1
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Brockmöller S, Worek F, Rothmiller S. Protein networking: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and their protein-protein-associations. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1627-1642. [PMID: 38771378 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05032-x] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are complex transmembrane proteins involved in neurotransmission in the nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction. nAChR disorders may lead to severe, potentially fatal pathophysiological states. To date, the receptor has been the focus of basic and applied research to provide novel therapeutic interventions. Since most studies have investigated only the nAChR itself, it is necessary to consider the receptor as part of its protein network to understand or elucidate-specific pathways. On its way through the secretory pathway, the receptor interacts with several chaperones and proteins. This review takes a closer look at these molecular interactions and focuses especially on endoplasmic reticulum biogenesis, secretory pathway sorting, Golgi maturation, plasma membrane presentation, retrograde internalization, and recycling. Additional knowledge regarding the nAChR protein network may lead to a more detailed comprehension of the fundamental pathomechanisms of diseases or may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Brockmöller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
| | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Simone Rothmiller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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2
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Herbst R, Huijbers MG, Oury J, Burden SJ. Building, Breaking, and Repairing Neuromuscular Synapses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041490. [PMID: 38697654 PMCID: PMC11065174 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041490] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
A coordinated and complex interplay of signals between motor neurons, skeletal muscle cells, and Schwann cells controls the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular synapses. Deficits in the signaling pathway for building synapses, caused by mutations in critical genes or autoantibodies against key proteins, are responsible for several neuromuscular diseases, which cause muscle weakness and fatigue. Here, we describe the role that four key genes, Agrin, Lrp4, MuSK, and Dok7, play in this signaling pathway, how an understanding of their mechanisms of action has led to an understanding of several neuromuscular diseases, and how this knowledge has contributed to emerging therapies for treating neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Herbst
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Julien Oury
- Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Steven J Burden
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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3
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Control of CRK-RAC1 activity by the miR-1/206/133 miRNA family is essential for neuromuscular junction function. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3180. [PMID: 35676269 PMCID: PMC9178026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30778-7] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are essential for skeletal muscle function, allowing voluntary movements and maintenance of the muscle tone, thereby preventing atrophy. Generation of NMJs depends on the interaction of motor neurons with skeletal muscle fibers, which initiates a cascade of regulatory events that is essential for patterning of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters at specific sites of the sarcolemma. Here, we show that muscle-specific miRNAs of the miR-1/206/133 family are crucial regulators of a signaling cascade comprising DOK7-CRK-RAC1, which is critical for stabilization and anchoring of postsynaptic AChRs during NMJ development and maintenance. We describe that posttranscriptional repression of CRK by miR-1/206/133 is essential for balanced activation of RAC1. Failure to adjust RAC1 activity severely compromises NMJ function, causing respiratory failure in neonates and neuromuscular symptoms in adult mice. We conclude that miR-1/206/133 serve a specific function for NMJs but are dispensable for skeletal muscle development. The miR-1/133/206 gene family codes for the most abundant microRNAs in striated muscles. Here, Klockner et al show that inactivation of all family members in skeletal muscle prevents formation of normal neuromuscular junctions due to increased expression of the adaptor protein CRK.
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4
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Alvarez-Suarez P, Nowak N, Protasiuk-Filipunas A, Yamazaki H, Prószyński TJ, Gawor M. Drebrin Regulates Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering and Organization of Microtubules at the Postsynaptic Machinery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9387. [PMID: 34502296 PMCID: PMC8430516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179387] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper muscle function depends on the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which mature postnatally to complex "pretzel-like" structures, allowing for effective synaptic transmission. Postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at NMJs are anchored in the actin cytoskeleton and clustered by the scaffold protein rapsyn, recruiting various actin-organizing proteins. Mechanisms driving the maturation of the postsynaptic machinery and regulating rapsyn interactions with the cytoskeleton are still poorly understood. Drebrin is an actin and microtubule cross-linker essential for the functioning of the synapses in the brain, but its role at NMJs remains elusive. We used immunohistochemistry, RNA interference, drebrin inhibitor 3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl pyrazole (BTP2) and co-immunopreciptation to explore the role of this protein at the postsynaptic machinery. We identify drebrin as a postsynaptic protein colocalizing with the AChRs both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that drebrin is enriched at synaptic podosomes. Downregulation of drebrin or blocking its interaction with actin in cultured myotubes impairs the organization of AChR clusters and the cluster-associated microtubule network. Finally, we demonstrate that drebrin interacts with rapsyn and a drebrin interactor, plus-end-tracking protein EB3. Our results reveal an interplay between drebrin and cluster-stabilizing machinery involving rapsyn, actin cytoskeleton, and microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Alvarez-Suarez
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.A.-S.); (N.N.); (A.P.-F.); (T.J.P.)
| | - Natalia Nowak
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.A.-S.); (N.N.); (A.P.-F.); (T.J.P.)
| | - Anna Protasiuk-Filipunas
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.A.-S.); (N.N.); (A.P.-F.); (T.J.P.)
| | - Hiroyuki Yamazaki
- Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Tomasz J. Prószyński
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.A.-S.); (N.N.); (A.P.-F.); (T.J.P.)
| | - Marta Gawor
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.A.-S.); (N.N.); (A.P.-F.); (T.J.P.)
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5
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Medina-Moreno A, Henríquez JP. Maturation of a postsynaptic domain: Role of small Rho GTPases in organising nicotinic acetylcholine receptor aggregates at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. J Anat 2021; 241:1148-1156. [PMID: 34342888 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the peripheral synapse formed between a motor axon and a skeletal muscle fibre that allows muscle contraction and the coordinated movement in many species. A main hallmark of the mature NMJ is the assembly of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) aggregates in the muscle postsynaptic domain, that distributes in perfect apposition to presynaptic motor terminals. To assemble its unique functional architecture, initial embryonic NMJs undergo an early postnatal maturation process characterised by the transformation of homogenous nAChR-containing plaques to elaborate and branched pretzel-like structures. In spite of a detailed morphological characterisation, the molecular mechanisms controlling the intracellular scaffolding that organises a postsynaptic domain at the mature NMJ have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we integrate evidence of key processes and molecules that have shed light on our current understanding of the NMJ maturation process. On the one hand, we consider in vitro studies revealing the potential role of podosome-like structures to define discrete low nAChR-containing regions to consolidate a plaque-to-pretzel transition at the NMJ. On the other hand, we focus on in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating that members of the Ras homologous (Rho) protein family of small GTPases (small Rho GTPases) play indispensable roles on NMJ maturation by regulating the stability of nAChR aggregates. We combine this evidence to propose that small Rho GTPases are key players in the assembly of podosome-like structures that drive the postsynaptic maturation of vertebrate NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelymar Medina-Moreno
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Studies (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA BioBio), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Henríquez
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Studies (NeSt Lab), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA BioBio), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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6
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An Inside Job: Molecular Determinants for Postsynaptic Localization of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113065. [PMID: 34063759 PMCID: PMC8196675 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic ganglionic synapses in the peripheral nervous system. The postsynaptic localization of muscle ((α1)2β1γδ) and neuronal ((α3β4)2β4) nicotinic receptors at these synapses is mediated by interactions between the nAChR intracellular domains and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins. Recent high resolution structures and functional studies provide new insights into the molecular determinants that mediate these interactions. Surprisingly, they reveal that the muscle nAChR binds 1–3 rapsyn scaffolding molecules, which dimerize and thereby form an interconnected lattice between receptors. Moreover, rapsyn binds two distinct sites on the nAChR subunit cytoplasmic loops; the MA-helix on one or more subunits and a motif specific to the β subunit. Binding at the latter site is regulated by agrin-induced phosphorylation of βY390, and increases the stoichiometry of rapsyn/AChR complexes. Similarly, the neuronal nAChR may be localized at ganglionic synapses by phosphorylation-dependent interactions with 14-3-3 adaptor proteins which bind specific motifs in each of the α3 subunit cytoplasmic loops. Thus, postsynaptic localization of nAChRs is mediated by regulated interactions with multiple scaffolding molecules, and the stoichiometry of these complexes likely helps regulate the number, density, and stability of receptors at the synapse.
