Coupling the iron-responsive element to GFP--an inducible system to study translation in a single living cell

RNA supply drives physiological granule assembly in neurons

Membraneless cytoplasmic condensates of mRNAs and proteins, known as RNA granules, play pivotal roles in the regulation of mRNA fate. Their maintenance fine-tunes time and location of protein expression, affecting many cellular processes, which require complex protein distribution. Here, we report that RNA granules-monitored by DEAD-Box helicase 6 (DDX6)-disassemble during neuronal maturation both in cell culture and in vivo. This process requires neuronal function, as synaptic inhibition results in reversible granule assembly. Importantly, granule assembly is dependent on the RNA-binding protein Staufen2, known for its role in RNA localization. Altering the levels of free cytoplasmic mRNA reveals that RNA availability facilitates DDX6 granule formation. Specifically depleting RNA from DDX6 granules confirms RNA as an important driver of granule formation. Moreover, RNA is required for DDX6 granule assembly upon synaptic inhibition. Together, this data demonstrates how RNA supply favors RNA granule assembly, which not only impacts subcellular RNA localization but also translation-dependent synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

Interference With Complex IV as a Model of Age-Related Decline in Synaptic Connectivity

Age-related impairment of mitochondrial function may negatively impact energy-demanding processes such as synaptic transmission thereby triggering cognitive decline and processes of neurodegeneration. Here, we present a novel model for age-related mitochondrial impairment based on partial inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (Cox4) of complex IV of the respiratory chain. miRNA-mediated knockdown of Cox4 correlated with a marked reduction in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic marker densities in vitro and in vivo as well as an impairment of neuronal network activity in primary neuronal cultures. Transcriptome analysis identified the deregulation of gene clusters, which link induced mitochondrial perturbation to impaired synaptic function and plasticity as well as processes of aging. In conclusion, the model of Cox4 deficiency reflects aspects of age-related dementia and might, therefore, serve as a novel test system for drug development.

Live cell imaging reveals 3'-UTR dependent mRNA sorting to synapses

mRNA transport restricts translation to specific subcellular locations, which is the basis for many cellular functions. However, the precise process of mRNA sorting to synapses in neurons remains elusive. Here we use Rgs4 mRNA to investigate 3′-UTR-dependent transport by MS2 live-cell imaging. The majority of observed RNA granules display 3′-UTR independent bidirectional transport in dendrites. Importantly, the Rgs4 3′-UTR causes an anterograde transport bias, which requires the Staufen2 protein. Moreover, the 3′-UTR mediates dynamic, sustained mRNA recruitment to synapses. Visualization at high temporal resolution enables us to show mRNA patrolling dendrites, allowing transient interaction with multiple synapses, in agreement with the sushi-belt model. Modulation of neuronal activity by either chemical silencing or local glutamate uncaging regulates both the 3′-UTR-dependent transport bias and synaptic recruitment. This dynamic and reversible mRNA recruitment to active synapses would allow translation and synaptic remodeling in a spatially and temporally adaptive manner.

Asymmetric subcellular mRNA distribution is important for local translation of neuronal mRNAs. Here the authors employed MS2 live-cell imaging and showed that the reporter mRNA containing the 3’ UTR of Rgs4 shows an anterograde transport bias, dependent on neuronal activity and the protein Staufen2, and mediates sustained mRNA recruitment to synapses.

A constitutively-active IKK-complex at the axon initial segment

BACKGROUND

Previous studies provided evidence for an accumulation of IκB-kinase (IKK) α/β at the axon initial segment (AIS), a neuronal compartment defined by ankyrin-G expression. Here we explored whether the presence of the IKK-complex at the AIS was associated with the activation of IKK signaling at this site.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Proximity-ligation assays (PLAs) using pan-IKKα/β, phospho-IKKα/β-specific as well as ankyrin-G specific antibodies validated their binding to proximal epitopes in the AIS, while antibodies to other phosphorylated signaling proteins showed no preference for the AIS. Small-hairpin mediated silencing of IKKβ significantly reduced anti-phospho-IKKα/β-immunoreactivities in the AIS. ank3 gene-deficient cerebellar Purkinje cells also exhibited no phosphorylated IKKα/β at the proximal region of their axons. Transient ankyrin-G overexpression in PC12 cells augmented NF-κB transactivation in an ankyrin-G death-domain dependent manner. Finally, small molecule inhibitors of IKK-activity, including Aspirin, inhibited the accumulation of activated IKK proteins in the AIS.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest the existence of a constitutively-active IKK signaling complex in the AIS.

