Spatially restricted actin-regulatory signaling contributes to synapse morphology

The importance of ultrastructural analysis of memory

Plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus is believed to underlie learning and memory processes. Surprisingly, very few studies report long-lasting structural changes of synapses induced by behavioral training. It remains, therefore, unclear which synaptic changes in the hippocampus contribute to memory storage. Here, we systematically compare how long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission (LTP) (a primary form of synaptic plasticity and cellular model of memory) and behavioral training affect hippocampal glutamatergic synapses at the ultrastructural level enabled by electron microscopy. The review of the literature indicates that while LTP induces growth of dendritic spines and post-synaptic densities (PSD), that represent postsynaptic part of a glutamatergic synapse, after behavioral training there is transient (< 6 h) synaptogenesis and long-lasting (> 24 h) increase in PSD volume (without a significant change of dendritic spine volume), indicating that training-induced PSD growth may reflect long-term enhancement of synaptic functions. Additionally, formation of multi-innervated spines (MIS), is associated with long-term memory in aged mice and LTP-deficient mutant mice. Since volume of PSD, as well as atypical synapses, can be reliably observed only with electron microscopy, we argue that the ultrastructural level of analysis is required to reveal synaptic changes that are associated with long-term storage of information in the brain.

A Subset of Autism-Associated Genes Regulate the Structural Stability of Neurons

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a range of neurological conditions that affect individuals’ ability to communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often exhibit marked qualitative difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Alterations in neurite arborization and dendritic spine morphology, including size, shape, and number, are hallmarks of almost all neurological conditions, including ASD. As experimental evidence emerges in recent years, it becomes clear that although there is broad heterogeneity of identified autism risk genes, many of them converge into similar cellular pathways, including those regulating neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and spine stability, and synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms together regulate the structural stability of neurons and are vulnerable targets in ASD. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of those autism risk genes that affect the structural connectivity of neurons. We sub-categorize them into (1) cytoskeletal regulators, e.g., motors and small RhoGTPase regulators; (2) adhesion molecules, e.g., cadherins, NCAM, and neurexin superfamily; (3) cell surface receptors, e.g., glutamatergic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases; (4) signaling molecules, e.g., protein kinases and phosphatases; and (5) synaptic proteins, e.g., vesicle and scaffolding proteins. Although the roles of some of these genes in maintaining neuronal structural stability are well studied, how mutations contribute to the autism phenotype is still largely unknown. Investigating whether and how the neuronal structure and function are affected when these genes are mutated will provide insights toward developing effective interventions aimed at improving the lives of people with autism and their families.

Alternate promoter usage generates two subpopulations of the neuronal RhoGEF Kalirin-7

Kalirin (Kal), a dual Rho GDP/GTP exchange factor (GEF), plays essential roles within and outside the nervous system. Tissue-specific, developmentally regulated alternative splicing generates isoforms with one (Kal7) or two (Kal9, Kal12) GEF domains along with a kinase (Kal12) domain; while Kal9 and Kal12 are crucial for neurite outgrowth, Kal7 plays important roles in spine maintenance and synaptic plasticity. Tissue-specific usage of alternate Kalrn promoters (A, B, C, D) places four different peptides before the Sec14 domain. cSec14, with an amphipathic helix encoded by the C-promoter (Kal-C-helix), is the only variant known to interact with phosphoinositides. We sought to elucidate the biological significance of Kalirin promoter usage and lipid binding. While Ex1B expression was predominant early in development, Ex1C expression increased when synaptogenesis occurred. Kal-C-helix-containing Kal7 (cKal7) was enriched at the postsynaptic density, present in the microsomal fraction and absent from cytosol; no significant amount of cKal9 or cKal12 could be identified in mouse brain. Similarly, in primary hippocampal neurons, endogenous cKalirin colocalized with postsynaptic density 95 in dendritic spines, juxtaposed to Vglut1-positive puncta. When expressed in young neurons, bSec14-EGFP was diffusely distributed, while cSec14-EGFP localized to internal puncta. Transfected bKal7-EGFP and cKal7-EGFP localized to dendritic spines and increased spine density in more mature cultured neurons. Although promoter usage did not alter the Rac-GEF activity of Kal7, the synaptic puncta formed by cKal7-EGFP were smaller than those formed by bKal7-EGFP. Molecular modeling predicted a role for Kal-C-helix residue Arg¹⁵ in the interaction of cSec14 with phosphoinositides. Consistent with this prediction, mutation of Arg¹⁵ to Gln altered the localization of cSec14-EGFP and cKal7-EGFP. These data suggest that phosphoinositide-dependent interactions unique to cKal7 contribute to protein localization and function. Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13791.

Microdomains in forebrain spines: an ultrastructural perspective

Glutamatergic axons in the mammalian forebrain terminate predominantly onto dendritic spines. Long-term changes in the efficacy of these excitatory synapses are tightly coupled to changes in spine morphology. The reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton underlying this spine "morphing" involves numerous proteins that provide the machinery needed for adaptive cytoskeletal remodeling. Here, we review recent literature addressing the chemical architecture of the spine, focusing mainly on actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Accumulating evidence suggests that ABPs are organized into functionally distinct microdomains within the spine cytoplasm. This functional compartmentalization provides a structural basis for regulation of the spinoskeleton, offering a novel window into mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity.