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Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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2
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Wu M, Jiang H, Li Q, Liu Y, Zhang H, Li X, Shao Z. OGT-1 regulates synaptic assembly through the insulin signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1919-1930. [PMID: 37991448 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of synapses are precisely regulated, and the misregulation often leads to neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Besides intrinsic genetically encoded signaling pathways, synaptic structure and function are also regulated by extrinsic factors, such as nutrients. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), a nutrient sensor, is abundant in the nervous system and required for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. However, whether OGT is involved in synaptic development and the mechanism underlying the process are largely unknown. In this study, we found that OGT-1, the OGT homolog in C. elegans, regulates the presynaptic assembly in AIY interneurons. The insulin receptor DAF-2 acts upstream of OGT-1 to promote the presynaptic assembly by positively regulating the expression of ogt-1. This insulin-OGT-1 axis functions most likely by regulating neuronal activity. In this study, we elucidated a novel mechanism for synaptic development, and provided a potential link between synaptic development and insulin-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhe Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Weishaupt AK, Kubens L, Ruecker L, Schwerdtle T, Aschner M, Bornhorst J. A Reliable Method Based on Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Simultaneous Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecules 2023; 28:5373. [PMID: 37513246 PMCID: PMC10385323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA), serotonin (SRT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) are messenger molecules that play a pivotal role in transmitting excitation between neurons across chemical synapses, thus enabling complex processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Balance in neurotransmitter homeostasis is essential, and altered neurotransmitter levels are associated with various neurological disorders, e.g., loss of dopaminergic neurons (Parkinson's disease) or altered ACh synthesis (Alzheimer's disease). Therefore, it is crucial to possess adequate tools to assess precise neurotransmitter levels, and to apply targeted therapies. An established in vivo model to study neurotoxicity is the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as its neurons have been well characterized and functionally are analogous to mammals. We have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method including a sample preparation assuring neurotransmitter stability, which allows a simultaneous neurotransmitter quantification of DA, SRT, GABA and ACh in C. elegans, but can easily be applied to other matrices. LC-MS/MS combined with isotope-labeled standards is the tool of choice, due to its otherwise unattainable sensitivity and specificity. Using C. elegans together with our analytically validated and verified method provides a powerful tool to evaluate mechanisms of neurotoxicity, and furthermore to identify possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Weishaupt
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
| | - Laura Kubens
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lysann Ruecker
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
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Desbois M, Pak JS, Opperman KJ, Giles AC, Grill B. Optimized protocol for in vivo affinity purification proteomics and biochemistry using C. elegans. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102262. [PMID: 37294631 PMCID: PMC10323129 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We present an optimized protocol for in vivo affinity purification proteomics and biochemistry using the model organism C. elegans. We describe steps for target tagging, large-scale culture, affinity purification using a cryomill, mass spectrometry and validation of candidate binding proteins. Our approach has proven successful for identifying protein-protein interactions and signaling networks with verified functional relevance. Our protocol is also suitable for biochemical evaluation of protein-protein interactions in vivo. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Crawley et al.,1 Giles et al.,2 and Desbois et al.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Desbois
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Joseph S Pak
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Karla J Opperman
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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5
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Sung H, Vaziri A, Wilinski D, Woerner RKR, Freddolino PL, Dus M. Nutrigenomic regulation of sensory plasticity. eLife 2023; 12:e83979. [PMID: 36951889 PMCID: PMC10036121 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet profoundly influences brain physiology, but how metabolic information is transmuted into neural activity and behavior changes remains elusive. Here, we show that the metabolic enzyme O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) moonlights on the chromatin of the D. melanogaster gustatory neurons to instruct changes in chromatin accessibility and transcription that underlie sensory adaptations to a high-sugar diet. OGT works synergistically with the Mitogen Activated Kinase/Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (MAPK/ERK) rolled and its effector stripe (also known as EGR2 or Krox20) to integrate activity information. OGT also cooperates with the epigenetic silencer Polycomb Repressive Complex 2.1 (PRC2.1) to decrease chromatin accessibility and repress transcription in the high-sugar diet. This integration of nutritional and activity information changes the taste neurons' responses to sugar and the flies' ability to sense sweetness. Our findings reveal how nutrigenomic signaling generates neural activity and behavior in response to dietary changes in the sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayeon Sung
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Anoumid Vaziri
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
- The Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Daniel Wilinski
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Riley KR Woerner
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Peter L Freddolino
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, The University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Monica Dus
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
- The Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
- The Michigan Neuroscience InstituteAnn ArborUnited States
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6
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Brain O-GlcNAcylation: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Phenotype. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:255-280. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Konzman D, Fukushige T, Dagnachew M, Krause M, Hanover JA. O-GlcNAc transferase plays a non-catalytic role in C. elegans male fertility. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010273. [PMID: 36383567 PMCID: PMC9710795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior is influenced by the competing drives to maintain energy and to reproduce. The balance between these evolutionary pressures and how nutrient signaling pathways intersect with mating remains unclear. The nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase, which post-translationally modifies intracellular proteins with a single monosaccharide, is responsive to cellular nutrient status and regulates diverse biological processes. Though essential in most metazoans, O-GlcNAc transferase (ogt-1) is dispensable in Caenorhabditis elegans, allowing genetic analysis of its physiological roles. Compared to control, ogt-1 males had a four-fold reduction in mean offspring, with nearly two thirds producing zero progeny. Interestingly, we found that ogt-1 males transferred sperm less often, and virgin males had reduced sperm count. ogt-1 males were also less likely to engage in mate-searching and mate-response behaviors. Surprisingly, we found normal fertility for males with hypodermal expression of ogt-1 and for ogt-1 strains with catalytic-dead mutations. This suggests OGT-1 serves a non-catalytic function in the hypodermis impacting male fertility and mating behavior. This study builds upon research on the nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase and demonstrates a role it plays in the interplay between the evolutionary drives for reproduction and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Konzman
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tetsunari Fukushige
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mesgana Dagnachew
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael Krause
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John A. Hanover
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Nutrient sensing pathways regulating adult reproductive diapause in C. elegans. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274076. [PMID: 36112613 PMCID: PMC9480990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274076] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and environmental manipulations, such as dietary restriction, can improve both health span and lifespan in a wide range of organisms, including humans. Changes in nutrient intake trigger often overlapping metabolic pathways that can generate distinct or even opposite outputs depending on several factors, such as when dietary restriction occurs in the lifecycle of the organism or the nature of the changes in nutrients. Due to the complexity of metabolic pathways and the diversity in outputs, the underlying mechanisms regulating diet-associated pro-longevity are not yet well understood. Adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is a dietary restriction model that is associated with lengthened lifespan and reproductive potential. To explore the metabolic pathways regulating ARD in greater depth, we performed a candidate-based genetic screen analyzing select nutrient-sensing pathways to determine their contribution to the regulation of ARD. Focusing on the three phases of ARD (initiation, maintenance, and recovery), we found that ARD initiation is regulated by fatty acid metabolism, sirtuins, AMPK, and the O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) pathway. Although ARD maintenance was not significantly influenced by the nutrient sensors in our screen, we found that ARD recovery was modulated by energy sensing, stress response, insulin-like signaling, and the TOR pathway. Further investigation of downstream targets of NHR-49 suggest the transcription factor influences ARD initiation through the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. Consistent with these findings, our analysis revealed a change in levels of neutral lipids associated with ARD entry defects. Our findings identify conserved genetic pathways required for ARD entry and recovery and uncover genetic interactions that provide insight into the role of OGT and OGA.
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9
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Ptchd1 mediates opioid tolerance via cholesterol-dependent effects on μ-opioid receptor trafficking. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1179-1190. [PMID: 35982154 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to opioids causes tolerance, which limits their analgesic utility and contributes to overdose and abuse liability. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning tolerance are not well understood. Here, we used a forward genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans for unbiased identification of genes regulating opioid tolerance which revealed a role for PTR-25/Ptchd1. We found that PTR-25/Ptchd1 controls μ-opioid receptor trafficking and that these effects were mediated by the ability of PTR-25/Ptchd1 to control membrane cholesterol content. Electrophysiological studies showed that loss of Ptchd1 in mice reduced opioid-induced desensitization of neurons in several brain regions and the peripheral nervous system. Mice and C. elegans lacking Ptchd1/PTR-25 display similarly augmented responses to opioids. Ptchd1 knockout mice fail to develop analgesic tolerance and have greatly diminished somatic withdrawal. Thus, we propose that Ptchd1 plays an evolutionarily conserved role in protecting the μ-opioid receptor against overstimulation.
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Suthakaran N, Brock T, Naraine A, Gonzalez- Lerma P, Hopkins C, Dawson-Scully K. Atropine reduces aldicarb-induced sensitivity to C. elegans electroshock model. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000621. [PMID: 36017190 PMCID: PMC9396355 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Atropine has been used as an established anticonvulsant treatment for nerve agent intoxication. Atropine reduces electroshock recovery time among aldicarb-exposed wild-type C. elegans .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirthieca Suthakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Akshay Naraine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Paola Gonzalez- Lerma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL ;
,
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
,
Correspondence to: Ken Dawson-Scully (
)
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11
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Ike Y, Tomioka M, Iino Y. Involvement of HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase genes in salt chemotaxis learning in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2022; 220:6530289. [PMID: 35176147 PMCID: PMC8982016 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac025] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is associated with various phenomena including learning and memory. In this study, we report that E3 ubiquitin ligase homologs and proteasome function are involved in taste avoidance learning, a type of associative learning between starvation and salt concentrations, in Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmacological inhibition of proteasome function using bortezomib causes severe defects in taste avoidance learning. Among 9 HECT-type ubiquitin ligase genes, loss-of-function mutations of 6 ubiquitin ligase genes cause significant abnormalities in taste avoidance learning. Double mutations of those genes cause lethality or enhanced defects in taste avoidance learning, suggesting that the HECT-type ubiquitin ligases act in multiple pathways in the processes of learning. Furthermore, mutations of the ubiquitin ligase genes cause additive effects on taste avoidance learning defects of the insulin-like signaling mutants. Our findings unveil the consequences of aberrant functions of the proteasome and ubiquitin systems in learning behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Ike
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tomioka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan,Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science Building#3, Room 224, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan. ; Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science Building#3, Room 224, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Iino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan,Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science Building#3, Room 224, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan. ; Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science Building#3, Room 224, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
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12
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Sun L, Lv S, Song T. O-GlcNAcylation links oncogenic signals and cancer epigenetics. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:54. [PMID: 35201498 PMCID: PMC8777512 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalent dysregulation of epigenetic modifications plays a pivotal role in cancer. Targeting epigenetic abnormality is a new strategy for cancer therapy. Understanding how conventional oncogenic factors cause epigenetic abnormality is of great basic and translational value. O-GlcNAcylation is a protein modification which affects physiology and pathophysiology. In mammals, O-GlcNAcylation is catalyzed by one single enzyme OGT and removed by one single enzyme OGA. O-GlcNAcylation is affected by the availability of the donor, UDP-GlcNAc, generated by the serial enzymatic reactions in the hexoamine biogenesis pathway (HBP). O-GlcNAcylation regulates a wide spectrum of substrates including many proteins involved in epigenetic modification. Like epigenetic modifications, abnormality of O-GlcNAcylation is also common in cancer. Studies have revealed substantial impact on HBP enzymes and OGT/OGA by oncogenic signals. In this review, we will first summarize how oncogenic signals regulate HBP enzymes, OGT and OGA in cancer. We will then integrate this knowledge with the up to date understanding how O-GlcNAcylation regulates epigenetic machinery. With this, we propose a signal axis from oncogenic signals through O-GlcNAcylation dysregulation to epigenetic abnormality in cancer. Further elucidation of this axis will not only advance our understanding of cancer biology but also provide new revenues towards cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Suli Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tanjing Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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13
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Suthakaran N, Wiggins J, Giles A, Opperman KJ, Grill B, Dawson-Scully K. O-GlcNAc transferase OGT-1 and the ubiquitin ligase EEL-1 modulate seizure susceptibility in C. elegans. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260072. [PMID: 34797853 PMCID: PMC8604358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy and autism have been linked to an imbalance of excitation and inhibition (E/I) in the central nervous system. The simplicity and tractability of C. elegans allows our electroconvulsive seizure (ES) assay to be used as a behavioral readout of the locomotor circuit and neuronal function. C. elegans possess conserved nervous system features such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA receptors in inhibitory neurotransmission, and acetylcholine (Ach) and acetylcholine receptors in excitatory neurotransmission. Our previously published data has shown that decreasing inhibition in the motor circuit, via GABAergic manipulation, will extend the time of locomotor recovery following electroshock. Similarly, mutations in a HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase called EEL-1 leads to impaired GABAergic transmission, E/I imbalance and altered sensitivity to electroshock. Mutations in the human ortholog of EEL-1, called HUWE1, are associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic intellectual disability. Both EEL-1 and its previously established binding protein, OGT-1, are expressed in GABAergic motor neurons, localize to GABAergic presynaptic terminals, and function in parallel to regulate GABA neuron function. In this study, we tested behavioral responses to electroshock in wildtype, ogt-1, eel-1 and ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants. Both ogt-1 and eel-1 null mutants have decreased inhibitory GABAergic neuron function and increased electroshock sensitivity. Consistent with EEL-1 and OGT-1 functioning in parallel pathways, ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants showed enhanced electroshock susceptibility. Expression of OGT-1 in the C. elegans nervous system rescued enhanced electroshock defects in ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants. Application of a GABA agonist, Baclofen, decreased electroshock susceptibility in all animals. Our C. elegans electroconvulsive seizure assay was the first to model a human X-linked Intellectual Disability (XLID) associated with epilepsy and suggests a potential novel role for the OGT-1/EEL-1 complex in seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirthieca Suthakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Wiggins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Karla J. Opperman
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Regulation of O-Linked N-Acetyl Glucosamine Transferase (OGT) through E6 Stimulation of the Ubiquitin Ligase Activity of E6AP. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910286. [PMID: 34638625 PMCID: PMC8508608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosyltransferase OGT catalyzes the conjugation of O-linked β-D-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) to Ser and Thr residues of the cellular proteins and regulates many key processes in the cell. Here, we report the identification of OGT as a ubiquitination target of HECT-type E3 ubiquitin (UB) ligase E6AP, whose overexpression in HEK293 cells would induce the degradation of OGT. We also found that the expression of E6AP in HeLa cells with the endogenous expression of the E6 protein of the human papillomavirus (HPV) would accelerate OGT degradation by the proteasome and suppress O-GlcNAc modification of OGT substrates in the cell. Overall, our study establishes a new mechanism of OGT regulation by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) that mediates the crosstalk between protein ubiquitination and O-GlcNAcylation pathways underlying diverse cellular processes.
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15
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Wang D, Dao M, Muntean BS, Giles AC, Martemyanov KA, Grill B. Genetic modeling of GNAO1 disorder delineates mechanisms of Gαo dysfunction. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:510-522. [PMID: 34508586 PMCID: PMC8863422 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab235] [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] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GNAO1 encephalopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of symptoms that include dystonic movements, seizures and developmental delay. While numerous GNAO1 mutations are associated with this disorder, the functional consequences of pathological variants are not completely understood. Here, we deployed the invertebrate C. elegans as a whole-animal behavioral model to study the functional effects of GNAO1 disorder-associated mutations. We tested several pathological GNAO1 mutations for effects on locomotor behaviors using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and transgenic overexpression in vivo. We report that all three mutations tested (G42R, G203R and R209C) result in strong loss of function defects when evaluated as homozygous CRISPR alleles. In addition, mutations produced dominant negative effects assessed using both heterozygous CRISPR alleles and transgenic overexpression. Experiments in mice confirmed dominant negative effects of GNAO1 G42R, which impaired numerous motor behaviors. Thus, GNAO1 pathological mutations result in conserved functional outcomes across animal models. Our study further establishes the molecular genetic basis of GNAO1 encephalopathy, and develops a CRISPR-based pipeline for functionally evaluating mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Maria Dao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Brian S Muntean
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Vaziri A, Dus M. Brain on food: The neuroepigenetics of nutrition. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105099. [PMID: 34133954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Humans have known for millennia that nutrition has a profound influence on health and disease, but it is only recently that we have begun mapping the mechanisms via which the dietary environment impacts brain physiology and behavior. Here we review recent evidence on the effects of energy-dense and methionine diets on neural epigenetic marks, gene expression, and behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. We also discuss limitations, open questions, and future directions in the emerging field of the neuroepigenetics of nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoumid Vaziri
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Monica Dus
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
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17
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Mammalian cell proliferation requires noncatalytic functions of O-GlcNAc transferase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016778118. [PMID: 33419956 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016778118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of all mammalian cell types, is essential for cell proliferation. Why OGT is required for cell growth is not known. OGT performs two enzymatic reactions in the same active site. In one, it glycosylates thousands of different proteins, and in the other, it proteolytically cleaves another essential protein involved in gene expression. Deconvoluting OGT's myriad cellular roles has been challenging because genetic deletion is lethal; complementation methods have not been established. Here, we developed approaches to replace endogenous OGT with separation-of-function variants to investigate the importance of OGT's enzymatic activities for cell viability. Using genetic complementation, we found that OGT's glycosyltransferase function is required for cell growth but its protease function is dispensable. We next used complementation to construct a cell line with degron-tagged wild-type OGT. When OGT was degraded to very low levels, cells stopped proliferating but remained viable. Adding back catalytically inactive OGT rescued growth. Therefore, OGT has an essential noncatalytic role that is necessary for cell proliferation. By developing a method to quantify how OGT's catalytic and noncatalytic activities affect protein abundance, we found that OGT's noncatalytic functions often affect different proteins from its catalytic functions. Proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation and the actin cytoskeleton were especially impacted by the noncatalytic functions. We conclude that OGT integrates both catalytic and noncatalytic functions to control cell physiology.
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18
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van Gelder CAGH, Altelaar M. Neuroproteomics of the Synapse: Subcellular Quantification of Protein Networks and Signaling Dynamics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100087. [PMID: 33933679 PMCID: PMC8167277 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most fascinating features of the brain is its ability to adapt to its surroundings. Synaptic plasticity, the dynamic mechanism of functional and structural alterations in synaptic strength, is essential for brain functioning and underlies a variety of processes such as learning and memory. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying such rapid plasticity are not fully understood, a consensus exists on the important role of proteins. The study of these neuronal proteins using neuroproteomics has increased rapidly in the last decades, and advancements in MS-based proteomics have broadened our understanding of neuroplasticity exponentially. In this review, we discuss the trends in MS-based neuroproteomics for the study of synaptic protein-protein interactions and protein signaling dynamics, with a focus on sample types, different labeling and enrichment approaches, and data analysis and interpretation. We highlight studies from the last 5 years, with a focus on synapse structure, composition, functioning, or signaling and finally discuss some recent developments that could further advance the field of neuroproteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A G H van Gelder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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19
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Chen J, Dong X, Cheng X, Zhu Q, Zhang J, Li Q, Huang X, Wang M, Li L, Guo W, Sun B, Shu Q, Yi W, Li X. Ogt controls neural stem/progenitor cell pool and adult neurogenesis through modulating Notch signaling. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108905. [PMID: 33789105 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ogt catalyzed O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation, O-GlcNAc) plays an important function in diverse biological processes and diseases. However, the roles of Ogt in regulating neurogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we show that Ogt deficiency or depletion in adult neural stem/progenitor cells (aNSPCs) leads to the diminishment of the aNSPC pool and aberrant neurogenesis and consequently impairs cognitive function in adult mice. RNA sequencing reveals that Ogt deficiency alters the transcription of genes relating to cell cycle, neurogenesis, and neuronal development. Mechanistic studies show that Ogt directly interacts with Notch1 and catalyzes the O-GlcNAc modification of Notch TM/ICD fragment. Decreased O-GlcNAc modification of TM/ICD increases the binding of E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch to TM/ICD and promotes its degradation. Itch knockdown rescues neurogenic defects induced by Ogt deficiency in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal the essential roles and mechanisms of Ogt and O-GlcNAc modification in regulating mammalian neurogenesis and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Chen
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xiaoxue Dong
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xuejun Cheng
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058; The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Qian Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liping Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Weixiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Binggui Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310002, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310058, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China.
| | - Wen Yi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058; The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310002, China.
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China.
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20
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Urso SJ, Lamitina T. The C. elegans Hypertonic Stress Response: Big Insights from Shrinking Worms. Cell Physiol Biochem 2021; 55:89-105. [PMID: 33626269 DOI: 10.33594/000000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell volume is one of the most aggressively defended physiological set points in biology. Changes in intracellular ion and water concentrations, which are induced by changes in metabolism or environmental exposures, disrupt protein folding, enzymatic activity, and macromolecular assemblies. To counter these challenges, cells and organisms have evolved multifaceted, evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms to restore cell volume and repair stress induced damage. However, many unanswered questions remain regarding the nature of cell volume 'sensing' as well as the molecular signaling pathways involved in activating physiological response mechanisms. Unbiased genetic screening in the model organism C. elegans is providing new and unexpected insights into these questions, particularly questions relating to the hypertonic stress response (HTSR) pathway. One surprising characteristic of the HTSR pathway in C. elegans is that it is under strong negative regulation by proteins involved in protein homeostasis and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The role of the ECM in particular highlights the importance of studying the HTSR in the context of a live organism where native ECM-tissue associations are preserved. A second novel and recently discovered characteristic is that the HTSR is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The goal of this review is to describe these discoveries, to provide context for their implications, and to raise outstanding questions to guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarel J Urso
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Physiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Todd Lamitina
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Physiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, .,University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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21
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Urso SJ, Comly M, Hanover JA, Lamitina T. The O-GlcNAc transferase OGT is a conserved and essential regulator of the cellular and organismal response to hypertonic stress. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008821. [PMID: 33006972 PMCID: PMC7556452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The conserved O-GlcNAc transferase OGT O-GlcNAcylates serine and threonine residues of intracellular proteins to regulate their function. OGT is required for viability in mammalian cells, but its specific roles in cellular physiology are poorly understood. Here we describe a conserved requirement for OGT in an essential aspect of cell physiology: the hypertonic stress response. Through a forward genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans, we discovered OGT is acutely required for osmoprotective protein expression and adaptation to hypertonic stress. Gene expression analysis shows that ogt-1 functions through a post-transcriptional mechanism. Human OGT partially rescues the C. elegans phenotypes, suggesting that the osmoregulatory functions of OGT are ancient. Intriguingly, expression of O-GlcNAcylation-deficient forms of human or worm OGT rescue the hypertonic stress response phenotype. However, expression of an OGT protein lacking the tetracopeptide repeat (TPR) domain does not rescue. Our findings are among the first to demonstrate a specific physiological role for OGT at the organismal level and demonstrate that OGT engages in important molecular functions outside of its well described roles in post-translational O-GlcNAcylation of intracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarel J. Urso
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Marcella Comly
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - John A. Hanover
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Todd Lamitina
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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22
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Giles AC, Grill B. Roles of the HUWE1 ubiquitin ligase in nervous system development, function and disease. Neural Dev 2020; 15:6. [PMID: 32336296 PMCID: PMC7184716 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huwe1 is a highly conserved member of the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase family. Here, we explore the growing importance of Huwe1 in nervous system development, function and disease. We discuss extensive progress made in deciphering how Huwe1 regulates neural progenitor proliferation and differentiation, cell migration, and axon development. We highlight recent evidence indicating that Huwe1 regulates inhibitory neurotransmission. In covering these topics, we focus on findings made using both vertebrate and invertebrate in vivo model systems. Finally, we discuss extensive human genetic studies that strongly implicate HUWE1 in intellectual disability, and heighten the importance of continuing to unravel how Huwe1 affects the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, 33458, USA
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, 33458, USA.
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