Trafficking mechanisms of synaptogenic cell adhesion molecules

Glucocorticoids rescue cell surface trafficking of R451C Neuroligin3 and enhance synapse formation

Neuroligins are synaptic cell adhesion proteins with a role in synaptic function, implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The autism spectrum disorder-associated substitution Arg451Cys (R451C) in NLGN3 promotes a partial misfolding of the extracellular domain of the protein leading to retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The reduced trafficking of R451C NLGN3 to the cell surface leads to altered synaptic function and social behavior. A screening in HEK-293 cells overexpressing NLGN3 of 2662 compounds (FDA-approved small molecule drug library), led to the identification of several glucocorticoids such as alclometasone dipropionate, desonide, prednisolone sodium phosphate, and dexamethasone (DEX), with the ability to favor the exit of full-length R451C NLGN3 from the ER. DEX improved the stability of R451C NLGN3 and trafficking to the cell surface, reduced the activation of the UPR, and increased the formation of artificial synapses between HEK-293 and hippocampal primary neurons. The effect of DEX was validated on a novel model system represented by neural stem progenitor cells and differentiated neurons derived from the R451C NLGN3 knock-in mouse, expressing the endogenous protein. This work shows a potential rescue strategy for an autism-linked mutation affecting cell surface trafficking of a synaptic protein.

Turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules

Molecular interactions between pre- and postsynaptic membranes play critical roles during the development, function and maintenance of synapses. Synaptic interactions are mediated by cell surface receptors that may be held in place by trans-synaptic adhesion or intracellular binding to membrane-associated scaffolding and signaling complexes. Despite their role in stabilizing synaptic contacts, synaptic adhesion molecules undergo turnover and degradation during all stages of a neuron's life. Here we review current knowledge about membrane trafficking mechanisms that regulate turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules and the functional significance of turnover for synapse development and function. Based on recent proteomics, genetics and imaging studies, synaptic adhesion molecules exhibit remarkably high turnover rates compared to other synaptic proteins. Degradation occurs predominantly via endolysosomal mechanisms, with little evidence for roles of proteasomal or autophagic degradation. Basal turnover occurs both during synaptic development and maintenance. Neuronal activity typically stabilizes synaptic adhesion molecules while downregulating neurotransmitter receptors based on turnover. In conclusion, constitutive turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules is not a necessarily destabilizing factor, but a basis for the dynamic regulation of trans-synaptic interactions during synapse formation and maintenance.

Evaluation of biological mechanisms of artemisinin on bovine mammary epithelial cells by integration of network pharmacology and TMT-based quantitative proteomics

The sesquiterpene lactone, artemisinin, is a primary component of the medicinal plant Artemisia annua L., which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. However, the potential effects of artemisinin on the mammary gland of dairy cows and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we utilized systematic network pharmacology and proteomics to elucidate the mechanism by which artemisinin affects milk production and the proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Nineteen bioactive compounds and 56 key targets were identified through database mining. To delineate the mechanism of artemisia’s activity, a protein-protein interaction network and integrated visual display were generated from bioinformatics assays to explore the relationships and interactions among the bioactive molecules and their targets. The gene ontology (GO) terms and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes annotation suggested that the apoptotic process, cell division, p53 pathway, prolactin and PI3K-Akt pathways played vital roles in mammary gland development. Using proteomics analysis, we identified 122 up-regulated and 96 down-regulated differentially significant expressed proteins (DSEPs). The differentially significant expressed proteins had multiple biological functions associated with cell division, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that differentially significant expressed proteins may promote cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis indicated that several biological pathways, such as those involved in antigen processing and presentation, cell adhesion molecules and ribosomes, played significant roles in the effects of artemisinin on bovine mammary epithelial cells. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism by which artemisinin affects bovine mammary epithelial cells to improve mammary gland turnover by inducing cell proliferation and mammary gland development.

Transcytosis and trans-synaptic retention by postsynaptic ErbB4 underlie axonal accumulation of NRG3

Neuregulins (NRGs) are EGF-like ligands associated with cognitive disorders. Unprocessed proNRG3 is cleaved by BACE1 to generate the mature membrane-bound NRG3 ligand, but the subcellular site of proNRG3 cleavage, mechanisms underlying its transport into axons, and presynaptic accumulation remain unknown. Using an optogenetic proNRG3 cleavage reporter (LA143-NRG3), we investigate the spatial-temporal dynamics of NRG3 processing and sorting in neurons. In dark conditions, unprocessed LA143-NRG3 is retained in the trans-Golgi network but, upon photoactivation, is cleaved by BACE1 and released from the TGN. Mature NRG3 then emerges on the somatodendritic plasma membrane from where it is re-endocytosed and anterogradely transported on Rab4+ vesicles into axons via transcytosis. By contrast, the BACE1 substrate APP is sorted into axons on Rab11+ vesicles. Lastly, by a mechanism we denote "trans-synaptic retention," NRG3 accumulates at presynaptic terminals by stable interaction with its receptor ErbB4 on postsynaptic GABAergic interneurons. We propose that trans-synaptic retention may account for polarized expression of other neuronal transmembrane ligands and receptors.

The needs of a synapse—How local organelles serve synaptic proteostasis

Synaptic function crucially relies on the constant supply and removal of neuronal membranes. The morphological complexity of neurons poses a significant challenge for neuronal protein transport since the machineries for protein synthesis and degradation are mainly localized in the cell soma. In response to this unique challenge, local micro‐secretory systems have evolved that are adapted to the requirements of neuronal membrane protein proteostasis. However, our knowledge of how neuronal proteins are synthesized, trafficked to membranes, and eventually replaced and degraded remains scarce. Here, we review recent insights into membrane trafficking at synaptic sites and into the contribution of local organelles and micro‐secretory pathways to synaptic function. We describe the role of endoplasmic reticulum specializations in neurons, Golgi‐related organelles, and protein complexes like retromer in the synthesis and trafficking of synaptic transmembrane proteins. We discuss the contribution of autophagy and of proteasome‐mediated and endo‐lysosomal degradation to presynaptic proteostasis and synaptic function, as well as nondegradative roles of autophagosomes and lysosomes in signaling and synapse remodeling. We conclude that the complexity of neuronal cyto‐architecture necessitates long‐distance protein transport that combines degradation with signaling functions.

Role of regulatory C-terminal motifs in synaptic confinement of LRRTM2

Leucine Rich Repeat Transmembrane proteins (LRRTMs) are neuronal cell adhesion molecules involved in synapse development and plasticity. LRRTM2 is the most synaptogenic isoform of the family, and its expression is strongly restricted to excitatory synapses in mature neurons. However, the mechanisms by which LRRTM2 is trafficked and stabilized at synapses remain unknown. Here, we examine the role of LRRTM2 intracellular domain on its membrane expression and stabilization at excitatory synapses, using a knock-down strategy combined to single molecule tracking and super-resolution dSTORM microscopy. We show that LRRTM2 operates an important shift in mobility after synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons. Knock-down of LRRTM2 during synapse formation reduced excitatory synapse density in mature neurons. Deletion of LRRTM2 C-terminal domain abolished the compartmentalization of LRRTM2 in dendrites and disrupted its synaptic enrichment. Furtheremore, we show that LRRTM2 diffusion is increased in the absence of its intracellular domain, and that the protein is more dispersed at synapses. Surprisingly, LRRTM2 confinement at synapses was strongly dependent on a YxxC motif in the C-terminal domain, but was independent of the PDZ-like binding motif ECEV. Finally, the nanoscale organization of LRRTM2 at excitatory synapses depended on its C-terminal domain, with involvement of both the PDZ-binding and YxxC motifs. Altogether, these results demonstrate that LRRTM2 trafficking and enrichment at excitatory synapses are dependent on its intracellular domain.

R7 photoreceptor axon targeting depends on the relative levels of lost and found expression in R7 and its synaptic partners

As neural circuits form, growing processes select the correct synaptic partners through interactions between cell surface proteins. The presence of such proteins on two neuronal processes may lead to either adhesion or repulsion; however, the consequences of mismatched expression have rarely been explored. Here, we show that the Drosophila CUB-LDL protein Lost and found (Loaf) is required in the UV-sensitive R7 photoreceptor for normal axon targeting only when Loaf is also present in its synaptic partners. Although targeting occurs normally in loaf mutant animals, removing loaf from photoreceptors or expressing it in their postsynaptic neurons Tm5a/b or Dm9 in a loaf mutant causes mistargeting of R7 axons. Loaf localizes primarily to intracellular vesicles including endosomes. We propose that Loaf regulates the trafficking or function of one or more cell surface proteins, and an excess of these proteins on the synaptic partners of R7 prevents the formation of stable connections.

Research Progress on PATJ and Underlying Mechanisms Associated with Functional Outcomes After Stroke

Cell polarity is an intrinsic property of epithelial cells regulated by scaffold proteins. The CRB (crumbs) complex is known to play a predominant role in the dynamic cooperative network of polarity scaffold proteins. PATJ (PALS1-associated tight junction) is the core component in the CRB complex and has been highly conserved throughout evolution. PATJ is crucial to several important events in organisms' survival, including embryonic development, cell polarity, and barrier establishment. A recent study shows that PATJ plays an important role in functional outcomes of stroke. In this article, we elaborate on the biological structure and physiological functions of PATJ and explore the underlying mechanisms of PATJ genetic polymorphism that are associated with poor functional outcomes in ischemic stroke.

Subcellular sorting of neuregulins controls the assembly of excitatory-inhibitory cortical circuits

The assembly of specific neuronal circuits relies on the expression of complementary molecular programs in presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. In the cerebral cortex, the tyrosine kinase receptor ErbB4 is critical for the wiring of specific populations of GABAergic interneurons, in which it paradoxically regulates both the formation of inhibitory synapses as well as the development of excitatory synapses received by these cells. Here, we found that Nrg1 and Nrg3, two members of the neuregulin family of trophic factors, regulate the inhibitory outputs and excitatory inputs of interneurons in the mouse cerebral cortex, respectively. The differential role of Nrg1 and Nrg3 in this process is not due to their receptor-binding EGF-like domain, but rather to their distinctive subcellular localization within pyramidal cells. Our study reveals a novel strategy for the assembly of cortical circuits that involves the differential subcellular sorting of family-related synaptic proteins.

The neuroligins and the synaptic pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The genetics underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and heterogeneous, and de novo variants are found in genes converging in functional biological processes. Neuronal communication, including trans-synaptic signaling involving two families of cell-adhesion proteins, the presynaptic neurexins and the postsynaptic neuroligins, is one of the most recurrently affected pathways in ASD. Given the role of these proteins in determining synaptic function, abnormal synaptic plasticity and failure to establish proper synaptic contacts might represent mechanisms underlying risk of ASD. More than 30 mutations have been found in the neuroligin genes. Most of the resulting residue substitutions map in the extracellular, cholinesterase-like domain of the protein, and impair protein folding and trafficking. Conversely, the stalk and intracellular domains are less affected. Accordingly, several genetic animal models of ASD have been generated, showing behavioral and synaptic alterations. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on ASD-linked mutations in the neuroligin proteins and their effect on synaptic function, in various brain areas and circuits.

SorCS1-mediated sorting in dendrites maintains neurexin axonal surface polarization required for synaptic function

The pre- and postsynaptic membranes comprising the synaptic junction differ in protein composition. The membrane trafficking mechanisms by which neurons control surface polarization of synaptic receptors remain poorly understood. The sorting receptor Sortilin-related CNS expressed 1 (SorCS1) is a critical regulator of trafficking of neuronal receptors, including the presynaptic adhesion molecule neurexin (Nrxn), an essential synaptic organizer. Here, we show that SorCS1 maintains a balance between axonal and dendritic Nrxn surface levels in the same neuron. Newly synthesized Nrxn1α traffics to the dendritic surface, where it is endocytosed. Endosomal SorCS1 interacts with the Rab11 GTPase effector Rab11 family-interacting protein 5 (Rab11FIP5)/Rab11 interacting protein (Rip11) to facilitate the transition of internalized Nrxn1α from early to recycling endosomes and bias Nrxn1α surface polarization towards the axon. In the absence of SorCS1, Nrxn1α accumulates in early endosomes and mispolarizes to the dendritic surface, impairing presynaptic differentiation and function. Thus, SorCS1-mediated sorting in dendritic endosomes controls Nrxn axonal surface polarization required for proper synapse development and function.

Mechanisms of Neurological Dysfunction in GOSR2 Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy, a Golgi SNAREopathy

Successive fusion events between transport vesicles and their target membranes mediate trafficking of secreted, membrane- and organelle-localised proteins. During the initial steps of this process, termed the secretory pathway, COPII vesicles bud from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and fuse with the cis-Golgi membrane, thus depositing their cargo. This fusion step is driven by a quartet of SNARE proteins that includes the cis-Golgi t-SNARE Membrin, encoded by the GOSR2 gene. Mis-sense mutations in GOSR2 result in Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy (PME), a severe neurological disorder characterised by ataxia, myoclonus and seizures in the absence of significant cognitive impairment. However, given the ubiquitous and essential function of ER-to-Golgi transport, why GOSR2 mutations cause neurological dysfunction and not lethality or a broader range of developmental defects has remained an enigma. Here we highlight new work that has shed light on this issue and incorporate insights into canonical and non-canonical secretory trafficking pathways in neurons to speculate as to the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GOSR2 PME. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: SNARE proteins: a long journey of science in brain physiology and pathology: from molecular.