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7
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Straka T, Schröder C, Roos A, Kollipara L, Sickmann A, Williams MPI, Hafner M, Khan MM, Rudolf R. Regulatory Function of Sympathetic Innervation on the Endo/Lysosomal Trafficking of Acetylcholine Receptor. Front Physiol 2021; 12:626707. [PMID: 33776791 PMCID: PMC7991846 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.626707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that neuromuscular junctions are co-innervated by sympathetic neurons. This co-innervation has been shown to be crucial for neuromuscular junction morphology and functional maintenance. To improve our understanding of how sympathetic innervation affects nerve–muscle synapse homeostasis, we here used in vivo imaging, proteomic, biochemical, and microscopic approaches to compare normal and sympathectomized mouse hindlimb muscles. Live confocal microscopy revealed reduced fiber diameters, enhanced acetylcholine receptor turnover, and increased amounts of endo/lysosomal acetylcholine-receptor-bearing vesicles. Proteomics analysis of sympathectomized skeletal muscles showed that besides massive changes in mitochondrial, sarcomeric, and ribosomal proteins, the relative abundance of vesicular trafficking markers was affected by sympathectomy. Immunofluorescence and Western blot approaches corroborated these findings and, in addition, suggested local upregulation and enrichment of endo/lysosomal progression and autophagy markers, Rab 7 and p62, at the sarcomeric regions of muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions. In summary, these data give novel insights into the relevance of sympathetic innervation for the homeostasis of muscle and neuromuscular junctions. They are consistent with an upregulation of endocytic and autophagic trafficking at the whole muscle level and at the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Straka
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Schröder
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Medizinische Fakultät, Medizinische Proteom-Center (MPC), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Muzamil Majid Khan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Barrantes FJ. Possible implications of dysregulated nicotinic acetylcholine receptor diffusion and nanocluster formation in myasthenia gravis. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:242-246. [PMID: 32859770 PMCID: PMC7896218 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.290880] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles. The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse. This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis. The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique, superresolution optical microscopy, to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics. The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor, as observed in myasthenia gravis.
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9
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Leite DM, Matias D, Battaglia G. The Role of BAR Proteins and the Glycocalyx in Brain Endothelium Transcytosis. Cells 2020; 9:E2685. [PMID: 33327645 PMCID: PMC7765129 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the brain, endothelial cells lining the blood vessels meticulously coordinate the transport of nutrients, energy metabolites and other macromolecules essential in maintaining an appropriate activity of the brain. While small molecules are pumped across specialised molecular transporters, large macromolecular cargos are shuttled from one side to the other through membrane-bound carriers formed by endocytosis on one side, trafficked to the other side and released by exocytosis. Such a process is collectively known as transcytosis. The brain endothelium is recognised to possess an intricate vesicular endosomal network that mediates the transcellular transport of cargos from blood-to-brain and brain-to-blood. However, mounting evidence suggests that brain endothelial cells (BECs) employ a more direct route via tubular carriers for a fast and efficient transport from the blood to the brain. Here, we compile the mechanism of transcytosis in BECs, in which we highlight intracellular trafficking mediated by tubulation, and emphasise the possible role in transcytosis of the Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) proteins and glycocalyx (GC)-a layer of sugars covering BECs, in transcytosis. Both BAR proteins and the GC are intrinsically associated with cell membranes and involved in the modulation and shaping of these membranes. Hence, we aim to summarise the machinery involved in transcytosis in BECs and highlight an uncovered role of BAR proteins and the GC at the brain endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Leite
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK; (D.M.L.); (D.M.)
- Institute of the Physics and Living Systems, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Diana Matias
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK; (D.M.L.); (D.M.)
- Institute of the Physics and Living Systems, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
- Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 06DD, UK
- Cancer Research UK, City of London Centre, London WC1E 06DD, UK
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK; (D.M.L.); (D.M.)
- Institute of the Physics and Living Systems, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
- Cancer Research UK, City of London Centre, London WC1E 06DD, UK
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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10
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A Role for Caveolin-3 in the Pathogenesis of Muscular Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228736. [PMID: 33228026 PMCID: PMC7699313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolae are the cholesterol-rich small invaginations of the plasma membrane present in many cell types including adipocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscles, skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles. They serve as specialized platforms for many signaling molecules and regulate important cellular processes like energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, mitochondria homeostasis, and mechano-transduction. Caveolae can be internalized together with associated cargo. The caveolae-dependent endocytic pathway plays a role in the withdrawal of many plasma membrane components that can be sent for degradation or recycled back to the cell surface. Caveolae are formed by oligomerization of caveolin proteins. Caveolin-3 is a muscle-specific isoform, whose malfunction is associated with several diseases including diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Mutations in Caveolin-3 are known to cause muscular dystrophies that are collectively called caveolinopathies. Altered expression of Caveolin-3 is also observed in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, which is likely a part of the pathological process leading to muscle weakness. This review summarizes the major functions of Caveolin-3 in skeletal muscles and discusses its involvement in the pathology of muscular dystrophies.
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11
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Bernadzki KM, Daszczuk P, Rojek KO, Pęziński M, Gawor M, Pradhan BS, de Cicco T, Bijata M, Bijata K, Włodarczyk J, Prószyński TJ, Niewiadomski P. Arhgef5 Binds α-Dystrobrevin 1 and Regulates Neuromuscular Junction Integrity. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:104. [PMID: 32587503 PMCID: PMC7299196 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) connect muscle fibers with motor neurons and enable the coordinated contraction of skeletal muscles. The dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) is an essential component of the postsynaptic machinery of the NMJ and is important for the maintenance of NMJ structural integrity. To identify novel proteins that are important for NMJ organization, we performed a mass spectrometry-based screen for interactors of α-dystrobrevin 1 (aDB1), one of the components of the DGC. The guanidine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Arhgef5 was found to be one of the aDB1 binding partners that is recruited to Tyr-713 in a phospho-dependent manner. We show here that Arhgef5 localizes to the NMJ and that its genetic depletion in the muscle causes the fragmentation of the synapses in conditional knockout mice. Arhgef5 loss in vivo is associated with a reduction in the levels of active GTP-bound RhoA and Cdc42 GTPases, highlighting the importance of actin dynamics regulation for the maintenance of NMJ integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof M Bernadzki
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Daszczuk
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna O Rojek
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Pęziński
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Gawor
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bhola S Pradhan
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Teresa de Cicco
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Bijata
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystian Bijata
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz J Prószyński
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.,Łukasiewicz Research Network - PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Niewiadomski
- Laboratory of Synaptogenesis, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Herbst R. MuSk function during health and disease. Neurosci Lett 2019; 716:134676. [PMID: 31811897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) is the key signaling molecule during the formation of a mature and functional neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Signal transduction events downstream of MuSK activation induce both pre- and postsynaptic differentiation, which, most prominently, includes the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at synaptic sites. MuSK activation requires a complex interplay between its co-receptor Lrp4 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4), the motor neuron-derived heparan-sulfate proteoglycan Agrin and the intracellular adaptor protein Dok-7. A tight regulation of MuSK kinase activity is crucial for proper NMJ development. Defects in MuSK signaling are the cause of muscle weakness as reported in congenital myasthenic syndromes and myasthenia gravis. This review focuses on recent structure-based analyses of MuSK, Agrin, Lrp4 and Dok-7 interactions and their function during MuSK activation. Conclusions about the regulation of the MuSK kinase that were derived from molecular structures will be highlighted. In addition, the role of MuSK during development and disease will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Herbst
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Bai Y, Guo D, Sun X, Tang G, Liao T, Peng Y, Xu J, Shi L. Balanced Rac1 activity controls formation and maintenance of neuromuscular acetylcholine receptor clusters. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.215251. [PMID: 30012833 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.215251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1, an important Rho GTPase that regulates the actin cytoskeleton, has long been suggested to participate in acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction. However, how Rac1 is regulated and how it influences AChR clusters have remained unexplored. This study shows that breaking the balance of Rac1 regulation, by either increasing or decreasing its activity, led to impaired formation and maintenance of AChR clusters. By manipulating Rac1 activity at different stages of AChR clustering in cultured myotubes, we show that Rac1 activation was required for the initial formation of AChR clusters, but its persistent activation led to AChR destabilization, and uncontrolled hyperactivation of Rac1 even caused excessive myotube fusion. Both AChR dispersal and myotube fusion induced by Rac1 were dependent on its downstream effector Pak1. Two Rac1 GAPs and six Rac1 GEFs were screened and found to be important for normal AChR clustering. This study reveals that, although general Rac1 activity remains at low levels during terminal differentiation of myotubes and AChR cluster maintenance, tightly regulated Rac1 activity controls normal AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Bai
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Genyun Tang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Tailin Liao
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
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Roy JP, Halford MM, Stacker SA. The biochemistry, signalling and disease relevance of RYK and other WNT-binding receptor tyrosine kinases. Growth Factors 2018; 36:15-40. [PMID: 29806777 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2018.1472089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a well-characterized family of growth factor receptors that have central roles in human disease and are frequently therapeutically targeted. The RYK, ROR, PTK7 and MuSK subfamilies make up an understudied subset of WNT-binding RTKs. Numerous developmental, stem cell and pathological roles of WNTs, in particular WNT5A, involve signalling via these WNT receptors. The WNT-binding RTKs have highly context-dependent signalling outputs and stimulate the β-catenin-dependent, planar cell polarity and/or WNT/Ca2+ pathways. RYK, ROR and PTK7 members have a pseudokinase domain in their intracellular regions. Alternative signalling mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage and protein scaffolding functions, have been identified for these receptors. This review explores the structure, signalling, physiological and pathological roles of RYK, with particular attention paid to cancer and the possibility of therapeutically targeting RYK. The other WNT-binding RTKs are compared with RYK throughout to highlight the similarities and differences within this subset of WNT receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Roy
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- b Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Michael M Halford
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Steven A Stacker
- a Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program , Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , Melbourne , Australia
- b Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
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15
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Fundamental Molecules and Mechanisms for Forming and Maintaining Neuromuscular Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020490. [PMID: 29415504 PMCID: PMC5855712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular synapse is a relatively large synapse with hundreds of active zones in presynaptic motor nerve terminals and more than ten million acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the postsynaptic membrane. The enrichment of proteins in presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes ensures a rapid, robust, and reliable synaptic transmission. Over fifty years ago, classic studies of the neuromuscular synapse led to a comprehensive understanding of how a synapse looks and works, but these landmark studies did not reveal the molecular mechanisms responsible for building and maintaining a synapse. During the past two-dozen years, the critical molecular players, responsible for assembling the specialized postsynaptic membrane and regulating nerve terminal differentiation, have begun to be identified and their mechanism of action better understood. Here, we describe and discuss five of these key molecular players, paying heed to their discovery as well as describing their currently understood mechanisms of action. In addition, we discuss the important gaps that remain to better understand how these proteins act to control synaptic differentiation and maintenance.
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Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Ito M. Agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling as a therapeutic target for myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:949-958. [PMID: 28825343 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1369960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is compromised in a diverse array of diseases including myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, Isaacs' syndrome, congenital myasthenic syndromes, Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and sarcopenia. Except for sarcopenia, all are orphan diseases. In addition, the NMJ signal transduction is impaired by tetanus, botulinum, curare, α-bungarotoxin, conotoxins, organophosphate, sarin, VX, and soman to name a few. Areas covered: This review covers the agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling pathway, which drives clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) and ensures efficient signal transduction at the NMJ. We also address diseases caused by autoantibodies against the NMJ molecules and by germline mutations in genes encoding the NMJ molecules. Expert opinion: Representative small compounds to treat the defective NMJ signal transduction are cholinesterase inhibitors, which exert their effects by increasing the amount of acetylcholine at the synaptic space. Another possible therapeutic strategy to enhance the NMJ signal transduction is to increase the number of AChRs, but no currently available drug has this functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
| | - Mikako Ito
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
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17
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Muscle Yap Is a Regulator of Neuromuscular Junction Formation and Regeneration. J Neurosci 2017; 37:3465-3477. [PMID: 28213440 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2934-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (Yap) is a major effector of the Hippo pathway that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation during development and restricts tissue growth in adult animals. However, its role in synapse formation remains poorly understood. In this study, we characterized Yap's role in the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In HSA-Yap-/- mice where Yap was mutated specifically in muscle cells, AChR clusters were smaller and were distributed in a broader region in the middle of muscle fibers, suggesting that muscle Yap is necessary for the size and location of AChR clusters. In addition, HSA-Yap-/- mice also exhibited remarkable presynaptic deficits. Many AChR clusters were not or less covered by nerve terminals; miniature endplate potential frequency was reduced, which was associated with an increase in paired-pulse facilitation, indicating structural and functional defects. In addition, muscle Yap mutation prevented reinnervation of denervated muscle fibers. Together, these observations indicate a role of muscle Yap in NMJ formation and regeneration. We found that β-catenin was reduced in the cytoplasm and nucleus of mutant muscles, suggesting compromised β-catenin signaling. Both NMJ formation and regeneration deficits of HSA-Yap-/- mice were ameliorated by inhibiting β-catenin degradation, further corroborating a role of β-catenin or Wnt-dependent signaling downstream of Yap to regulate NMJ formation and regeneration.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This paper explored the role of Yes-associated protein (Yap) in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and regeneration. Yap is a major effector of the Hippo pathway that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation during development and restricts tissue growth in adult animals. However, its role in synapse formation remains poorly understood. We provide evidence that muscle Yap mutation impairs both postsynaptic and presynaptic differentiation and function and inhibits NMJ regeneration after nerve injury, indicating a role of muscle Yap in these events. Further studies suggest compromised β-catenin signaling as a potential mechanism. Both NMJ formation and regeneration deficits of HSA-Yap-/- mice were ameliorated by inhibiting β-catenin degradation, corroborating a role of β-catenin or Wnt-dependent signaling downstream of Yap to regulate NMJ formation and regeneration.
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Selcen D, Ohkawara B, Shen XM, McEvoy K, Ohno K, Engel AG. Impaired Synaptic Development, Maintenance, and Neuromuscular Transmission in LRP4-Related Myasthenia. JAMA Neurol 2015; 72:889-96. [PMID: 26052878 PMCID: PMC4532561 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are heterogeneous disorders. Defining the phenotypic features, genetic basis, and pathomechanisms of a CMS is relevant to prognosis, genetic counseling, and therapy. OBJECTIVES To characterize clinical, structural, electrophysiologic, and genetic features of a CMS and to search for optimal therapy. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS Two sisters with CMS affecting the limb-girdle muscles were investigated between 2012 and 2014 at an academic medical center by clinical observation, in vitro analysis of neuromuscular transmission, cytochemical and electron microscopy studies of the neuromuscular junction, exome sequencing, expression studies in HEK293 and COS7 cells, and for response to therapy, and they were compared with 15 historical control participants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We identified the disease gene and mutation, confirmed pathogenicity of the mutation by expression studies, and instituted optimal pharmacotherapy. RESULTS Quantitative analysis of single EP regions was done for all 15 control participants and microelectrode studies of neuromuscular transmission and α-bgt binding sites per EP was conducted for 13 control participants. Examination of the older sister's intercostal muscle end plates (EPs) showed them to be abnormally small, with attenuated reactivities for the acetylcholine receptor and acetylcholinesterase. Most EPs had poorly differentiated or degenerate junctional folds, and some appeared denuded of nerve terminals. The amplitude of the EP potential (EPP), the miniature EPP, and the quantal content of the EPP were all markedly reduced. Exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous p.Glu1233Ala mutation in low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), a coreceptor for agrin to activate muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), which is required for EP development and maintenance. Expression studies indicate that the mutation compromises the ability of LRP4 to bind to, phosphorylate, and activate MuSK. Treatment with albuterol sulfate improved the patients' symptoms. A previously identified patient harboring 2 heterozygous mutations in LRP4 had structurally abnormal intercostal EPs but no identifiable defect of neuromuscular transmission at these EPs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We identified a second CMS kinship harboring mutations in LRP4, identified the mechanisms that impair neuromuscular transmission, and mitigated the disease by appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Andrew G Engel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Herrmann D, Straubinger M, Hashemolhosseini S. Protein kinase CK2 interacts at the neuromuscular synapse with Rapsyn, Rac1, 14-3-3γ, and Dok-7 proteins and phosphorylates the latter two. J Biol Chem 2015. [PMID: 26198629 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.647610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the protein kinase CK2 associates with and phosphorylates the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK (muscle specific receptor tyrosine kinase) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), thereby preventing fragmentation of the NMJs (Cheusova, T., Khan, M. A., Schubert, S. W., Gavin, A. C., Buchou, T., Jacob, G., Sticht, H., Allende, J., Boldyreff, B., Brenner, H. R., and Hashemolhosseini, S. (2006) Genes Dev. 20, 1800-1816). Here, we asked whether CK2 interacts with other proteins involved in processes at the NMJ, which would be consistent with the previous observation that CK2 appears enriched at the NMJ. We identified the following proteins to interact with protein kinase CK2: (a) the α and β subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with weak interaction, (b) dishevelled (Dsh), and (c) another four proteins, Rapsyn, Rac1, 14-3-3γ, and Dok-7, with strong interaction. CK2 phosphorylated 14-3-3γ at serine residue 235 and Dok-7 at several serine residues but does not phosphorylate Rapsyn or Rac1. Furthermore, phosphomimetic Dok-7 mutants aggregated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in C2C12 myotubes with significantly higher frequency than wild type Dok-7. Additionally, we mapped the interacting epitopes of all four binding partners to CK2 and thereby gained insights into the potential role of the CK2/Rapsyn interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Herrmann
- From the Institut für Biochemie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marion Straubinger
- From the Institut für Biochemie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Said Hashemolhosseini
- From the Institut für Biochemie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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20
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Tintignac LA, Brenner HR, Rüegg MA. Mechanisms Regulating Neuromuscular Junction Development and Function and Causes of Muscle Wasting. Physiol Rev 2015; 95:809-52. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00033.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction is the chemical synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers. It is designed to reliably convert the action potential from the presynaptic motor neuron into the contraction of the postsynaptic muscle fiber. Diseases that affect the neuromuscular junction may cause failure of this conversion and result in loss of ambulation and respiration. The loss of motor input also causes muscle wasting as muscle mass is constantly adapted to contractile needs by the balancing of protein synthesis and protein degradation. Finally, neuromuscular activity and muscle mass have a major impact on metabolic properties of the organisms. This review discusses the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction, the consequences of and the mechanisms involved in its dysfunction, and its role in maintaining muscle mass during aging. As life expectancy is increasing, loss of muscle mass during aging, called sarcopenia, has emerged as a field of high medical need. Interestingly, aging is also accompanied by structural changes at the neuromuscular junction, suggesting that the mechanisms involved in neuromuscular junction maintenance might be disturbed during aging. In addition, there is now evidence that behavioral paradigms and signaling pathways that are involved in longevity also affect neuromuscular junction stability and sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel A. Tintignac
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; and INRA, UMR866 Dynamique Musculaire et Métabolisme, Montpellier, France
| | - Hans-Rudolf Brenner
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; and INRA, UMR866 Dynamique Musculaire et Métabolisme, Montpellier, France
| | - Markus A. Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; and INRA, UMR866 Dynamique Musculaire et Métabolisme, Montpellier, France
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21
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Orchestration of membrane receptor signaling by membrane lipids. Biochimie 2015; 113:111-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Barik A, Zhang B, Sohal GS, Xiong WC, Mei L. Crosstalk between Agrin and Wnt signaling pathways in development of vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 74:828-38. [PMID: 24838312 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a cholinergic synapse where motor neurons elicit muscle contraction. Agrin and its coreceptors LRP4 and MuSK are critical for vertebrate NMJ formation. This paper reviews recent evidence for Wnts and Wnt signaling molecules in NMJ formation including a possible retrograde mechanism by muscle β-catenin. We also present data that Wnt3a, 7a, 8a and 10b could inhibit agrin-mediated AChR clustering. Together with the stimulating effect of Wnt9a, 9b, 10b, 11 and 16 on AChR clustering in the absence of agrin, these results suggest diverse roles for Wnt ligands in NMJ development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Barik
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912
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23
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Wang JY, Chen F, Fu XQ, Ding CS, Zhou L, Zhang XH, Luo ZG. Caspase-3 cleavage of dishevelled induces elimination of postsynaptic structures. Dev Cell 2014; 28:670-84. [PMID: 24631402 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During the development of vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), agrin stabilizes, whereas acetylcholine (ACh) destabilizes AChR clusters, leading to the refinement of synaptic connections. The intracellular mechanism underlying this counteractive interaction remains elusive. Here, we show that caspase-3, the effector protease involved in apoptosis, mediates elimination of AChR clusters. We found that caspase-3 was activated by cholinergic stimulation of cultured muscle cells without inducing cell apoptosis and that this activation was prevented by agrin. Interestingly, inhibition of caspase-3 attenuated ACh agonist-induced dispersion of AChR clusters. Furthermore, we identified Dishevelled1 (Dvl1), a Wnt signaling protein involved in AChR clustering, as the substrate of caspase-3. Blocking Dvl1 cleavage prevented induced dispersion of AChR clusters. Finally, inhibition or genetic ablation of caspase-3 or expression of a caspase-3-resistant form of Dvl1 caused stabilization of aneural AChR clusters. Thus, caspase-3 plays an important role in the elimination of postsynaptic structures during the development of NMJs.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine/metabolism
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/antagonists & inhibitors
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Agrin/physiology
- Animals
- Caspase 3/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Dishevelled Proteins
- Electrophysiology
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Neurons/cytology
- Motor Neurons/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/cytology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Neuromuscular Junction/physiology
- Phosphoproteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Cholinergic/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Synaptic Potentials/physiology
- Synaptic Transmission
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yuan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiu-Qing Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chuang-Shi Ding
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 319 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 319 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
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24
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Stamatakou E, Salinas PC. Postsynaptic assembly: a role for Wnt signaling. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 74:818-27. [PMID: 24105999 PMCID: PMC4237178 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Synapse formation requires the coordinated formation of the presynaptic terminal, containing the machinery for neurotransmitter release, and the postsynaptic side that possesses the machinery for neurotransmitter reception. For coordinated pre- and postsynaptic assembly signals across the synapse are required. Wnt secreted proteins are well-known synaptogenic factors that promote the recruitment of presynaptic components in diverse organisms. However, recent studies demonstrate that Wnts act directly onto the postsynaptic side at both central and peripheral synapses to promote postsynaptic development and synaptic strength. This review focuses on the role of Wnts in postsynaptic development at central synapses and the neuromuscular junction. © 2013 The Authors. Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 818–827, 2014
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanna Stamatakou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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25
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Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is essential for each step in neuromuscular synapse formation. Before innervation, MuSK initiates postsynaptic differentiation, priming the muscle for synapse formation. Approaching motor axons recognize the primed, or prepatterned, region of muscle, causing motor axons to stop growing and differentiate into specialized nerve terminals. MuSK controls presynaptic differentiation by causing the clustering of Lrp4, which functions as a direct retrograde signal for presynaptic differentiation. Developing synapses are stabilized by neuronal Agrin, which is released by motor nerve terminals and binds to Lrp4, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, stimulating further association between Lrp4 and MuSK and increasing MuSK kinase activity. In addition, MuSK phosphorylation is stimulated by an inside-out ligand, docking protein-7 (Dok-7), which is recruited to tyrosine-phosphorylated MuSK and increases MuSK kinase activity. Mutations in MuSK and in genes that function in the MuSK signaling pathway, including Dok-7, cause congenital myasthenia, and autoantibodies to MuSK, Lrp4, and acetylcholine receptors are responsible for myasthenia gravis.
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26
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Rudell JB, Ferns MJ. Regulation of muscle acetylcholine receptor turnover by β subunit tyrosine phosphorylation. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 73:399-410. [PMID: 23325468 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the postsynaptic localization of muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is regulated by neural signals and occurs via several processes including metabolic stabilization of the receptor. However, the molecular mechanisms that influence receptor stability remain poorly defined. Here, we show that neural agrin and the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, pervanadate slow the degradation of surface receptor in cultured muscle cells. Their action is mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR β subunit, as agrin and pervandate had no effect on receptor half-life in AChR-β(3F/3F) muscle cells, which have targeted mutations of the β subunit cytoplasmic tyrosines. Moreover, in wild type AChR-β(3Y) muscle cells, we found a linear relationship between average receptor half-life and the percentage of AChR with phosphorylated β subunit, with half-lives of 12.7 and 23 h for nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated receptor, respectively. Surprisingly, pervanadate increased receptor half-life in AChR-β(3Y) myotubes in the absence of clustering, and agrin failed to increase receptor half-life in AChR-β(3F/3F) myotubes even in the presence of clustering. The metabolic stabilization of the AChR was mediated specifically by phosphorylation of βY390 as mutation of this residue abolished β subunit phosphorylation but did not affect δ subunit phosphorylation. Receptor stabilization also led to higher receptor levels, as agrin increased surface AChR by 30% in AChR-β(3Y) but not AChR-β(3F/3F) myotubes. Together, these findings identify an unexpected role for agrin-induced phosphorylation of β(Y390) in downregulating AChR turnover. This likely stabilizes AChR at developing synapses, and contributes to the extended half-life of AChR at adult NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Rudell
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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27
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Molecular mechanisms underlying maturation and maintenance of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:441-53. [PMID: 22633140 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a peripheral synapse formed between motoneuron and skeletal muscle, is characterized by a protracted postnatal period of maturation and life-long maintenance. In neuromuscular disorders such as congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs), disruptions of NMJ maturation and/or maintenance are frequently observed. In particular, defective neuromuscular transmission associated with structural and molecular abnormalities at the pre- and postsynaptic membranes, as well as at the synaptic cleft, has been reported in these patients. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of molecular and cellular events that mediate NMJ maturation and maintenance. The underlying regulatory mechanisms, including key molecular regulators at the presynaptic nerve terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic muscle membrane, are discussed.
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28
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Barik A, Xiong WC, Mei L. MuSK: A Kinase Critical for the Formation and Maintenance of the Neuromuscular Junction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-824-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
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29
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Henríquez JP, Salinas PC. Dual roles for Wnt signalling during the formation of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2012; 204:128-36. [PMID: 21554559 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Wnt proteins play prominent roles in different aspects of neuronal development culminating with the formation of complex neuronal circuits. Here, we discuss new studies addressing the function of Wnt signalling at the peripheral neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In both, invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, Wnt signalling promotes and also inhibits the assembly of the neuromuscular synapse. Here, we focus our attention on recent studies at the vertebrate NMJ that demonstrate that some Wnt proteins collaborate with the Agrin-MuSK signalling to induce post-synaptic differentiation. In contrast, Wnts that activate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibit post-synaptic differentiation. The dual function of different Wnts might finely modulate the proper apposition of the pre- and post-synaptic terminals during NMJ formation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Henríquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
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Henríquez JP, Krull CE, Osses N. The Wnt and BMP families of signaling morphogens at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:8924-46. [PMID: 22272112 PMCID: PMC3257109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12128924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction has been extensively employed in order to identify crucial determinants of synaptogenesis. At the vertebrate neuromuscular synapse, extracellular matrix and signaling proteins play stimulatory and inhibitory roles on the assembly of functional synapses. Studies in invertebrate species have revealed crucial functions of early morphogens during the assembly and maturation of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we discuss growing evidence addressing the function of Wnt and Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways at the vertebrate neuromuscular synapse. We focus on the emerging role of Wnt proteins as positive and negative regulators of postsynaptic differentiation. We also address the possible involvement of BMP pathways on motor neuron behavior for the assembly and/or regeneration of the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Henríquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology (LDNB), Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, and CMA Bio-Bio, Concepcion 4089100, Chile
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +56-41-220-4531; Fax: +56-41-224-5975
| | - Catherine E. Krull
- University of Michigan, 5211 Dental, Ann Arbor, Michigan, MI 48109, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Nelson Osses
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaiso 2340025, Chile; E-Mail:
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Zhang HL, Peng HB. Mechanism of acetylcholine receptor cluster formation induced by DC electric field. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26805. [PMID: 22046365 PMCID: PMC3201969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The formation of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster is a key event during the development of the neuromuscular junction. It is induced through the activation of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) by the heparan-sulfate proteoglycan agrin released from the motor axon. On the other hand, DC electric field, a non-neuronal stimulus, is also highly effective in causing AChRs to cluster along the cathode-facing edge of muscle cells. Methodology/Principal Findings To understand its molecular mechanism, quantum dots (QDs) were used to follow the movement of AChRs as they became clustered under the influence of electric field. From analyses of trajectories of AChR movement in the membrane, it was concluded that diffuse receptors underwent Brownian motion until they were immobilized at sites of cluster formation. This supports the diffusion-mediated trapping model in explaining AChR clustering under the influence of this stimulus. Disrupting F-actin cytoskeleton assembly and interfering with rapsyn-AChR interaction suppressed this phenomenon, suggesting that these are integral components of the trapping mechanism induced by the electric field. Consistent with the idea that signaling pathways are activated by this stimulus, the localization of tyrosine-phosphorylated forms of AChR β-subunit and Src was observed at cathodal AChR clusters. Furthermore, disrupting MuSK activity through the expression of a kinase-dead form of this enzyme abolished electric field-induced AChR clustering. Conclusions These results suggest that DC electric field as a physical stimulus elicits molecular reactions in muscle cells in the form of cathodal MuSK activation in a ligand-free manner to trigger a signaling pathway that leads to cytoskeletal assembly and AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Luke Zhang
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - H. Benjamin Peng
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- * E-mail:
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Agrin triggers the clustering of raft-associated acetylcholine receptors through actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Biol Cell 2011; 103:287-301. [PMID: 21524273 DOI: 10.1042/bc20110018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Cholesterol/sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains or membrane rafts have been implicated in various aspects of receptor function such as activation, trafficking and synapse localization. More specifically in muscle, membrane rafts are involved in AChR (acetylcholine receptor) clustering triggered by the neural factor agrin, a mechanism considered integral to NMJ (neuromuscular junction) formation. In addition, actin polymerization is required for the formation and stabilization of AChR clusters in muscle fibres. Since membrane rafts are platforms sustaining actin nucleation, we hypothesize that these microdomains provide the suitable microenvironment favouring agrin/MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) signalling, eliciting in turn actin cytoskeleton reorganization and AChR clustering. However, the identity of the signalling pathways operating through these microdomains still remains unclear. RESULTS In this work, we attempted to identify the interactions between membrane raft components and cortical skeleton that regulate, upon signalling by agrin, the assembly and stabilization of synaptic proteins of the postsynaptic membrane domain at the NMJ. We provide evidence that in C2C12 myotubes, agrin triggers the association of a subset of membrane rafts enriched in AChR, the -MuSK and Cdc42 (cell division cycle 42) to the actin cytoskeleton. Disruption of the liquid-ordered phase by methyl-β-cyclodextrin abolished this association. We further show that actin and the actin-nucleation factors, N-WASP (neuronal Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein) and Arp2/3 (actin-related protein 2/3) are transiently associated with rafts on agrin engagement. Consistent with these observations, pharmacological inhibition of N-WASP activity perturbed agrin-elicited AChR clustering. Finally, immunoelectron microscopic analyses of myotube membrane uncovered that AChRs were constitutively associated with raft nanodomains at steady state that progressively coalesced on agrin activation. These rearrangements of membrane domains correlated with the reorganization of cortical actin cytoskeleton through concomitant and transient recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex to AChR-enriched rafts. CONCLUSIONS The present observations support the notion that membrane rafts are involved in AChR clustering by promoting local actin cytoskeleton reorganization through the recruitment of effectors of the agrin/MuSK signalling cascade. These mechanisms are believed to play an important role in vivo in the formation of the NMJ.
