1
|
Zhang G, Wu C, Cui X, Wang H, Wei B, Mazarin A, Mansour A, Niu C. Multiple mechanosensory pathways mediate oviposition behavior in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2025. [PMID: 40357584 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2025] [Accepted: 05/02/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substrate stiffness and internal pressure play key roles in mediating insect adaptability to mechanical cues through various mechanosensitive pathways. However, the involvement of mechanosensory perception in oviposition behavior of tephritid flies remains largely unexplored. Given that frugivorous tephritid flies use extraordinarily sharp-tipped ovipositors to probe the stiff fruit peel before laying eggs, we speculated that mechanosensory-responsive pathways mediate the oviposition behavior. RESULTS In this study, we combined oviposition assays and RNA interference (RNAi) techniques to investigate how mechanosensory pathways mediate oviposition behaviors in the notorious invasive tephritid fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. The results show that both substrate stiffness and ovarian distention influenced the oviposition decision of female flies. Furthermore, silencing the BdTMC gene impaired the ability of flies to discriminate substrate hardness, while treatment with dsBdNomPC disrupted the internal pressure balance, leading to the accumulation of eggs in the ovary. Notably, a neuropeptide, BdNPLP1 was found to be involved in mechanosensitive signal transduction downstream of BdTMC and BdNomPC. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings decipher the molecular mechanism underlying mechanosensory pathways mediating egg-laying behavior in B. dorsalis. We propose that oviposition decision-making is driven by a combination of internal and external mechanosensitive inputs, which offer new insights into the complex system of insect egg-laying regulation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guijian Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xun Cui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingbing Wei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Akami Mazarin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Abdelaziz Mansour
- Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Changying Niu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Puri S, Nath DK, Lee Y. Regulation of feeding and defecation in Drosophila by trpγ, piezo, and DH44R2. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2025; 179:104267. [PMID: 39909166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2025.104267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2025] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
Normal gastrointestinal (GI) motility, including defecation, is crucial for nutrient absorption, energy balance, and overall health in species ranging from insects to humans. Disruptions in GI motility can lead to conditions like constipation or severe diseases. Mechanosensors, including TRP channels and Piezo, are known to play key roles in regulating gut physiology in Drosophila melanogaster, but their precise involvement in defecation is not fully understood. Additionally, neuropeptides like DH44 have been implicated in gut regulation. This study explores the roles of Trpγ, Diuretic hormone 44 Receptor 2 (DH44R2), and Piezo in controlling feeding amount, gut motility, and defecation using genetic mutants and RNAi techniques. Mutants for these genes exhibited increased excreta production and size, whereas Dh44 and Dh44R1 mutants had a reduced number of excreta, but with increased size. Co-expression and rescue experiments further confirmed the critical roles of these genes in the same gut cells. The findings reveal that local gut-specific mechanisms are the primary drivers of defecation. The results highlight the collaboration between Trpγ, Piezo, and DH44R2 in regulating gut motility and defecation. By uncovering how these mechanosensory proteins and cells work together, this research may offer insights into human GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Hirschsprung's disease, shedding light on the complex regulatory network underlying defecation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Puri
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Nath
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Held M, Bisen RS, Zandawala M, Chockley AS, Balles IS, Hilpert S, Liessem S, Cascino-Milani F, Ache JM. Aminergic and peptidergic modulation of insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. eLife 2025; 13:RP99548. [PMID: 40063677 PMCID: PMC11893105 DOI: 10.7554/elife.99548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Insulin plays a critical role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Since metabolic demands are highly dynamic, insulin release needs to be constantly adjusted. These adjustments are mediated by different pathways, most prominently the blood glucose level, but also by feedforward signals from motor circuits and different neuromodulatory systems. Here, we analyze how neuromodulatory inputs control the activity of the main source of insulin in Drosophila - a population of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) located in the brain. IPCs are functionally analogous to mammalian pancreatic beta cells, but their location makes them accessible for in vivo recordings in intact animals. We characterized functional inputs to IPCs using single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis, anatomical receptor expression mapping, connectomics, and an optogenetics-based 'intrinsic pharmacology' approach. Our results show that the IPC population expresses a variety of receptors for neuromodulators and classical neurotransmitters. Interestingly, IPCs exhibit heterogeneous receptor profiles, suggesting that the IPC population can be modulated differentially. This is supported by electrophysiological recordings from IPCs, which we performed while activating different populations of modulatory neurons. Our analysis revealed that some modulatory inputs have heterogeneous effects on the IPC activity, such that they inhibit one subset of IPCs, while exciting another. Monitoring calcium activity across the IPC population uncovered that these heterogeneous responses occur simultaneously. Certain neuromodulatory populations shifted the IPC population activity towards an excited state, while others shifted it towards inhibition. Taken together, we provide a comprehensive, multi-level analysis of neuromodulation in the insulinergic system of Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Held
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Rituja S Bisen
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Zandawala Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada RenoRenoUnited States
| | - Alexander S Chockley
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Isabella S Balles
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Selina Hilpert
- Zandawala Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Sander Liessem
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Federico Cascino-Milani
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| | - Jan M Ache
- Ache Lab, Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am HublandWürzburgGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan L, Claman A, Bode A, Collins KM. The C. elegans uv1 Neuroendocrine Cells Provide Mechanosensory Feedback of Vulval Opening. J Neurosci 2025; 45:e0678242024. [PMID: 39788737 PMCID: PMC11800740 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0678-24.2024] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 12/10/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine cells react to physical, chemical, and synaptic signals originating from tissues and the nervous system, releasing hormones that regulate various body functions beyond the synapse. Neuroendocrine cells are often embedded in complex tissues making direct tests of their activation mechanisms and signaling effects difficult to study. In the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, four uterine-vulval (uv1) neuroendocrine cells sit above the vulval canal next to the egg-laying circuit, releasing tyramine and neuropeptides that feedback to inhibit egg laying. We have previously shown uv1 cells are mechanically deformed during egg laying, driving uv1 Ca2+ transients. However, whether egg-laying circuit activity, vulval opening, and/or egg release triggered uv1 Ca2+ activity was unclear. Here, we show uv1 responds directly to mechanical activation. Optogenetic vulval muscle stimulation triggers uv1 Ca2+ activity following muscle contraction even in sterile animals. Direct mechanical prodding with a glass probe placed against the worm cuticle triggers robust uv1 Ca2+ activity similar to that seen during egg laying. Direct mechanical activation of uv1 cells does not require other cells in the egg-laying circuit, synaptic or peptidergic neurotransmission, or transient receptor potential vanilloid and Piezo channels. EGL-19 L-type Ca2+ channels, but not P/Q/N-type or ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channels, promote uv1 Ca2+ activity following mechanical activation. L-type channels also facilitate the coordinated activation of uv1 cells across the vulva, suggesting mechanical stimulation of one uv1 cell cross-activates the other. Our findings show how neuroendocrine cells like uv1 report on the mechanics of tissue deformation and muscle contraction, facilitating feedback to local circuits to coordinate behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33143
| | - Alexander Claman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33143
| | - Addys Bode
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33143
| | - Kevin M Collins
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33143
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nässel DR. A brief history of insect neuropeptide and peptide hormone research. Cell Tissue Res 2025; 399:129-159. [PMID: 39653844 PMCID: PMC11787221 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03936-0] [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: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2025]
Abstract
This review briefly summarizes 50 years of research on insect neuropeptide and peptide hormone (collectively abbreviated NPH) signaling, starting with the sequencing of proctolin in 1975. The first 25 years, before the sequencing of the Drosophila genome, were characterized by efforts to identify novel NPHs by biochemical means, mapping of their distribution in neurons, neurosecretory cells, and endocrine cells of the intestine. Functional studies of NPHs were predominantly dealing with hormonal aspects of peptides and many employed ex vivo assays. With the annotation of the Drosophila genome, and more specifically of the NPHs and their receptors in Drosophila and other insects, a new era followed. This started with matching of NPH ligands to orphan receptors, and studies to localize NPHs with improved detection methods. Important advances were made with introduction of a rich repertoire of innovative molecular genetic approaches to localize and interfere with expression or function of NPHs and their receptors. These methods enabled cell- or circuit-specific interference with NPH signaling for in vivo assays to determine roles in behavior and physiology, imaging of neuronal activity, and analysis of connectivity in peptidergic circuits. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in reports on the multiple functions of NPHs in development, physiology and behavior. Importantly, we can now appreciate the pleiotropic functions of NPHs, as well as the functional peptidergic "networks" where state dependent NPH signaling ensures behavioral plasticity and systemic homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bisen RS, Iqbal FM, Cascino-Milani F, Bockemühl T, Ache JM. Nutritional state-dependent modulation of insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. eLife 2025; 13:RP98514. [PMID: 39878318 PMCID: PMC11778929 DOI: 10.7554/elife.98514] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Insulin plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis. Drosophila insulin-producing cells (IPCs) are functional analogues of mammalian pancreatic beta cells and release insulin directly into circulation. To investigate the in vivo dynamics of IPC activity, we quantified the effects of nutritional and internal state changes on IPCs using electrophysiological recordings. We found that the nutritional state strongly modulates IPC activity. IPC activity decreased with increasing periods of starvation. Refeeding flies with glucose or fructose, two nutritive sugars, significantly increased IPC activity, whereas non-nutritive sugars had no effect. In contrast to feeding, glucose perfusion did not affect IPC activity. This was reminiscent of the mammalian incretin effect, where glucose ingestion drives higher insulin release than intravenous application. Contrary to IPCs, Diuretic hormone 44-expressing neurons in the pars intercerebralis (DH44PINs) responded to glucose perfusion. Functional connectivity experiments demonstrated that these DH44PINs do not affect IPC activity, while other DH44Ns inhibit them. Hence, populations of autonomously and systemically sugar-sensing neurons work in parallel to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Accordingly, activating IPCs had a small, satiety-like effect on food-searching behavior and reduced starvation-induced hyperactivity, whereas activating DH44Ns strongly increased hyperactivity. Taken together, we demonstrate that IPCs and DH44Ns are an integral part of a modulatory network that orchestrates glucose homeostasis and adaptive behavior in response to shifts in the metabolic state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rituja S Bisen
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Fathima Mukthar Iqbal
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Federico Cascino-Milani
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Jan M Ache
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhu Y, Chen J, Chen C, Tang R, Xu J, Shi S, Yu X. Deciphering mechanical cues in the microenvironment: from non-malignant settings to tumor progression. Biomark Res 2025; 13:11. [PMID: 39849659 PMCID: PMC11755887 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-025-00727-9] [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: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2025] [Indexed: 01/25/2025] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment functions as a dynamic and intricate ecosystem, comprising a diverse array of cellular and non-cellular components that precisely orchestrate pivotal tumor behaviors, including invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. While unraveling the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor behaviors represents a tremendous challenge, recent research illuminates a crucial biological phenomenon known as cellular mechanotransduction. Within the microenvironment, mechanical cues like tensile stress, shear stress, and stiffness play a pivotal role by activating mechanosensitive effectors such as PIEZO proteins, integrins, and Yes-associated protein. This activation initiates cascades of intrinsic signaling pathways, effectively linking the physical properties of tissues to their physiological and pathophysiological processes like morphogenesis, regeneration, and immunity. This mechanistic insight offers a novel perspective on how the mechanical cues within the tumor microenvironment impact tumor behaviors. While the intricacies of the mechanical tumor microenvironment are yet to be fully elucidated, it exhibits distinct physical attributes from non-malignant tissues, including elevated solid stresses, interstitial hypertension, augmented matrix stiffness, and enhanced viscoelasticity. These traits exert notable influences on tumor progression and treatment responses, enriching our comprehension of the multifaceted nature of the microenvironment. Through this innovative review, we aim to provide a new lens to decipher the mechanical attributes within the tumor microenvironment from non-malignant contexts, broadening our knowledge on how these factors promote or inhibit tumor behaviors, and thus offering valuable insights to identify potential targets for anti-tumor strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zhu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaoshun Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wen X, Xiang H, Zhang M, Yan A, Xiang D, Zou J, Zhang Y, Huang X, Liu Z. Molecular Insights Into the Sensory Adaption of the Cave-Dwelling Leech Sinospelaeobdella wulingensis to the Karst Cave Environment. Ecol Evol 2025; 15:e70877. [PMID: 39839334 PMCID: PMC11748453 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70877] [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: 09/12/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Karst caves are a unique environment significantly different from the external environment; adaptation of cave-dwelling animals to the cave environment is often accompanied by shifts in the sensory systems. Aquatic and terrestrial leeches have been found in the karst caves. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome analysis on the cave-dwelling leech Sinospelaeobdella wulingensis. A total of 29,286 unigenes were obtained by assembling the clean reads, and only 395 genes are differentially expressed in winter and summer samples. Two piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channels (Piezos), eight transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and six ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) were identified in the transcriptome. These channels/receptors are transmembrane proteins sharing conserved structural features in the respective protein families. SwPiezo1 shares high identity with Piezos in non-caving leeches. SwiGluRs are conserved in protein sequence and share high identities with homologous proteins in other leeches. In contrast, SwTRPs belong to different subfamilies and share diverse identities with TRPs in other species. Gene expression analysis showed that two SwPiezos, five SwTRPs, and one SwiGluR are abundantly expressed in both winter and summer samples. These results suggest that SwPiezos, SwTRPs, and SwiGluRs are candidate sensory channels/receptors that may have roles in mechanosensory and chemosensory systems. High expression levels of Piezo and TRP genes imply a mechanosensory adaptation of S. wulingensis to the hanging living style in caves. Furthermore, enrichment of sensory genes in the oral sucker indicates the important role of this tissue in response to environmental stimuli. Similar gene expression profiles in winter and summer samples imply a stable physiological status of S. wulingensis in the cave environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Haiyang Xiang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Mengqing Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Aoran Yan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Dongqing Xiang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Jie Zou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Xinglong Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| | - Zhixiao Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Wulingshan ResourcesCollege of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou UniversityJishouHunanChina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schulz K, Hazelton-Cavill P, Alornyo KK, Edenhofer I, Lindenmeyer M, Lohr C, Huber TB, Denholm B, Koehler S. Piezo activity levels need to be tightly regulated to maintain normal morphology and function in pericardial nephrocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:28254. [PMID: 39548228 PMCID: PMC11568303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79352-9] [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: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their position on glomerular capillaries, podocytes are continuously counteracting biomechanical filtration forces. Most therapeutic interventions known to generally slow or prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease appear to lower these biomechanical forces on podocytes, highlighting the critical need to better understand podocyte mechano-signalling pathways. Here we investigated whether the mechanotransducer Piezo is involved in a mechanosensation pathway in Drosophila nephrocytes, the podocyte homologue in the fly. Loss of function analysis in Piezo depleted nephrocytes reveal a severe morphological and functional phenotype. Further, pharmacological activation of endogenous Piezo with Yoda1 causes a significant increase of intracellular Ca++ upon exposure to a mechanical stimulus in nephrocytes, as well as filtration disturbances. Elevated Piezo expression levels also result in a severe nephrocyte phenotype. Interestingly, expression of Piezo which lacks mechanosensitive channel activity, does not result in a severe nephrocyte phenotype, suggesting the observed changes in Piezo wildtype overexpressing cells are caused by the mechanosensitive channel activity. Moreover, blocking Piezo activity using the tarantula toxin GsMTx4 reverses the phenotypes observed in nephrocytes overexpressing Piezo. Taken together, here we provide evidence that Piezo activity levels need to be tightly regulated to maintain normal pericardial nephrocyte morphology and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Schulz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paris Hazelton-Cavill
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karl K Alornyo
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilka Edenhofer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maja Lindenmeyer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Lohr
- Division of Neurophysiology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barry Denholm
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Sybille Koehler
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Campus Forschung II N25, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mahishi D, Agrawal N, Jiang W, Yapici N. From Mammals to Insects: Exploring the Genetic and Neural Basis of Eating Behavior. Annu Rev Genet 2024; 58:455-485. [PMID: 39585905 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-111523-102202] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Abstract
Obesity and anorexia are life-threatening diseases that are still poorly understood at the genetic and neuronal levels. Patients suffering from these conditions experience disrupted regulation of food consumption, leading to extreme weight gain or loss and, in severe situations, death from metabolic dysfunction. Despite the development of various behavioral and pharmacological interventions, current treatments often yield limited and short-lived success. To address this, a deeper understanding of the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying food perception and appetite regulation is essential for identifying new drug targets and developing more effective treatment methods. This review summarizes the progress of past research in understanding the genetic and neural mechanisms controlling food consumption and appetite regulation, focusing on two key model organisms: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the mouse Mus musculus. These studies investigate how the brain senses energy and nutrient deficiency, how sensory signals trigger appetitive behaviors, and how food intake is regulated through interconnected neural circuits in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Mahishi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Naman Agrawal
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Wenshuai Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiao B. Mechanisms of mechanotransduction and physiological roles of PIEZO channels. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:886-903. [PMID: 39251883 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical force is an essential physical element that contributes to the formation and function of life. The discovery of the evolutionarily conserved PIEZO family, including PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in mammals, as bona fide mechanically activated cation channels has transformed our understanding of how mechanical forces are sensed and transduced into biological activities. In this Review, I discuss recent structure-function studies that have illustrated how PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 adopt their unique structural design and curvature-based gating dynamics, enabling their function as dedicated mechanotransduction channels with high mechanosensitivity and selective cation conductivity. I also discuss our current understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles mediated by PIEZO channels, including PIEZO1-dependent regulation of development and functional homeostasis and PIEZO2-dominated mechanosensation of touch, tactile pain, proprioception and interoception of mechanical states of internal organs. Despite the remarkable progress in PIEZO research, this Review also highlights outstanding questions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bailong Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schoofs A, Miroschnikow A, Schlegel P, Zinke I, Schneider-Mizell CM, Cardona A, Pankratz MJ. Serotonergic modulation of swallowing in a complete fly vagus nerve connectome. Curr Biol 2024; 34:4495-4512.e6. [PMID: 39270641 PMCID: PMC7616834 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.025] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
How the body interacts with the brain to perform vital life functions, such as feeding, is a fundamental issue in physiology and neuroscience. Here, we use a whole-animal scanning transmission electron microscopy volume of Drosophila to map the neuronal circuits that connect the entire enteric nervous system to the brain via the insect vagus nerve at synaptic resolution. We identify a gut-brain feedback loop in which Piezo-expressing mechanosensory neurons in the esophagus convey food passage information to a cluster of six serotonergic neurons in the brain. Together with information on food value, these central serotonergic neurons enhance the activity of serotonin receptor 7-expressing motor neurons that drive swallowing. This elemental circuit architecture includes an axo-axonic synaptic connection from the glutamatergic motor neurons innervating the esophageal muscles onto the mechanosensory neurons that signal to the serotonergic neurons. Our analysis elucidates a neuromodulatory sensory-motor system in which ongoing motor activity is strengthened through serotonin upon completion of a biologically meaningful action, and it may represent an ancient form of motor learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schoofs
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Anton Miroschnikow
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 TN1, UK; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ingo Zinke
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße, Bonn 53115, Germany
| | | | - Albert Cardona
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK
| | - Michael J Pankratz
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße, Bonn 53115, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hamed YMF, Ghosh B, Marshall KL. PIEZO ion channels: force sensors of the interoceptive nervous system. J Physiol 2024; 602:4777-4788. [PMID: 38456626 PMCID: PMC11845038 DOI: 10.1113/jp284077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Many organs are designed to move: the heart pumps each second, the gastrointestinal tract squeezes and churns to digest food, and we contract and relax skeletal muscles to move our bodies. Sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system detect signals from bodily tissues, including the forces generated by these movements, to control physiology. The processing of these internal signals is called interoception, but this is a broad term that includes a wide variety of both chemical and mechanical sensory processes. Mechanical senses are understudied, but rapid progress has been made in the last decade, thanks in part to the discovery of the mechanosensory PIEZO ion channels (Coste et al., 2010). The role of these mechanosensors within the interoceptive nervous system is the focus of this review. In defining the transduction molecules that govern mechanical interoception, we will have a better grasp of how these signals drive physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M. F. Hamed
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Britya Ghosh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kara L. Marshall
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Lead contact
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cui X, Meiselman MR, Thornton SN, Yapici N. A gut-brain-gut interoceptive circuit loop gates sugar ingestion in Drosophila. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.02.610892. [PMID: 39282336 PMCID: PMC11398398 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.02.610892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The communication between the brain and digestive tract is critical for optimising nutrient preference and food intake, yet the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood1-7. Here, we show that a gut-brain-gut circuit loop gates sugar ingestion in flies. We discovered that brain neurons regulating food ingestion, IN18, receive excitatory input from enteric sensory neurons, which innervate the oesophagus and express the sugar receptor Gr43a. These enteric sensory neurons monitor the sugar content of food within the oesophagus during ingestion and send positive feedback signals to IN1s, stimulating the consumption of high-sugar foods. Connectome analyses reveal that IN1s form a core ingestion circuit. This interoceptive circuit receives synaptic input from enteric afferents and provides synaptic output to enteric motor neurons, which modulate the activity of muscles at the entry segments of the crop, a stomach-like food storage organ. While IN1s are persistently activated upon ingestion of sugar-rich foods, enteric motor neurons are continuously inhibited, causing the crop muscles to relax and enabling flies to consume large volumes of sugar. Our findings reveal a key interoceptive mechanism that underlies the rapid sensory monitoring and motor control of sugar ingestion within the digestive tract, optimising the diet of flies across varying metabolic states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew R. Meiselman
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Current address: School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, 89154, Las Vegas, NV, US
| | - Staci N. Thornton
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Current address: the Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, 06269, Storrs, CT
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
McKim TH, Gera J, Gayban AJ, Reinhard N, Manoli G, Hilpert S, Helfrich-Förster C, Zandawala M. Synaptic connectome of a neurosecretory network in the Drosophila brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.28.609616. [PMID: 39257829 PMCID: PMC11384003 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.28.609616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Hormones mediate inter-organ signaling which is crucial in orchestrating diverse behaviors and physiological processes including sleep and activity, feeding, growth, metabolism and reproduction. The pars intercerebralis and pars lateralis in insects represent major hubs which contain neurosecretory cells (NSC) that produce various hormones. To obtain insight into how hormonal signaling is regulated, we have characterized the synaptic connectome of NSC in the adult Drosophila brain. Identification of neurons providing inputs to multiple NSC subtypes implicates diuretic hormone 44-expressing NSC as a major coordinator of physiology and behavior. Surprisingly, despite most NSC having dendrites in the subesophageal zone (primary taste processing center), gustatory inputs to NSC are largely indirect. We also deciphered pathways via which diverse olfactory inputs are relayed to NSC. Further, our analyses revealed substantial inputs from descending neurons to NSC, suggesting that descending neurons regulate both endocrine and motor output to synchronize physiological changes with appropriate behaviors. In contrast to NSC inputs, synaptic output from NSC is sparse and mostly mediated by corazonin NSC. Therefore, we additionally determine putative paracrine interconnectivity between NSC subtypes and hormonal pathways from NSC to peripheral tissues by analyzing single-cell transcriptomic datasets. Our comprehensive characterization of the Drosophila neurosecretory network connectome provides a platform to understand complex hormonal networks and how they orchestrate animal behaviors and physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa H. McKim
- Integrative Neuroscience Program, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
| | - Jayati Gera
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ariana J. Gayban
- Integrative Neuroscience Program, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
| | - Nils Reinhard
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Manoli
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selina Hilpert
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Helfrich-Förster
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Integrative Neuroscience Program, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, 89557, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mim MS, Kumar N, Levis M, Unger MF, Miranda G, Gazzo D, Robinett T, Zartman JJ. Piezo regulates epithelial topology and promotes precision in organ size control. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114398. [PMID: 38935502 PMCID: PMC11606527 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114398] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive Piezo channels regulate cell division, cell extrusion, and cell death. However, systems-level functions of Piezo in regulating organogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Piezo controls epithelial cell topology to ensure precise organ growth by integrating live-imaging experiments with pharmacological and genetic perturbations and computational modeling. Notably, the knockout or knockdown of Piezo increases bilateral asymmetry in wing size. Piezo's multifaceted functions can be deconstructed as either autonomous or non-autonomous based on a comparison between tissue-compartment-level perturbations or between genetic perturbation populations at the whole-tissue level. A computational model that posits cell proliferation and apoptosis regulation through modulation of the cutoff tension required for Piezo channel activation explains key cell and tissue phenotypes arising from perturbations of Piezo expression levels. Our findings demonstrate that Piezo promotes robustness in regulating epithelial topology and is necessary for precise organ size control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayesha Sahir Mim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Nilay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Megan Levis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Maria F Unger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Gabriel Miranda
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - David Gazzo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Trent Robinett
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li X, Yang Y, Bai X, Wang X, Tan H, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Liu Q, Wu MN, Li Y. A brain-derived insulin signal encodes protein satiety for nutrient-specific feeding inhibition. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114282. [PMID: 38795342 PMCID: PMC11220824 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114282] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The suppressive effect of insulin on food intake has been documented for decades. However, whether insulin signals can encode a certain type of nutrients to regulate nutrient-specific feeding behavior remains elusive. Here, we show that in female Drosophila, a pair of dopaminergic neurons, tritocerebrum 1-dopaminergic neurons (T1-DANs), are directly activated by a protein-intake-induced insulin signal from insulin-producing cells (IPCs). Intriguingly, opto-activating IPCs elicits feeding inhibition for both protein and sugar, while silencing T1-DANs blocks this inhibition only for protein food. Elevating insulin signaling in T1-DANs or opto-activating these neurons is sufficient to mimic protein satiety. Furthermore, this signal is conveyed to local neurons of the protocerebral bridge (PB-LNs) and specifically suppresses protein intake. Therefore, our findings reveal that a brain-derived insulin signal encodes protein satiety and suppresses feeding behavior in a nutrient-specific manner, shedding light on the functional specificity of brain insulin signals in regulating behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Li
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaobing Bai
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Houqi Tan
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanbo Chen
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qili Liu
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mark N Wu
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100190, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang Z, Liu X, Hu B, Chen K, Yu Y, Sun C, Zhu D, Bai H, Palli SR, Tan A. The mechanoreceptor Piezo is required for spermatogenesis in Bombyx mori. BMC Biol 2024; 22:118. [PMID: 38769528 PMCID: PMC11106986 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01916-y] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The animal sperm shows high diversity in morphology, components, and motility. In the lepidopteran model insect, the silkworm Bombyx mori, two types of sperm, including nucleate fertile eupyrene sperm and anucleate unfertile apyrene sperm, are generated. Apyrene sperm assists fertilization by facilitating the migration of eupyrene spermatozoa from the bursa copulatrix to the spermatheca. During spermatogenesis, eupyrene sperm bundles extrude the cytoplasm by peristaltic squeezing, while the nuclei of the apyrene sperm bundles are discarded with the same process, forming matured sperm. RESULTS In this study, we describe that a mechanoreceptor BmPiezo, the sole Piezo ortholog in B. mori, plays key roles in larval feeding behavior and, more importantly, is essential for eupyrene spermatogenesis and male fertility. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of BmPiezo function decreases larval appetite and subsequent body size and weight. Immunofluorescence analyses reveal that BmPiezo is intensely localized in the inflatable point of eupyrene sperm bundle induced by peristaltic squeezing. BmPiezo is also enriched in the middle region of apyrene sperm bundle before peristaltic squeezing. Cytological analyses of dimorphic sperm reveal developmental arrest of eupyrene sperm bundles in BmPiezo mutants, while the apyrene spermatogenesis is not affected. RNA-seq analysis and q-RT-PCR analyses demonstrate that eupyrene spermatogenic arrest is associated with the dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, we show that the deformed eupyrene sperm bundles fail to migrate from the testes, resulting in male infertility due to the absence of eupyrene sperm in the bursa copulatrix and spermatheca. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our studies thus uncover a new role for Piezo in regulating spermatogenesis and male fertility in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China.
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China.
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Chenxin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Dalin Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Hua Bai
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA
| | - Anjiang Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China.
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gao J, Zhang S, Deng P, Wu Z, Lemaitre B, Zhai Z, Guo Z. Dietary L-Glu sensing by enteroendocrine cells adjusts food intake via modulating gut PYY/NPF secretion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3514. [PMID: 38664401 PMCID: PMC11045819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47465-4] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid availability is monitored by animals to adapt to their nutritional environment. Beyond gustatory receptors and systemic amino acid sensors, enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are believed to directly percept dietary amino acids and secrete regulatory peptides. However, the cellular machinery underlying amino acid-sensing by EECs and how EEC-derived hormones modulate feeding behavior remain elusive. Here, by developing tools to specifically manipulate EECs, we find that Drosophila neuropeptide F (NPF) from mated female EECs inhibits feeding, similar to human PYY. Mechanistically, dietary L-Glutamate acts through the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR to decelerate calcium oscillations in EECs, thereby causing reduced NPF secretion via dense-core vesicles. Furthermore, two dopaminergic enteric neurons expressing NPFR perceive EEC-derived NPF and relay an anorexigenic signal to the brain. Thus, our findings provide mechanistic insights into how EECs assess food quality and identify a conserved mode of action that explains how gut NPF/PYY modulates food intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Gao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zongzhao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Zheng Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhao Y, Liu Y, Tao T, Zhang J, Guo W, Deng H, Han M, Mo H, Tong X, Lin S, Yang J, Zhai H, Wang Q, Hu Z, Zhang W, Chen H, Xu G. Gastric mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 regulates ghrelin production and food intake. Nat Metab 2024; 6:458-472. [PMID: 38467889 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Ghrelin, produced mainly by gastric X/A-like cells, triggers a hunger signal to the central nervous system to stimulate appetite. It remains unclear whether X/A-like cells sense gastric distention and thus regulate ghrelin production. Here we show that PIEZO1 expression in X/A-like cells decreases in patients with obesity when compared to controls, whereas it increases after sleeve gastrectomy. Male and female mice with specific loss of Piezo1 in X/A-like cells exhibit hyperghrelinaemia and hyperphagia and are more susceptible to overweight. These phenotypes are associated with impairment of the gastric CaMKKII/CaMKIV-mTOR signalling pathway. Activation of PIEZO1 by Yoda1 or gastric bead implantation inhibits ghrelin production, decreases energy intake and induces weight loss in mice. Inhibition of ghrelin production by Piezo1 through the CaMKKII/CaMKIV-mTOR pathway can be recapitulated in a ghrelin-producing cell line mHypoE-42. Our study reveals a mechanical regulation of ghrelin production and appetite by PIEZO1 of X/A-like cells, which suggests a promising target for anti-obesity therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian Tao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenying Guo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Handan Deng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxue Han
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haocong Mo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Tong
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hening Zhai
- Endoscopy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qimeng Wang
- Biotherapy Center; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengfang Hu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Biotherapy Center; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Geyang Xu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen G, Li Y, Zhang H, Xie H. [Role of Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels in the osteoarticular system]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2024; 38:240-248. [PMID: 38385239 PMCID: PMC10882244 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202310092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective To summarize the role of Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels in the osteoarticular system, in order to provide reference for subsequent research. Methods Extensive literature review was conducted to summarize the structural characteristics, gating mechanisms, activators and blockers of Piezo ion channels, as well as their roles in the osteoarticular systems. Results The osteoarticular system is the main load-bearing and motor tissue of the body, and its ability to perceive and respond to mechanical stimuli is one of the guarantees for maintaining normal physiological functions of bones and joints. The occurrence and development of many osteoarticular diseases are closely related to abnormal mechanical loads. At present, research shows that Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels differentiate towards osteogenesis by responding to stretching stimuli and regulating cellular Ca 2+ influx signals; and it affects the proliferation and migration of osteoblasts, maintaining bone homeostasis through cellular communication between osteoblasts-osteoclasts. Meanwhile, Piezo1 protein can indirectly participate in regulating the formation and activity of osteoclasts through its host cells, thereby regulating the process of bone remodeling. During mechanical stimulation, the Piezo1 ion channel maintains bone homeostasis by regulating the expressions of Akt and Wnt1 signaling pathways. The sensitivity of Piezo1/2 ion channels to high strain mechanical signals, as well as the increased sensitivity of Piezo1 ion channels to mechanical transduction mediated by Ca 2+ influx and inflammatory signals in chondrocytes, is expected to become a new entry point for targeted prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. But the specific way mechanical stimuli regulate the physiological/pathological processes of bones and joints still needs to be clarified. Conclusion Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels give the osteoarticular system with important abilities to perceive and respond to mechanical stress, playing a crucial mechanical sensing role in its cellular fate, bone development, and maintenance of bone and cartilage homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
- Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yaxing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
- Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
- Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Huiqi Xie
- Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yamanouchi HM, Kamikouchi A, Tanaka R. Protocol to investigate the neural basis for copulation posture of Drosophila using a closed-loop real-time optogenetic system. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102623. [PMID: 37788165 PMCID: PMC10551656 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In internal fertilization animals, maintaining a copulation posture facilitates the process of transporting gametes from male to female. Here, we present a protocol to investigate the neural basis for copulation posture of fruit flies using a closed-loop real-time optogenetic system. We describe steps for using deep learning analysis to enable optogenetic manipulation of neural activity only during copulation with high efficiency. This system can be applied to various animal behaviors other than copulation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yamanouchi et al. (2023).1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayato M Yamanouchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan.
| | - Azusa Kamikouchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ryoya Tanaka
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
All cells in the body are exposed to physical force in the form of tension, compression, gravity, shear stress, or pressure. Cells convert these mechanical cues into intracellular biochemical signals; this process is an inherent property of all cells and is essential for numerous cellular functions. A cell's ability to respond to force largely depends on the array of mechanical ion channels expressed on the cell surface. Altered mechanosensing impairs conscious senses, such as touch and hearing, and unconscious senses, like blood pressure regulation and gastrointestinal (GI) activity. The GI tract's ability to sense pressure changes and mechanical force is essential for regulating motility, but it also underlies pain originating in the GI tract. Recent identification of the mechanically activated ion channels Piezo1 and Piezo2 in the gut and the effects of abnormal ion channel regulation on cellular function indicate that these channels may play a pathogenic role in disease. Here, we discuss our current understanding of mechanically activated Piezo channels in the pathogenesis of pancreatic and GI diseases, including pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, irritable bowel syndrome, GI tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease. We also describe how Piezo channels could be important targets for treating GI diseases.
Collapse
|
24
|
González Segarra AJ, Pontes G, Jourjine N, Del Toro A, Scott K. Hunger- and thirst-sensing neurons modulate a neuroendocrine network to coordinate sugar and water ingestion. eLife 2023; 12:RP88143. [PMID: 37732734 PMCID: PMC10513480 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88143] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of food and water is tightly regulated by the nervous system to maintain internal nutrient homeostasis. Although generally considered independently, interactions between hunger and thirst drives are important to coordinate competing needs. In Drosophila, four neurons called the interoceptive subesophageal zone neurons (ISNs) respond to intrinsic hunger and thirst signals to oppositely regulate sucrose and water ingestion. Here, we investigate the neural circuit downstream of the ISNs to examine how ingestion is regulated based on internal needs. Utilizing the recently available fly brain connectome, we find that the ISNs synapse with a novel cell-type bilateral T-shaped neuron (BiT) that projects to neuroendocrine centers. In vivo neural manipulations revealed that BiT oppositely regulates sugar and water ingestion. Neuroendocrine cells downstream of ISNs include several peptide-releasing and peptide-sensing neurons, including insulin producing cells (IPCs), crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) neurons, and CCHamide-2 receptor isoform RA (CCHa2R-RA) neurons. These neurons contribute differentially to ingestion of sugar and water, with IPCs and CCAP neurons oppositely regulating sugar and water ingestion, and CCHa2R-RA neurons modulating only water ingestion. Thus, the decision to consume sugar or water occurs via regulation of a broad peptidergic network that integrates internal signals of nutritional state to generate nutrient-specific ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina Pontes
- University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | | | | | - Kristin Scott
- University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
He L, Wu B, Shi J, Du J, Zhao Z. Regulation of feeding and energy homeostasis by clock-mediated Gart in Drosophila. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112912. [PMID: 37531254 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Feeding behavior is essential for growth and survival of animals; however, relatively little is known about its intrinsic mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that Gart is expressed in the glia, fat body, and gut and positively regulates feeding behavior via cooperation and coordination. Gart in the gut is crucial for maintaining endogenous feeding rhythms and food intake, while Gart in the glia and fat body regulates energy homeostasis between synthesis and metabolism. These roles of Gart further impact Drosophila lifespan. Importantly, Gart expression is directly regulated by the CLOCK/CYCLE heterodimer via canonical E-box, in which the CLOCKs (CLKs) in the glia, fat body, and gut positively regulate Gart of peripheral tissues, while the core CLK in brain negatively controls Gart of peripheral tissues. This study provides insight into the complex and subtle regulatory mechanisms of feeding and lifespan extension in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China; College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
He J, Xie X, Xiao Z, Qian W, Zhang L, Hou X. Piezo1 in Digestive System Function and Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12953. [PMID: 37629134 PMCID: PMC10454946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Piezo1, a non-selective cation channel directly activated by mechanical forces, is widely expressed in the digestive system and participates in biological functions physiologically and pathologically. In this review, we summarized the latest insights on Piezo1’s cellular effect across the entire digestive system, and discussed the role of Piezo1 in various aspects including ingestion and digestion, material metabolism, enteric nervous system, intestinal barrier, and inflammatory response within digestive system. The goal of this comprehensive review is to provide a solid foundation for future research about Piezo1 in digestive system physiologically and pathologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (J.H.); (X.X.); (Z.X.); (W.Q.)
| | - Xiaohua Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (J.H.); (X.X.); (Z.X.); (W.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Geier B, Neely L, Coronado E, Reiter LT. Drosophila UBE3A regulates satiety signaling through the Piezo mechanosensitive ion channel. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3101314. [PMID: 37461494 PMCID: PMC10350227 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3101314/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder characterized by developmental delays, speech impairments, ataxic movements, and in some cases, hyperphagic feeding behavior. Loss of function mutations, loss of expression from the maternal allele or absence of maternal UBE3A result in AS. Recent studies have established a connection between UBE3A and the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2, suggesting the potential role of UBE3A in the regulation of PIEZO channels. In this study, we investigated the role of Drosophila UBE3A (Dube3a) in Piezo associated hyperphagic feeding behavior. We developed a novel assay using green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing yeast to quantify gut distention in flies with Piezo and Dube3a mutations. We confirmed that Dube3a15b loss of function flies displayed gut distention to almost identical levels as PiezoKO flies. Further analysis using deficiency (Df) lines encompassing the Dube3a locus provided proof for a role of Dube3a in satiety signaling. We also investigated endogenous Piezo expression across the fly midgut and tracheal system. Piezo protein could be detected in both neurons and trachea of the midgut. Overexpression of Dube3a driven by the Piezo promoter resulted in distinct tracheal remodeling within the midgut. These findings suggest that Dube3a plays a key role in the regulation of Piezo and that subsequent dysregulation of these ion channels may explain the hyperphagic behavior observed in 32% of cases of AS. Further investigation will be needed to identify the intermediate protein(s) interacting between the Dube3a ubiquitin ligase and Piezo channels, as Piezo does not appear to be a direct ubiquitin substrate for UBE3A in mice and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Logan Neely
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
González-Segarra AJ, Pontes G, Jourjine N, Del Toro A, Scott K. Hunger- and thirst-sensing neurons modulate a neuroendocrine network to coordinate sugar and water ingestion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.06.535891. [PMID: 37066363 PMCID: PMC10104137 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.06.535891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of food and water is tightly regulated by the nervous system to maintain internal nutrient homeostasis. Although generally considered independently, interactions between hunger and thirst drives are important to coordinate competing needs. In Drosophila , four neurons called the Interoceptive Subesophageal zone Neurons (ISNs) respond to intrinsic hunger and thirst signals to oppositely regulate sucrose and water ingestion. Here, we investigate the neural circuit downstream of the ISNs to examine how ingestion is regulated based on internal needs. Utilizing the recently available fly brain connectome, we find that the ISNs synapse with a novel cell type Bilateral T-shaped neuron (BiT) that projects to neuroendocrine centers. In vivo neural manipulations revealed that BiT oppositely regulates sugar and water ingestion. Neuroendocrine cells downstream of ISNs include several peptide-releasing and peptide-sensing neurons, including insulin producing cells (IPC), crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) neurons, and CCHamide-2 receptor isoform RA (CCHa2R-RA) neurons. These neurons contribute differentially to ingestion of sugar and water, with IPCs and CCAP neurons oppositely regulating sugar and water ingestion, and CCHa2R-RA neurons modulating only water ingestion. Thus, the decision to consume sugar or water occurs via regulation of a broad peptidergic network that integrates internal signals of nutritional state to generate nutrient-specific ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina Pontes
- University of California, Berkeley, United States
- present address: IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicholas Jourjine
- University of California, Berkeley, United States
- present address: Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Alexander Del Toro
- University of California, Berkeley, United States
- present address: Brown University, Rhode Island, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mayeli A, Al Zoubi O, White EJ, Chappelle S, Kuplicki R, Morton A, Bruce J, Smith R, Feinstein JS, Bodurka J, Paulus MP, Khalsa SS. Parieto-occipital ERP indicators of gut mechanosensation in humans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3398. [PMID: 37311748 PMCID: PMC10264354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neural processes governing the human gut-brain connection has been challenging due to the inaccessibility of the body's interior. Here, we investigated neural responses to gastrointestinal sensation using a minimally invasive mechanosensory probe by quantifying brain, stomach, and perceptual responses following the ingestion of a vibrating capsule. Participants successfully perceived capsule stimulation under two vibration conditions (normal and enhanced), as evidenced by above chance accuracy scores. Perceptual accuracy improved significantly during the enhanced relative to normal stimulation, which was associated with faster stimulation detection and reduced reaction time variability. Capsule stimulation induced late neural responses in parieto-occipital electrodes near the midline. Moreover, these 'gastric evoked potentials' showed intensity-dependent increases in amplitude and were significantly correlated with perceptual accuracy. Our results replicated in a separate experiment, and abdominal X-ray imaging localized most capsule stimulations to the gastroduodenal segments. Combined with our prior observation that a Bayesian model is capable of estimating computational parameters of gut-brain mechanosensation, these findings highlight a unique form of enterically-focused sensory monitoring within the human brain, with implications for understanding gut feelings and gut-brain interactions in healthy and clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mayeli
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Obada Al Zoubi
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evan J White
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Alexa Morton
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Jaimee Bruce
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Ryan Smith
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Jerzy Bodurka
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yamanouchi HM, Tanaka R, Kamikouchi A. Piezo-mediated mechanosensation contributes to stabilizing copulation posture and reproductive success in Drosophila males. iScience 2023; 26:106617. [PMID: 37250311 PMCID: PMC10214400 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In internal fertilization animals, reproductive success depends on maintaining copulation until gametes are transported from male to female. In Drosophila melanogaster, mechanosensation in males likely contributes to copulation maintenance, but its molecular underpinning remains to be identified. Here we show that the mechanosensory gene piezo and its' expressing neurons are responsible for copulation maintenance. An RNA-seq database search and subsequent mutant analysis revealed the importance of piezo for maintaining male copulation posture. piezo-GAL4-positive signals were found in the sensory neurons of male genitalia bristles, and optogenetic inhibition of piezo-expressing neurons in the posterior side of the male body during copulation destabilized posture and terminated copulation. Our findings suggest that the mechanosensory system of male genitalia through Piezo channels plays a key role in copulation maintenance and indicate that Piezo may increase male fitness during copulation in flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryoya Tanaka
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Azusa Kamikouchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Goodman MB, Haswell ES, Vásquez V. Mechanosensitive membrane proteins: Usual and unusual suspects in mediating mechanotransduction. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202213248. [PMID: 36696153 PMCID: PMC9930137 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This Viewpoint, which accompanies a Special Issue focusing on membrane mechanosensors, discusses unifying and unique features of both established and emerging mechanosensitive (MS) membrane proteins, their distribution across protein families and phyla, and current and future challenges in the study of these important proteins and their partners. MS membrane proteins are essential for tissue development, cellular motion, osmotic homeostasis, and sensing external and self-generated mechanical cues like those responsible for touch and proprioception. Though researchers' attention and this Viewpoint focus on a few famous ion channels that are considered the usual suspects as MS mechanosensors, we also discuss some of the more unusual suspects, such as G-protein coupled receptors. As the field continues to grow, so too will the list of proteins suspected to function as mechanosensors and the diversity of known MS membrane proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam B. Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Haswell
- Department of Biology, Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu J, Guo X, Zheng S, Zhang W. A dedicate sensorimotor circuit enables fine texture discrimination by active touch. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010562. [PMID: 36649336 PMCID: PMC9882754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Active touch facilitates environments exploration by voluntary, self-generated movements. However, the neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor control for active touch are poorly understood. During foraging and feeding, Drosophila gather information on the properties of food (texture, hardness, taste) by constant probing with their proboscis. Here we identify a group of neurons (sd-L neurons) on the fly labellum that are mechanosensitive to labellum displacement and synapse onto the sugar-sensing neurons via axo-axonal synapses to induce preference to harder food. These neurons also feed onto the motor circuits that control proboscis extension and labellum spreading to provide on-line sensory feedback critical for controlling the probing processes, thus facilitating ingestion of less liquified food. Intriguingly, this preference was eliminated in mated female flies, reflecting an elevated need for softer food. Our results propose a sensorimotor circuit composed of mechanosensory, gustatory and motor neurons that enables the flies to select ripe yet not over-rotten food by active touch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Xu Y, Xiong Y, Liu Y, Li G, Bai T, Zheng G, Hou X, Song J. Activation of goblet cell Piezo1 alleviates mucus barrier damage in mice exposed to WAS by inhibiting H3K9me3 modification. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:7. [PMID: 36631841 PMCID: PMC9835388 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our recent studies found that intestinal mechanical signals can regulate mucus synthesis and secretion of intestinal goblet cells through piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1), but the detailed molecular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Previous studies using a water avoidance stress (WAS) model reported decreased intestinal mucus accompanied by abnormal intestinal motility. It has also been reported that the expression of mucin2 was negatively correlated with histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), a key regulator of histone methylation, and that mechanical stimulation can affect methylation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether and how Piezo1 expressed on goblet cells regulates mucus barrier function through methylation modification. METHODS A murine WAS model was established and treated with Yoda1 (Piezo1 agonist), and specific Piezo1 flox-mucin2 Cre mice were also tested. The mucus layer thickness and mucus secretion rate of mouse colonic mucosa were detected by a homemade horizontal Ussing chamber, intestinal peristaltic contraction was detected by the ink propulsion test and organ bath, goblet cells and mucus layer morphology were assessed by HE and Alcian blue staining, mucus permeability was detected by FISH, and the expression levels of Piezo1, H3K9me3 and related molecules were measured by Western blots and immunofluorescence. LS174T cells were cultured on a shaker board in vitro to simulate mechanical stimulation. Piezo1 and H3K9me3 were inhibited, and changes in mucin2 and methylation-related pathways were detected by ELISAs and Western blots. ChIP-PCR assays were used to detect the binding of H3K9me3 and mucin2 promoters under mechanical stimulation. RESULTS Compared with those of the controls, the mucus layer thickness and mucus secretion rate of the mice exposed to WAS were significantly decreased, the mucus permeability increased, the number of goblet cells decreased, and the intestinal contraction and peristalsis were also downregulated and disordered. Intraperitoneal injection of Yoda1 improved mucus barrier function and intestinal contraction. In the colonic mucosa of mice exposed to WAS, Piezo1 was decreased, and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39h1) were increased, but activating Piezo1 alleviated these effects of WAS. Piezo1 flox-mucin2 Cre mice showed decreased mucus expression and increased methylation compared to wild-type mice. Cell experiments showed that mechanical stimulation induced the activation of Piezo1, decreased H3K9me3 and SUV39h1, and upregulated mucin2 expression. Inhibition of Piezo1 or H3K9me3 blocked the promoting effect of mechanical stimulation on LS174T mucin2 expression. The binding of H3K9me3 to the mucin2 promoter decreased significantly under mechanical stimulation, but this could be blocked by the Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4. CONCLUSION Piezo1 mediates mechanical stimulation to inhibit SUV39h1, thereby reducing H3K9me3 production and its binding to the mucin2 promoter, ultimately promoting mucin2 expression in goblet cells. This study further confirmed that piezo1 on goblet cells could regulate mucus barrier function through methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yilin Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Gangping Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Gen Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaohua Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Jun Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hedgehog-mediated gut-taste neuron axis controls sweet perception in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7810. [PMID: 36535958 PMCID: PMC9763350 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary composition affects food preference in animals. High sugar intake suppresses sweet sensation from insects to humans, but the molecular basis of this suppression is largely unknown. Here, we reveal that sugar intake in Drosophila induces the gut to express and secrete Hedgehog (Hh) into the circulation. We show that the midgut secreted Hh localize to taste sensilla and suppresses sweet sensation, perception, and preference. We further find that the midgut Hh inhibits Hh signalling in the sweet taste neurons. Our electrophysiology studies demonstrate that the midgut Hh signal also suppresses bitter taste and some odour responses, affecting overall food perception and preference. We further show that the level of sugar intake during a critical window early in life, sets the adult gut Hh expression and sugar perception. Our results together reveal a bottom-up feedback mechanism involving a "gut-taste neuron axis" that regulates food sensation and preference.
Collapse
|
35
|
Yoon S, Shin M, Shim J. Inter-organ regulation by the brain in Drosophila development and physiology. J Neurogenet 2022:1-13. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2022.2137162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunggyu Yoon
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingyu Shin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Shim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu C, Zhang W. Molecular basis of somatosensation in insects. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 76:102592. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
37
|
Huang J, Zhang K, Du R, Liu W, Zhang H, Tian T, Wang Y, Wang G, Yin T. The Janus-faced role of Piezo1 in cardiovascular health under mechanical stimulation. Genes Dis 2022. [PMID: 37492728 PMCID: PMC10363580 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cardiovascular health problems are becoming more and more serious. At the same time, mechanical stimulation closely relates to cardiovascular health. In this context, Piezo1, which is very sensitive to mechanical stimulation, has attracted our attention. Here, we review the critical significance of Piezo1 in mechanical stimulation of endothelial cells, NO production, lipid metabolism, DNA damage protection, the development of new blood vessels and maturation, narrowing of blood vessels, blood pressure regulation, vascular permeability, insulin sensitivity, and maintenance of red blood cell function. Besides, Piezo1 may participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is worth noting that Piezo1 has dual effects on maintaining cardiovascular health. On the one hand, the function of Piezo1 is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health; on the other hand, under some extreme mechanical stimulation, the overexpression of Piezo1 may bring adverse factors such as inflammation. Therefore, this review discusses the Janus-faced role of Piezo1 in maintaining cardiovascular health and puts forward new ideas to provide references for gene therapy or nanoagents targeting Piezo1.
Collapse
|
38
|
Xiong H, Yang J, Guo J, Ma A, Wang B, Kang Y. Mechanosensitive Piezo channels mediate the physiological and pathophysiological changes in the respiratory system. Respir Res 2022; 23:196. [PMID: 35906615 PMCID: PMC9338466 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive Piezo ion channels were first reported in 2010 in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, opening up a new field for studying the composition and function of eukaryotic mechanically activated channels. During the past decade, Piezo ion channels were identified in many species, such as bacteria, Drosophila, and mammals. In mammals, basic life activities, such as the sense of touch, proprioception, hearing, vascular development, and blood pressure regulation, depend on the activation of Piezo ion channels. Cumulative evidence suggests that Piezo ion channels play a major role in lung vascular development and function and diseases like pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, apnea, and other lung-related diseases. In this review, we focused on studies that reported specific functions of Piezos in tissues and emphasized the physiological and pathological effects of their absence or functional mutations on the respiratory system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyu Xiong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Aijia Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yan Kang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wijerathne TD, Ozkan AD, Lacroix JJ. Yoda1's energetic footprint on Piezo1 channels and its modulation by voltage and temperature. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202269119. [PMID: 35858335 PMCID: PMC9303978 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202269119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Piezo1 channels are essential mechanically activated ion channels in vertebrates. Their selective activation by the synthetic chemical activator Yoda1 opened new avenues to probe their gating mechanisms and develop novel pharmaceuticals. Yet, the nature and extent of Piezo1 functions modulated by this small molecule remain unclear. Here we close this gap by conducting a comprehensive biophysical investigation of the effects of Yoda1 on mouse Piezo1 in mammalian cells. Using calcium imaging, we first show that cysteine bridges known to inhibit mechanically evoked Piezo1 currents also inhibit activation by Yoda1, suggesting Yoda1 acts by energetically modulating mechanosensory domains. The presence of Yoda1 alters single-channel dwell times and macroscopic kinetics consistent with a dual and reciprocal energetic modulation of open and shut states. Critically, we further discovered that the electrophysiological effects of Yoda1 depend on membrane potential and temperature, two other Piezo1 modulators. This work illuminates a complex interplay between physical and chemical modulators of Piezo1 channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tharaka D. Wijerathne
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Alper D. Ozkan
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Jérôme J. Lacroix
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Endocrine cybernetics: neuropeptides as molecular switches in behavioural decisions. Open Biol 2022; 12:220174. [PMID: 35892199 PMCID: PMC9326288 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in animal behaviour relies on the ability to integrate external and internal cues from the changing environment and hence modulate activity in synaptic circuits of the brain. This context-dependent neuromodulation is largely based on non-synaptic signalling with neuropeptides. Here, we describe select peptidergic systems in the Drosophila brain that act at different levels of a hierarchy to modulate behaviour and associated physiology. These systems modulate circuits in brain regions, such as the central complex and the mushroom bodies, which supervise specific behaviours. At the top level of the hierarchy there are small numbers of large peptidergic neurons that arborize widely in multiple areas of the brain to orchestrate or modulate global activity in a state and context-dependent manner. At the bottom level local peptidergic neurons provide executive neuromodulation of sensory gain and intrinsically in restricted parts of specific neuronal circuits. The orchestrating neurons receive interoceptive signals that mediate energy and sleep homeostasis, metabolic state and circadian timing, as well as external cues that affect food search, aggression or mating. Some of these cues can be triggers of conflicting behaviours such as mating versus aggression, or sleep versus feeding, and peptidergic neurons participate in circuits, enabling behaviour choices and switches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland Würzburg 97074, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cui X, Gruzdeva A, Kim H, Yapici N. Of flies, mice and neural control of food intake: lessons to learn from both models. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 73:102531. [PMID: 35390643 PMCID: PMC9167741 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In her book, A Room of One's Own, the famous author Virginia Woolf writes "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well". This is true. All animals need to forage for food and consume specific nutrients to maintain their physiological homeostasis, maximize their fitness and their reproduction. After decades of research in humans and many model organisms, we now know that our brain is one of the key players that control what, when, and how much we eat. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on neural control of food intake behaviors in mice and flies with the view that these two model organisms complement one another in efforts to uncover conserved principles brains use to regulate energy metabolism and food ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna Gruzdeva
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haein Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
He J, Li B, Han S, Zhang Y, Liu K, Yi S, Liu Y, Xiu M. Drosophila as a Model to Study the Mechanism of Nociception. Front Physiol 2022; 13:854124. [PMID: 35418874 PMCID: PMC8996152 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.854124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociception refers to the process of encoding and processing noxious stimuli, which allow animals to detect and avoid potentially harmful stimuli. Several types of stimuli can trigger nociceptive sensory transduction, including thermal, noxious chemicals, and harsh mechanical stimulation that depend on the corresponding nociceptors. In view of the high evolutionary conservation of the mechanisms that govern nociception from Drosophila melanogaster to mammals, investigation in the fruit fly Drosophila help us understand how the sensory nervous system works and what happen in nociception. Here, we present an overview of currently identified conserved genetics of nociception, the nociceptive sensory neurons responsible for detecting noxious stimuli, and various assays for evaluating different nociception. Finally, we cover development of anti-pain drug using fly model. These comparisons illustrate the value of using Drosophila as model for uncovering nociception mechanisms, which are essential for identifying new treatment goals and developing novel analgesics that are applicable to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzheng He
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Botong Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuzhen Han
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kai Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Simeng Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongqi Liu,
| | - Minghui Xiu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Minghui Xiu,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hughes K, Shah A, Bai X, Adams J, Bauer R, Jackson J, Harris E, Ficca A, Freebairn P, Mohammed S, Fernández EM, Bainbridge C, Brocco M, Stein W, Vidal-Gadea AG. Distinct mechanoreceptor pezo-1 isoforms modulate food intake in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkab429. [PMID: 35100363 PMCID: PMC9210275 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Two PIEZO mechanosensitive cation channels, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, have been identified in mammals, where they are involved in numerous sensory processes. While structurally similar, PIEZO channels are expressed in distinct tissues and exhibit unique properties. How different PIEZOs transduce force, how their transduction mechanism varies, and how their unique properties match the functional needs of the tissues they are expressed in remain all-important unanswered questions. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a single PIEZO ortholog (pezo-1) predicted to have 12 isoforms. These isoforms share many transmembrane domains but differ in those that distinguish PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in mammals. We used transcriptional and translational reporters to show that putative promoter sequences immediately upstream of the start codon of long pezo-1 isoforms predominantly drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in mesodermally derived tissues (such as muscle and glands). In contrast, sequences upstream of shorter pezo-1 isoforms resulted in GFP expression primarily in neurons. Putative promoters upstream of different isoforms drove GFP expression in different cells of the same organs of the digestive system. The observed unique pattern of complementary expression suggests that different isoforms could possess distinct functions within these organs. We used mutant analysis to show that pharyngeal muscles and glands require long pezo-1 isoforms to respond appropriately to the presence of food. The number of pezo-1 isoforms in C. elegans, their putative differential pattern of expression, and roles in experimentally tractable processes make this an attractive system to investigate the molecular basis for functional differences between members of the PIEZO family of mechanoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Ashka Shah
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Xiaofei Bai
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jessica Adams
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Rosemary Bauer
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Janelle Jackson
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Emily Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Alyson Ficca
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Ploy Freebairn
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Shawn Mohammed
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Eliana M Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), Buenos Aires 1650, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) San Martín, Buenos Aires 1650, Argentina
| | - Chance Bainbridge
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | - Marcela Brocco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), Buenos Aires 1650, Argentina
| | - Wolfgang Stein
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Medina A, Bellec K, Polcowñuk S, Cordero JB. Investigating local and systemic intestinal signalling in health and disease with Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274860. [PMID: 35344037 PMCID: PMC8990086 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-body health relies on complex inter-organ signalling networks that enable organisms to adapt to environmental perturbations and to changes in tissue homeostasis. The intestine plays a major role as a signalling centre by producing local and systemic signals that are relayed to the body and that maintain intestinal and organismal homeostasis. Consequently, disruption of intestinal homeostasis and signalling are associated with systemic diseases and multi-organ dysfunction. In recent years, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a prime model organism to study tissue-intrinsic and systemic signalling networks of the adult intestine due to its genetic tractability and functional conservation with mammals. In this Review, we highlight Drosophila research that has contributed to our understanding of how the adult intestine interacts with its microenvironment and with distant organs. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding intestinal and whole-body pathophysiology, and how future Drosophila studies might advance our knowledge of the complex interplay between the intestine and the rest of the body in health and disease. Summary: We outline work in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that has contributed knowledge on local and whole-body signalling coordinated by the adult intestine, and discuss its implications in intestinal pathophysiology and associated systemic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Medina
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.,CRUK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Karen Bellec
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sofia Polcowñuk
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Julia B Cordero
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.,CRUK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Prescott SL, Liberles SD. Internal senses of the vagus nerve. Neuron 2022; 110:579-599. [PMID: 35051375 PMCID: PMC8857038 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The vagus nerve is an indispensable body-brain connection that controls vital aspects of autonomic physiology like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and gut motility, reflexes like coughing and swallowing, and survival behaviors like feeding, drinking, and sickness responses. Classical physiological studies and recent molecular/genetic approaches have revealed a tremendous diversity of vagal sensory neuron types that innervate different internal organs, with many cell types remaining poorly understood. Here, we review the state of knowledge related to vagal sensory neurons that innervate the respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. We focus on cell types and their response properties, physiological/behavioral roles, engaged neural circuits and, when possible, sensory receptors. We are only beginning to understand the signal transduction mechanisms used by vagal sensory neurons and upstream sentinel cells, and future studies are needed to advance the field of interoception to the level of mechanistic understanding previously achieved for our external senses.
Collapse
|
46
|
Yao Z, Scott K. Serotonergic neurons translate taste detection into internal nutrient regulation. Neuron 2022; 110:1036-1050.e7. [PMID: 35051377 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The nervous and endocrine systems coordinately monitor and regulate nutrient availability to maintain energy homeostasis. Sensory detection of food regulates internal nutrient availability in a manner that anticipates food intake, but sensory pathways that promote anticipatory physiological changes remain unclear. Here, we identify serotonergic (5-HT) neurons as critical mediators that transform gustatory detection by sensory neurons into the activation of insulin-producing cells and enteric neurons in Drosophila. One class of 5-HT neurons responds to gustatory detection of sugars, excites insulin-producing cells, and limits consumption, suggesting that they anticipate increased nutrient levels and prevent overconsumption. A second class of 5-HT neurons responds to gustatory detection of bitter compounds and activates enteric neurons to promote gastric motility, likely to stimulate digestion and increase circulating nutrients upon food rejection. These studies demonstrate that 5-HT neurons relay acute gustatory detection to divergent pathways for longer-term stabilization of circulating nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng Yao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Kristin Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Neural signalling of gut mechanosensation in ingestive and digestive processes. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:135-156. [PMID: 34983992 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Eating and drinking generate sequential mechanosensory signals along the digestive tract. These signals are communicated to the brain for the timely initiation and regulation of diverse ingestive and digestive processes - ranging from appetite control and tactile perception to gut motility, digestive fluid secretion and defecation - that are vital for the proper intake, breakdown and absorption of nutrients and water. Gut mechanosensation has been investigated for over a century as a common pillar of energy, fluid and gastrointestinal homeostasis, and recent discoveries of specific mechanoreceptors, contributing ion channels and the well-defined circuits underlying gut mechanosensation signalling and function have further expanded our understanding of ingestive and digestive processes at the molecular and cellular levels. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the generation of mechanosensory signals from the digestive periphery, the neural afferent pathways that relay these signals to the brain and the neural circuit mechanisms that control ingestive and digestive processes, focusing on the four major digestive tract parts: the oral and pharyngeal cavities, oesophagus, stomach and intestines. We also discuss the clinical implications of gut mechanosensation in ingestive and digestive disorders.
Collapse
|
48
|
Millet JRM, Romero LO, Lee J, Bell B, Vásquez V. C. elegans PEZO-1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel involved in food sensation. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:212890. [PMID: 34854875 PMCID: PMC8647359 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202112960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PIEZO channels are force sensors essential for physiological processes, including baroreception and proprioception. The Caenorhabditis elegans genome encodes an orthologue gene of the Piezo family, pezo-1, which is expressed in several tissues, including the pharynx. This myogenic pump is an essential component of the C. elegans alimentary canal, whose contraction and relaxation are modulated by mechanical stimulation elicited by food content. Whether pezo-1 encodes a mechanosensitive ion channel and contributes to pharyngeal function remains unknown. Here, we leverage genome editing, genetics, microfluidics, and electropharyngeogram recording to establish that pezo-1 is expressed in the pharynx, including in a proprioceptive-like neuron, and regulates pharyngeal function. Knockout (KO) and gain-of-function (GOF) mutants reveal that pezo-1 is involved in fine-tuning pharyngeal pumping frequency, as well as sensing osmolarity and food mechanical properties. Using pressure-clamp experiments in primary C. elegans embryo cultures, we determine that pezo-1 KO cells do not display mechanosensitive currents, whereas cells expressing wild-type or GOF PEZO-1 exhibit mechanosensitivity. Moreover, infecting the Spodoptera frugiperda cell line with a baculovirus containing the G-isoform of pezo-1 (among the longest isoforms) demonstrates that pezo-1 encodes a mechanosensitive channel. Our findings reveal that pezo-1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel that regulates food sensation in worms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R M Millet
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Luis O Romero
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.,Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Briar Bell
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.,Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Short B. Worms find PEZO-1's function easy to swallow. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:e202113063. [PMID: 34889959 PMCID: PMC8669497 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202113063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
JGP study finds that the C. elegans orthologue of the PIEZO family is a mechanosensitive ion channel that regulates pharyngeal pumping and food sensation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Fölsz O, Lin CC, Task D, Riabinina O, Potter CJ. The Q-system: A Versatile Repressible Binary Expression System. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2540:35-78. [PMID: 35980572 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2541-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Binary expression systems are useful genetic tools for experimentally labeling or manipulating the function of defined cells. The Q-system is a repressible binary expression system that consists of a transcription factor QF (and the recently improved QF2/QF2w), the inhibitor QS, a QUAS-geneX effector, and a drug that inhibits QS (quinic acid). The Q-system can be used alone or in combination with other binary expression systems, such as GAL4/UAS and LexA/LexAop. In this review chapter, we discuss the past, present, and future of the Q-system for applications in Drosophila and other organisms. We discuss the in vivo application of the Q-system for transgenic labeling, the modular nature of QF that allows chimeric or split transcriptional activators to be developed, its temporal control by quinic acid, new methods to generate QF2 reagents, intersectional expression labeling, and its recent adoption into many emerging experimental species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Fölsz
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Chun-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Giesel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Darya Task
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Potter
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|