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Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Wang M, Fan J, Shao Z. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Synaptic Subcellular Specificity. Brain Sci 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38391729 PMCID: PMC10886843 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are essential for neuronal information storage and relay. The synaptic signal received or sent from spatially distinct subcellular compartments often generates different outcomes due to the distance or physical property difference. Therefore, the final output of postsynaptic neurons is determined not only by the type and intensity of synaptic inputs but also by the synaptic subcellular location. How synaptic subcellular specificity is determined has long been the focus of study in the neurodevelopment field. Genetic studies from invertebrates such as Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have uncovered important molecular and cellular mechanisms required for subcellular specificity. Interestingly, similar molecular mechanisms were found in the mammalian cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. This review summarizes the comprehensive advances in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic subcellular specificity, focusing on studies from C. elegans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiale Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
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Wu M, Jiang H, Li Q, Liu Y, Zhang H, Li X, Shao Z. OGT-1 regulates synaptic assembly through the insulin signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1919-1930. [PMID: 37991448 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30497] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of synapses are precisely regulated, and the misregulation often leads to neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Besides intrinsic genetically encoded signaling pathways, synaptic structure and function are also regulated by extrinsic factors, such as nutrients. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), a nutrient sensor, is abundant in the nervous system and required for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. However, whether OGT is involved in synaptic development and the mechanism underlying the process are largely unknown. In this study, we found that OGT-1, the OGT homolog in C. elegans, regulates the presynaptic assembly in AIY interneurons. The insulin receptor DAF-2 acts upstream of OGT-1 to promote the presynaptic assembly by positively regulating the expression of ogt-1. This insulin-OGT-1 axis functions most likely by regulating neuronal activity. In this study, we elucidated a novel mechanism for synaptic development, and provided a potential link between synaptic development and insulin-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhe Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Bar-Ziv R, Dutta N, Hruby A, Sukarto E, Averbukh M, Alcala A, Henderson HR, Durieux J, Tronnes SU, Ahmad Q, Bolas T, Perez J, Dishart JG, Vega M, Garcia G, Higuchi-Sanabria R, Dillin A. Glial-derived mitochondrial signals affect neuronal proteostasis and aging. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1411. [PMID: 37831769 PMCID: PMC10575585 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining whole-organism homeostasis; neurons experiencing mitochondrial stress can coordinate the induction of protective cellular pathways, such as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRMT), between tissues. However, these studies largely ignored nonneuronal cells of the nervous system. Here, we found that UPRMT activation in four astrocyte-like glial cells in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, can promote protein homeostasis by alleviating protein aggregation in neurons. Unexpectedly, we find that glial cells use small clear vesicles (SCVs) to signal to neurons, which then relay the signal to the periphery using dense-core vesicles (DCVs). This work underlines the importance of glia in establishing and regulating protein homeostasis within the nervous system, which can then affect neuron-mediated effects in organismal homeostasis and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raz Bar-Ziv
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Naibedya Dutta
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Adam Hruby
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Edward Sukarto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Maxim Averbukh
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Athena Alcala
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Hope R. Henderson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jenni Durieux
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sarah U. Tronnes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Qazi Ahmad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Theodore Bolas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Joel Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Julian G. Dishart
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Matthew Vega
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Gilberto Garcia
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew Dillin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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5
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Panagiotidou E, Gioran A, Bano D, Chondrogianni N. Neuron-specific proteasome activation exerts cell non-autonomous protection against amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102817. [PMID: 37473700 PMCID: PMC10404562 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102817] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteostasis reinforcement is a promising approach in the design of therapeutic interventions against proteinopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Understanding how and which parts of the proteostasis network should be enhanced is crucial in developing efficient therapeutic strategies. The ability of specific tissues to induce proteostatic responses in distal ones (cell non-autonomous regulation of proteostasis) is attracting interest. Although the proteasome is a major protein degradation node, nothing is known on its cell non-autonomous regulation. We show that proteasome activation in the nervous system can enhance the proteasome activity in the muscle of Caenorhabditis elegans. Mechanistically, this communication depends on Small Clear Vesicles, with glutamate as one of the neurotransmitters required for the distal regulation. More importantly, we demonstrate that this cell non-autonomous proteasome activation is translated into efficient prevention of amyloid-beta (Αβ)-mediated proteotoxic effects in the muscle of C. elegans but notably not to resistance against oxidative stress. Our in vivo data establish a mechanistic link between neuronal proteasome reinforcement and decreased Aβ proteotoxicity in the muscle. The identified distal communication may have serious implications in the design of therapeutic strategies based on tissue-specific proteasome manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Panagiotidou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635, Athens, Greece; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41334, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Anna Gioran
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635, Athens, Greece.
| | - Daniele Bano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Niki Chondrogianni
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635, Athens, Greece.
