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von Saucken VE, Windner SE, Baylies MK. Postsynaptic BMP signaling regulates myonuclear properties in Drosophila larval muscles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588944. [PMID: 38645063 PMCID: PMC11030338 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The syncytial mammalian muscle fiber contains a heterogeneous population of (myo)nuclei. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myonuclei have specialized positioning and gene expression. However, it remains unclear how myonuclei are recruited and what regulates myonuclear output at the NMJ. Here, we identify specific properties of myonuclei located near the Drosophila larval NMJ. These synaptic myonuclei have increased size in relation to their surrounding cytoplasmic domain (scaling), increased DNA content (ploidy), and increased levels of transcription factor pMad, a readout for BMP signaling activity. Our genetic manipulations show local BMP signaling affects muscle size, nuclear size, ploidy, and NMJ size and function. In support, RNA sequencing analysis reveals that pMad regulates genes involved in muscle growth, ploidy (i.e., E2f1), and neurotransmission. Our data suggest that muscle BMP signaling instructs synaptic myonuclear output that then positively shapes the NMJ synapse. This study deepens our understanding of how myonuclear heterogeneity supports local signaling demands to fine tune cellular function and NMJ activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E. von Saucken
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Weill Cornell-Rockefeller-Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Stefanie E. Windner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Mary K. Baylies
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 USA
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2
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Akiyama T, Raftery LA, Wharton KA. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling: the pathway and its regulation. Genetics 2024; 226:iyad200. [PMID: 38124338 PMCID: PMC10847725 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad200] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mid-1960s, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were first identified in the extracts of bone to have the remarkable ability to induce heterotopic bone. When the Drosophila gene decapentaplegic (dpp) was first identified to share sequence similarity with mammalian BMP2/BMP4 in the late-1980s, it became clear that secreted BMP ligands can mediate processes other than bone formation. Following this discovery, collaborative efforts between Drosophila geneticists and mammalian biochemists made use of the strengths of their respective model systems to identify BMP signaling components and delineate the pathway. The ability to conduct genetic modifier screens in Drosophila with relative ease was critical in identifying the intracellular signal transducers for BMP signaling and the related transforming growth factor-beta/activin signaling pathway. Such screens also revealed a host of genes that encode other core signaling components and regulators of the pathway. In this review, we provide a historical account of this exciting time of gene discovery and discuss how the field has advanced over the past 30 years. We have learned that while the core BMP pathway is quite simple, composed of 3 components (ligand, receptor, and signal transducer), behind the versatility of this pathway lies multiple layers of regulation that ensures precise tissue-specific signaling output. We provide a sampling of these discoveries and highlight many questions that remain to be answered to fully understand the complexity of BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Akiyama
- Department of Biology, Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center, The Center for Genomic Advocacy, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
| | - Laurel A Raftery
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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3
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Bertin F, Jara-Wilde J, Auer B, Köhler-Solís A, González-Silva C, Thomas U, Sierralta J. Drosophila Atlastin regulates synaptic vesicle mobilization independent of bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Biol Res 2023; 56:49. [PMID: 37710314 PMCID: PMC10503011 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contacts endosomes in all parts of a motor neuron, including the axon and presynaptic terminal, to move structural proteins, proteins that send signals, and lipids over long distances. Atlastin (Atl), a large GTPase, is required for membrane fusion and the structural dynamics of the ER tubules. Atl mutations are the second most common cause of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), which causes spasticity in both sexes' lower extremities. Through an unknown mechanism, Atl mutations stimulate the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) pathway in vertebrates and Drosophila. Synaptic defects are caused by atl mutations, which affect the abundance and distribution of synaptic vesicles (SV) in the bouton. We hypothesize that BMP signaling, does not cause Atl-dependent SV abnormalities in Drosophila. RESULTS We show that atl knockdown in motor neurons (Atl-KD) increases synaptic and satellite boutons in the same way that constitutively activating the BMP-receptor Tkv (thick veins) (Tkv-CA) increases the bouton number. The SV proteins Cysteine string protein (CSP) and glutamate vesicular transporter are reduced in Atl-KD and Tkv-CA larvae. Reducing the activity of the BMP receptor Wishful thinking (wit) can rescue both phenotypes. Unlike Tkv-CA larvae, Atl-KD larvae display altered activity-dependent distributions of CSP staining. Furthermore, Atl-KD larvae display an increased FM 1-43 unload than Control and Tkv-CA larvae. As decreasing wit function does not reduce the phenotype, our hypothesis that BMP signaling is not involved is supported. We also found that Rab11/CSP colocalization increased in Atl-KD larvae, which supports the concept that late recycling endosomes regulate SV movements. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that Atl modulates neurotransmitter release in motor neurons via SV distribution independently of BMP signaling, which could explain the observed SV accumulation and synaptic dysfunction. Our data suggest that Atl is involved in membrane traffic as well as formation and/or recycling of the late endosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Bertin
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Jara-Wilde
- SCIAN-Lab, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Department of Computational Sciences, Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benedikt Auer
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Synaptic Signals, Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andrés Köhler-Solís
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina González-Silva
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrich Thomas
- Functional Genetics of the Synapse, Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jimena Sierralta
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Qian W, Guo M, Peng J, Zhao T, Li Z, Yang Y, Li H, Zhang X, King-Jones K, Cheng D. Decapentaplegic retards lipolysis during metamorphosis in Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 155:103928. [PMID: 36870515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect morphogen decapentaplegic (Dpp) functions as one of the key extracellular ligands of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Previous studies in insects mainly focused on the roles of Dpp during embryonic development and the formation of adult wings. In this study, we demonstrate a new role for Dpp in retarding lipolysis during metamorphosis in both Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of Bombyx dpp causes pupal lethality, induces an excessive and premature breakdown of lipids in the fat body, and upregulates the expressions of several lipolytic enzyme genes, including brummer (bmm), lipase 3 (lip3), and hormone-sensitive lipase (hsl), and lipid storage droplet 1 (lsd1), a lipid droplets (LD)-associated protein gene. Further investigation in Drosophila reveals that salivary gland-specific knockdown of the dpp gene and fat body-specific knockdown of Mad involved in Dpp signaling phenocopy the effects of Bombyx dpp mutation on pupal development and lipolysis. Taken together, our data indicate that the Dpp-mediated BMP signaling in the fat body maintains lipid homeostasis by retarding lipolysis, which is necessary for pupa-adult transition during insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mengge Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tujing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Kirst King-Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, G-504 Biological Sciences Bldg., Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Daojun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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5
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Vuilleumier R, Miao M, Medina-Giro S, Ell CM, Flibotte S, Lian T, Kauwe G, Collins A, Ly S, Pyrowolakis G, Haghighi AP, Allan DW. Dichotomous cis-regulatory motifs mediate the maturation of the neuromuscular junction by retrograde BMP signaling. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9748-9764. [PMID: 36029115 PMCID: PMC9508838 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrograde bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has served as a paradigm to study TGF-β-dependent synaptic function and maturation. Yet, how retrograde BMP signaling transcriptionally regulates these functions remains unresolved. Here, we uncover a gene network, enriched for neurotransmission-related genes, that is controlled by retrograde BMP signaling in motor neurons through two Smad-binding cis-regulatory motifs, the BMP-activating (BMP-AE) and silencer (BMP-SE) elements. Unpredictably, both motifs mediate direct gene activation, with no involvement of the BMP derepression pathway regulators Schnurri and Brinker. Genome editing of candidate BMP-SE and BMP-AE within the locus of the active zone gene bruchpilot, and a novel Ly6 gene witty, demonstrated the role of these motifs in upregulating genes required for the maturation of pre- and post-synaptic NMJ compartments. Our findings uncover how Smad-dependent transcriptional mechanisms specific to motor neurons directly orchestrate a gene network required for synaptic maturation by retrograde BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vuilleumier
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Mo Miao
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sonia Medina-Giro
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Clara-Maria Ell
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany.,CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies and Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Hilde Mangold Haus, Habsburgerstrasse 49, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | - Stephane Flibotte
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Tianshun Lian
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Grant Kauwe
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Annie Collins
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sophia Ly
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - George Pyrowolakis
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies and Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Hilde Mangold Haus, Habsburgerstrasse 49, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | | | - Douglas W Allan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Vicidomini R, Serpe M. Local BMP signaling: A sensor for synaptic activity that balances synapse growth and function. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 150:211-254. [PMID: 35817503 PMCID: PMC11102767 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.04.001] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Synapse development is coordinated by intercellular communication between the pre- and postsynaptic compartments, and by neuronal activity itself. In flies as in vertebrates, neuronal activity induces input-specific changes in the synaptic strength so that the entire circuit maintains stable function in the face of many challenges, including changes in synapse number and strength. But how do neurons sense synapse activity? In several studies carried out using the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we demonstrated that local BMP signaling provides an exquisite sensor for synapse activity. Here we review the main features of this exquisite sensor and discuss its functioning beyond monitoring the synapse activity but rather as a key controller that operates in coordination with other BMP signaling pathways to balance synapse growth, maturation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vicidomini
- Neurosciences and Cellular and Structural Biology Division, Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mihaela Serpe
- Neurosciences and Cellular and Structural Biology Division, Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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7
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Fenckova M, Muha V, Mariappa D, Catinozzi M, Czajewski I, Blok LER, Ferenbach AT, Storkebaum E, Schenck A, van Aalten DMF. Intellectual disability-associated disruption of O-GlcNAc cycling impairs habituation learning in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010159. [PMID: 35500025 PMCID: PMC9140282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a reversible co-/post-translational modification involved in a multitude of cellular processes. The addition and removal of the O-GlcNAc modification is controlled by two conserved enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAc hydrolase (OGA). Mutations in OGT have recently been discovered to cause a novel Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (OGT-CDG) that is characterized by intellectual disability. The mechanisms by which OGT-CDG mutations affect cognition remain unclear. We manipulated O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAc hydrolase activity in Drosophila and demonstrate an important role of O-GlcNAcylation in habituation learning and synaptic development at the larval neuromuscular junction. Introduction of patient-specific missense mutations into Drosophila O-GlcNAc transferase using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing leads to deficits in locomotor function and habituation learning. The habituation deficit can be corrected by blocking O-GlcNAc hydrolysis, indicating that OGT-CDG mutations affect cognition-relevant habituation via reduced protein O-GlcNAcylation. This study establishes a critical role for O-GlcNAc cycling and disrupted O-GlcNAc transferase activity in cognitive dysfunction, and suggests that blocking O-GlcNAc hydrolysis is a potential strategy to treat OGT-CDG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Fenckova
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Villo Muha
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Mariappa
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Marica Catinozzi
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ignacy Czajewski
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E. R. Blok
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Andrew T. Ferenbach
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Storkebaum
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daan M. F. van Aalten
- Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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8
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Changes in Presynaptic Gene Expression during Homeostatic Compensation at a Central Synapse. J Neurosci 2021; 41:3054-3067. [PMID: 33608385 PMCID: PMC8026347 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2979-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic matching of pre- and postsynaptic function has been observed in many species and neural structures, but whether transcriptional changes contribute to this form of trans-synaptic coordination remains unknown. To identify genes whose expression is altered in presynaptic neurons as a result of perturbing postsynaptic excitability, we applied a transcriptomics-friendly, temperature-inducible Kir2.1-based activity clamp at the first synaptic relay of the Drosophila olfactory system, a central synapse known to exhibit trans-synaptic homeostatic matching. Twelve hours after adult-onset suppression of activity in postsynaptic antennal lobe projection neurons of males and females, we detected changes in the expression of many genes in the third antennal segment, which houses the somata of presynaptic olfactory receptor neurons. These changes affected genes with roles in synaptic vesicle release and synaptic remodeling, including several implicated in homeostatic plasticity at the neuromuscular junction. At 48 h and beyond, the transcriptional landscape tilted toward protein synthesis, folding, and degradation; energy metabolism; and cellular stress defenses, indicating that the system had been pushed to its homeostatic limits. Our analysis suggests that similar homeostatic machinery operates at peripheral and central synapses and identifies many of its components. The presynaptic transcriptional response to genetically targeted postsynaptic perturbations could be exploited for the construction of novel connectivity tracing tools. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Homeostatic feedback mechanisms adjust intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons to keep their average activity levels constant. We show that, at a central synapse in the fruit fly brain, these mechanisms include changes in presynaptic gene expression that are instructed by an abrupt loss of postsynaptic excitability. The trans-synaptically regulated genes have roles in synaptic vesicle release and synapse remodeling; protein synthesis, folding, and degradation; and energy metabolism. Our study establishes a role for transcriptional changes in homeostatic synaptic plasticity, points to mechanistic commonalities between peripheral and central synapses, and potentially opens new opportunities for the development of connectivity-based gene expression systems.
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9
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Sidisky JM, Weaver D, Hussain S, Okumus M, Caratenuto R, Babcock D. Mayday sustains trans-synaptic BMP signaling required for synaptic maintenance with age. eLife 2021; 10:e54932. [PMID: 33667157 PMCID: PMC7935490 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining synaptic structure and function over time is vital for overall nervous system function and survival. The processes that underly synaptic development are well understood. However, the mechanisms responsible for sustaining synapses throughout the lifespan of an organism are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized gene, CG31475, regulates synaptic maintenance in adult Drosophila NMJs. We named CG31475 mayday due to the progressive loss of flight ability and synapse architecture with age. Mayday is functionally homologous to the human protein Cab45, which sorts secretory cargo from the Trans Golgi Network (TGN). We find that Mayday is required to maintain trans-synaptic BMP signaling at adult NMJs in order to sustain proper synaptic structure and function. Finally, we show that mutations in mayday result in the loss of both presynaptic motor neurons as well as postsynaptic muscles, highlighting the importance of maintaining synaptic integrity for cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Sidisky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
| | - Daniel Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
| | - Sarrah Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
| | - Meryem Okumus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
| | - Russell Caratenuto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
| | - Daniel Babcock
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehemUnited States
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10
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Berndt AJ, Othonos KM, Lian T, Flibotte S, Miao M, Bhuiyan SA, Cho RY, Fong JS, Hur SA, Pavlidis P, Allan DW. A low affinity cis-regulatory BMP response element restricts target gene activation to subsets of Drosophila neurons. eLife 2020; 9:59650. [PMID: 33124981 PMCID: PMC7669266 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrograde BMP signaling and canonical pMad/Medea-mediated transcription regulate diverse target genes across subsets of Drosophila efferent neurons, to differentiate neuropeptidergic neurons and promote motor neuron terminal maturation. How a common BMP signal regulates diverse target genes across many neuronal subsets remains largely unresolved, although available evidence implicates subset-specific transcription factor codes rather than differences in BMP signaling. Here we examine the cis-regulatory mechanisms restricting BMP-induced FMRFa neuropeptide expression to Tv4-neurons. We find that pMad/Medea bind at an atypical, low affinity motif in the FMRFa enhancer. Converting this motif to high affinity caused ectopic enhancer activity and eliminated Tv4-neuron expression. In silico searches identified additional motif instances functional in other efferent neurons, implicating broader functions for this motif in BMP-dependent enhancer activity. Thus, differential interpretation of a common BMP signal, conferred by low affinity pMad/Medea binding motifs, can contribute to the specification of BMP target genes in efferent neuron subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Je Berndt
- Department of Food & Fuel for the 21st Century, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Katerina M Othonos
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tianshun Lian
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stephane Flibotte
- UBC/LSI Bioinformatics Facility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mo Miao
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Raymond Y Cho
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Justin S Fong
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seo Am Hur
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Douglas W Allan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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11
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Spinner MA, Pinter K, Drerup CM, Herman TG. A Conserved Role for Vezatin Proteins in Cargo-Specific Regulation of Retrograde Axonal Transport. Genetics 2020; 216:431-445. [PMID: 32788307 PMCID: PMC7536845 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Active transport of organelles within axons is critical for neuronal health. Retrograde axonal transport, in particular, relays neurotrophic signals received by axon terminals to the nucleus and circulates new material among enpassant synapses. A single motor protein complex, cytoplasmic dynein, is responsible for nearly all retrograde transport within axons: its linkage to and transport of diverse cargos is achieved by cargo-specific regulators. Here, we identify Vezatin as a conserved regulator of retrograde axonal transport. Vertebrate Vezatin (Vezt) is required for the maturation and maintenance of cell-cell junctions and has not previously been implicated in axonal transport. However, a related fungal protein, VezA, has been shown to regulate retrograde transport of endosomes in hyphae. In a forward genetic screen, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the Drosophila vezatin-like (vezl) gene. We here show that vezl loss prevents a subset of endosomes, including signaling endosomes containing activated BMP receptors, from initiating transport out of motor neuron terminal boutons. vezl loss also decreases the transport of endosomes and dense core vesicles, but not mitochondria, within axon shafts. We disrupted vezt in zebrafish and found that vezt loss specifically impairs the retrograde axonal transport of late endosomes, causing their accumulation in axon terminals. Our work establishes a conserved, cargo-specific role for Vezatin proteins in retrograde axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Spinner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Katherine Pinter
- Unit on Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Catherine M Drerup
- Unit on Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Tory G Herman
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
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12
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The Ubiquitin Proteasome System in Neuromuscular Disorders: Moving Beyond Movement. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176429. [PMID: 32899400 PMCID: PMC7503226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) affect 1 in 3000 people worldwide. There are more than 150 different types of NMDs, where the common feature is the loss of muscle strength. These disorders are classified according to their neuroanatomical location, as motor neuron diseases, peripheral nerve diseases, neuromuscular junction diseases, and muscle diseases. Over the years, numerous studies have pointed to protein homeostasis as a crucial factor in the development of these fatal diseases. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a fundamental role in maintaining protein homeostasis, being involved in protein degradation, among other cellular functions. Through a cascade of enzymatic reactions, proteins are ubiquitinated, tagged, and translocated to the proteasome to be degraded. Within the ubiquitin system, we can find three main groups of enzymes: E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzymes), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes), and E3 (ubiquitin-protein ligases). Only the ubiquitinated proteins with specific chain linkages (such as K48) will be degraded by the UPS. In this review, we describe the relevance of this system in NMDs, summarizing the UPS proteins that have been involved in pathological conditions and neuromuscular disorders, such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), among others. A better knowledge of the processes involved in the maintenance of proteostasis may pave the way for future progress in neuromuscular disorder studies and treatments.
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13
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14
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Chou VT, Johnson SA, Van Vactor D. Synapse development and maturation at the drosophila neuromuscular junction. Neural Dev 2020; 15:11. [PMID: 32741370 PMCID: PMC7397595 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00147-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the sites of neuron-to-neuron communication and form the basis of the neural circuits that underlie all animal cognition and behavior. Chemical synapses are specialized asymmetric junctions between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic target that form through a series of diverse cellular and subcellular events under the control of complex signaling networks. Once established, the synapse facilitates neurotransmission by mediating the organization and fusion of synaptic vesicles and must also retain the ability to undergo plastic changes. In recent years, synaptic genes have been implicated in a wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders; the individual and societal burdens imposed by these disorders, as well as the lack of effective therapies, motivates continued work on fundamental synapse biology. The properties and functions of the nervous system are remarkably conserved across animal phyla, and many insights into the synapses of the vertebrate central nervous system have been derived from studies of invertebrate models. A prominent model synapse is the Drosophila melanogaster larval neuromuscular junction, which bears striking similarities to the glutamatergic synapses of the vertebrate brain and spine; further advantages include the simplicity and experimental versatility of the fly, as well as its century-long history as a model organism. Here, we survey findings on the major events in synaptogenesis, including target specification, morphogenesis, and the assembly and maturation of synaptic specializations, with a emphasis on work conducted at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian T Chou
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seth A Johnson
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - David Van Vactor
- Department of Cell Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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15
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Maksoud E, Liao EH, Haghighi AP. A Neuron-Glial Trans-Signaling Cascade Mediates LRRK2-Induced Neurodegeneration. Cell Rep 2020; 26:1774-1786.e4. [PMID: 30759389 PMCID: PMC6474846 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) induce an age-dependent loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. We have identified Furin 1, a pro-protein convertase, as a translational target of LRRK2 in DA neurons. Transgenic knockdown of Furin1 or its substrate the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) ligand glass bottom boat (Gbb) protects against LRRK2-induced loss of DA neurons. LRRK2 enhances the accumulation of phosphorylated Mad (pMad) in the nuclei of glial cells in the vicinity of DA neurons but not in DA neurons. Consistently, exposure to paraquat enhances Furin 1 levels in DA neurons and induces BMP signaling in glia. In support of a neuron-glial signaling model, knocking down BMP pathway members only in glia, but not in neurons, can protect against paraquat toxicity. We propose that a neuron-glial BMP-signaling cascade is critical for mediating age-dependent neurodegeneration in two models of Parkinson's disease, thus opening avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Maksoud
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Edward H Liao
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
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16
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Hoover KM, Gratz SJ, Qi N, Herrmann KA, Liu Y, Perry-Richardson JJ, Vanderzalm PJ, O'Connor-Giles KM, Broihier HT. The calcium channel subunit α 2δ-3 organizes synapses via an activity-dependent and autocrine BMP signaling pathway. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5575. [PMID: 31811118 PMCID: PMC6898181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are highly specialized for neurotransmitter signaling, yet activity-dependent growth factor release also plays critical roles at synapses. While efficient neurotransmitter signaling relies on precise apposition of release sites and neurotransmitter receptors, molecular mechanisms enabling high-fidelity growth factor signaling within the synaptic microenvironment remain obscure. Here we show that the auxiliary calcium channel subunit α2δ-3 promotes the function of an activity-dependent autocrine Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). α2δ proteins have conserved synaptogenic activity, although how they execute this function has remained elusive. We find that α2δ-3 provides an extracellular scaffold for an autocrine BMP signal, suggesting a mechanistic framework for understanding α2δ's conserved role in synapse organization. We further establish a transcriptional requirement for activity-dependent, autocrine BMP signaling in determining synapse density, structure, and function. We propose that activity-dependent, autocrine signals provide neurons with continuous feedback on their activity state for modulating both synapse structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall M Hoover
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Scott J Gratz
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Nova Qi
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kelsey A Herrmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yizhou Liu
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jahci J Perry-Richardson
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Pamela J Vanderzalm
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, 44118, USA
| | | | - Heather T Broihier
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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17
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Baloghova N, Lidak T, Cermak L. Ubiquitin Ligases Involved in the Regulation of Wnt, TGF-β, and Notch Signaling Pathways and Their Roles in Mouse Development and Homeostasis. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100815. [PMID: 31623112 PMCID: PMC6826584 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt, TGF-β, and Notch signaling pathways are essential for the regulation of cellular polarity, differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Differential activation and mutual crosstalk of these pathways during animal development are crucial instructive forces in the initiation of the body axis and the development of organs and tissues. Due to the ability to initiate cell proliferation, these pathways are vulnerable to somatic mutations selectively producing cells, which ultimately slip through cellular and organismal checkpoints and develop into cancer. The architecture of the Wnt, TGF-β, and Notch signaling pathways is simple. The transmembrane receptor, activated by the extracellular stimulus, induces nuclear translocation of the transcription factor, which subsequently changes the expression of target genes. Nevertheless, these pathways are regulated by a myriad of factors involved in various feedback mechanisms or crosstalk. The most prominent group of regulators is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). To open the door to UPS-based therapeutic manipulations, a thorough understanding of these regulations at a molecular level and rigorous confirmation in vivo are required. In this quest, mouse models are exceptional and, thanks to the progress in genetic engineering, also an accessible tool. Here, we reviewed the current understanding of how the UPS regulates the Wnt, TGF-β, and Notch pathways and we summarized the knowledge gained from related mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Baloghova
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomas Lidak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukas Cermak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 252 42 Vestec, Czech Republic.
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18
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Vuilleumier R, Lian T, Flibotte S, Khan ZN, Fuchs A, Pyrowolakis G, Allan DW. Retrograde BMP signaling activates neuronal gene expression through widespread deployment of a conserved BMP-responsive cis-regulatory activation element. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:679-699. [PMID: 30476189 PMCID: PMC6344883 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrograde Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in neurons is essential for the differentiation and synaptic function of many neuronal subtypes. BMP signaling regulates these processes via Smad transcription factor activity, yet the scope and nature of Smad-dependent gene regulation in neurons are mostly unknown. Here, we applied a computational approach to predict Smad-binding cis-regulatory BMP-Activating Elements (BMP-AEs) in Drosophila, followed by transgenic in vivo reporter analysis to test their neuronal subtype enhancer activity in the larval central nervous system (CNS). We identified 34 BMP-AE-containing genomic fragments that are responsive to BMP signaling in neurons, and showed that the embedded BMP-AEs are required for this activity. RNA-seq analysis identified BMP-responsive genes in the CNS and revealed that BMP-AEs selectively enrich near BMP-activated genes. These data suggest that functional BMP-AEs control nearby BMP-activated genes, which we validated experimentally. Finally, we demonstrated that the BMP-AE motif mediates a conserved Smad-responsive function in the Drosophila and vertebrate CNS. Our results provide evidence that BMP signaling controls neuronal function by directly coordinating the expression of a battery of genes through widespread deployment of a conserved Smad-responsive cis-regulatory motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vuilleumier
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tianshun Lian
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephane Flibotte
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zaynah N Khan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alisa Fuchs
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signaling Studies and Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - George Pyrowolakis
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signaling Studies and Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Douglas W Allan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Tracy Cai X, Li H, Safyan A, Gawlik J, Pyrowolakis G, Jasper H. AWD regulates timed activation of BMP signaling in intestinal stem cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2988. [PMID: 31278345 PMCID: PMC6611797 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise control of stem cell (SC) proliferation ensures tissue homeostasis. In the Drosophila intestine, injury-induced regeneration involves initial activation of intestinal SC (ISC) proliferation and subsequent return to quiescence. These two phases of the regenerative response are controlled by differential availability of the BMP type I receptor Thickveins (Tkv), yet how its expression is dynamically regulated remains unclear. Here we show that during homeostasis, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Highwire and the ubiquitin-proteasome system maintain low Tkv protein expression. After ISC activation, Tkv is stabilized by proteasome inhibition and undergoes endocytosis due to the induction of the nucleoside diphosphate kinase Abnormal Wing Disc (AWD). Tkv internalization is required for the activation of the Smad protein Mad, and for the return to quiescence after a regenerative episode. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms ensuring tissue homeostasis by dynamic control of somatic stem cell activity. Regeneration after injury in the Drosophila intestine involves early activation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and subsequent return to quiescence. Here the authors show that return to quiescence by ISCs involves BMP Type I receptor Tkv protein stabilization along with AWD mediated internalization into endocytic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Tracy Cai
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA, 94945-1400, USA
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Abu Safyan
- International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB), Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gawlik
- Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - George Pyrowolakis
- Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centre BIOSS and CIBSS, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA, 94945-1400, USA. .,Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA. .,Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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20
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Politano SF, Salemme RR, Ashley J, López-Rivera JA, Bakula TA, Puhalla KA, Quinn JP, Juszczak MJ, Phillip LK, Carrillo RA, Vanderzalm PJ. Tao Negatively Regulates BMP Signaling During Neuromuscular Junction Development in Drosophila. Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:335-349. [PMID: 31002474 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coordinated growth and development of synapses is critical for all aspects of neural circuit function and mutations that disrupt these processes can result in various neurological defects. Several anterograde and retrograde signaling pathways, including the canonical Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) pathway, regulate synaptic development in vertebrates and invertebrates. At the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the retrograde BMP pathway is a part of the machinery that controls NMJ expansion concurrent with larval growth. We sought to determine whether the conserved Hippo pathway, critical for proportional growth in other tissues, also functions in NMJ development. We found that neuronal loss of the serine-threonine protein kinase Tao, a regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway, results in supernumerary boutons which contain a normal density of active zones. Tao is also required for proper synaptic function, as reduction of Tao results in NMJs with decreased evoked excitatory junctional potentials. Surprisingly, Tao function in NMJ growth is independent of the Hippo pathway. Instead, our experiments suggest that Tao negatively regulates BMP signaling as reduction of Tao leads to an increase in pMad levels in motor neuron nuclei and an increase in BMP target gene expression. Taken together, these results support a role for Tao as a novel inhibitor of BMP signaling in motor neurons during synaptic development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Politano
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - Ryan R Salemme
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - James Ashley
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60637
| | | | - Toren A Bakula
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - Kathryn A Puhalla
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - John P Quinn
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - Madison J Juszczak
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - Lauren K Phillip
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
| | - Robert A Carrillo
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60637
| | - Pamela J Vanderzalm
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, 44118
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21
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Wasserman SS, Shteiman-Kotler A, Harris K, Iliadi KG, Persaud A, Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Fang X, Boulianne GL, Stewart B, Rotin D. Regulation of SH3PX1 by dNedd4-long at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:1739-1752. [PMID: 30518551 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Nedd4 (dNedd4) is a HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase present in two major isoforms: short (dNedd4S) and long (dNedd4Lo), with the latter containing two unique regions (N terminus and Middle). Although dNedd4S promotes neuromuscular synaptogenesis (NMS), dNedd4Lo inhibits it and impairs larval locomotion. To explain how dNedd4Lo inhibits NMS, MS analysis was performed to find its binding partners and identified SH3PX1, which binds dNedd4Lo unique Middle region. SH3PX1 contains SH3, PX, and BAR domains and is present at neuromuscular junctions, where it regulates active zone ultrastructure and presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Here, we demonstrate direct binding of SH3PX1 to the dNedd4Lo Middle region (which contains a Pro-rich sequence) in vitro and in cells, via the SH3PX1-SH3 domain. In Drosophila S2 cells, dNedd4Lo overexpression reduces SH3PX1 levels at the cell periphery. In vivo overexpression of dNedd4Lo post-synaptically, but not pre-synaptically, reduces SH3PX1 levels at the subsynaptic reticulum and impairs neurotransmitter release. Unexpectedly, larvae that overexpress dNedd4Lo post-synaptically and are heterozygous for a null mutation in SH3PX1 display increased neurotransmission compared with dNedd4Lo or SH3PX1 mutant larvae alone, suggesting a compensatory effect from the remaining SH3PX1 allele. These results suggest a post-synaptic-specific regulation of SH3PX1 by dNedd4Lo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S Wasserman
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alina Shteiman-Kotler
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kathryn Harris
- Department of Cell and System Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Konstantin G Iliadi
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Avinash Persaud
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Yvonne Zhong
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Gabrielle L Boulianne
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Bryan Stewart
- Department of Cell and System Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Daniela Rotin
- Hospital for Sick Children, Cell Biology and Developmental and Stem Cell Biology programs, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada.
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22
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West RJH, Briggs L, Perona Fjeldstad M, Ribchester RR, Sweeney ST. Sphingolipids regulate neuromuscular synapse structure and function in Drosophila. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:1995-2009. [PMID: 29761896 PMCID: PMC6175220 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are found in abundance at synapses and have been implicated in regulation of synapse structure, function, and degeneration. Their precise role in these processes, however, remains obscure. Serine Palmitoyl-transferase (SPT) is the first enzymatic step for synthesis of sphingolipids. Analysis of the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) revealed mutations in the SPT enzyme subunit, lace/SPTLC2 resulted in deficits in synaptic structure and function. Although NMJ length is normal in lace mutants, the number of boutons per NMJ is reduced to ∼50% of the wild type number. Synaptic boutons in lace mutants are much larger but show little perturbation to the general ultrastructure. Electrophysiological analysis of lace mutant synapses revealed strong synaptic transmission coupled with predominance of depression over facilitation. The structural and functional phenotypes of lace mirrored aspects of Basigin (Bsg), a small Ig-domain adhesion molecule also known to regulate synaptic structure and function. Mutant combinations of lace and Bsg generated large synaptic boutons, while lace mutants showed abnormal accumulation of Bsg at synapses, suggesting that Bsg requires sphingolipid to regulate structure of the synapse. In support of this, we found Bsg to be enriched in lipid rafts. Our data points to a role for sphingolipids in the regulation and fine-tuning of synaptic structure and function while sphingolipid regulation of synaptic structure may be mediated via the activity of Bsg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. H. West
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical SchoolUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYork YO10 5DDUK
| | - Laura Briggs
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical SchoolUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYork YO10 5DDUK
| | - Maria Perona Fjeldstad
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh EH8 9JZUK
| | - Richard R. Ribchester
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh EH8 9JZUK
| | - Sean T. Sweeney
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical SchoolUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYork YO10 5DDUK
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23
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BMP signaling downstream of the Highwire E3 ligase sensitizes nociceptors. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007464. [PMID: 30001326 PMCID: PMC6042685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the molecular machinery important for nociception is essential to improving the treatment of pain. Here, we show that the BMP signaling pathway regulates nociception downstream of the E3 ubiquitin ligase highwire (hiw). hiw loss of function in nociceptors caused antagonistic and pleiotropic phenotypes with simultaneous insensitivity to noxious heat but sensitized responses to optogenetic activation of nociceptors. Thus, hiw functions to both positively and negatively regulate nociceptors. We find that a sensory reception-independent sensitization pathway was associated with BMP signaling. BMP signaling in nociceptors was up-regulated in hiw mutants, and nociceptor-specific expression of hiw rescued all nociception phenotypes including the increased BMP signaling. Blocking the transcriptional output of the BMP pathway with dominant negative Mad suppressed nociceptive hypersensitivity that was induced by interfering with hiw. The up-regulated BMP signaling phenotype in hiw genetic mutants could not be suppressed by mutation in wallenda suggesting that hiw regulates BMP in nociceptors via a wallenda independent pathway. In a newly established Ca2+ imaging preparation, we observed that up-regulated BMP signaling caused a significantly enhanced Ca2+ signal in the axon terminals of nociceptors that were stimulated by noxious heat. This response likely accounts for the nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by elevated BMP signaling in nociceptors. Finally, we showed that 24-hour activation of BMP signaling in nociceptors was sufficient to sensitize nociceptive responses to optogenetically-triggered nociceptor activation without altering nociceptor morphology. Overall, this study demonstrates the previously unrevealed roles of the Hiw-BMP pathway in the regulation of nociception and provides the first direct evidence that up-regulated BMP signaling physiologically sensitizes responses of nociceptors and nociception behaviors. Although pain is a universally experienced sensation that has a significant impact on human lives and society, the molecular mechanisms of pain remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is particularly important to gaining insight into the clinical development of currently incurable chronic pain diseases. Taking an advantage of the powerful genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), we unveil the Highwire-BMP signaling pathway as a novel molecular pathway that regulates the sensitivity of nociceptive sensory neurons. Highwire and the molecular components of the BMP signaling pathway are known to be widely conserved among animal phyla, from nematode worms to humans. Since abnormal sensitivity of nociceptive sensory neurons can play a critical role in the development of chronic pain conditions, a deeper understanding of the regulation of nociceptor sensitivity has the potential to advance effective therapeutic strategies to treat difficult pain conditions.
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Migh E, Götz T, Földi I, Szikora S, Gombos R, Darula Z, Medzihradszky KF, Maléth J, Hegyi P, Sigrist S, Mihály J. Microtubule organization in presynaptic boutons relies on the formin DAAM. Development 2018; 145:dev.158519. [PMID: 29487108 DOI: 10.1242/dev.158519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the cytoskeleton is fundamental to the development and function of synaptic terminals, such as neuromuscular junctions. Despite the identification of numerous proteins that regulate synaptic actin and microtubule dynamics, the mechanisms of cytoskeletal control during terminal arbor formation have remained largely elusive. Here, we show that DAAM, a member of the formin family of cytoskeleton organizing factors, is an important presynaptic regulator of neuromuscular junction development in Drosophila We demonstrate that the actin filament assembly activity of DAAM plays a negligible role in terminal formation; rather, DAAM is necessary for synaptic microtubule organization. Genetic interaction studies consistently link DAAM with the Wg/Ank2/Futsch module of microtubule regulation and bouton formation. Finally, we provide evidence that DAAM is tightly associated with the synaptic active zone scaffold, and electrophysiological data point to a role in the modulation of synaptic vesicle release. Based on these results, we propose that DAAM is an important cytoskeletal effector element of the Wg/Ank2 pathway involved in the determination of basic synaptic structures, and, additionally, that DAAM may couple the active zone scaffold to the presynaptic cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ede Migh
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, MTA-SZBK NAP B Axon Growth and Regeneration Group, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Torsten Götz
- Institut für Biologie/Genetik and NeuroCure, Freie Universitat Berlin, Takustrasse 6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - István Földi
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, MTA-SZBK NAP B Axon Growth and Regeneration Group, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Szikora
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, MTA-SZBK NAP B Axon Growth and Regeneration Group, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Rita Gombos
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, MTA-SZBK NAP B Axon Growth and Regeneration Group, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Darula
- Laboratory of Proteomics Research, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Katalin F Medzihradszky
- Laboratory of Proteomics Research, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - József Maléth
- MTA-SZTE Translational Gastroenterology Research Group, Szeged H-6725, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- MTA-SZTE Translational Gastroenterology Research Group, Szeged H-6725, Hungary.,Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Pecs, Pécs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Stephan Sigrist
- Institut für Biologie/Genetik and NeuroCure, Freie Universitat Berlin, Takustrasse 6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - József Mihály
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, MTA-SZBK NAP B Axon Growth and Regeneration Group, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
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25
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Molnar C, Estrada B, de Celis JF. Tay bridge and extracellular-regulated kinase activity are required for motoneuron function in the Drosophila neural system. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018. [PMID: 29524312 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular regulated kinase (Erk) activity is required during neural development for the specification of cell fates in neuroblasts and neuronal lineages, and also regulates several aspects of the activity and survival of mature neurons. The activation of Erk is regulated at multiple levels by kinases and phosphatases that alter its phosphorylation state and by other proteins that regulate its subcellular localization. Here, we find that tay bridge (tay), a negative regulator of Erk in Drosophila imaginal discs, is required in the motoneurons to regulate the number and size of neuromuscular synapses in these cells. The expression of Tay is maximal in motoneurons with low levels of activated ERK, suggesting that Tay modulates the activity of Erk in these cells. We also found that loss of tay expression and increased Erk activity specifically in the motoneurons cause a reversible decrease in walking speed. Impaired motoneurons activity may be caused by alterations in the functionality and number of synaptic boutons developing at the neuromuscular junction in tay mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Molnar
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Estrada
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC and UPO, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J F de Celis
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Koch M, Nicolas M, Zschaetzsch M, de Geest N, Claeys A, Yan J, Morgan MJ, Erfurth ML, Holt M, Schmucker D, Hassan BA. A Fat-Facets-Dscam1-JNK Pathway Enhances Axonal Growth in Development and after Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 11:416. [PMID: 29472843 PMCID: PMC5809495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to the adult central nervous systems (CNS) can result in severe long-term disability because damaged CNS connections fail to regenerate after trauma. Identification of regulators that enhance the intrinsic growth capacity of severed axons is a first step to restore function. Here, we conducted a gain-of-function genetic screen in Drosophila to identify strong inducers of axonal growth after injury. We focus on a novel axis the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam1), the de-ubiquitinating enzyme Fat Facets (Faf)/Usp9x and the Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway transcription factor Kayak (Kay)/Fos. Genetic and biochemical analyses link these genes in a common signaling pathway whereby Faf stabilizes Dscam1 protein levels, by acting on the 3'-UTR of its mRNA, and Dscam1 acts upstream of the growth-promoting JNK signal. The mammalian homolog of Faf, Usp9x/FAM, shares both the regenerative and Dscam1 stabilizing activities, suggesting a conserved mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Koch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Nicolas
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marlen Zschaetzsch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie de Geest
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Claeys
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jiekun Yan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew J Morgan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria-Luise Erfurth
- Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuronal Wiring Lab, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew Holt
- Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Glia Biology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Schmucker
- Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuronal Wiring Lab, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bassem A Hassan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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27
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Liao EH, Gray L, Tsurudome K, El-Mounzer W, Elazzouzi F, Baim C, Farzin S, Calderon MR, Kauwe G, Haghighi AP. Kinesin Khc-73/KIF13B modulates retrograde BMP signaling by influencing endosomal dynamics at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007184. [PMID: 29373576 PMCID: PMC5802963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrograde signaling is essential for neuronal growth, function and survival; however, we know little about how signaling endosomes might be directed from synaptic terminals onto retrograde axonal pathways. We have identified Khc-73, a plus-end directed microtubule motor protein, as a regulator of sorting of endosomes in Drosophila larval motor neurons. The number of synaptic boutons and the amount of neurotransmitter release at the Khc-73 mutant larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are normal, but we find a significant decrease in the number of presynaptic release sites. This defect in Khc-73 mutant larvae can be genetically enhanced by a partial genetic loss of Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) signaling or suppressed by activation of BMP signaling in motoneurons. Consistently, activation of BMP signaling that normally enhances the accumulation of phosphorylated form of BMP transcription factor Mad in the nuclei, can be suppressed by genetic removal of Khc-73. Using a number of assays including live imaging in larval motor neurons, we show that loss of Khc-73 curbs the ability of retrograde-bound endosomes to leave the synaptic area and join the retrograde axonal pathway. Our findings identify Khc-73 as a regulator of endosomal traffic at the synapse and modulator of retrograde BMP signaling in motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H. Liao
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Lindsay Gray
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Kazuya Tsurudome
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Fatima Elazzouzi
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Baim
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Farzin
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mario R. Calderon
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Grant Kauwe
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - A. Pejmun Haghighi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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28
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Hauswirth AG, Ford KJ, Wang T, Fetter RD, Tong A, Davis GW. A postsynaptic PI3K-cII dependent signaling controller for presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. eLife 2018; 7:31535. [PMID: 29303480 PMCID: PMC5773188 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity stabilizes information transfer at synaptic connections in organisms ranging from insect to human. By analogy with principles of engineering and control theory, the molecular implementation of PHP is thought to require postsynaptic signaling modules that encode homeostatic sensors, a set point, and a controller that regulates transsynaptic negative feedback. The molecular basis for these postsynaptic, homeostatic signaling elements remains unknown. Here, an electrophysiology-based screen of the Drosophila kinome and phosphatome defines a postsynaptic signaling platform that includes a required function for PI3K-cII, PI3K-cIII and the small GTPase Rab11 during the rapid and sustained expression of PHP. We present evidence that PI3K-cII localizes to Golgi-derived, clathrin-positive vesicles and is necessary to generate an endosomal pool of PI(3)P that recruits Rab11 to recycling endosomal membranes. A morphologically distinct subdivision of this platform concentrates postsynaptically where we propose it functions as a homeostatic controller for retrograde, trans-synaptic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna G Hauswirth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Kevin J Ford
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Amy Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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29
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Abstract
The Drosophila motor system starts to assemble during embryonic development. It is composed of 30 muscles per abdominal hemisegment and 36 motor neurons assembling into nerve branches to exit the CNS, navigate within the muscle field and finally establish specific connections with their target muscles. Several families of guidance molecules that play a role controlling this process as well as transcriptional regulators that program the behavior of specific motor neuron have been identified. In this review we summarize the role of both groups of molecules in the motor system as well as their relationship where known. It is apparent that partially redundant guidance protein families and membrane molecules with different functional output direct guidance decisions cooperatively. Some distinct transcriptional regulators seem to control guidance of specific nerve branches globally directing the expression of groups of pathfinding molecules in all motor neurons within the same motor branch.
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30
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Zhang X, Rui M, Gan G, Huang C, Yi J, Lv H, Xie W. Neuroligin 4 regulates synaptic growth via the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17991-18005. [PMID: 28912273 PMCID: PMC5672027 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.810242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroligin (Nlg) family of neural cell adhesion molecules is thought to be required for synapse formation and development and has been linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders in humans. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutations in the neuroligin 1–3 genes have been reported to induce synapse developmental defects at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), but the role of neuroligin 4 (dnlg4) in synapse development has not been determined. Here, we report that the Drosophila neuroligin 4 (DNlg4) is different from DNlg1–3 in that it presynaptically regulates NMJ synapse development. Loss of dnlg4 results in reduced growth of NMJs with fewer synaptic boutons. The morphological defects caused by dnlg4 mutant are associated with a corresponding decrease in synaptic transmission efficacy. All of these defects could only be rescued when DNlg4 was expressed in the presynapse of NMJs. To understand the basis of DNlg4 function, we looked for genetic interactions and found connections with the components of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Immunostaining and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the regulation of NMJ growth by DNlg4 was due to the positive modulation of BMP signaling by DNlg4. Specifically, BMP type I receptor thickvein (Tkv) abundance was reduced in dnlg4 mutants, and immunoprecipitation assays showed that DNlg4 and Tkv physically interacted in vivo. Our study demonstrates that DNlg4 presynaptically regulates neuromuscular synaptic growth via the BMP signaling pathway by modulating Tkv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Zhang
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,the Department of Biology, Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Menglong Rui
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Guangmin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Cong Huang
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Jukang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Huihui Lv
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Wei Xie
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, .,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
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31
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Upadhyay A, Moss-Taylor L, Kim MJ, Ghosh AC, O'Connor MB. TGF-β Family Signaling in Drosophila. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022152. [PMID: 28130362 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family signaling pathway is conserved and ubiquitous in animals. In Drosophila, fewer representatives of each signaling component are present compared with vertebrates, simplifying mechanistic study of the pathway. Although there are fewer family members, the TGF-β family pathway still regulates multiple and diverse functions in Drosophila. In this review, we focus our attention on several of the classic and best-studied functions for TGF-β family signaling in regulating Drosophila developmental processes such as embryonic and imaginal disc patterning, but we also describe several recently discovered roles in regulating hormonal, physiological, neuronal, innate immunity, and tissue homeostatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambuj Upadhyay
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Lindsay Moss-Taylor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Myung-Jun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Arpan C Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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32
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Laugks U, Hieke M, Wagner N. MAN1 Restricts BMP Signaling During Synaptic Growth in Drosophila. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:1077-1093. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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33
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Lee SH, Kim YJ, Choi SY. BMP signaling modulates the probability of neurotransmitter release and readily releasable pools in Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 479:440-446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Bodaleo FJ, Gonzalez-Billault C. The Presynaptic Microtubule Cytoskeleton in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Lessons from Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:60. [PMID: 27504085 PMCID: PMC4958632 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of the nervous system to generate neuronal networks relies on the establishment and maintenance of synaptic contacts. Synapses are composed of functionally different presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. An appropriate synaptic architecture is required to provide the structural basis that supports synaptic transmission, a process involving changes in cytoskeletal dynamics. Actin microfilaments are the main cytoskeletal components present at both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals in glutamatergic synapses. However, in the last few years it has been demonstrated that microtubules (MTs) transiently invade dendritic spines, promoting their maturation. Nevertheless, the presence and functions of MTs at the presynaptic site are still a matter of debate. Early electron microscopy (EM) studies revealed that MTs are present in the presynaptic terminals of the central nervous system (CNS) where they interact with synaptic vesicles (SVs) and reach the active zone. These observations have been reproduced by several EM protocols; however, there is empirical heterogeneity in detecting presynaptic MTs, since they appear to be both labile and unstable. Moreover, increasing evidence derived from studies in the fruit fly neuromuscular junction proposes different roles for MTs in regulating presynaptic function in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the main findings that support the presence and roles of MTs at presynaptic terminals, integrating descriptive and biochemical analyses, and studies performed in invertebrate genetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe J Bodaleo
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO)Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Gonzalez-Billault
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO)Santiago, Chile; The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, NovatoCA, USA
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35
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Feoktistov AI, Herman TG. Wallenda/DLK protein levels are temporally downregulated by Tramtrack69 to allow R7 growth cones to become stationary boutons. Development 2016; 143:2983-93. [PMID: 27402706 DOI: 10.1242/dev.134403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) promotes growth cone motility and must be restrained to ensure normal development. PHR (Pam/Highwire/RPM-1) ubiquitin ligases therefore target DLK for degradation unless axon injury occurs. Overall DLK levels decrease during development, but how DLK levels are regulated within a developing growth cone has not been examined. We analyzed the expression of the fly DLK Wallenda (Wnd) in R7 photoreceptor growth cones as they halt at their targets and become presynaptic boutons. We found that Wnd protein levels are repressed by the PHR protein Highwire (Hiw) during R7 growth cone halting, as has been observed in other systems. However, as R7 growth cones become boutons, Wnd levels are further repressed by a temporally expressed transcription factor, Tramtrack69 (Ttk69). Previously unobserved negative feedback from JNK also contributes to Wnd repression at both time points. We conclude that neurons deploy additional mechanisms to downregulate DLK as they form stable, synaptic connections. We use live imaging to probe the effects of Wnd and Ttk69 on R7 bouton development and conclude that Ttk69 coordinates multiple regulators of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Feoktistov
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Tory G Herman
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Mushtaq Z, Choudhury SD, Gangwar SK, Orso G, Kumar V. Human Senataxin Modulates Structural Plasticity of the Neuromuscular Junction in Drosophila through a Neuronally Conserved TGFβ Signalling Pathway. NEURODEGENER DIS 2016; 16:324-36. [PMID: 27197982 DOI: 10.1159/000445435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the human Senataxin (hSETX) gene have been shown to cause two forms of neurodegenerative disorders - a dominant form called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 (ALS4) and a recessive form called ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2). SETX is a putative DNA/RNA helicase involved in RNA metabolism. Although several dominant mutations linked with ALS4 have been identified in SETX, their contribution towards ALS4 pathophysiology is still elusive. METHOD In order to model ALS4 in Drosophila and to elucidate the morphological, physiological and signalling consequences, we overexpressed the wild-type and pathological forms of hSETX in Drosophila. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The pan-neuronal expression of wild-type or mutant forms of hSETX induced morphological plasticity at neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapses. Surprisingly, we found that while the NMJ synapses were increased in number, the neuronal function was normal. Analysis of signalling pathways revealed that hSETX modulates the Highwire (Hiw; a conserved neuronal E3 ubiquitin ligase)-dependent bone morphogenetic protein/TGFβ pathway. Thus, our study could pave the way for a better understanding of ALS4 progression by SETX through the regulation of neuronal E3 ubiquitin pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Mushtaq
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, India
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Grill B, Murphey RK, Borgen MA. The PHR proteins: intracellular signaling hubs in neuronal development and axon degeneration. Neural Dev 2016; 11:8. [PMID: 27008623 PMCID: PMC4806438 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, a coordinated and integrated series of events must be accomplished in order to generate functional neural circuits. Axons must navigate toward target cells, build synaptic connections, and terminate outgrowth. The PHR proteins (consisting of mammalian Phr1/MYCBP2, Drosophila Highwire and C. elegans RPM-1) function in each of these events in development. Here, we review PHR function across species, as well as the myriad of signaling pathways PHR proteins regulate. These findings collectively suggest that the PHR proteins are intracellular signaling hubs, a concept we explore in depth. Consistent with prominent developmental functions, genetic links have begun to emerge between PHR signaling networks and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability. Finally, we discuss the recent and important finding that PHR proteins regulate axon degeneration, which has further heightened interest in this fascinating group of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
| | - Rodney K Murphey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Melissa A Borgen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
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38
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Sulkowski MJ, Han TH, Ott C, Wang Q, Verheyen EM, Lippincott-Schwartz J, Serpe M. A Novel, Noncanonical BMP Pathway Modulates Synapse Maturation at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005810. [PMID: 26815659 PMCID: PMC4729469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
At the Drosophila NMJ, BMP signaling is critical for synapse growth and homeostasis. Signaling by the BMP7 homolog, Gbb, in motor neurons triggers a canonical pathway—which modulates transcription of BMP target genes, and a noncanonical pathway—which connects local BMP/BMP receptor complexes with the cytoskeleton. Here we describe a novel noncanonical BMP pathway characterized by the accumulation of the pathway effector, the phosphorylated Smad (pMad), at synaptic sites. Using genetic epistasis, histology, super resolution microscopy, and electrophysiology approaches we demonstrate that this novel pathway is genetically distinguishable from all other known BMP signaling cascades. This novel pathway does not require Gbb, but depends on presynaptic BMP receptors and specific postsynaptic glutamate receptor subtypes, the type-A receptors. Synaptic pMad is coordinated to BMP’s role in the transcriptional control of target genes by shared pathway components, but it has no role in the regulation of NMJ growth. Instead, selective disruption of presynaptic pMad accumulation reduces the postsynaptic levels of type-A receptors, revealing a positive feedback loop which appears to function to stabilize active type-A receptors at synaptic sites. Thus, BMP pathway may monitor synapse activity then function to adjust synapse growth and maturation during development. Synaptic activity and synapse development are intimately linked, but our understanding of the coupling mechanisms remains limited. Anterograde and retrograde signals together with trans-synaptic complexes enable intercellular communications. How synapse activity status is monitored and relayed across the synaptic cleft remains poorly understood. The Drosophila NMJ is a very powerful genetic system to study synapse development. BMP signaling modulates NMJ growth via a canonical, Smad-dependent pathway, but also synapse stability, via a noncanonical, Smad-independent pathway. Here we describe a novel, noncanonical BMP pathway, which is genetically distinguishable from all other known BMP pathways. This pathway does not contribute to NMJ growth and instead influences synapse formation and maturation in an activity-dependent manner. Specifically, phosphorylated Smad (pMad in flies) accumulates at active zone in response to active postsynaptic type-A glutamate receptors, a specific receptor subtype. In turn, synaptic pMad functions to promote the recruitment of type-A receptors at synaptic sites. This positive feedback loop provides a molecular switch controlling which flavor of glutamate receptors will be stabilized at synaptic locations as a function of synapse status. Since BMP signaling also controls NMJ growth and stability, BMP pathway offers an exquisite means to monitor the status of synapse activity and coordinate NMJ growth with synapse maturation and stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikolaj J. Sulkowski
- Program in Cellular Regulation and Metabolism, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tae Hee Han
- Program in Cellular Regulation and Metabolism, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Ott
- Cellular Biology and Metabolism Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qi Wang
- Program in Cellular Regulation and Metabolism, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Esther M. Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz
- Cellular Biology and Metabolism Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mihaela Serpe
- Program in Cellular Regulation and Metabolism, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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39
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Ukken FP, Bruckner JJ, Weir KL, Hope SJ, Sison SL, Birschbach RM, Hicks L, Taylor KL, Dent EW, Gonsalvez GB, O'Connor-Giles KM. BAR-SH3 sorting nexins are conserved interacting proteins of Nervous wreck that organize synapses and promote neurotransmission. J Cell Sci 2015; 129:166-77. [PMID: 26567222 PMCID: PMC4732300 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.178699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous wreck (Nwk) is a conserved F-BAR protein that attenuates synaptic growth and promotes synaptic function in Drosophila. In an effort to understand how Nwk carries out its dual roles, we isolated interacting proteins using mass spectrometry. We report a conserved interaction between Nwk proteins and BAR-SH3 sorting nexins, a family of membrane-binding proteins implicated in diverse intracellular trafficking processes. In mammalian cells, BAR-SH3 sorting nexins induce plasma membrane tubules that localize NWK2, consistent with a possible functional interaction during the early stages of endocytic trafficking. To study the role of BAR-SH3 sorting nexins in vivo, we took advantage of the lack of genetic redundancy in Drosophila and employed CRISPR-based genome engineering to generate null and endogenously tagged alleles of SH3PX1. SH3PX1 localizes to neuromuscular junctions where it regulates synaptic ultrastructure, but not synapse number. Consistently, neurotransmitter release was significantly diminished in SH3PX1 mutants. Double-mutant and tissue-specific-rescue experiments indicate that SH3PX1 promotes neurotransmitter release presynaptically, at least in part through functional interactions with Nwk, and might act to distinguish the roles of Nwk in regulating synaptic growth and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona P Ukken
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Joseph J Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kurt L Weir
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sarah J Hope
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Samantha L Sison
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ryan M Birschbach
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lawrence Hicks
- Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kendra L Taylor
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Erik W Dent
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Graydon B Gonsalvez
- Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kate M O'Connor-Giles
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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40
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Harris KP, Littleton JT. Transmission, Development, and Plasticity of Synapses. Genetics 2015; 201:345-75. [PMID: 26447126 PMCID: PMC4596655 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.176529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are sites of contact and information transfer between a neuron and its partner cell. Each synapse is a specialized junction, where the presynaptic cell assembles machinery for the release of neurotransmitter, and the postsynaptic cell assembles components to receive and integrate this signal. Synapses also exhibit plasticity, during which synaptic function and/or structure are modified in response to activity. With a robust panel of genetic, imaging, and electrophysiology approaches, and strong evolutionary conservation of molecular components, Drosophila has emerged as an essential model system for investigating the mechanisms underlying synaptic assembly, function, and plasticity. We will discuss techniques for studying synapses in Drosophila, with a focus on the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a well-established model glutamatergic synapse. Vesicle fusion, which underlies synaptic release of neurotransmitters, has been well characterized at this synapse. In addition, studies of synaptic assembly and organization of active zones and postsynaptic densities have revealed pathways that coordinate those events across the synaptic cleft. We will also review modes of synaptic growth and plasticity at the fly NMJ, and discuss how pre- and postsynaptic cells communicate to regulate plasticity in response to activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Harris
- Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - J Troy Littleton
- Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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Wu H, Barik A, Lu Y, Shen C, Bowman A, Li L, Sathyamurthy A, Lin TW, Xiong WC, Mei L. Slit2 as a β-catenin/Ctnnb1-dependent retrograde signal for presynaptic differentiation. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26159615 PMCID: PMC4498096 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction formation requires proper interaction between motoneurons and muscle cells. β-Catenin (Ctnnb1) in muscle is critical for motoneuron differentiation; however, little is known about the relevant retrograde signal. In this paper, we dissected which functions of muscle Ctnnb1 are critical by an in vivo transgenic approach. We show that Ctnnb1 mutant without the transactivation domain was unable to rescue presynaptic deficits of Ctnnb1 mutation, indicating the involvement of transcription regulation. On the other hand, the cell-adhesion function of Ctnnb1 is dispensable. We screened for proteins that may serve as a Ctnnb1-directed retrograde factor and identified Slit2. Transgenic expression of Slit2 specifically in the muscle was able to diminish presynaptic deficits by Ctnnb1 mutation in mice. Slit2 immobilized on beads was able to induce synaptophysin puncta in axons of spinal cord explants. Together, these observations suggest that Slit2 serves as a factor utilized by muscle Ctnnb1 to direct presynaptic differentiation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07266.001 Motor nerves are like electrical wires that connect our spinal cord to the muscles in our body. These nerves communicate with muscles across a connection called the neuromuscular junction. To first form a neuromuscular junction, the motor nerves and muscles each produce molecular cues that tell each other to do their part to build a connection. Beta-catenin in the muscle is known to regulate motor nerve development. However, beta-catenin has two different roles: it helps to coordinate whether neighboring cells stick together, and it can regulate which genes are ‘transcribed’ to produce proteins. It was not known which of these roles is necessary for forming neuromuscular junctions. Wu, Barik et al. now investigate this question by creating mice with mutant forms of beta-catenin in their muscles. Some mice had muscle beta-catenin that could not help cells stick together, and others had beta-catenin that could not control gene transcription. Only mutations that affected the ability of beta-catenin to control transcription caused abnormalities in the neuromuscular junction. However, these problems could be fixed by adding either normal beta-catenin or the mutant form that cannot help cells stick together. Wu, Barik et al. then used molecular tools to explore which genes are turned on by beta-catenin. The experiments showed that beta-catenin causes muscle fibers to produce a protein called Slit2—a developmental cue that controls where neurons grow. Furthermore, the neuromuscular junction defects found in mice without beta-catenin in their muscles could be reduced by making the muscle fibers produce more Slit2. However, not all defects in beta-catenin mutant mice are rescued by Slit2. Future research is needed to identify other beta-catenin-controlled signals and to determine whether such a pathway is altered in neuromuscular disorders. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07266.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Arnab Barik
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Yisheng Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Chengyong Shen
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Andrew Bowman
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Anupama Sathyamurthy
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Thiri W Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, United States
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42
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Shen DN, Zhang LH, Wei EQ, Yang Y. Autophagy in synaptic development, function, and pathology. Neurosci Bull 2015; 31:416-26. [PMID: 26139541 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-015-1536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system, neurons contact each other to form neuronal circuits and drive behavior, relying heavily on synaptic connections. The proper development and growth of synapses allows functional transmission of electrical information between neurons or between neurons and muscle fibers. Defects in synapse-formation or development lead to many diseases. Autophagy, a major determinant of protein turnover, is an essential process that takes place in developing synapses. During the induction of autophagy, proteins and cytoplasmic components are encapsulated in autophagosomes, which fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes. The cargoes are subsequently degraded and recycled. However, aberrant autophagic activity may lead to synaptic dysfunction, which is a common pathological characteristic in several disorders. Here, we review the current understanding of autophagy in regulating synaptic development and function. In addition, autophagy-related synaptic dysfunction in human diseases is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Na Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
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Scaravilli M, Porkka KP, Brofeldt A, Annala M, Tammela TLJ, Jenster GW, Nykter M, Visakorpi T. MiR-1247-5p is overexpressed in castration resistant prostate cancer and targets MYCBP2. Prostate 2015; 75:798-805. [PMID: 25731699 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, there has been increasing attention on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer development. Several expression profiling studies have provided evidence of aberrant expression of miRNAs in prostate cancer and have highlighted the potential use of specific miRNA expression signatures as prognostic or predictive markers. Here we report an expression analysis of miR-1247-5p, miR-1249, miR-1269a, miR-1271-5p, miR-1290, miR-1291, and miR-1299. METHODS qRT-PCR was performed to validate the differential expression of miRNAs in clinical samples, and the effect of miR-1247-5p was studied in prostate cancer cell lines transiently transfected with a miR-1247-5p mimic. The expression of miR-1247-5p's putative target MYCBP2 was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the interaction of the miRNA with the target gene was assessed using a luciferase assay. RESULTS We found a significant up-regulation of miR-1247-5p in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) samples compared to non-malignant prostate. The expression of miR-1247-5p was subsequently studied in prostate cancer (PC) cell lines where an up-regulation of miR-1247-5p was observed in the androgen-independent PC-3 model. Target prediction analysis for miR-1247-5p performed online revealed that MYCBP2 (myc-binding protein 2) was a high-scoring potential target. Functional studies in vitro performed using PC-3 and LNCaP models confirmed the down-regulation of MYCBP2 at the mRNA and protein levels, and a luciferase assay showed interaction between the miRNA and target gene. CONCLUSION miR-1247-5p is overexpressed in CRPC and targets MYCBP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Scaravilli
- Prostate Cancer Research Center, Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology-BioMediTech and Fimlab Laboratories, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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West RJH, Lu Y, Marie B, Gao FB, Sweeney ST. Rab8, POSH, and TAK1 regulate synaptic growth in a Drosophila model of frontotemporal dementia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 208:931-47. [PMID: 25800055 PMCID: PMC4384727 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201404066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in genes essential for protein homeostasis have been identified in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Why mature neurons should be particularly sensitive to such perturbations is unclear. We identified mutations in Rab8 in a genetic screen for enhancement of an FTD phenotype associated with ESCRT-III dysfunction. Examination of Rab8 mutants or motor neurons expressing a mutant ESCRT-III subunit, CHMP2B(Intron5), at the Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction synapse revealed synaptic overgrowth and endosomal dysfunction. Expression of Rab8 rescued overgrowth phenotypes generated by CHMP2B(Intron5). In Rab8 mutant synapses, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein-1 and TGF-β signaling were overactivated and acted synergistically to potentiate synaptic growth. We identify novel roles for endosomal JNK-scaffold POSH (Plenty-of-SH3s) and a JNK kinase kinase, TAK1, in regulating growth activation in Rab8 mutants. Our data uncover Rab8, POSH, and TAK1 as regulators of synaptic growth responses and point to recycling endosome as a key compartment for synaptic growth regulation during neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J H West
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK
| | - Yubing Lu
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Bruno Marie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK
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Zhao G, Wu Y, Du L, Li W, Xiong Y, Yao A, Wang Q, Zhang YQ. Drosophila S6 Kinase like inhibits neuromuscular junction growth by downregulating the BMP receptor thickveins. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004984. [PMID: 25748449 PMCID: PMC4351882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections must be precisely controlled to ensure proper neural circuit formation. In Drosophila melanogaster, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) promotes growth of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by binding and activating the BMP ligand receptors wishful thinking (Wit) and thickveins (Tkv) expressed in motor neurons. We report here that an evolutionally conserved, previously uncharacterized member of the S6 kinase (S6K) family S6K like (S6KL) acts as a negative regulator of BMP signaling. S6KL null mutants were viable and fertile but exhibited more satellite boutons, fewer and larger synaptic vesicles, larger spontaneous miniature excitatory junctional potential (mEJP) amplitudes, and reduced synaptic endocytosis at the NMJ terminals. Reducing the gene dose by half of tkv in S6KL mutant background reversed the NMJ overgrowth phenotype. The NMJ phenotypes of S6KL mutants were accompanied by an elevated level of Tkv protein and phosphorylated Mad, an effector of the BMP signaling pathway, in the nervous system. In addition, Tkv physically interacted with S6KL in cultured S2 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of S6KL enhanced Tkv expression, while S6KL overexpression downregulated Tkv in cultured S2 cells. This latter effect was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Our results together demonstrate for the first time that S6KL regulates synaptic development and function by facilitating proteasomal degradation of the BMP receptor Tkv. Bi-directional signaling between neurons and their target cells is critical for synapse formation, growth, and plasticity, as well as for neuronal survival. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) acts as a retrograde signal promoting synaptic growth at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), but little is known about proteins that regulate BMP signaling by controlling BMP release, receptor expression, and signal transduction. We report here that a previously uncharacterized and evolutionally conserved member of the S6 kinase (S6K) family S6K like (S6KL) inhibits BMP signaling by interacting with and promoting proteasome-mediated degradation of the BMP receptor Thickveins (Tkv). In S6KL mutants, there was an elevated level of Tkv protein, together with overgrown NMJs characterized by excess satellite boutons. Reducing the gene dose of tkv by half in S6KL null background restored normal NMJ morphology, suggesting that S6KL normally serves to suppress Tkv-mediated BMP signaling. Biochemically, S6KL interacted with Tkv. Overexpression of S6KL down-regulated Tkv and this effect was inhibited by blocking the proteasomal degradation pathway. Collectively, our data demonstrate that S6KL regulates NMJ synapse development by promoting the proteasomal degradation of Tkv. Thus, we have identified a novel negative regulator of BMP signaling in the Drosophila nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Yingga Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Li Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Aiyu Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Qifu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Q. Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Ball RW, Peled ES, Guerrero G, Isacoff EY. BMP signaling and microtubule organization regulate synaptic strength. Neuroscience 2015; 291:155-66. [PMID: 25681521 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The strength of synaptic transmission between a neuron and multiple postsynaptic partners can vary considerably. We have studied synaptic heterogeneity using the glutamatergic Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which contains multiple synaptic connections of varying strengths between a motor axon and muscle fiber. In larval NMJs, there is a gradient of synaptic transmission from weak proximal to strong distal boutons. We imaged synaptic transmission with the postsynaptically targeted fluorescent calcium sensor SynapCam, to investigate the molecular pathways that determine synaptic strength and set up this gradient. We discovered that mutations in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway disrupt production of strong distal boutons. We find that strong connections contain unbundled microtubules in the boutons, suggesting a role for microtubule organization in transmission strength. The spastin mutation, which disorganizes microtubules, disrupted the transmission gradient, supporting this interpretation. We propose that the BMP pathway, shown previously to function in the homeostatic regulation of synaptic growth, also boosts synaptic transmission in a spatially selective manner that depends on the microtubule system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Ball
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - E S Peled
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - G Guerrero
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - E Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Physical Bioscience Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States.
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47
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Crimpy enables discrimination of presynaptic and postsynaptic pools of a BMP at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Dev Cell 2014; 31:586-98. [PMID: 25453556 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Distinct pools of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) Glass bottom boat (Gbb) control structure and function of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Specifically, motoneuron-derived Gbb regulates baseline neurotransmitter release, whereas muscle-derived Gbb regulates neuromuscular junction growth. Yet how cells differentiate between these ligand pools is not known. Here we present evidence that the neuronal Gbb-binding protein Crimpy (Cmpy) permits discrimination of pre- and postsynaptic ligand by serving sequential functions in Gbb signaling. Cmpy first delivers Gbb to dense core vesicles (DCVs) for activity-dependent release from presynaptic terminals. In the absence of Cmpy, Gbb is no longer associated with DCVs and is not released by activity. Electrophysiological analyses demonstrate that Cmpy promotes Gbb's proneurotransmission function. Surprisingly, the Cmpy ectodomain is itself released upon DCV exocytosis, arguing that Cmpy serves a second function in BMP signaling. In addition to trafficking Gbb to DCVs, we propose that Gbb/Cmpy corelease from presynaptic terminals defines a neuronal protransmission signal.
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48
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Holland S, Scholich K. Regulation of neuronal functions by the E3-ubiquitinligase Protein Associated with MYC (MYCBP2). Commun Integr Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.4161/cib.15967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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49
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McDermott SM, Yang L, Halstead JM, Hamilton RS, Meignin C, Davis I. Drosophila Syncrip modulates the expression of mRNAs encoding key synaptic proteins required for morphology at the neuromuscular junction. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:1593-606. [PMID: 25171822 PMCID: PMC4174441 DOI: 10.1261/rna.045849.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Localized mRNA translation is thought to play a key role in synaptic plasticity, but the identity of the transcripts and the molecular mechanism underlying their function are still poorly understood. Here, we show that Syncrip, a regulator of localized translation in the Drosophila oocyte and a component of mammalian neuronal mRNA granules, is also expressed in the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction, where it regulates synaptic growth. We use RNA-immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR to show that Syncrip associates with a number of mRNAs encoding proteins with key synaptic functions, including msp-300, syd-1, neurexin-1, futsch, highwire, discs large, and α-spectrin. The protein levels of MSP-300, Discs large, and a number of others are significantly affected in syncrip null mutants. Furthermore, syncrip mutants show a reduction in MSP-300 protein levels and defects in muscle nuclear distribution characteristic of msp-300 mutants. Our results highlight a number of potential new players in localized translation during synaptic plasticity in the neuromuscular junction. We propose that Syncrip acts as a modulator of synaptic plasticity by regulating the translation of these key mRNAs encoding synaptic scaffolding proteins and other important components involved in synaptic growth and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M McDermott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - James M Halstead
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Carine Meignin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Ilan Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
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50
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Kim MJ, O’Connor MB. Anterograde Activin signaling regulates postsynaptic membrane potential and GluRIIA/B abundance at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107443. [PMID: 25255438 PMCID: PMC4177838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the TGF-β superfamily play numerous roles in nervous system development and function. In Drosophila, retrograde BMP signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is required presynaptically for proper synapse growth and neurotransmitter release. In this study, we analyzed whether the Activin branch of the TGF-β superfamily also contributes to NMJ development and function. We find that elimination of the Activin/TGF-β type I receptor babo, or its downstream signal transducer smox, does not affect presynaptic NMJ growth or evoked excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs), but instead results in a number of postsynaptic defects including depolarized membrane potential, small size and frequency of miniature excitatory junction potentials (mEJPs), and decreased synaptic densities of the glutamate receptors GluRIIA and B. The majority of the defective smox synaptic phenotypes were rescued by muscle-specific expression of a smox transgene. Furthermore, a mutation in actβ, an Activin-like ligand that is strongly expressed in motor neurons, phenocopies babo and smox loss-of-function alleles. Our results demonstrate that anterograde Activin/TGF-β signaling at the Drosophila NMJ is crucial for achieving normal abundance and localization of several important postsynaptic signaling molecules and for regulating postsynaptic membrane physiology. Together with the well-established presynaptic role of the retrograde BMP signaling, our findings indicate that the two branches of the TGF-β superfamily are differentially deployed on each side of the Drosophila NMJ synapse to regulate distinct aspects of its development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Jun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael B. O’Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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