1
|
Nakayama A, Watanabe M, Yamashiro R, Kuroyanagi H, Matsuyama HJ, Oshima A, Mori I, Nakano S. A hyperpolarizing neuron recruits undocked innexin hemichannels to transmit neural information in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406565121. [PMID: 38753507 PMCID: PMC11127054 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406565121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
While depolarization of the neuronal membrane is known to evoke the neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicles, hyperpolarization is regarded as a resting state of chemical neurotransmission. Here, we report that hyperpolarizing neurons can actively signal neural information by employing undocked hemichannels. We show that UNC-7, a member of the innexin family in Caenorhabditis elegans, functions as a hemichannel in thermosensory neurons and transmits temperature information from the thermosensory neurons to their postsynaptic interneurons. By monitoring neural activities in freely behaving animals, we find that hyperpolarizing thermosensory neurons inhibit the activity of the interneurons and that UNC-7 hemichannels regulate this process. UNC-7 is required to control thermotaxis behavior and functions independently of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Our findings suggest that innexin hemichannels mediate neurotransmission from hyperpolarizing neurons in a manner that is distinct from the synaptic transmission, expanding the way of neural circuitry operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Airi Nakayama
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Riku Yamashiro
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
| | - Hiroo Kuroyanagi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
| | - Hironori J. Matsuyama
- Group of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
| | - Atsunori Oshima
- Department of Basic Biology, Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya464-8601, Japan
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8601, Japan
- Molecular Physiology Division, Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya464-8601, Japan
- Division of Innovative Modality Development, Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research, Gifu University Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu501-11193, Japan
| | - Ikue Mori
- Group of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Changping District, Beijing102206, China
| | - Shunji Nakano
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
- Group of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi464-8602, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu H, Polovitskaya MM, Yang L, Li M, Li H, Han Z, Wu J, Zhang Q, Jentsch TJ, Liao J. Structural insights into anion selectivity and activation mechanism of LRRC8 volume-regulated anion channels. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112926. [PMID: 37543949 PMCID: PMC10480491 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112926] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are hexamers of LRRC8 proteins that are crucial for cell volume regulation. N termini (NTs) of the obligatory LRRC8A subunit modulate VRACs activation and ion selectivity, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report a 2.8-Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of human LRRC8A that displays well-resolved NTs. Amino-terminal halves of NTs fold back into the pore and constrict the permeation path, thereby determining ion selectivity together with an extracellular selectivity filter with which it works in series. They also interact with pore-surrounding helices and support their compact arrangement. The C-terminal halves of NTs interact with intracellular loops that are crucial for channel activation. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that low ionic strength increases NT mobility and expands the radial distance between pore-surrounding helices. Our work suggests an unusual pore architecture with two selectivity filters in series and a mechanism for VRAC activation by cell swelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maya M Polovitskaya
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China.
| | - Meiling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China
| | - Hongyue Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 45001, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jun Liao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bernardi P, Gerle C, Halestrap AP, Jonas EA, Karch J, Mnatsakanyan N, Pavlov E, Sheu SS, Soukas AA. Identity, structure, and function of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore: controversies, consensus, recent advances, and future directions. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1869-1885. [PMID: 37460667 PMCID: PMC10406888 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) describes a Ca2+-dependent and cyclophilin D (CypD)-facilitated increase of inner mitochondrial membrane permeability that allows diffusion of molecules up to 1.5 kDa in size. It is mediated by a non-selective channel, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Sustained mPTP opening causes mitochondrial swelling, which ruptures the outer mitochondrial membrane leading to subsequent apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and is implicated in a range of pathologies. However, transient mPTP opening at various sub-conductance states may contribute several physiological roles such as alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics and rapid Ca2+ efflux. Since its discovery decades ago, intensive efforts have been made to identify the exact pore-forming structure of the mPT. Both the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) and, more recently, the mitochondrial F1FO (F)-ATP synthase dimers, monomers or c-subunit ring alone have been implicated. Here we share the insights of several key investigators with different perspectives who have pioneered mPT research. We critically assess proposed models for the molecular identity of the mPTP and the mechanisms underlying its opposing roles in the life and death of cells. We provide in-depth insights into current controversies, seeking to achieve a degree of consensus that will stimulate future innovative research into the nature and role of the mPTP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christoph Gerle
- Laboratory of Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Andrew P Halestrap
- School of Biochemistry and Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Jonas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jason Karch
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nelli Mnatsakanyan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, College of Medicine, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Evgeny Pavlov
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shey-Shing Sheu
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Alexander A Soukas
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes Unit and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Das M, Cheng D, Matzat T, Auld VJ. Innexin-Mediated Adhesion between Glia Is Required for Axon Ensheathment in the Peripheral Nervous System. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2260-2276. [PMID: 36801823 PMCID: PMC10072304 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1323-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia are essential to protecting and enabling nervous system function and a key glial function is the formation of the glial sheath around peripheral axons. Each peripheral nerve in the Drosophila larva is ensheathed by three glial layers, which structurally support and insulate the peripheral axons. How peripheral glia communicate with each other and between layers is not well established and we investigated the role of Innexins in mediating glial function in the Drosophila periphery. Of the eight Drosophila Innexins, we found two (Inx1 and Inx2) are important for peripheral glia development. In particular loss of Inx1 and Inx2 resulted in defects in the wrapping glia leading to disruption of the glia wrap. Of interest loss of Inx2 in the subperineurial glia also resulted in defects in the neighboring wrapping glia. Inx plaques were observed between the subperineurial glia and the wrapping glia suggesting that gap junctions link these two glial cell types. We found Inx2 is key to Ca2+ pulses in the peripheral subperineurial glia but not in the wrapping glia, and we found no evidence of gap junction communication between subperineurial and wrapping glia. Rather we have clear evidence that Inx2 plays an adhesive and channel-independent role between the subperineurial and wrapping glia to ensure the integrity of the glial wrap.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Gap junctions are critical for glia communication and formation of myelin in myelinating glia. However, the role of gap junctions in non-myelinating glia is not well studied, yet non-myelinating glia are critical for peripheral nerve function. We found the Innexin gap junction proteins are present between different classes of peripheral glia in Drosophila. Here Innexins form junctions to facilitate adhesion between the different glia but do so in a channel-independent manner. Loss of adhesion leads to disruption of the glial wrap around axons and leads to fragmentation of the wrapping glia membranes. Our work points to an important role for gap junction proteins in mediating insulation by non-myelinating glia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mriga Das
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Duo Cheng
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Till Matzat
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Vanessa J Auld
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
He Z, Zhao Y, Rau MJ, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Sah R, Hu H, Yuan P. Structural and functional analysis of human pannexin 2 channel. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1712. [PMID: 36973289 PMCID: PMC10043284 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37413-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pannexin 2 channel (PANX2) participates in multiple physiological processes including skin homeostasis, neuronal development, and ischemia-induced brain injury. However, the molecular basis of PANX2 channel function remains largely unknown. Here, we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of human PANX2, which reveals pore properties contrasting with those of the intensely studied paralog PANX1. The extracellular selectivity filter, defined by a ring of basic residues, more closely resembles that of the distantly related volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) LRRC8A, rather than PANX1. Furthermore, we show that PANX2 displays a similar anion permeability sequence as VRAC, and that PANX2 channel activity is inhibited by a commonly used VRAC inhibitor, DCPIB. Thus, the shared channel properties between PANX2 and VRAC may complicate dissection of their cellular functions through pharmacological manipulation. Collectively, our structural and functional analysis provides a framework for development of PANX2-specific reagents that are needed for better understanding of channel physiology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui He
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael J Rau
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rajan Sah
- Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hongzhen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cryo-EM structure of human heptameric pannexin 2 channel. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1118. [PMID: 36869038 PMCID: PMC9984531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36861-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 2 (Panx2) is a large-pore ATP-permeable channel with critical roles in various physiological processes, such as the inflammatory response, energy production and apoptosis. Its dysfunction is related to numerous pathological conditions including ischemic brain injury, glioma and glioblastoma multiforme. However, the working mechanism of Panx2 remains unclear. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of human Panx2 at a resolution of 3.4 Å. Panx2 structure assembles as a heptamer, forming an exceptionally wide channel pore across the transmembrane and intracellular domains, which is compatible with ATP permeation. Comparing Panx2 with Panx1 structures in different states reveals that the Panx2 structure corresponds to an open channel state. A ring of seven arginine residues located at the extracellular entrance forms the narrowest site of the channel, which serves as the critical molecular filter controlling the permeation of substrate molecules. This is further verified by molecular dynamics simulations and ATP release assays. Our studies reveal the architecture of the Panx2 channel and provide insights into the molecular mechanism of its channel gating.