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6
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Bar-Ziv R, Dutta N, Hruby A, Sukarto E, Averbukh M, Alcala A, Henderson HR, Durieux J, Tronnes SU, Ahmad Q, Bolas T, Perez J, Dishart JG, Vega M, Garcia G, Higuchi-Sanabria R, Dillin A. Glial-derived mitochondrial signals impact neuronal proteostasis and aging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.20.549924. [PMID: 37609253 PMCID: PMC10441375 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.20.549924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining whole-organism homeostasis; neurons experiencing mitochondrial stress can coordinate the induction of protective cellular pathways, such as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRMT), between tissues. However, these studies largely ignored non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. Here, we found that UPRMT activation in four, astrocyte-like glial cells in the nematode, C. elegans, can promote protein homeostasis by alleviating protein aggregation in neurons. Surprisingly, we find that glial cells utilize small clear vesicles (SCVs) to signal to neurons, which then relay the signal to the periphery using dense-core vesicles (DCVs). This work underlines the importance of glia in establishing and regulating protein homeostasis within the nervous system, which can then impact neuron-mediated effects in organismal homeostasis and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raz Bar-Ziv
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Naibedya Dutta
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Adam Hruby
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Edward Sukarto
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Maxim Averbukh
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Athena Alcala
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Hope R. Henderson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Jenni Durieux
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Sarah U. Tronnes
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Qazi Ahmad
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Theodore Bolas
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Joel Perez
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Julian G. Dishart
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Matthew Vega
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Gilberto Garcia
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew Dillin
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
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Wang X, Yang H, Li E, Cao C, Zheng W, Chen H, Li W. Stretchable Transistor-Structured Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Electronics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205395. [PMID: 36748849 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Stretchable synaptic transistors, a core technology in neuromorphic electronics, have functions and structures similar to biological synapses and can concurrently transmit signals and learn. Stretchable synaptic transistors are usually soft and stretchy and can accommodate various mechanical deformations, which presents significant prospects in soft machines, electronic skin, human-brain interfaces, and wearable electronics. Considerable efforts have been devoted to developing stretchable synaptic transistors to implement electronic device neuromorphic functions, and remarkable advances have been achieved. Here, this review introduces the basic concept of artificial synaptic transistors and summarizes the recent progress in device structures, functional-layer materials, and fabrication processes. Classical stretchable synaptic transistors, including electric double-layer synaptic transistors, electrochemical synaptic transistors, and optoelectronic synaptic transistors, as well as the applications of stretchable synaptic transistors in light-sensory systems, tactile-sensory systems, and multisensory artificial-nerves systems, are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and potential directions of stretchable synaptic transistors are analyzed. This review presents a detailed introduction to the recent progress in stretchable synaptic transistors from basic concept to applications, providing a reference for the development of stretchable synaptic transistors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Wang
- School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Huihuang Yang
- School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Enlong Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Intelligent Optoelectronics and Perception, Institute of Optoelectronics, Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunbin Cao
- School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wen Zheng
- School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
- School of Information & Computer, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Huipeng Chen
- Institute of Optoelectronic Display, National & Local United Engineering Lab of Flat Panel Display Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, 350100, China
| | - Wenwu Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Intelligent Optoelectronics and Perception, Institute of Optoelectronics, Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- National Key Laboratory of Integrated Circuit Chips and Systems, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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8
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Chaubey AH, Sojka SE, Onukwufor JO, Ezak MJ, Vandermeulen MD, Bowitch A, Vodičková A, Wojtovich AP, Ferkey DM. The Caenorhabditis elegans innexin INX-20 regulates nociceptive behavioral sensitivity. Genetics 2023; 223:iyad017. [PMID: 36753530 PMCID: PMC10319955 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad017] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Organisms rely on chemical cues in their environment to indicate the presence or absence of food, reproductive partners, predators, or other harmful stimuli. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the bilaterally symmetric pair of ASH sensory neurons serves as the primary nociceptors. ASH activation by aversive stimuli leads to backward locomotion and stimulus avoidance. We previously reported a role for guanylyl cyclases in dampening nociceptive sensitivity that requires an innexin-based gap junction network to pass cGMP between neurons. Here, we report that animals lacking function of the gap junction component INX-20 are hypersensitive in their behavioral response to both soluble and volatile chemical stimuli that signal through G protein-coupled receptor pathways in ASH. We find that expressing inx-20 in the ADL and AFD sensory neurons is sufficient to dampen ASH sensitivity, which is supported by new expression analysis of endogenous INX-20 tagged with mCherry via the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Although ADL does not form gap junctions directly with ASH, it does so via gap junctions with the interneuron RMG and the sensory neuron ASK. Ablating either ADL or RMG and ASK also resulted in nociceptive hypersensitivity, suggesting an important role for RMG/ASK downstream of ADL in the ASH modulatory circuit. This work adds to our growing understanding of the repertoire of ways by which ASH activity is regulated via its connectivity to other neurons and identifies a previously unknown role for ADL and RMG in the modulation of aversive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi H Chaubey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Savannah E Sojka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - John O Onukwufor
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Meredith J Ezak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Matthew D Vandermeulen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Alexander Bowitch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Anežka Vodičková
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Andrew P Wojtovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Denise M Ferkey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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Antinociceptive Activity of Vanilloids in Caenorhabditis elegans is Mediated by the Desensitization of the TRPV Channel OCR-2 and Specific Signal Transduction Pathways. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1900-1911. [PMID: 36737562 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Vanilloids, including capsaicin and eugenol, are ligands of transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1). Prolonged treatment with vanilloids triggered the desensitization of TRPV1, leading to analgesic or antinociceptive effects. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a model organism expressing vanilloid receptor orthologs (e.g., OSM-9 and OCR-2) that are associated with behavioral and physiological processes, including sensory transduction. We have shown that capsaicin and eugenol hamper the nocifensive response to noxious heat in C. elegans. The objective of this study was to perform proteomics to identify proteins and pathways responsible for the induced phenotype and to identify capsaicin and eugenol targets using a thermal proteome profiling (TPP) strategy. The results indicated hierarchical differences following Reactome Pathway enrichment analyses between capsaicin- and eugenol-treated nematodes. However, both treated groups were associated mainly with signal transduction pathways, energy generation, biosynthesis and structural processes. Wnt signaling, a specific signal transduction pathway, is involved following treatment with both molecules. Wnt signaling pathway is noticeably associated with pain. The TPP results show that capsaicin and eugenol target OCR-2 but not OSM-9. Further protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses showed other targets associated with enzymatic catalysis and calcium ion binding activity. The resulting data help to better understand the broad-spectrum pharmacological activity of vanilloids.
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10
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Rapid and reversible optogenetic silencing of synaptic transmission by clustering of synaptic vesicles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7827. [PMID: 36535932 PMCID: PMC9763335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acutely silencing specific neurons informs about their functional roles in circuits and behavior. Existing optogenetic silencers include ion pumps, channels, metabotropic receptors, and tools that damage the neurotransmitter release machinery. While the former hyperpolarize the cell, alter ionic gradients or cellular biochemistry, the latter allow only slow recovery, requiring de novo synthesis. Thus, tools combining fast activation and reversibility are needed. Here, we use light-evoked homo-oligomerization of cryptochrome CRY2 to silence synaptic transmission, by clustering synaptic vesicles (SVs). We benchmark this tool, optoSynC, in Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, and murine hippocampal neurons. optoSynC clusters SVs, observable by electron microscopy. Locomotion silencing occurs with tauon ~7.2 s and recovers with tauoff ~6.5 min after light-off. optoSynC can inhibit exocytosis for several hours, at very low light intensities, does not affect ion currents, biochemistry or synaptic proteins, and may further allow manipulating different SV pools and the transfer of SVs between them.
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11
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Molecular encoding and synaptic decoding of context during salt chemotaxis in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2928. [PMID: 35624091 PMCID: PMC9142520 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30279-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals navigate toward favorable locations using various environmental cues. However, the mechanism of how the goal information is encoded and decoded to generate migration toward the appropriate direction has not been clarified. Here, we describe the mechanism of migration towards a learned concentration of NaCl in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the salt-sensing neuron ASER, the difference between the experienced and currently perceived NaCl concentration is encoded as phosphorylation at Ser65 of UNC-64/Syntaxin 1 A through the protein kinase C(PKC-1) signaling pathway. The phosphorylation affects basal glutamate transmission from ASER, inducing the reversal of the postsynaptic response of reorientation-initiating neurons (i.e., from inhibitory to excitatory), guiding the animals toward the experienced concentration. This process, the decoding of the context, is achieved through the differential sensitivity of postsynaptic excitatory and inhibitory receptors. Our results reveal the mechanism of migration based on the synaptic plasticity that conceptually differs from the classical ones. The nematode C. elegans moves around to find an optimal environment. This work demonstrates how it can detect and move towards a previously learned salinity using the salt-sensing neuron ASER.
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Ni Y, Feng J, Liu J, Yu H, Wei H, Du Y, Liu L, Sun L, Zhou J, Xu W. An Artificial Nerve Capable of UV-Perception, NIR-Vis Switchable Plasticity Modulation, and Motion State Monitoring. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2102036. [PMID: 34716679 PMCID: PMC8728819 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The first flexible organic-heterojunction neuromorphic transistor (OHNT) that senses broadband light, including near-ultraviolet (NUV), visible (vis), and near-infrared (NIR), and processes multiplexed-neurotransmission signals is demonstrated. For UV perception, electrical energy consumption down to 536 aJ per synaptic event is demonstrated, at least one order of magnitude lower than current UV-sensitive synaptic devices. For NIR- and vis-perception, switchable plasticity by alternating light sources is yielded for recognition and memory. The device emulates multiplexed neurochemical transition of different neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline to form short-term and long-term responses. These facilitate the first realization of human-integrated motion state monitoring and processing using a synaptic hardware, which is then used for real-time heart monitoring of human movement. Motion state analysis with the 96% accuracy is then achieved by artificial neural network. This work provides important support to future biomedical electronics and neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ni
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Jiulong Feng
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Hang Yu
- College of Microelectronics and Communication EngineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
- No. 24 Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group CorporationChongqing400060P. R. China
| | - Huanhuan Wei
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Yi Du
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Lin Sun
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Jianlin Zhou
- College of Microelectronics and Communication EngineeringChongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Nankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of TianjinTianjin300350P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Optoelectronics Technology of Ministry of EducationNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
- College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai UniversityNational Institute for Advanced MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300350P. R. China
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13
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Shim H, Sim K, Ershad F, Yang P, Thukral A, Rao Z, Kim HJ, Liu Y, Wang X, Gu G, Gao L, Wang X, Chai Y, Yu C. Stretchable elastic synaptic transistors for neurologically integrated soft engineering systems. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax4961. [PMID: 31646177 PMCID: PMC6788872 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax4961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Artificial synaptic devices that can be stretched similar to those appearing in soft-bodied animals, such as earthworms, could be seamlessly integrated onto soft machines toward enabled neurological functions. Here, we report a stretchable synaptic transistor fully based on elastomeric electronic materials, which exhibits a full set of synaptic characteristics. These characteristics retained even the rubbery synapse that is stretched by 50%. By implementing stretchable synaptic transistor with mechanoreceptor in an array format, we developed a deformable sensory skin, where the mechanoreceptors interface the external stimulations and generate presynaptic pulses and then the synaptic transistors render postsynaptic potentials. Furthermore, we demonstrated a soft adaptive neurorobot that is able to perform adaptive locomotion based on robotic memory in a programmable manner upon physically tapping the skin. Our rubbery synaptic transistor and neurologically integrated devices pave the way toward enabled neurological functions in soft machines and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunseok Shim
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Kyoseung Sim
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Faheem Ershad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Pinyi Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Anish Thukral
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Zhoulyu Rao
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Hae-Jin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea
| | - Yanghui Liu
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Guoying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Robotics Institute, and School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Li Gao
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays (KLOEID), Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yang Chai
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cunjiang Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Center for Superconductivity, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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14
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Han KA, Um JW, Ko J. Intracellular protein complexes involved in synapse assembly in presynaptic neurons. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2018; 116:347-373. [PMID: 31036296 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The presynaptic active zone, composed of evolutionarily conserved protein complexes, is a specialized area that serves to orchestrate precise and efficient neurotransmitter release by organizing various presynaptic proteins involved in mediating docking and priming of synaptic vesicles, recruiting voltage-gated calcium channels, and modulating presynaptic nerve terminals with aligned postsynaptic structures. Among membrane proteins localized to active zone, presynaptic neurexins and LAR-RPTPs (leukocyte common antigen-related receptor tyrosine phosphatase) have emerged as hubs that orchestrate both shared and distinct extracellular synaptic adhesion pathways. In this chapter, we discuss intracellular signaling cascades involved in recruiting various intracellular proteins at both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic sites. In particular, we highlight recent studies on key active zone proteins that physically and functionally link these cascades with neurexins and LAR-RPTPs in both vertebrate and invertebrate model systems. These studies allow us to build a general, universal view of how presynaptic active zones operate together with postsynaptic structures in neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ah Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea.
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