Time-lapse imaging of p65 and IκBα translocation kinetics following Ca2+-induced neuronal injury reveals biphasic translocation kinetics in surviving neurons

The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) regulates neuronal differentiation, plasticity and survival. It is well established that excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate control NF-κB activity. Glutamate receptor overactivation is also involved in ischemic- and seizure-induced neuronal injury and neurodegeneration. However, little is known at the single cell-level how NF-κB signaling relates to neuronal survival during excitotoxic injury. We found that silencing of p65/NF-κB delayed N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxic injury in hippocampal neurons, suggesting a functional role of p65 in excitotoxicity. Time-lapse imaging of p65 and its inhibitor IκBα using GFP and Cerulean fusion proteins revealed specific patterns of excitotoxic NF-κB activation. Nuclear translocation of p65 began on average 8±3min following 15min of NMDA treatment and was observed in up to two thirds of hippocampal neurons. Nuclear translocation of IκBα preceded that of p65 suggesting independent translocation processes. In surviving neurons, the onset of p65 nuclear export correlated with mitochondrial membrane potential recovery. Dying neurons exhibited persistent nuclear accumulation of p65-eGFP until plasma membrane permeabilization. Our data demonstrate an important role for p65 activation kinetics in neuronal cell death decisions following excitotoxic injury.

NF-κB regulates neuronal ankyrin-G via a negative feedback loop

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a neuronal compartment defined by ankyrin-G expression. We here demonstrate that the IKK-complex co-localizes and interacts with the cytoskeletal anchor protein ankyrin-G in immunoprecipitation and proximity-ligation experiments in cortical neurons. Overexpression of the 270 kDa variant of ankyrin-G suppressed, while gene-silencing of ankyrin-G expression increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in primary neurons, suggesting that ankyrin-G sequesters the transcription factor in the AIS. We also found that p65 bound to the ank3 (ankyrin-G) promoter sequence in chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses thereby increasing ank3 expression and ankyrin-G levels at the AIS. Gene-silencing of p65 or ankyrin-G overexpression suppressed ank3 reporter activity. Collectively these data demonstrate that p65/NF-κB controls ankyrin-G levels via a negative feedback loop, thereby linking NF-κB signaling with neuronal polarity and axonal plasticity.

Neuroprotective and anti-oxidative effects of the hemodialysate actovegin on primary rat neurons in vitro

The recently described therapeutic benefits of the hemodialysate actovegin on neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy suggest a neuroprotective activity of the drug. To elucidate the possible cellular mechanism of the pharmacological effects of actovegin, we investigated its effects on cultured primary rat neurons in vitro. Primary neurons were cultured for up to 10 days in the presence of increasing doses of actovegin (0.3–1,000 mg/l). Total cell number, dendrite length and the number of excitatory synapses, i.e., the amount of the synaptic V-Glut1 protein, were measured by immunocytochemistry followed by fluorescence microscopy. The apoptotic level in neurons after induction of apoptosis by amyloid peptide Aβ_25–35 was assessed by the level of activated caspase-3. In addition, the capability of the neurons to diminish oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the cellular level of reactive oxygen species ROS in the presence of actovegin. Actovegin treatment yielded an increased maintenance of neuronal cells and total number of synapses and could lower the level of activated caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Dendrite lengths were not significantly affected. In addition, actovegin reduced the cellular level of ROS in cultured neurons. The cellular effects observed suggest neuroprotective and anti-oxidative effects of the drug Actovegin^®, which could at least partially explain its therapeutic benefits.