Collapse
|
7
|
Moroz LL, Romanova DY. Alternative neural systems: What is a neuron? (Ctenophores, sponges and placozoans). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1071961. [PMID: 36619868 PMCID: PMC9816575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1071961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
How to make a neuron, a synapse, and a neural circuit? Is there only one 'design' for a neural architecture with a universally shared genomic blueprint across species? The brief answer is "No." Four early divergent lineages from the nerveless common ancestor of all animals independently evolved distinct neuroid-type integrative systems. One of these is a subset of neural nets in comb jellies with unique synapses; the second lineage is the well-known Cnidaria + Bilateria; the two others are non-synaptic neuroid systems in sponges and placozoans. By integrating scRNA-seq and microscopy data, we revise the definition of neurons as synaptically-coupled polarized and highly heterogenous secretory cells at the top of behavioral hierarchies with learning capabilities. This physiological (not phylogenetic) definition separates 'true' neurons from non-synaptically and gap junction-coupled integrative systems executing more stereotyped behaviors. Growing evidence supports the hypothesis of multiple origins of neurons and synapses. Thus, many non-bilaterian and bilaterian neuronal classes, circuits or systems are considered functional rather than genetic categories, composed of non-homologous cell types. In summary, little-explored examples of convergent neuronal evolution in representatives of early branching metazoans provide conceptually novel microanatomical and physiological architectures of behavioral controls in animals with prospects of neuro-engineering and synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonid L. Moroz
- Departments of Neuroscience and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States,Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Leonid L. Moroz, ; Daria Y. Romanova,
| | - Daria Y. Romanova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of RAS, 5A Butlerova, Moscow, Russia,*Correspondence: Leonid L. Moroz, ; Daria Y. Romanova,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hendi A, Niu LG, Snow AW, Ikegami R, Wang ZW, Mizumoto K. Channel-independent function of UNC-9/Innexin in spatial arrangement of GABAergic synapses in C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:80555. [PMID: 36378164 PMCID: PMC9665852 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise synaptic connection of neurons with their targets is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A plethora of signaling pathways act in concert to mediate the precise spatial arrangement of synaptic connections. Here we show a novel role for a gap junction protein in controlling tiled synaptic arrangement in the GABAergic motor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans, in which their axons and synapses overlap minimally with their neighboring neurons within the same class. We found that while EGL-20/Wnt controls axonal tiling, their presynaptic tiling is mediated by a gap junction protein UNC-9/Innexin, that is localized at the presynaptic tiling border between neighboring dorsal D-type GABAergic motor neurons. Strikingly, the gap junction channel activity of UNC-9 is dispensable for its function in controlling tiled presynaptic patterning. While gap junctions are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system as channels, our finding uncovered the novel channel-independent role of UNC-9 in synapse patterning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Hendi
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia
- Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia
| | - Long-Gang Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center
| | - Andrew William Snow
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia
| | | | - Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center
| | - Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia
- Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gap junctions mediate discrete regulatory steps during fly spermatogenesis. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010417. [PMID: 36174062 PMCID: PMC9578636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010417] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis requires coordinated signaling between germ cells and somatic cells. We previously showed that Gap junction (GJ)-mediated soma-germline communication is essential for fly spermatogenesis. Specifically, the GJ protein Innexin4/Zero population growth (Zpg) is necessary for somatic and germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. It remains unknown how GJ-mediated signals regulate spermatogenesis or whether the function of these signals is restricted to the earliest stages of spermatogenesis. Here we carried out comprehensive structure/function analysis of Zpg using insights obtained from the protein structure of innexins to design mutations aimed at selectively perturbing different regulatory regions as well as the channel pore of Zpg. We identify the roles of various regulatory sites in Zpg in the assembly and maintenance of GJs at the plasma membrane. Moreover, mutations designed to selectively disrupt, based on size and charge, the passage of cargos through the Zpg channel pore, blocked different stages of spermatogenesis. Mutations were identified that progressed through early germline and soma development, but exhibited defects in entry to meiosis or sperm individualisation, resulting in reduced fertility or sterility. Our work shows that specific signals that pass through GJs regulate the transition between different stages of gametogenesis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang J, Chen X, Hou X, Wang J, Yue W, Huang S, Xu G, Yan J, Lu G, Hofreiter M, Li C, Wang C. "Omics" data unveil early molecular response underlying limb regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl4642. [PMID: 36112682 PMCID: PMC9481118 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl4642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Limb regeneration is a fascinating and medically interesting trait that has been well preserved in arthropod lineages, particularly in crustaceans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying arthropod limb regeneration remain largely elusive. The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis shows strong regenerative capacity, a trait that has likely allowed it to become a worldwide invasive species. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome of E. sinensis as well as large-scale transcriptome data during the limb regeneration process. Our results reveal that arthropod-specific genes involved in signal transduction, immune response, histone methylation, and cuticle development all play fundamental roles during the regeneration process. Particularly, Innexin2-mediated signal transduction likely facilitates the early stage of the regeneration process, while an effective crustacean-specific prophenoloxidase system (ProPo-AS) plays crucial roles in the initial immune response. Collectively, our findings uncover novel genetic pathways pertaining to arthropod limb regeneration and provide valuable resources for studies on regeneration from a comparative perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jingan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Wucheng Yue
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gangchun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Jizhou Yan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guoqing Lu
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Corresponding author. Email (M.H.); (C.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Chenhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Corresponding author. Email (M.H.); (C.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Chenghui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education/Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Corresponding author. Email (M.H.); (C.L.); (C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tolkin T, Mohammad A, Starich TA, Nguyen KCQ, Hall DH, Schedl T, Hubbard EJA, Greenstein D. Innexin function dictates the spatial relationship between distal somatic cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad without impacting the germline stem cell pool. eLife 2022; 11:e74955. [PMID: 36098634 PMCID: PMC9473689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap-junctional signaling mediates myriad cellular interactions in metazoans. Yet, how gap junctions control the positioning of cells in organs is not well understood. Innexins compose gap junctions in invertebrates and affect organ architecture. Here, we investigate the roles of gap-junctions in controlling distal somatic gonad architecture and its relationship to underlying germline stem cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that a reduction of soma-germline gap-junctional activity causes displacement of distal sheath cells (Sh1) towards the distal end of the gonad. We confirm, by live imaging, transmission electron microscopy, and antibody staining, that bare regions-lacking somatic gonadal cell coverage of germ cells-are present between the distal tip cell (DTC) and Sh1, and we show that an innexin fusion protein used in a prior study encodes an antimorphic gap junction subunit that mispositions Sh1. We determine that, contrary to the model put forth in the prior study based on this fusion protein, Sh1 mispositioning does not markedly alter the position of the borders of the stem cell pool nor of the progenitor cell pool. Together, these results demonstrate that gap junctions can control the position of Sh1, but that Sh1 position is neither relevant for GLP-1/Notch signaling nor for the exit of germ cells from the stem cell pool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theadora Tolkin
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, NYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ariz Mohammad
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Todd A Starich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Ken CQ Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineThe BronxUnited States
| | - David H Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineThe BronxUnited States
| | - Tim Schedl
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - E Jane Albert Hubbard
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, NYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - David Greenstein
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Singh N, Miller C, Washington I, Sosseh B, Gordon KL. The C. elegans gonadal sheath Sh1 cells extend asymmetrically over a differentiating germ cell population in the proliferative zone. eLife 2022; 11:75497. [PMID: 36094368 PMCID: PMC9467509 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans adult hermaphrodite germline is surrounded by a thin tube formed by somatic sheath cells that support germ cells as they mature from the stem-like mitotic state through meiosis, gametogenesis, and ovulation. Recently, we discovered that the distal Sh1 sheath cells associate with mitotic germ cells as they exit the niche Gordon et al., 2020. Here, we report that these sheath-associated germ cells differentiate first in animals with temperature-sensitive mutations affecting germ cell state, and stem-like germ cells are maintained distal to the Sh1 boundary. We analyze several markers of the distal sheath, which is best visualized with endogenously tagged membrane proteins, as overexpressed fluorescent proteins fail to localize to distal membrane processes and can cause gonad morphology defects. However, such reagents with highly variable expression can be used to determine the relative positions of the two Sh1 cells, one of which often extends further distal than the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Noor Singh
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Camille Miller
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - India Washington
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Bintou Sosseh
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Kacy Lynn Gordon
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gerle C, Kishikawa JI, Yamaguchi T, Nakanishi A, Çoruh O, Makino F, Miyata T, Kawamoto A, Yokoyama K, Namba K, Kurisu G, Kato T. Structures of Multisubunit Membrane Complexes With the CRYO ARM 200. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:249-261. [PMID: 35861182 PMCID: PMC9535789 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in structural membrane biology has been significantly accelerated by the ongoing ‘Resolution Revolution’ in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). In particular, structure determination by single-particle analysis has evolved into the most powerful method for atomic model building of multisubunit membrane protein complexes. This has created an ever-increasing demand in cryo-EM machine time, which to satisfy is in need of new and affordable cryo-electron microscopes. Here, we review our experience in using the JEOL CRYO ARM 200 prototype for the structure determination by single-particle analysis of three different multisubunit membrane complexes: the Thermus thermophilus V-type ATPase VO complex, the Thermosynechococcus elongatus photosystem I monomer and the flagellar motor lipopolysaccharide peptidoglycan ring (LP ring) from Salmonella enterica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gerle
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,RIKEN SPring-8 Center, Life Science Research Infrastructure Group, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kishikawa
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nakanishi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo-Motoyama, Kyoto, Japan.,Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka, University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Orkun Çoruh
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, 3400 Austria
| | - Fumiaki Makino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Miyata
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ken Yokoyama
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo-Motoyama, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Genji Kurisu
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu Y, Dang S. Recent Technical Advances in Sample Preparation for Single-Particle Cryo-EM. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:892459. [PMID: 35813814 PMCID: PMC9263182 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.892459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-sample preparation is a vital step in the process of obtaining high-resolution structures of macromolecules by using the single-particle cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) method; however, cryo-sample preparation is commonly hampered by high uncertainty and low reproducibility. Specifically, the existence of air-water interfaces during the sample vitrification process could cause protein denaturation and aggregation, complex disassembly, adoption of preferred orientations, and other serious problems affecting the protein particles, thereby making it challenging to pursue high-resolution 3D reconstruction. Therefore, sample preparation has emerged as a critical research topic, and several new methods for application at various preparation stages have been proposed to overcome the aforementioned hurdles. Here, we summarize the methods developed for enhancing the quality of cryo-samples at distinct stages of sample preparation, and we offer insights for developing future strategies based on diverse viewpoints. We anticipate that cryo-sample preparation will no longer be a limiting step in the single-particle cryo-EM field as increasing numbers of methods are developed in the near future, which will ultimately benefit the entire research community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Xu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shangyu Dang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Shangyu Dang,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Endogenous pannexin1 channels form functional intercellular cell-cell channels with characteristic voltage-dependent properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202104119. [PMID: 35486697 PMCID: PMC9171361 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202104119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin1 is a glycoprotein that has been shown to form functional plasma membrane channels and mediate many cellular signaling pathways. However, the formation and function of pannexin1-based intercellular cell–cell channels in mammalian cells and vertebrate tissue is a question of substantial debate. This work provides robust electrophysiological evidence to demonstrate that endogenously expressed human pannexin1 forms cell–cell channels and lays the groundwork for studying a potential new type of electrical synapses between many mammalian cell types that endogenously express pannexin1. The occurrence of intercellular channels formed by pannexin1 has been challenged for more than a decade. Here, we provide an electrophysiological characterization of exogenous human pannexin1 (hPanx1) cell–cell channels expressed in HeLa cells knocked out for connexin45. The observed hPanx1 cell–cell channels show two phenotypes: O-state and S-state. The former displayed low transjunctional voltage (Vj) sensitivity and single-channel conductance of ∼175 pS, with a substate of ∼35 pS; the latter showed a peculiar dynamic asymmetry in Vj dependence and single-channel conductance identical to the substate conductance of the O-state. S-state hPanx1 cell–cell channels were also identified between TC620 cells, a human oligodendroglioma cell line that endogenously expresses hPanx1. In these cells, dye and electrical coupling increased with temperature and were strongly reduced after hPanx1 expression was knocked down by small interfering RNA or inhibited with Panx1 mimetic inhibitory peptide. Moreover, cell–cell coupling was augmented when hPanx1 levels were increased with a doxycycline-inducible expression system. Application of octanol, a connexin gap junction (GJ) channel inhibitor, was not sufficient to block electrical coupling between HeLa KO Cx45-hPanx1 or TC620 cell pairs. In silico studies suggest that several arginine residues inside the channel pore may be neutralized by hydrophobic interactions, allowing the passage of DAPI, consistent with dye coupling observed between TC620 cells. These findings demonstrate that endogenously expressed hPanx1 forms intercellular cell–cell channels and their unique properties resemble those described in innexin-based GJ channels. Since Panx1 is ubiquitously expressed, finding conditions to recognize Panx1 cell–cell channels in different cell types might require special attention.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ammer G, Vieira RM, Fendl S, Borst A. Anatomical distribution and functional roles of electrical synapses in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2022-2036.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
17
|
Kuzuya M, Hirano H, Hayashida K, Watanabe M, Kobayashi K, Terada T, Mahmood MI, Tama F, Tani K, Fujiyoshi Y, Oshima A. Structures of human pannexin-1 in nanodiscs reveal gating mediated by dynamic movement of the N terminus and phospholipids. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabg6941. [PMID: 35133866 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abg6941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pannexin (PANX) family proteins form large-pore channels that mediate purinergic signaling. We analyzed the cryo-EM structures of human PANX1 in lipid nanodiscs to elucidate the gating mechanism and its regulation by the amino terminus in phospholipids. The wild-type channel has an amino-terminal funnel in the pore, but in the presence of the inhibitor probenecid, a cytoplasmically oriented amino terminus and phospholipids obstruct the pore. Functional analysis using whole-cell patch-clamp and oocyte voltage clamp showed that PANX1 lacking the amino terminus did not open and had a dominant negative effect on channel activity, thus confirming that the amino-terminal domain played an essential role in channel opening. These observations suggest that dynamic conformational changes in the amino terminus of human PANX1 are associated with lipid movement in and out of the pore. Moreover, the data provide insight into the gating mechanism of PANX1 and, more broadly, other large-pore channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maki Kuzuya
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hidemi Hirano
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kenichi Hayashida
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Tohru Terada
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Md Iqbal Mahmood
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Florence Tama
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Tani
- Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujiyoshi
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.,CeSPIA Inc., Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Atsunori Oshima
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Welzel G, Schuster S. Connexins evolved after early chordates lost innexin diversity. eLife 2022; 11:74422. [PMID: 35042580 PMCID: PMC8769644 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels are formed by two unrelated protein families. Non-chordates use the primordial innexins, while chordates use connexins that superseded the gap junction function of innexins. Chordates retained innexin-homologs, but N-glycosylation prevents them from forming gap junctions. It is puzzling why chordates seem to exclusively use the new gap junction protein and why no chordates should exist that use non-glycosylated innexins to form gap junctions. Here, we identified glycosylation sites of 2388 innexins from 174 non-chordate and 276 chordate species. Among all chordates, we found not a single innexin without glycosylation sites. Surprisingly, the glycosylation motif is also widespread among non-chordate innexins indicating that glycosylated innexins are not a novelty of chordates. In addition, we discovered a loss of innexin diversity during early chordate evolution. Most importantly, lancelets, which lack connexins, exclusively possess only one highly conserved innexin with one glycosylation site. A bottleneck effect might thus explain why connexins have become the only protein used to form chordate gap junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Welzel
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Bayreuth
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guan L, Yang Y, Liang JJ, Miao Y, Shang AY, Wang B, Wang YC, Ding M. ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 regulate the ER-to-Golgi transport of gap junction proteins in metazoans. Traffic 2022; 23:140-157. [PMID: 34994051 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The extremely dynamic life cycle of gap junction connections requires highly efficient intracellular trafficking system especially designed for gap junction proteins, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we identified that the COPII-associated proteins ERGIC2 (ER-Golgi intermediate compartment) and ERGIC3 are specifically required for the efficient intracellular transport of gap junction proteins in both C. elegans and mice. In the absence of Ergic2 or Ergic3, gap junction proteins accumulate in the ER and Golgi apparatus and the size of endogenous gap junction plaques is reduced. Knocking out the Ergic2 or Ergic3 in mice results in heart enlargement and cardiac malfunction accompanied by reduced number and size of connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions. Invertebrates' gap junction protein innexins share no sequence similarity with vertebrates' connexins. However, ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 could bind to gap junction proteins in both worms and mice. Characterization of the highly specialized roles of ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 in metazoans reveals how the early secretory pathway could be adapted to facilitate the efficient transport for gap junction proteins in vivo. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ang Yang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Güiza J, García A, Arriagada J, Gutiérrez C, González J, Márquez-Miranda V, Alegría-Arcos M, Duarte Y, Rojas M, González-Nilo F, Sáez JC, Vega JL. Unnexins: Homologs of innexin proteins in Trypanosomatidae parasites. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1547-1560. [PMID: 34779505 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Large-pore channels, including those formed by connexin, pannexin, innexin proteins, are part of a broad family of plasma membrane channels found in vertebrates and invertebrates, which share topology features. Despite their relevance in parasitic diseases such as Chagas and malaria, it was unknown whether these large-pore channels are present in unicellular organisms. We identified 14 putative proteins in Trypanosomatidae parasites as presumptive homologs of innexin proteins. All proteins possess the canonical motif of the innexin family, a pentapeptide YYQWV, and 10 of them share a classical membrane topology of large-pore channels. A sequence similarity network analysis confirmed their closeness to innexin proteins. A bioinformatic model showed that a homolog of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) could presumptively form a stable octamer channel with a highly positive electrostatic potential in the internal cavities and extracellular entrance due to the notable predominance of residues such as Arg or Lys. In vitro dye uptake assays showed that divalent cations-free solution increases YO-PRO-1 uptake and hyperosmotic stress increases DAPI uptake in epimastigotes of T. cruzi. Those effects were sensitive to probenecid. Furthermore, probenecid reduced the proliferation and transformation of T. cruzi. Moreover, probenecid or carbenoxolone increased the parasite sensitivity to antiparasitic drugs commonly used in therapy against Chagas. Our study suggests the existence of innexin homologs in unicellular organisms, which could be protein subunits of new large-pore channels in unicellular organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Güiza
- Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Aníbal García
- Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Javiera Arriagada
- Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Camila Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jorge González
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Biotecnología Biomédica de Antofagasta (CIIBBA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.,Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | | | - Yorley Duarte
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Rojas
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando González-Nilo
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Neurosciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurosciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José L Vega
- Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Biotecnología Biomédica de Antofagasta (CIIBBA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sordillo A, Bargmann CI. Behavioral control by depolarized and hyperpolarized states of an integrating neuron. eLife 2021; 10:e67723. [PMID: 34738904 PMCID: PMC8570696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated transitions between mutually exclusive motor states are central to behavioral decisions. During locomotion, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans spontaneously cycles between forward runs, reversals, and turns with complex but predictable dynamics. Here, we provide insight into these dynamics by demonstrating how RIM interneurons, which are active during reversals, act in two modes to stabilize both forward runs and reversals. By systematically quantifying the roles of RIM outputs during spontaneous behavior, we show that RIM lengthens reversals when depolarized through glutamate and tyramine neurotransmitters and lengthens forward runs when hyperpolarized through its gap junctions. RIM is not merely silent upon hyperpolarization: RIM gap junctions actively reinforce a hyperpolarized state of the reversal circuit. Additionally, the combined outputs of chemical synapses and gap junctions from RIM regulate forward-to-reversal transitions. Our results indicate that multiple classes of RIM synapses create behavioral inertia during spontaneous locomotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aylesse Sordillo
- Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Cornelia I Bargmann
- Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Chan Zuckerberg InitiativeRedwood CityUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huang YC, Chen KH, Chen YY, Tsao LH, Yeh TH, Chen YC, Wu PY, Wang TW, Yu JY. βPS-Integrin acts downstream of Innexin 2 in modulating stretched cell morphogenesis in the Drosophila ovary. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6310741. [PMID: 34544125 PMCID: PMC8496311 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During oogenesis, a group of specialized follicle cells, known as stretched cells (StCs), flatten drastically from cuboidal to squamous shape. While morphogenesis of epithelia is critical for organogenesis, genes and signaling pathways involved in this process remain to be revealed. In addition to formation of gap junctions for intercellular exchange of small molecules, gap junction proteins form channels or act as adaptor proteins to regulate various cellular behaviors. In invertebrates, gap junction proteins are Innexins. Knockdown of Innexin 2 but not other Innexins expressed in follicle cells attenuates StC morphogenesis. Interestingly, blocking of gap junctions with an inhibitor carbenoxolone does not affect StC morphogenesis, suggesting that Innexin 2 might control StCs flattening in a gap-junction-independent manner. An excessive level of βPS-Integrin encoded by myospheroid is detected in Innexin 2 mutant cells specifically during StC morphogenesis. Simultaneous knockdown of Innexin 2 and myospheroid partially rescues the morphogenetic defect resulted from Innexin 2 knockdown. Furthermore, reduction of βPS-Integrin is sufficient to induce early StCs flattening. Taken together, our data suggest that βPS-Integrin acts downstream of Innexin 2 in modulating StCs morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Han Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yang Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Hsuan Tsao
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Yen Wu
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Wei Wang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Jenn-Yah Yu
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
García-Rodríguez C, Bravo-Tobar ID, Duarte Y, Barrio LC, Sáez JC. Contribution of non-selective membrane channels and receptors in epilepsy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 231:107980. [PMID: 34481811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming refractory epilepsy's resistance to the combination of antiepileptic drugs (AED), mitigating side effects, and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy are critical goals for therapy of this disorder. Current therapeutic strategies are based primarily on neurocentric mechanisms, overlooking the participation of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. This review is focused on a set of non-selective membrane channels (permeable to ions and small molecules), including channels and ionotropic receptors of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, such as: the hemichannels formed by Cx43 and Panx1; the purinergic P2X7 receptors; the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1 and TRPV4) channels; calcium homeostasis modulators (CALHMs); transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels; transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels; voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) and volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which all have in common being activated by epileptic activity and the capacity to exacerbate seizure intensity. Specifically, we highlight evidence for the activation of these channels/receptors during epilepsy including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, discuss signaling pathways and feedback mechanisms, and propose the functions of each of them in acute and chronic epilepsy. Studying the role of these non-selective membrane channels in epilepsy and identifying appropriate blockers for one or more of them could provide complementary therapies to better alleviate the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia García-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - Iván D Bravo-Tobar
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Yorley Duarte
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis C Barrio
- Hospital Ramon y Cajal-IRYCIS, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica de la Universidad Politécnica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Syrjanen J, Michalski K, Kawate T, Furukawa H. On the molecular nature of large-pore channels. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166994. [PMID: 33865869 PMCID: PMC8409005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Membrane transport is a fundamental means to control basic cellular processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration and is mediated by a number of transporters, pumps, and channels. Accumulating evidence over the last half century has shown that a type of so-called "large-pore channel" exists in various tissues and organs in gap-junctional and non-gap-junctional forms in order to flow not only ions but also metabolites such as ATP. They are formed by a number of protein families with little or no evolutionary linkages including connexin, innexin, pannexin, leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8), and calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM). This review summarizes the history and concept of large-pore channels starting from connexin gap junction channels to the more recent developments in innexin, pannexin, LRRC8, and CALHM. We describe structural and functional features of large-pore channels that are crucial for their diverse functions on the basis of available structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Syrjanen
- W.M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Kevin Michalski
- W.M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Toshimitsu Kawate
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Fields of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology (BMCB), and Biophysics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Hiro Furukawa
- W.M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Güiza J, Arriagada J, Rodríguez L, Gutiérrez C, Duarte Y, Sáez JC, Vega JL. Anti-parasitic drugs modulate the non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166188. [PMID: 34102257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The proteins connexins, innexins, and pannexins are the subunits of non-selective channels present in the cell membrane in vertebrates (connexins and pannexins) and invertebrates (innexins). These channels allow the transfer of ions and molecules across the cell membrane or, and in many cases, between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. These channels participate in various physiological processes, particularly under pathophysiological conditions, such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Interestingly, some anti-parasitic drugs also block connexin- or pannexin-formed channels. Their effects on host channels permeable to molecules that favor parasitic infection can further explain the anti-parasitic effects of some of these compounds. In this review, the effects of drugs with known anti-parasitic activity that modulate non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins are discussed. Previous studies that have reported the presence of these proteins in worms, ectoparasites, and protozoa that cause parasitic infections have also been reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Güiza
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Javiera Arriagada
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Luis Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Camila Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Yorley Duarte
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José L Vega
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Identification and classification of innexin gene transcripts in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244902. [PMID: 33857131 PMCID: PMC8049302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular gap junction channels and single-membrane channels have been reported to regulate electrical synapse and the brain function. Innexin is known as a gap junction-related protein in invertebrates and is involved in the formation of intercellular gap junction channels and single-cell membrane channels. Multiple isoforms of innexin protein in each species enable the precise regulation of channel function. In molluscan species, sequence information of innexins is still limited and the sequences of multiple innexin isoforms have not been classified. This study examined the innexin transcripts expressed in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus and identified 16 transcripts of 12 innexin isoforms, including the splicing variants. We performed phylogenetic analysis and classified the isoforms with other molluscan innexin sequences. Next, the phosphorylation, N-glycosylation, and S-nitrosylation sites were predicted to characterize the innexin isoforms. Further, we identified 16 circular RNA sequences of nine innexin isoforms in the central nervous system of Limax. The identification and classification of molluscan innexin isoforms provided novel insights for understanding the regulatory mechanism of innexin in this phylum.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mim C, Perkins G, Dahl G. Structure versus function: Are new conformations of pannexin 1 yet to be resolved? J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:211971. [PMID: 33835130 PMCID: PMC8042604 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) plays a decisive role in multiple physiological and pathological settings, including oxygen delivery to tissues, mucociliary clearance in airways, sepsis, neuropathic pain, and epilepsy. It is widely accepted that Panx1 exerts its role in the context of purinergic signaling by providing a transmembrane pathway for ATP. However, under certain conditions, Panx1 can also act as a highly selective membrane channel for chloride ions without ATP permeability. A recent flurry of publications has provided structural information about the Panx1 channel. However, while these structures are consistent with a chloride selective channel, none show a conformation with strong support for the ATP release function of Panx1. In this Viewpoint, we critically assess the existing evidence for the function and structure of the Panx1 channel and conclude that the structure corresponding to the ATP permeation pathway is yet to be determined. We also list a set of additional topics needing attention and propose ways to attain the large-pore, ATP-permeable conformation of the Panx1 channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Mim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Guy Perkins
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA
| | - Gerhard Dahl
- Department of Physiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang Q, Liu S. Analysis of Hemichannels and Gap Junctions: Application and Extension of the Passive Transmembrane Ion Transport Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:596953. [PMID: 33897368 PMCID: PMC8058385 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.596953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical synaptic transmission is an essential form of interneuronal communication which is mediated by gap junctions that permit ion flow. Three gene families (connexins, innexins, and pannexins) have evolved to form gap junctional channels. Each gap junctional channel is formed by the docking of the hemichannel of one cell with the corresponding hemichannel of an adjacent cell. To date, there has been a lack of study models to describe this structure in detail. In this study, we demonstrate that numerical simulations suggest that the passive transmembrane ion transport model, based on the generality of ion channels, also applies to hemichannels in non-junctional plasma membranes. On this basis, we established a gap junctional channel model, which describes hemichannels' docking. We simulated homotypic and heterotypic gap junctions formed by connexins, innexins, and pannexins. Based on the numerical results and our theoretical model, we discussed the physiology of hemichannels and gap junctions, including ion blockage of hemichannels, voltage gating of gap junctions, and asymmetry and delay of electrical synaptic transmission, for which the numerical simulations are first comprehensively realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqian Wang
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenquan Liu
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Starich T, Greenstein D. A Limited and Diverse Set of Suppressor Mutations Restore Function to INX-8 Mutant Hemichannels in the Caenorhabditis elegans Somatic Gonad. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1655. [PMID: 33321846 PMCID: PMC7763923 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In Caenorhabditis elegans, gap junctions couple cells of the somatic gonad with the germline to support germ cell proliferation and gametogenesis. A strong loss-of-function mutation (T239I) affects the second extracellular loop (EL2) of the somatic INX-8 hemichannel subunit. These mutant hemichannels form non-functional gap junctions with germline-expressed innexins. We conducted a genetic screen for suppressor mutations that restore germ cell proliferation in the T239I mutant background and isolated seven intragenic mutations, located in diverse domains of INX-8 but not the EL domains. These second-site mutations compensate for the original channel defect to varying degrees, from nearly complete wild-type rescue, to partial rescue of germline proliferation. One suppressor mutation (E350K) supports the innexin cryo-EM structural model that the channel pore opening is surrounded by a cytoplasmic dome. Two suppressor mutations (S9L and I36N) may form leaky channels that support germline proliferation but cause the demise of somatic sheath cells. Phenotypic analyses of three of the suppressors reveal an equivalency in the rescue of germline proliferation and comparable delays in gametogenesis but a graded rescue of fertility. The mutations described here may be useful for elucidating the biochemical pathways that produce the active biomolecules transiting through soma-germline gap junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd Starich
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Greenstein
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Meng L, Yan D. NLR-1/CASPR Anchors F-Actin to Promote Gap Junction Formation. Dev Cell 2020; 55:574-587.e3. [PMID: 33238150 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are present in most tissues and play essential roles in various biological processes. However, we know surprisingly little about the molecular mechanisms underlying gap junction formation. Here, we uncover the essential role of a conserved EGF- and laminin-G-domain-containing protein nlr-1/CASPR in the regulation of gap junction formation in multiple tissues across different developmental stages in C. elegans. NLR-1 is located in the gap junction perinexus, a region adjacent to but not overlapping with gap junctions, and forms puncta before the clusters of gap junction channels appear on the membrane. We show that NLR-1 can directly bind to actin to recruit F-actin networks at the gap junction formation plaque, and the formation of F-actin patches plays a critical role in the assembly of gap junction channels. Our findings demonstrate that nlr-1/CASPR acts as an early stage signal for gap junction formation through anchoring of F-actin networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Meng
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Regeneration Next, and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yang W, Wang Y, Guo J, He L, Zhou Y, Zheng H, Liu Z, Zhu P, Zhang XC. Cryo-electron microscopy structure of CLHM1 ion channel from Caenorhabditis elegans. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1803-1815. [PMID: 32557855 PMCID: PMC7380676 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Calcium homeostasis modulators (CALHMs/CLHMs) comprise a family of pore-forming protein complexes assembling into voltage-gated, Ca2+ -sensitive, nonselective channels. These complexes contain an ion-conduction pore sufficiently wide to permit the passing of ATP molecules serving as neurotransmitters. While their function and structure information is accumulating, the precise mechanisms of these channel complexes remain to be full understood. Here, we present the structure of the Caenorhabditis elegans CLHM1 channel in its open state solved through single-particle cryo-electron microscopy at 3.7-Å resolution. The transmembrane region of the channel structure of the dominant class shows an assembly of 10-fold rotational symmetry in one layer, and its cytoplasmic region is involved in additional twofold symmetrical packing in a tail-to-tail manner. Furthermore, we identified a series of amino acid residues critical for the regulation of CeCLHM1 channel using functional assays, electrophysiological analyses as well as structural-based analysis. Our structure and function analyses provide new insights into the mechanisms of CALHM channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Youwang Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianli Guo
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lingli He
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ye Zhou
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hui Zheng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhenfeng Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ping Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuejun C. Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in BiomacromoleculesInstitute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ruan Z, Orozco IJ, Du J, Lü W. Structures of human pannexin 1 reveal ion pathways and mechanism of gating. Nature 2020; 584:646-651. [PMID: 32494015 PMCID: PMC7814660 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is an ATP-permeable channel with critical roles in a variety of physiological functions such as blood pressure regulation1, apoptotic cell clearance2 and human oocyte development3. Here we present several structures of human PANX1 in a heptameric assembly at resolutions of up to 2.8 angström, including an apo state, a caspase-7-cleaved state and a carbenoxolone-bound state. We reveal a gating mechanism that involves two ion-conducting pathways. Under normal cellular conditions, the intracellular entry of the wide main pore is physically plugged by the C-terminal tail. Small anions are conducted through narrow tunnels in the intracellular domain. These tunnels connect to the main pore and are gated by a long linker between the N-terminal helix and the first transmembrane helix. During apoptosis, the C-terminal tail is cleaved by caspase, allowing the release of ATP through the main pore. We identified a carbenoxolone-binding site embraced by W74 in the extracellular entrance and a role for carbenoxolone as a channel blocker. We identified a gap-junction-like structure using a glycosylation-deficient mutant, N255A. Our studies provide a solid foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the channel gating and inhibition of PANX1 and related large-pore channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ruan
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Juan Du
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Wei Lü
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Starich TA, Bai X, Greenstein D. Gap junctions deliver malonyl-CoA from soma to germline to support embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2020; 9:58619. [PMID: 32735213 PMCID: PMC7445009 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are ubiquitous in metazoans and play critical roles in important biological processes, including electrical conduction and development. Yet, only a few defined molecules passing through gap junction channels have been linked to specific functions. We isolated gap junction channel mutants that reduce coupling between the soma and germ cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad. We provide evidence that malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting substrate for fatty acid synthesis (FAS), is produced in the soma and delivered through gap junctions to the germline; there it is used in fatty acid synthesis to critically support embryonic development. Separation of malonyl-CoA production from its site of utilization facilitates somatic control of germline development. Additionally, we demonstrate that loss of malonyl-CoA production in the intestine negatively impacts germline development independently of FAS. Our results suggest that metabolic outsourcing of malonyl-CoA may be a strategy by which the soma communicates nutritional status to the germline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Starich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Xiaofei Bai
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - David Greenstein
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chou TH, Tajima N, Romero-Hernandez A, Furukawa H. Structural Basis of Functional Transitions in Mammalian NMDA Receptors. Cell 2020; 182:357-371.e13. [PMID: 32610085 PMCID: PMC8278726 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory neurotransmission meditated by glutamate receptors including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is pivotal to brain development and function. NMDARs are heterotetramers composed of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits, which bind glycine and glutamate, respectively, to activate their ion channels. Despite importance in brain physiology, the precise mechanisms by which activation and inhibition occur via subunit-specific binding of agonists and antagonists remain largely unknown. Here, we show the detailed patterns of conformational changes and inter-subunit and -domain reorientation leading to agonist-gating and subunit-dependent competitive inhibition by providing multiple structures in distinct ligand states at 4 Å or better. The structures reveal that activation and competitive inhibition by both GluN1 and GluN2 antagonists occur by controlling the tension of the linker between the ligand-binding domain and the transmembrane ion channel of the GluN2 subunit. Our results provide detailed mechanistic insights into NMDAR pharmacology, activation, and inhibition, which are fundamental to the brain physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Nami Tajima
- WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Annabel Romero-Hernandez
- WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Hiro Furukawa
- WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gordon KL, Zussman JW, Li X, Miller C, Sherwood DR. Stem cell niche exit in C. elegans via orientation and segregation of daughter cells by a cryptic cell outside the niche. eLife 2020; 9:e56383. [PMID: 32692313 PMCID: PMC7467730 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells reside in and rely upon their niche to maintain stemness but must balance self-renewal with the production of daughters that leave the niche to differentiate. We discovered a mechanism of stem cell niche exit in the canonical C. elegans distal tip cell (DTC) germ stem cell niche mediated by previously unobserved, thin, membranous protrusions of the adjacent somatic gonad cell pair (Sh1). A disproportionate number of germ cell divisions were observed at the DTC-Sh1 interface. Stem-like and differentiating cell fates segregated across this boundary. Spindles polarized, pairs of daughter cells oriented between the DTC and Sh1, and Sh1 grew over the Sh1-facing daughter. Impeding Sh1 growth by RNAi to cofilin and Arp2/3 perturbed the DTC-Sh1 interface, reduced germ cell proliferation, and shifted a differentiation marker. Because Sh1 membrane protrusions eluded detection for decades, it is possible that similar structures actively regulate niche exit in other systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kacy L Gordon
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jay W Zussman
- Department of Biology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Camille Miller
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - David R Sherwood
- Department of Biology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Regeneration Next, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mitochondrial F-ATP synthase as the permeability transition pore. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105081. [PMID: 32679179 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The current state of research on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) can be described in terms of three major problems: molecular identity, atomic structure and gating mechanism. In this review these three problems are discussed in the light of recent findings with special emphasis on the discovery that the PTP is mitochondrial F-ATP synthase (mtFoF1). Novel features of the mitochondrial F-ATP synthase emerging from the success of single particle cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine F-ATP synthase structures are surveyed along with their possible involvement in pore formation. Also, current findings from the gap junction field concerning the involvement of lipids in channel closure are examined. Finally, an earlier proposal denoted as the 'Death Finger' is discussed as a working model for PTP gating.
Collapse
|
37
|
Voronina TA, Nesmelov AA, Kondratyeva SA, Deviatiiarov RM, Miyata Y, Tokumoto S, Cornette R, Gusev OA, Kikawada T, Shagimardanova EI. New group of transmembrane proteins associated with desiccation tolerance in the anhydrobiotic midge Polypedilum vanderplanki. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11633. [PMID: 32669703 PMCID: PMC7363813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Larvae of the sleeping chironomid Polypedilum vanderplanki are known for their extraordinary ability to survive complete desiccation in an ametabolic state called "anhydrobiosis". The unique feature of P. vanderplanki genome is the presence of expanded gene clusters associated with anhydrobiosis. While several such clusters represent orthologues of known genes, there is a distinct set of genes unique for P. vanderplanki. These include Lea-Island-Located (LIL) genes with no known orthologues except two of LEA genes of P. vanderplanki, PvLea1 and PvLea3. However, PvLIL proteins lack typical features of LEA such as the state of intrinsic disorder, hydrophilicity and characteristic LEA_4 motif. They possess four to five transmembrane domains each and we confirmed membrane targeting for three PvLILs. Conserved amino acids in PvLIL are located in transmembrane domains or nearby. PvLEA1 and PvLEA3 proteins are chimeras combining LEA-like parts and transmembrane domains, shared with PvLIL proteins. We have found that PvLil genes are highly upregulated during anhydrobiosis induction both in larvae of P. vanderplanki and P. vanderplanki-derived cultured cell line, Pv11. Thus, PvLil are a new intriguing group of genes that are likely to be associated with anhydrobiosis due to their common origin with some LEA genes and their induction during anhydrobiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taisiya A Voronina
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Alexander A Nesmelov
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Sabina A Kondratyeva
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Ruslan M Deviatiiarov
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Yugo Miyata
- Division of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Institute of Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shoko Tokumoto
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Richard Cornette
- Division of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Institute of Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Oleg A Gusev
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- KFU-RIKEN Translational Genomics Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
- Laboratory for Transcriptome Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kikawada
- Division of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Institute of Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan.
| | - Elena I Shagimardanova
- Extreme Biology laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Choi MK, Liu H, Wu T, Yang W, Zhang Y. NMDAR-mediated modulation of gap junction circuit regulates olfactory learning in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3467. [PMID: 32651378 PMCID: PMC7351742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of gap junction-mediated electrical synapses is a common form of neural plasticity. However, the behavioral consequence of the modulation and the underlying molecular cellular mechanisms are not understood. Here, using a C. elegans circuit of interneurons that are connected by gap junctions, we show that modulation of the gap junctions facilitates olfactory learning. Learning experience weakens the gap junctions and induces a repulsive sensory response to the training odorants, which together decouple the responses of the interneurons to the training odorants to generate learned olfactory behavior. The weakening of the gap junctions results from downregulation of the abundance of a gap junction molecule, which is regulated by cell-autonomous function of the worm homologs of a NMDAR subunit and CaMKII. Thus, our findings identify the function of a gap junction modulation in an in vivo model of learning and a conserved regulatory pathway underlying the modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Kyu Choi
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - He Liu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Taihong Wu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Wenxing Yang
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. .,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Demura K, Kusakizako T, Shihoya W, Hiraizumi M, Nomura K, Shimada H, Yamashita K, Nishizawa T, Taruno A, Nureki O. Cryo-EM structures of calcium homeostasis modulator channels in diverse oligomeric assemblies. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba8105. [PMID: 32832629 PMCID: PMC7439320 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba8105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) family proteins are Ca2+-regulated adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-release channels involved in neural functions including neurotransmission in gustation. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of killifish CALHM1, human CALHM2, and Caenorhabditis elegans CLHM-1 at resolutions of 2.66, 3.4, and 3.6 Å, respectively. The CALHM1 octamer structure reveals that the N-terminal helix forms the constriction site at the channel pore in the open state and modulates the ATP conductance. The CALHM2 undecamer and CLHM-1 nonamer structures show the different oligomeric stoichiometries among CALHM homologs. We further report the cryo-EM structures of the chimeric construct, revealing that the intersubunit interactions at the transmembrane domain (TMD) and the TMD-intracellular domain linker define the oligomeric stoichiometry. These findings advance our understanding of the ATP conduction and oligomerization mechanisms of CALHM channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Demura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Wataru Shihoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hiraizumi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Discovery Technology Laboratories, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 1000 Kamoshida, Aoba-ku, Yokohama 227-0033, Japan
| | - Kengo Nomura
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroto Shimada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamashita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Taruno
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Corresponding author. (A.T.), (O.N.)
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Corresponding author. (A.T.), (O.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Shui Y, Liu P, Zhan H, Chen B, Wang ZW. Molecular basis of junctional current rectification at an electrical synapse. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb3076. [PMID: 32923588 PMCID: PMC7455501 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rectifying electrical synapses (RESs) exist across animal species, but their rectification mechanism is largely unknown. We investigated why RESs between AVA premotor interneurons and A-type cholinergic motoneurons (A-MNs) in Caenorhabditis elegans escape circuit conduct junctional currents (I j) only in the antidromic direction. These RESs consist of UNC-7 innexin in AVA and UNC-9 innexin in A-MNs. UNC-7 has multiple isoforms differing in the length and sequence of the amino terminus. In a heterologous expression system, only one UNC-7 isoform, UNC-7b, can form heterotypic gap junctions (GJs) with UNC-9 that strongly favor I j in the UNC-9 to UNC-7 direction. Knockout of unc-7b alone almost eliminated the I j, whereas AVA-specific expression of UNC-7b substantially rescued the coupling defect of unc-7 mutant. Neutralizing charged residues in UNC-7b amino terminus abolished the rectification property of UNC-7b/UNC-9 GJs. Our results suggest that the rectification property results from electrostatic interactions between charged residues in UNC-7b amino terminus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ren Y, Wen T, Xi Z, Li S, Lu J, Zhang X, Yang X, Shen Y. Cryo-EM structure of the calcium homeostasis modulator 1 channel. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba8161. [PMID: 32832630 PMCID: PMC7439498 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba8161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) is a voltage-gated ATP release channel that plays an important role in neural gustatory signaling and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of full-length Ca2+-free CALHM1 from Danio rerio at an overall resolution of 3.1 Å. Our structure reveals an octameric architecture with a wide pore diameter of ~20 Å, presumably representing the active conformation. The overall structure is substantially different from that of the isoform CALHM2, which forms both undecameric hemichannels and gap junctions. The N-terminal small helix folds back to the pore and forms an antiparallel interaction with transmembrane helix 1. Structural analysis revealed that the extracellular loop 1 region within the dimer interface may contribute to oligomeric assembly. A positive potential belt inside the pore was identified that may modulate ion permeation. Our structure offers insights into the assembly and gating mechanism of the CALHM1 channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tianlei Wen
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shunjin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Center of Cryo Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Corresponding author. (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuequan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071, China
- Corresponding author. (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nakamura R, Numata T, Kasuya G, Yokoyama T, Nishizawa T, Kusakizako T, Kato T, Hagino T, Dohmae N, Inoue M, Watanabe K, Ichijo H, Kikkawa M, Shirouzu M, Jentsch TJ, Ishitani R, Okada Y, Nureki O. Cryo-EM structure of the volume-regulated anion channel LRRC8D isoform identifies features important for substrate permeation. Commun Biol 2020; 3:240. [PMID: 32415200 PMCID: PMC7229184 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0951-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) protein family, composed of the five LRRC8A-E isoforms, are pore-forming components of the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). LRRC8A and at least one of the other LRRC8 isoforms assemble into heteromers to generate VRAC transport activities. Despite the availability of the LRRC8A structures, the structural basis of how LRRC8 isoforms other than LRRC8A contribute to the functional diversity of VRAC has remained elusive. Here, we present the structure of the human LRRC8D isoform, which enables the permeation of organic substrates through VRAC. The LRRC8D homo-hexamer structure displays a two-fold symmetric arrangement, and together with a structure-based electrophysiological analysis, revealed two key features. The pore constriction on the extracellular side is wider than that in the LRRC8A structures, which may explain the increased permeability of organic substrates. Furthermore, an N-terminal helix protrudes into the pore from the intracellular side and may be critical for gating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Nakamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Numata
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Johnan-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Go Kasuya
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kusakizako
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hagino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masato Inoue
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Watanabe
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ichijo
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Kikkawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Physiology and Pathology of Ion Transport, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, D-13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ryuichiro Ishitani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunobu Okada
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Cell Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Drożdżyk K, Sawicka M, Bahamonde-Santos MI, Jonas Z, Deneka D, Albrecht C, Dutzler R. Cryo-EM structures and functional properties of CALHM channels of the human placenta. eLife 2020; 9:e55853. [PMID: 32374262 PMCID: PMC7242029 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transport of substances across the placenta is essential for the development of the fetus. Here, we were interested in the role of channels of the calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) family in the human placenta. By transcript analysis, we found the paralogs CALHM2, 4, and 6 to be highly expressed in this organ and upregulated during trophoblast differentiation. Based on electrophysiology, we observed that activation of these paralogs differs from the voltage- and calcium-gated channel CALHM1. Cryo-EM structures of CALHM4 display decameric and undecameric assemblies with large cylindrical pore, while in CALHM6 a conformational change has converted the pore shape into a conus that narrows at the intracellular side, thus describing distinct functional states of the channel. The pore geometry alters the distribution of lipids, which occupy the cylindrical pore of CALHM4 in a bilayer-like arrangement whereas they have redistributed in the conical pore of CALHM6 with potential functional consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Sawicka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Zaugg Jonas
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Dawid Deneka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Raimund Dutzler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Structural insights into gap junction channels boosted by cryo-EM. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 63:42-48. [PMID: 32339861 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Regulating intercellular communication is essential for multicellular organisms. Gap junction channels are the major components mediating this function, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their opening and closing remain unclear. Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful tool for investigating high-resolution protein structures that are difficult to crystallize, such as gap junction channels. Membrane protein structures are often determined in a detergent solubilized form, but lipid bilayers provide a near native environment for structural analysis. This review focuses on recent reports of gap junction channel structures visualized by cryo-EM. An overview of the differences observed in gap junction channel structures in the presence and absence of lipids is described, which may contribute to elucidating the regulation mechanisms of gap junction channel function.
Collapse
|
45
|
Structural basis for gating mechanism of Pannexin 1 channel. Cell Res 2020; 30:452-454. [PMID: 32284561 PMCID: PMC7196076 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
|
46
|
Gaete PS, Contreras JE. Taking a close look at a large-pore channel. eLife 2020; 9:56114. [PMID: 32228857 PMCID: PMC7108858 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56114] [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: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure of pannexin 1, a channel protein with a large pore, has been determined for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S Gaete
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, United States
| | - Jorge E Contreras
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Deng Z, He Z, Maksaev G, Bitter RM, Rau M, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Yuan P. Cryo-EM structures of the ATP release channel pannexin 1. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:373-381. [PMID: 32231289 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0401-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The plasma membrane adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release channel pannexin 1 (PANX1) has been implicated in many physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with purinergic signaling, including cancer progression, apoptotic cell clearance, inflammation, blood pressure regulation, oocyte development, epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Here we present near-atomic-resolution structures of human and frog PANX1 determined by cryo-electron microscopy that revealed a heptameric channel architecture. Compatible with ATP permeation, the transmembrane pore and cytoplasmic vestibule were exceptionally wide. An extracellular tryptophan ring located at the outer pore created a constriction site, potentially functioning as a molecular sieve that restricts the size of permeable substrates. The amino and carboxyl termini, not resolved in the density map, appeared to be structurally dynamic and might contribute to narrowing of the pore during channel gating. In combination with functional characterization, this work elucidates the previously unknown architecture of pannexin channels and establishes a foundation for understanding their unique channel properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengqin Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhihui He
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Grigory Maksaev
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan M Bitter
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael Rau
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mersman BA, Jolly SN, Lin Z, Xu F. Gap Junction Coding Innexin in Lymnaea stagnalis: Sequence Analysis and Characterization in Tissues and the Central Nervous System. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:1. [PMID: 32158385 PMCID: PMC7052179 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Connections between neurons called synapses are the key components underlying all nervous system functions of animals and humans. However, important genetic information on the formation and plasticity of one type, the electrical (gap junction-mediated) synapse, is understudied in many invertebrates. In the present study, we set forth to identify and characterize the gap junction-encoding gene innexin in the central nervous system (CNS) of the mollusk pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. With PCR, 3′ and 5′ RACE, and BLAST searches, we identified eight innexin genes in the L. stagnalis genome, named Lst Inx1–Lst Inx8. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the L. stagnalis innexin genes originated from a single copy in the common ancestor of molluskan species by multiple gene duplication events and have been maintained in L. stagnalis since they were generated. The paralogous innexin genes demonstrate distinct expression patterns among tissues. In addition, one paralog, Lst Inx1, exhibits heterogeneity in cells and ganglia, suggesting the occurrence of functional diversification after gene duplication. These results introduce possibilities to study an intriguing potential relationship between innexin paralog expression and cell-specific functional outputs such as heterogenic ability to form channels and exhibit synapse plasticity. The L. stagnalis CNS contains large neurons and functionally defined networks for behaviors; with the introduction of L. stagnalis in the gap junction gene field, we are providing novel opportunities to combine genetic research with direct investigations of functional outcomes at the cellular, synaptic, and behavioral levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Mersman
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sonia N Jolly
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Zhenguo Lin
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fenglian Xu
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Role of an Aromatic-Aromatic Interaction in the Assembly and Trafficking of the Zebrafish Panx1a Membrane Channel. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020272. [PMID: 32053881 PMCID: PMC7072349 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) is a ubiquitously expressed hexameric integral membrane protein known to function as an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release channel. Panx1 proteins exist in unglycosylated core form (Gly0). They undergo critical post-translational modifications forming the high mannose glycosylation state (Gly1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the complex glycosylation state (Gly2) in the Golgi apparatus. The regulation of transition from the ER to the cell membrane is not fully understood. Using site-specific mutagenesis, dye uptake assays, and interaction testing, we identified two conserved aromatic residues, Trp123 and Tyr205, in the transmembrane domains 2 and 3 of the zebrafish panx1a protein. Results suggest that both residues primarily govern the assembly of panx1a subunits into channels, with mutant proteins failing to interact. The results provide insight into a mechanism enabling regulation of Panx1 oligomerization, glycosylation, and trafficking.
Collapse
|
50
|
Burendei B, Shinozaki R, Watanabe M, Terada T, Tani K, Fujiyoshi Y, Oshima A. Cryo-EM structures of undocked innexin-6 hemichannels in phospholipids. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaax3157. [PMID: 32095518 PMCID: PMC7015682 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax3157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions form intercellular conduits with a large pore size whose closed and open states regulate communication between adjacent cells. The structural basis of the mechanism by which gap junctions close, however, remains uncertain. Here, we show the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Caenorhabditis elegans innexin-6 (INX-6) gap junction proteins in an undocked hemichannel form. In the nanodisc-reconstituted structure of the wild-type INX-6 hemichannel, flat double-layer densities obstruct the channel pore. Comparison of the hemichannel structures of a wild-type INX-6 in detergent and nanodisc-reconstituted amino-terminal deletion mutant reveals that lipid-mediated amino-terminal rearrangement and pore obstruction occur upon nanodisc reconstitution. Together with molecular dynamics simulations and electrophysiology functional assays, our results provide insight into the closure of the INX-6 hemichannel in a lipid bilayer before docking of two hemichannels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batuujin Burendei
- Division of Biological Science, School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ruriko Shinozaki
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tohru Terada
- Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Tani
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujiyoshi
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- CeSPIA Inc., Ōtemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Atsunori Oshima
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|