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Rimer M. Emerging roles for MAP kinases in agrin signaling. Commun Integr Biol 2011; 4:143-6. [PMID: 21655426 DOI: 10.4161/cib.4.2.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Information between neurons and the target cells they innervate passes through sites of functional contact called synapses. How synapses form and are altered by sensory or cognitive experience is central to understand nervous system function. Studies of synapse formation and plasticity have concentrated on a few "model" synapses. The vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the synapse between a motoneuron in the spinal cord and a skeletal muscle fiber, is one such model synapse. The extracellular matrix proteoglycan agrin plays an essential organizing role at the NMJ. Agrin is also present at some synapses in the brain and in other organs in the periphery, but its function outside the NMJ is unclear. The core signaling pathway for agrin at the NMJ, which is still incompletely defined, includes molecules specifically involved in this cascade and molecules used in other signaling pathways in many cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are evolutionarily conserved components of intracellular signaling modules that control a myriad of cellular processes. This article reviews emerging evidence that suggests that MAPKs are involved in agrin signaling at the NMJ and in the putative functions of agrin in the formation of a subset of synapses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mendell Rimer
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics; College of Medicine; Texas A&M Health Science Center; College Station, TX USA
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Nestin negatively regulates postsynaptic differentiation of the neuromuscular synapse. Nat Neurosci 2011; 14:324-30. [PMID: 21278733 PMCID: PMC3069133 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Positive and negative regulation of neurotransmitter receptor aggregation on the postsynaptic membrane is a critical event during synapse formation. Acetylcholine (ACh) and agrin are two opposing signals that regulate ACh receptor (AChR) clustering during neuromuscular junction (NMJ) development. ACh induces dispersion of AChR clusters that are not stabilized by agrin via a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-mediated mechanism, but regulation of Cdk5 activation is poorly understood. Here we show that the intermediate filament protein nestin physically interacts with Cdk5 and is required for ACh-induced association of p35, the co-activator of Cdk5, with the muscle membrane. Blockade of nestin-dependent signaling inhibits ACh-induced Cdk5 activation and the dispersion of AChR clusters in cultured myotubes. Similar to the effects of Cdk5 gene inactivation, knockdown of nestin in agrin-deficient embryos significantly restores AChR clusters. These results suggest that nestin is required for ACh-induced, Cdk5-dependent dispersion of AChR clusters during NMJ development.
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Hallock PT, Xu CF, Park TJ, Neubert TA, Curran T, Burden SJ. Dok-7 regulates neuromuscular synapse formation by recruiting Crk and Crk-L. Genes Dev 2011; 24:2451-61. [PMID: 21041412 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1977710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Agrin, released by motor neurons, promotes neuromuscular synapse formation by stimulating MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in skeletal muscle. Phosphorylated MuSK recruits docking protein-7 (Dok-7), an adaptor protein that is expressed selectively in muscle. In the absence of Dok-7, neuromuscular synapses fail to form, and mutations that impair Dok-7 are a major cause of congenital myasthenia in humans. How Dok-7 stimulates synaptic differentiation is poorly understood. Once recruited to MuSK, Dok-7 directly stimulates MuSK kinase activity. This unusual activity of an adapter protein is mediated by the N-terminal region of Dok-7, whereas most mutations that cause congenital myasthenia truncate the C-terminal domain. Here, we demonstrate that Dok-7 also functions downstream from MuSK, and we identify the proteins that are recruited to the C-terminal domain of Dok-7. We show that Agrin stimulates phosphorylation of two tyrosine residues in the C-terminal domain of Dok-7, which leads to recruitment of two adapter proteins: Crk and Crk-L. Furthermore, we show that selective inactivation of Crk and Crk-L in skeletal muscle leads to severe defects in neuromuscular synapses in vivo, revealing a critical role for Crk and Crk-L downstream from Dok-7 in presynaptic and postsynaptic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Hallock
- Molecular Neurobiology Program, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Medical School, New York, New York 10016, USA
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Cole RN, Ghazanfari N, Ngo ST, Gervásio OL, Reddel SW, Phillips WD. Patient autoantibodies deplete postsynaptic muscle-specific kinase leading to disassembly of the ACh receptor scaffold and myasthenia gravis in mice. J Physiol 2010; 588:3217-29. [PMID: 20603331 PMCID: PMC2976017 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.190298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The postsynaptic muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) coordinates formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) during embryonic development. Here we have studied the effects of MuSK autoantibodies upon the NMJ in adult mice. Daily injections of IgG from four MuSK autoantibody-positive myasthenia gravis patients (MuSK IgG; 45 mg day(1)i.p. for 14 days) caused reductions in postsynaptic ACh receptor (AChR) packing as assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). IgG from the patients with the highest titres of MuSK autoantibodies caused large (51-73%) reductions in postsynaptic MuSK staining (cf. control mice; P < 0.01) and muscle weakness. Among mice injected for 14 days with control and MuSK patient IgGs, the residual level of MuSK correlated with the degree of impairment of postsynaptic AChR packing. However, the loss of postsynaptic MuSK preceded this impairment of postsynaptic AChR. When added to cultured C2 muscle cells the MuSK autoantibodies caused tyrosine phosphorylation of MuSK and the AChR beta-subunit, and internalization of MuSK from the plasma membrane. The results suggest a pathogenic mechanism in which MuSK autoantibodies rapidly deplete MuSK from the postsynaptic membrane leading to progressive dispersal of postsynaptic AChRs. Moreover, maintenance of postsynaptic AChR packing at the adult NMJ would appear to depend upon physical engagement of MuSK with the AChR scaffold, notwithstanding activation of the MuSK-rapsyn system of AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Cole
- Physiology, Anderson Stuart Bldg (F13), University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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Wang J, Fu XQ, Lei WL, Wang T, Sheng AL, Luo ZG. Nuclear factor kappaB controls acetylcholine receptor clustering at the neuromuscular junction. J Neurosci 2010; 30:11104-13. [PMID: 20720118 PMCID: PMC6633475 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2118-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
At the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering is stimulated by motor neuron-derived glycoprotein Agrin and requires a number of intracellular signal or structural proteins, including AChR-associated scaffold protein Rapsyn. Here, we report a role of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), a well known transcription factor involved in a variety of immune responses, in regulating AChR clustering at the NMJ. We found that downregulating the expression of RelA/p65 subunit of NF-kappaB or inhibiting NF-kappaB activity by overexpression of mutated form of IkappaB (inhibitor kappaB), which is resistant to proteolytic degradation and thus constitutively keeps NF-kappaB inactive in the cytoplasma, impeded the formation of AChR clusters in cultured C2C12 muscle cells stimulated by Agrin. In contrast, overexpression of RelA/p65 promoted AChR clustering. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanism by which NF-kappaB regulates AChR clustering. Interestingly, we found that downregulating the expression of RelA/p65 caused a marked reduction in the protein and mRNA level of Rapsyn and upregulation of RelA/p65 enhanced Rapsyn promoter activity. Mutation of NF-kappaB binding site on Rapsyn promoter prevented responsiveness to RelA/p65 regulation. Moreover, forced expression of Rapsyn in RelA/p65 downregulated muscle cells partially rescued AChR clusters, suggesting that NF-kappaB regulates AChR clustering, at least partially through the transcriptional regulation of Rapsyn. In line with this notion, genetic ablation of RelA/p65 selectively in the skeletal muscle caused a reduction of AChR density at the NMJ and a decrease in the level of Rapsyn. Thus, NF-kappaB signaling controls AChR clustering through transcriptional regulation of synaptic protein Rapsyn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiu-Qing Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lei
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ai-Li Sheng
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Identification of Erbin interlinking MuSK and ErbB2 and its impact on acetylcholine receptor aggregation at the neuromuscular junction. J Neurosci 2010; 30:6620-34. [PMID: 20463225 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5778-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Erbin, a binding partner of ErbB2, was identified as the first member of the LAP family of proteins. Erbin was shown at postsynaptic membranes of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) or in cultured C2C12 myotubes (1) to be concentrated, (2) to regulate the Ras-Raf-Mek pathway, and (3) to inhibit TGF-beta signaling. In the CNS, Erbin interacts with PSD-95. Furthermore, agrin-MuSK signaling initiates formation of AChR aggregates at the postsynaptic membrane. In search of proteins interacting with MuSK, we identified Erbin as a MuSK binding protein. We verified the interaction of MuSK with Erbin, or both concomitantly with ErbB2 by coimmunoprecipitation, and we mapped the interacting epitopes between Erbin and MuSK. We demonstrated elevated mRNA levels of Erbin at synaptic nuclei and colocalized Erbin and MuSK at postsynaptic membranes. We identified several Erbin isoforms at the NMJ, all of which contained the MuSK binding domain. By knocking down Erbin, we observed agrin-dependent AChR aggregates on murine primary skeletal myotubes and C2C12 cells, and in the absence of agrin, microclusters, both of significantly lower density. Complementary, AChR-epsilon-reporter expression was reduced in myotubes overexpressing Erbin. We show that myotubes also express other LAP protein family members, namely Scribble and Lano, and that both affect physical dimensions of agrin-dependent AChR aggregates and density of microclusters formed in the absence of agrin. Moreover, MuSK-Erbin-ErbB2 signaling influences TGF-beta signaling. Our data define the requirement of Erbin on the cross talk between agrin and neuregulin signaling pathways at the NMJ.
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Induction of filopodia-like protrusions by transmembrane agrin: role of agrin glycosaminoglycan chains and Rho-family GTPases. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:2260-77. [PMID: 20471381 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Filopodia sense the extracellular environment and direct movement in many cell types, including neurons. Recent reports suggest that the transmembrane form of the widely expressed proteoglycan agrin (TM-agrin) regulates formation and stability of neuronal filopodia. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which TM-agrin regulates filopodia, we investigated the role of agrin's glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains in the induction of filopodia formation by TM-agrin over-expression in hippocampal neurons, and in the induction of filopodia-like processes in COS7 cells. Deletion of the GAG chains of TM-agrin sharply reduced formation of filopodia-like branched retraction fibers (BRFs) in COS7 cells, with deletion of the heparan sulfate GAG chains being most effective, and eliminated filopodia induction in hippocampal neurons. GAG chain deletion also reduced the activation of Cdc42 and Rac1 resulting from TM-agrin over-expression. Moreover, dominant-negative Cdc42 and Rac1 inhibited BRF formation. Lastly, over-expression of TM-agrin increased the adhesiveness of COS7 cells and this increase was reduced by deletion of the GAG chains. Our results suggest that TM-agrin regulates actin-based protrusions in large part through interaction of its GAG chains with extracellular or transmembrane proteins, leading to the activation of Cdc42 and Rac1.
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40
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Luo Z. Synapse formation and remodeling. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2010; 53:315-321. [PMID: 20596925 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-010-0069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Synapses are specialized structures that mediate information flow between neurons and target cells, and thus are the basis for neuronal system to execute various functions, including learning and memory. There are around 10(11) neurons in the human brain, with each neuron receiving thousands of synaptic inputs, either excitatory or inhibitory. A synapse is an asymmetric structure that is composed of pre-synaptic axon terminals, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic compartments. Synapse formation involves a number of cell adhesion molecules, extracellular factors, and intracellular signaling or structural proteins. After the establishment of synaptic connections, synapses undergo structural or functional changes, known as synaptic plasticity which is believed to be regulated by neuronal activity and a variety of secreted factors. This review summarizes recent progress in the field of synapse development, with particular emphasis on the work carried out in China during the past 10 years (1999-2009).
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhenGe Luo
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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41
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Wu H, Xiong WC, Mei L. To build a synapse: signaling pathways in neuromuscular junction assembly. Development 2010; 137:1017-33. [PMID: 20215342 DOI: 10.1242/dev.038711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Synapses, as fundamental units of the neural circuitry, enable complex behaviors. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse type that forms between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers and that exhibits a high degree of subcellular specialization. Aided by genetic techniques and suitable animal models, studies in the past decade have brought significant progress in identifying NMJ components and assembly mechanisms. This review highlights recent advances in the study of NMJ development, focusing on signaling pathways that are activated by diffusible cues, which shed light on synaptogenesis in the brain and contribute to a better understanding of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wu
- Program of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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42
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Godfrey EW, Schwarte RC. Nitric oxide and cyclic GMP regulate early events in agrin signaling in skeletal muscle cells. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:1935-45. [PMID: 20346357 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Agrin released from motor nerve terminals directs differentiation of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), guanylate cyclase (GC), and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) contributes to agrin signaling in embryonic frog and chick muscle cells. Stimulation of the NO/cyclic GMP (cGMP) pathway in embryos potentiates agrin's ability to aggregate acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at NMJs. Here we investigated the timing and mechanism of NO and cGMP action. Agrin increased NO levels in mouse C2C12 myotubes. NO donors potentiated agrin-induced AChR aggregation during the first 20 min of agrin treatment, but overnight treatment with NO donors inhibited agrin activity. Adenoviruses encoding siRNAs against each of three NOS isoforms reduced agrin activity, indicating that these isoforms all contribute to agrin signaling. Inhibitors of NOS, GC, or PKG reduced agrin-induced AChR aggregation in mouse muscle cells by approximately 50%. However, increased activation of the GTPase Rac1, an early step in agrin signaling, was dependent on NOS activity and was mimicked by NO donors and a cGMP analog. Our results indicate that stimulation of the NO/cGMP pathway is important during the first few minutes of agrin signaling and is required for agrin-induced Rac1 activation, a key step leading to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and subsequent aggregation of AChRs on the surface of skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earl W Godfrey
- Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501, USA.
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Shi L, Butt B, Ip FCF, Dai Y, Jiang L, Yung WH, Greenberg ME, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Ephexin1 is required for structural maturation and neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction. Neuron 2010; 65:204-16. [PMID: 20152127 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The maturation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) requires the topological transformation of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-containing structures from a simple plaque to an elaborate structure composed of pretzel-like branches. This maturation process results in the precise apposition of the presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the plaque-to-pretzel transition of AChR clusters. In this study, we identify an essential role for the RhoGEF ephexin1 in the maturation of AChR clusters. Adult ephexin1(-/-) mice exhibit severe muscle weakness and impaired synaptic transmission at the NMJ. Intriguingly, when ephexin1 expression is deficient in vivo, the NMJ fails to mature into the pretzel-like shape, and such abnormalities can be rescued by re-expression of ephexin1. We further demonstrate that ephexin1 regulates the stability of AChR clusters in a RhoA-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings reveal an indispensible role for ephexin1 in regulating the structural maturation and neurotransmission of NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Hezel M, de Groat WC, Galbiati F. Caveolin-3 promotes nicotinic acetylcholine receptor clustering and regulates neuromuscular junction activity. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 21:302-10. [PMID: 19940021 PMCID: PMC2808226 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-05-0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identifies caveolin-3 as a key component of the signaling machinery that regulates clustering of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and controls neuromuscular junction function. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the organization and activity of the neuromuscular junction remain to be fully identified. Caveolae are invaginations of the plasma membrane. Caveolin-3 is the structural protein component of caveolae in muscle cells. We show that caveolin-3 is expressed at the neuromuscular junction, that it associates with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), and that a lack of caveolin-3 inhibits clustering of the nAChR in myotubes. At the molecular level, we demonstrate that caveolin-3 is a novel muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) binding protein and that altered nAChR clustering in caveolin-3–lacking myotubes results from inhibition of agrin-induced phosphorylation/activation of MuSK and activation of Rac-1. Functional studies in caveolin-3 null mice show abnormal neuromuscular junction activity that is consistent with altered nAChR localization at the sarcolemma. Together, these data identify caveolin-3 as a critical component of the signaling machinery that drives nicotinic acetylcholine receptor clustering and controls neuromuscular junction function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hezel
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Rigoard P, Lapierre F. Rappels sur le nerf périphérique. Neurochirurgie 2009; 55:360-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2009.08.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Lee Y, Rudell J, Ferns M. Rapsyn interacts with the muscle acetylcholine receptor via alpha-helical domains in the alpha, beta, and epsilon subunit intracellular loops. Neuroscience 2009; 163:222-32. [PMID: 19482062 PMCID: PMC2728176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At the developing vertebrate neuromuscular junction, the acetylcholine receptor becomes aggregated at high density in the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Receptor localization is regulated by the motoneuron-derived factor, agrin, and requires an intracellular, scaffolding protein called rapsyn. However, it remains unclear where rapsyn binds on the acetylcholine receptor and how their interaction is regulated. In this study, we identified rapsyn's binding site on the acetylcholine receptor using chimeric constructs where the intracellular domain of CD4 was substituted for the major intracellular loop of each mouse acetylcholine receptor subunit. When expressed in heterologous cells, we found that rapsyn clustered and cytoskeletally anchored CD4-alpha, beta and epsilon subunit loops but not CD4-delta loop. Rapsyn-mediated clustering and anchoring was highest for beta loop, followed by epsilon and alpha, suggesting that rapsyn interacts with the loops with different affinities. Moreover, by making deletions within the beta subunit intracellular loop, we show that rapsyn interacts with the alpha-helical region, a secondary structural motif present in the carboxyl terminal portion of the subunit loops. When expressed in muscle cells, rapsyn co-immunoprecipitated together with a CD4-alpha helical region chimera, independent of agrin signaling. Together, these findings demonstrate that rapsyn interacts with the acetylcholine receptor via an alpha-helical structural motif conserved between the alpha, beta and epsilon subunits. Binding at this site likely mediates the critical rapsyn interaction involved in localizing the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Abstract
Although WNTs have been long thought of as regulators of cell fate, recent studies highlight their involvement in crucial aspects of synaptic development in the nervous system. Particularly compelling are recent studies of the neuromuscular junction in nematodes, insects, fish and mammals. These studies place WNTs as major determinants of synapse differentiation and neurotransmitter receptor clustering.
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Geng L, Zhang HL, Peng HB. The formation of acetylcholine receptor clusters visualized with quantum dots. BMC Neurosci 2009; 10:80. [PMID: 19604411 PMCID: PMC2714859 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-10-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motor innervation of skeletal muscle leads to the assembly of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters in the postsynaptic membrane at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Synaptic AChR aggregation, according to the diffusion-mediated trapping hypothesis, involves the establishment of a postsynaptic scaffold that "traps" freely diffusing receptors into forming high-density clusters. Although this hypothesis is widely cited to explain the formation of postsynaptic AChR clusters, direct evidence at molecular level is lacking. Results Using quantum dots (QDs) and live cell imaging, we provide new measurements supporting the diffusion-trap hypothesis as applied to AChR cluster formation. Consistent with published works, experiments on cultured Xenopus myotomal muscle cells revealed that AChRs at clusters that formed spontaneously (pre-patterned clusters, also called hot spots) and at those induced by nerve-innervation or by growth factor-coated latex beads were very stable whereas diffuse receptors outside these regions were mobile. Moreover, despite the restriction of AChR movement at sites of synaptogenic stimulation, individual receptors away from these domains continued to exhibit free diffusion, indicating that AChR clustering at NMJ does not involve an active attraction of receptors but is passive and diffusion-driven. Conclusion Single-molecular tracking using QDs has provided direct evidence that the clustering of AChRs in muscle cells in response to synaptogenic stimuli is achieved by two distinct cellular processes: the Brownian motion of receptors in the membrane and their trapping and immobilization at the synaptic specialization. This study also provides a clearer picture of the "trap" that it is not a uniformly sticky area but consists of discrete foci at which AChRs are immobilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Geng
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Transmembrane agrin regulates dendritic filopodia and synapse formation in mature hippocampal neuron cultures. Neuroscience 2009; 163:168-79. [PMID: 19524020 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2008] [Revised: 05/31/2009] [Accepted: 06/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane isoform of agrin (Tm-agrin) is the predominant form expressed in the brain but its putative roles in brain development are not well understood. Recent reports have implicated Tm-agrin in the formation and stabilization of filopodia on neurites of immature central and peripheral neurons in culture. In maturing central neurons, dendritic filopodia are believed to facilitate synapse formation. In the present study we have investigated the role of Tm-agrin in regulation of dendritic filopodia and synaptogenesis in maturing cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. We did this by infecting the neurons with an RNAi lentivirus to deplete endogenous agrin during the developmental period when filopodia density on the dendritic arbor was high, and synapse formation was rapid. We found that dendritic filopodia density was markedly reduced, as was synapse density along dendrites. Moreover, synapse formation was more sharply reduced on dendrites of infected neurons contacted by uninfected axons than on uninfected dendrites contacted by infected axons. The results are consistent with a physiological role for Tm-agrin in the maturation of hippocampal neurons involving positive regulation of dendritic filopodia and consequent promotion of synaptogenesis, but also suggest a role for axonal agrin in synaptogenesis.
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Jacob M, Todd LA, Majumdar RS, Li Y, Yamamoto KI, Puré E. Endogenous cAbl regulates receptor endocytosis. Cell Signal 2009; 21:1308-16. [PMID: 19344757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
There are two key processes underlying ligand-induced receptor endocytosis: receptor ubiquitylation and remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Tyrosine kinases play critical roles in both receptor endocytosis and actin reorganization. Interestingly, members of the Abl family are the only known tyrosine kinases that possess an actin-binding domain and thus have the potential to directly regulate the actin cytoskeleton. However, the role of non-transforming cAbl in receptor endocytosis remains undefined. We report that cAbl promotes ligand-induced antigen receptor endocytosis in B lymphocytes. We show that pharmacologic inhibition or genetic deletion of cAbl causes a defect in tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal adapter CrkII. cAbl inhibition or ablation also impairs Rac activation downstream of CrkII, as well as antigen receptor capping and endocytosis. Although phosphorylation of CrkII has been suggested to maintain it in a closed inactive conformation, we demonstrate that it is in fact essential for the activation of Rac. On the other hand, association of CrkII with cCbl, a key mediator of receptor ubiquitylation, does not require CrkII phosphorylation and is cAbl-independent. Phosphorylation of cCbl itself is also cAbl-independent. Our results thus indicate that CrkII links receptor engagement to cytoskeletal remodeling by coupling cCbl- and cAbl-mediated signaling pathways that cooperatively regulate ligand-induced receptor endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Jacob
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4268, USA.
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