Regulation of axonal trafficking of cytochrome c oxidase IV mRNA

Trafficking and local translation of axonal mRNAs play a critical role in the development and function of this neuronal subcellular structural domain. In this report, we studied cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COXIV) mRNA trafficking into distal axons of primary superior cervical ganglia (SCG) neurons, and provided evidence that axonal trafficking and mitochondrial association of the mRNA are mediated by an element located in a 38bp-long, hairpin-loop forming region within the 3'UTR of the transcript. Our results also suggest that suppression of local translation of COXIV mRNA results in significant attenuation of axonal elongation. Taken together, the results provide the first evidence for the existence of a cis-acting axonal transport element within a nuclear-encoding mitochondrial gene, and demonstrate the importance of the axonal trafficking and local translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs in axonal growth.

Physical and functional interaction between the dopamine transporter and the synaptic vesicle protein synaptogyrin-3

Uptake through the dopamine transporter (DAT) represents the primary mechanism used to terminate dopaminergic transmission in brain. Although it is well known that dopamine (DA) taken up by the transporter is used to replenish synaptic vesicle stores for subsequent release, the molecular details of this mechanism are not completely understood. Here, we identified the synaptic vesicle protein synaptogyrin-3 as a DAT interacting protein using the split ubiquitin system. This interaction was confirmed through coimmunoprecipitation experiments using heterologous cell lines and mouse brain. DAT and synaptogyrin-3 colocalized at presynaptic terminals from mouse striatum. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy, we show that both proteins interact in live neurons. Pull-down assays with GST (glutathione S-transferase) proteins revealed that the cytoplasmic N termini of both DAT and synaptogyrin-3 are sufficient for this interaction. Furthermore, the N terminus of DAT is capable of binding purified synaptic vesicles from brain tissue. Functional assays revealed that synaptogyrin-3 expression correlated with DAT activity in PC12 and MN9D cells, but not in the non-neuronal HEK-293 cells. These changes were not attributed to changes in transporter cell surface levels or to direct effect of the protein-protein interaction. Instead, the synaptogyrin-3 effect on DAT activity was abolished in the presence of the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) inhibitor reserpine, suggesting a dependence on the vesicular DA storage system. Finally, we provide evidence for a biochemical complex involving DAT, synaptogyrin-3, and VMAT2. Collectively, our data identify a novel interaction between DAT and synaptogyrin-3 and suggest a physical and functional link between DAT and the vesicular DA system.

A loss of function allele for murine Staufen1 leads to impairment of dendritic Staufen1-RNP delivery and dendritic spine morphogenesis

The dsRNA-binding protein Staufen was the first RNA-binding protein proven to play a role in RNA localization in Drosophila. A mammalian homolog, Staufen1 (Stau1), has been implicated in dendritic RNA localization in neurons, translational control, and mRNA decay. However, the precise mechanisms by which it fulfills these specific roles are only partially understood. To determine its physiological functions, the murine Stau1 gene was disrupted by homologous recombination. Homozygous stau1(tm1Apa) mutant mice express a truncated Stau1 protein lacking the functional RNA-binding domain 3. The level of the truncated protein is significantly reduced. Cultured hippocampal neurons derived from stau1(tm1Apa) homozygous mice display deficits in dendritic delivery of Stau1-EYFP and beta-actin mRNA-containing ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Furthermore, these neurons have a significantly reduced dendritic tree and develop fewer synapses. Homozygous stau1(tm1Apa) mutant mice are viable and show no obvious deficits in development, fertility, health, overall brain morphology, and a variety of behavioral assays, e.g., hippocampus-dependent learning. However, we did detect deficits in locomotor activity. Our data suggest that Stau1 is crucial for synapse development in vitro but not critical for normal behavioral function.

