. The N-terminal domain can also interact independently with membranes, which is enhanced by a cooperative interaction with the neuronal SNARE complex. We show by mutagenesis that membrane binding of the N-terminal domain is essential for activation of Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Consistent with the membrane-binding property, the N-terminal domain can be substituted by the influenza virus hemagglutinin fusion peptide, and this chimera also activates Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Membrane binding of the N-terminal domain of complexin therefore cooperates with the other fusogenic elements of the synaptic fusion machinery during Ca(2+)-triggered release.
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47
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Abstract
Intracellular membrane fusion is mediated in most cases by membrane-bridging complexes of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). However, the assembly of such complexes in vitro is inefficient, and their uncatalysed disassembly is undetectably slow. Here, we focus on the cellular machinery that orchestrates assembly and disassembly of SNARE complexes, thereby regulating processes ranging from vesicle trafficking to organelle fusion to neurotransmitter release. Rapid progress is being made on many fronts, including the development of more realistic cell-free reconstitutions, the application of single-molecule biophysics, and the elucidation of X-ray and high-resolution electron microscopy structures of the SNARE assembly and disassembly machineries 'in action'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Baker
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.,Present address: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Frederick M Hughson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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48
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Choi UB, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Lai Y, Brunger AT. Complexin induces a conformational change at the membrane-proximal C-terminal end of the SNARE complex. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27253060 PMCID: PMC4927292 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Complexin regulates spontaneous and activates Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release, yet the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Here we performed single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments and uncovered two conformations of complexin-1 bound to the ternary SNARE complex. In the cis conformation, complexin-1 induces a conformational change at the membrane-proximal C-terminal end of the ternary SNARE complex that specifically depends on the N-terminal, accessory, and central domains of complexin-1. The complexin-1 induced conformation of the ternary SNARE complex may be related to a conformation that is juxtaposing the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes. In the trans conformation, complexin-1 can simultaneously interact with a ternary SNARE complex via the central domain and a binary SNARE complex consisting of syntaxin-1A and SNAP-25A via the accessory domain. The cis conformation may be involved in activation of synchronous neurotransmitter release, whereas both conformations may be involved in regulating spontaneous release. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16886.001 Nerve cells communicate via electrical signals that travel at high speeds. However, these signals cannot pass across the gaps – called synapses – that separate one nerve cell from the next. Instead, signals pass between nerve cells via molecules called neurotransmitters that are released from the membrane of the first cell and recognized by receptors in the membrane of the next. Prior to being released, neurotransmitters are packaged inside bubble-like structures called vesicles. The synaptic vesicles must fuse with the cell membrane in order to release their contents into the synaptic cleft. Proteins called SNAREs work together with other proteins to allow this membrane fusion to occur rapidly after the electrical signal arrives. Complexin is a synaptic protein that binds tightly to a complex of SNARE proteins to regulate membrane fusion. This protein activates the quick release of neurotransmitters, which is triggered by an increase in calcium ions as the electrical signal reachess the synapse. Complexin also regulates a different type of neurotransmitter release, which is known as “spontaneous release”. The complexin protein is made up of different regions, each of which is required for one or more of the protein’s activities. However, it is not clear how these regions, or domains, interact with SNAREs and other proteins to enable complexin to perform these roles. Choi et al. have now investigated whether the different activities of mammalian complexin are related to the structure that it adopts when it interacts with the SNARE complex. Complexes of SNARE proteins were assembled with one of the SNARE proteins tethered to a surface for imaging. Next, a light-based imaging technique called single molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (or FRET) was used to monitor how complexin interacts with the SNARE complex. This technique allows individual proteins that have been labeled with fluorescent markers to be followed under a microscope and can show how they interact in real-time. Using this approach, Choi et al. showed that complexin could adopt two different shapes or conformations when it binds to the SNARE complex. In one, complexin interacted closely with the SNARE complex so that it made part of the complex change shape. In the other, complexin was able to bridge two SNARE complexes. Complexin can therefore interact with SNARE complexes in different ways by using different regions of the protein. These findings provide insight into how complexin may regulate membrane fusion via the SNARE complex. In the future, single molecule FRET could be used to study other proteins found at synapses and understand the other steps that regulate the release of neurotransmitters. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16886.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Yunxiang Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Ying Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Photon Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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