Visualizing mRNA localization and local protein translation in neurons

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been successfully used to study the localization and interactions of proteins in living cells. They have also been instrumental in analyzing the proteins involved in the localization of RNAs in different cell types, including neurons. With the development of methods that also tag RNAs via fluorescent proteins, researchers now have a powerful tool to covisualize RNAs and associated proteins in living neurons. Here, we review the current status of the use of FPs in the study of transport and localization of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) in neurons and provide key protocols used to introduce transgenes into cultured neurons, including calcium-phosphate-based transfection and nucleofection. These methods allow the fast and efficient expression of fluorescently tagged fusion proteins in neurons at different stages of differentiation and form the basis for fluorescent protein-based live cell imaging in neuronal cultures. Additional protocols are given that allow the simultaneous visualization of RNP proteins and cargo RNAs in living neurons and aspects of the visualization of fluorescently tagged proteins in neurons, such as colocalization studies, are discussed. Finally, we review approaches to visualize the local synthesis of proteins in distal dendrites and axons.

Ferritin L and H subunits are differentially regulated on a post-transcriptional level

Ferritin plays an important role in the storage and release of iron, an element utilized in cellular processes such as respiration, gene regulation, and DNA replication and repair. Ferritin in animals is composed of 24 ferritin L (FTL) and ferritin H (FTH) subunits in ratios that vary in different cell types. Because the subunits are not functionally interchangeable, both L and H units are critical for maintaining iron homeostasis and protecting against iron overload. FTL and FTH are regulated primarily at a post-transcriptional level in response to cellular iron concentrations. Individual regulation of FTL and FTH is of much interest, and although transcriptional differences between FTL and FTH have been shown, differences in their post-transcriptional regulation have not been evaluated. We report here that FTL and FTH are differentially regulated in 1% oxygen on a post-transcriptional level. We have designed a quantitative assay system sensitive enough to detect differences between FTL and FTH iron regulatory elements (IREs) that a standard electrophoretic mobility shift assay does not. The FTL IRE is the primary responder in the presence of an iron donor in hypoxic conditions, and this response is reflected in endogenous FTL protein levels. These results provide evidence that FTL and FTH subunits respond independently to cellular iron concentrations and underscore the importance of evaluating FTL and FTH IREs separately.

Release of full-length EphB2 receptors from hippocampal neurons to cocultured glial cells

Glial cells are known to actively participate in neuronal development by shaping neuronal connections through axon pruning and by controlling dendritic spine morphology. These functions may in part be mediated by engulfment of neuronal structures and trans-endocytosis of neuronal material into glial cells. These processes are not well understood, and the molecular components that mediate these events have primarily been elusive. Here, we implicate the Eph/ephrin signaling system in trans-endocytosis events at the neuron-to-glia interface. Using time-lapse microscopy, we show that hippocampal neurons exogenously expressing EphB2 receptors release or pinch-off EphB2-containing vesicles at sites of neuron-to-glia contact. Cocultured glial cells endogenously express the corresponding ephrinB ligands and are able to trans-endocytose full-length EphB2 from neighboring cells. Although Eph/ephrin signaling often occurs in a bidirectional manner, the observed vesicle release from neurons to glia was only observed in a unidirectional manner, i.e., when the neurons expressed EphB2, but not ephrinBs. These findings suggest that Eph/ephrin signaling is involved in the glial cell-mediated fine sculpting of neuronal structures.

The brain-specific double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen2 is required for dendritic spine morphogenesis

Mammalian Staufen2 (Stau2) is a member of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein family. Its expression is largely restricted to the brain. It is thought to play a role in the delivery of RNA to dendrites of polarized neurons. To investigate the function of Stau2 in mature neurons, we interfered with Stau2 expression by RNA interference (RNAi). Mature neurons lacking Stau2 displayed a significant reduction in the number of dendritic spines and an increase in filopodia-like structures. The number of PSD95-positive synapses and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents were markedly reduced in Stau2 down-regulated neurons. Akin effects were caused by overexpression of dominant-negative Stau2. The observed phenotype could be rescued by overexpression of two RNAi cleavage-resistant Stau2 isoforms. In situ hybridization revealed reduced expression levels of β-actin mRNA and fewer dendritic β-actin mRNPs in Stau2 down-regulated neurons. Thus, our data suggest an important role for Stau2 in the formation and maintenance of dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons.