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Pan G, Chai L, Chen R, Yuan Q, Song Z, Feng W, Wei J, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Xie G, Yan A, Lv Q, Wang C, Zhao Y, Wang Y. Potential mechanism of Qinggong Shoutao pill alleviating age-associated memory decline based on integration strategy. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2024; 62:105-119. [PMID: 38145345 PMCID: PMC10763866 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2291689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Qinggong Shoutao Wan (QGSTW) is a pill used as a traditional medicine to treat age-associated memory decline (AAMI). However, its potential mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the possible mechanisms of QGSTW in treating AAMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches were utilized to identify the potential pathway by which QGSTW alleviates AAMI. C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into control, model, and QGSTW groups. A mouse model of AAMI was established by d-galactose, and the pathways that QGSTW acts on to ameliorate AAMI were determined by ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting after treatment with d-gal (100 mg/kg) and QGSTW (20 mL/kg) for 12 weeks. RESULTS Network pharmacology demonstrated that the targets of the active components were significantly enriched in the cAMP signaling pathway. AKT1, FOS, GRIN2B, and GRIN1 were the core target proteins. QGSTW treatment increased the discrimination index from -16.92 ± 7.06 to 23.88 ± 15.94% in the novel location test and from -19.54 ± 5.71 to 17.55 ± 6.73% in the novel object recognition test. ELISA showed that QGSTW could increase the levels of cAMP. Western blot analysis revealed that QGSTW could upregulate the expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, GluN1, GluA1, CaMKII-α, and SYN. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of SYN was decreased in the CA1 and DG. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study not only provides new insights into the mechanism of QGSTW in the treatment of AAMI but also provides important information and new research ideas for the discovery of traditional Chinese medicine compounds that can treat AAMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyun Pan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Chai
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Song
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanying Feng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinna Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guinan Xie
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - An Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingbo Lv
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Caijun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingqiang Zhao
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Nassrallah WB, Cheng J, Mackay JP, Hogg PW, Raymond LA. Mechanisms of synapse-to-nucleus calcium signalling in striatal neurons and impairments in Huntington's disease. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38770573 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. In HD patients, neurons in the striatum and cortex degenerate, leading to motor, psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Dysregulated synaptic function and calcium handling are common in many neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function is enhanced in HD at extrasynaptic sites, altering the balance of calcium-dependent neuronal survival versus death signalling pathways. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium handling is also abnormal in HD. The ER, which is continuous with the nuclear envelope, is purportedly involved in nuclear calcium signalling; based on this, we hypothesised that nuclear calcium signalling is altered in HD. We explored this hypothesis with calcium imaging techniques, including simultaneous epifluorescent imaging of cytosolic and nuclear calcium using jRCaMP1b and GCaMP3 sensors, respectively, in striatal spiny projection neurons in cortical-striatal co-cultures from the YAC128 mouse model of HD. Our data show contributions from a variety of calcium channels to nuclear calcium signalling. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play an essential role in initiating action potential-dependent calcium signalling to the nucleus, and ryanodine receptors (RyR) contribute to both cytosolic and nuclear calcium signals. Unlike previous reports in glutamatergic hippocampal and cortical neurons, we found that in GABAergic striatal neurons, L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) contribute to cytosolic, but not nuclear calcium signalling. Calcium imaging also suggests impairments in nuclear calcium signalling in HD striatal neurons, where spontaneous action potential-dependent calcium transients in the nucleus were smaller in YAC128 striatal neurons compared to those of wild-type (WT). Our results elucidate mechanisms involved in action potential-dependent nuclear calcium signalling in GABAergic striatal neurons, and have revealed a clear deficit in this signalling in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam B Nassrallah
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Judy Cheng
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James P Mackay
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter W Hogg
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Fan WY, Chen YM, Wang YF, Wang YQ, Hu JQ, Tang WX, Feng Y, Cheng Q, Xue L. L-Type Calcium Channel Modulates Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound-Induced Excitation in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01186-2. [PMID: 38498092 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
As a noninvasive technique, ultrasound stimulation is known to modulate neuronal activity both in vitro and in vivo. The latest explanation of this phenomenon is that the acoustic wave can activate the ion channels and further impact the electrophysiological properties of targeted neurons. However, the underlying mechanism of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)-induced neuro-modulation effects is still unclear. Here, we characterize the excitatory effects of LIPUS on spontaneous activity and the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in cultured hippocampal neurons. By whole-cell patch clamp recording, we found that 15 min of 1-MHz LIPUS boosts the frequency of both spontaneous action potentials and spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents (sEPSCs) and also increases the amplitude of sEPSCs in hippocampal neurons. This phenomenon lasts for > 10 min after LIPUS exposure. Together with Ca2+ imaging, we clarified that LIPUS increases the [Ca2+]cyto level by facilitating L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). In addition, due to the [Ca2+]cyto elevation by LIPUS exposure, the Ca2+-dependent CaMKII-CREB pathway can be activated within 30 min to further regulate the gene transcription and protein expression. Our work suggests that LIPUS regulates neuronal activity in a Ca2+-dependent manner via LTCCs. This may also explain the multi-activation effects of LIPUS beyond neurons. LIPUS stimulation potentiates spontaneous neuronal activity by increasing Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- Institute of Acoustics, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- Institute of Acoustics, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, China
| | - Yu-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jia-Qi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pain Management, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Wen-Xu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Institute of Acoustics, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200070, China.
- Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Lei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Research Institute of Intelligent Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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4
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Woike D, Tibbe D, Hassani Nia F, Martens V, Wang E, Barsukov I, Kreienkamp HJ. The Shank/ProSAP N-Terminal (SPN) Domain of Shank3 Regulates Targeting to Postsynaptic Sites and Postsynaptic Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:693-706. [PMID: 37656313 PMCID: PMC10861631 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03611-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Shank family of postsynaptic scaffold proteins (Shank1-3) link neurotransmitter receptors to the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines through establishing numerous interactions within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Large Shank isoforms carry at their N-termini a highly conserved domain termed the Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) domain, followed by a set of Ankyrin repeats. Both domains are involved in an intramolecular interaction which is believed to regulate accessibility for additional interaction partners, such as Ras family G-proteins, αCaMKII, and cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we analyze the functional relevance of the SPN-Ank module; we show that binding of active Ras or Rap1a to the SPN domain can differentially regulate the localization of Shank3 in dendrites. In Shank1 and Shank3, the linker between the SPN and Ank domains binds to inactive αCaMKII. Due to this interaction, both Shank1 and Shank3 exert a negative effect on αCaMKII activity at postsynaptic sites in mice in vivo. The relevance of the SPN-Ank intramolecular interaction was further analyzed in primary cultured neurons; here, we observed that in the context of full-length Shank3, a closed conformation of the SPN-Ank tandem is necessary for proper clustering of Shank3 on the head of dendritic spines. Shank3 variants carrying Ank repeats which are not associated with the SPN domain lead to the atypical formation of postsynaptic clusters on dendritic shafts, at the expense of clusters in spine-like protrusions. Our data show that the SPN-Ank tandem motif contributes to the regulation of postsynaptic signaling and is also necessary for proper targeting of Shank3 to postsynaptic sites. Our data also suggest how missense variants found in autistic patients which alter SPN and Ank domains affect the synaptic function of Shank3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Woike
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Debora Tibbe
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Victoria Martens
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emily Wang
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Igor Barsukov
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Stengl M, Schneider AC. Contribution of membrane-associated oscillators to biological timing at different timescales. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1243455. [PMID: 38264332 PMCID: PMC10803594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1243455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental rhythms such as the daily light-dark cycle selected for endogenous clocks. These clocks predict regular environmental changes and provide the basis for well-timed adaptive homeostasis in physiology and behavior of organisms. Endogenous clocks are oscillators that are based on positive feedforward and negative feedback loops. They generate stable rhythms even under constant conditions. Since even weak interactions between oscillators allow for autonomous synchronization, coupling/synchronization of oscillators provides the basis of self-organized physiological timing. Amongst the most thoroughly researched clocks are the endogenous circadian clock neurons in mammals and insects. They comprise nuclear clockworks of transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFL) that generate ∼24 h rhythms in clock gene expression entrained to the environmental day-night cycle. It is generally assumed that this TTFL clockwork drives all circadian oscillations within and between clock cells, being the basis of any circadian rhythm in physiology and behavior of organisms. Instead of the current gene-based hierarchical clock model we provide here a systems view of timing. We suggest that a coupled system of autonomous TTFL and posttranslational feedback loop (PTFL) oscillators/clocks that run at multiple timescales governs adaptive, dynamic homeostasis of physiology and behavior. We focus on mammalian and insect neurons as endogenous oscillators at multiple timescales. We suggest that neuronal plasma membrane-associated signalosomes constitute specific autonomous PTFL clocks that generate localized but interlinked oscillations of membrane potential and intracellular messengers with specific endogenous frequencies. In each clock neuron multiscale interactions of TTFL and PTFL oscillators/clocks form a temporally structured oscillatory network with a common complex frequency-band comprising superimposed multiscale oscillations. Coupling between oscillator/clock neurons provides the next level of complexity of an oscillatory network. This systemic dynamic network of molecular and cellular oscillators/clocks is suggested to form the basis of any physiological homeostasis that cycles through dynamic homeostatic setpoints with a characteristic frequency-band as hallmark. We propose that mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity maintain the stability of these dynamic setpoints, whereas Hebbian plasticity enables switching between setpoints via coupling factors, like biogenic amines and/or neuropeptides. They reprogram the network to a new common frequency, a new dynamic setpoint. Our novel hypothesis is up for experimental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stengl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neuroethology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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6
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Ioannidis V, Pandey R, Bauer HF, Schön M, Bockmann J, Boeckers TM, Lutz AK. Disrupted extracellular matrix and cell cycle genes in autism-associated Shank3 deficiency are targeted by lithium. Mol Psychiatry 2023:10.1038/s41380-023-02362-y. [PMID: 38123724 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02362-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The Shank3 gene encodes the major postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3. Its mutation causes a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMDS). It is characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disorders (ID), ASD behavior, affective symptoms, as well as extra-cerebral symptoms. Although Shank3 deficiency causes a variety of molecular alterations, they do not suffice to explain all clinical aspects of this heterogenic syndrome. Since global gene expression alterations in Shank3 deficiency remain inadequately studied, we explored the transcriptome in vitro in primary hippocampal cells from Shank3∆11(-/-) mice, under control and lithium (Li) treatment conditions, and confirmed the findings in vivo. The Shank3∆11(-/-) genotype affected the overall transcriptome. Remarkably, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell cycle transcriptional programs were disrupted. Accordingly, in the hippocampi of adolescent Shank3∆11(-/-) mice we found proteins of the collagen family and core cell cycle proteins downregulated. In vitro Li treatment of Shank3∆11(-/-) cells had a rescue-like effect on the ECM and cell cycle gene sets. Reversed ECM gene sets were part of a network, regulated by common transcription factors (TF) such as cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and β-Catenin (CTNNB1), which are known downstream effectors of synaptic activity and targets of Li. These TFs were less abundant and/or hypo-phosphorylated in hippocampi of Shank3∆11(-/-) mice and could be rescued with Li in vitro and in vivo. Our investigations suggest the ECM compartment and cell cycle genes as new players in the pathophysiology of Shank3 deficiency, and imply involvement of transcriptional regulators, which can be modulated by Li. This work supports Li as potential drug in the management of PMDS symptoms, where a Phase III study is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Ioannidis
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rakshita Pandey
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Helen Friedericke Bauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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7
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Ma H, Khaled HG, Wang X, Mandelberg NJ, Cohen SM, He X, Tsien RW. Excitation-transcription coupling, neuronal gene expression and synaptic plasticity. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:672-692. [PMID: 37773070 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Excitation-transcription coupling (E-TC) links synaptic and cellular activity to nuclear gene transcription. It is generally accepted that E-TC makes a crucial contribution to learning and memory through its role in underpinning long-lasting synaptic enhancement in late-phase long-term potentiation and has more recently been linked to late-phase long-term depression: both processes require de novo gene transcription, mRNA translation and protein synthesis. E-TC begins with the activation of glutamate-gated N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptors and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels at the membrane and culminates in the activation of transcription factors in the nucleus. These receptors and ion channels mediate E-TC through mechanisms that include long-range signalling from the synapse to the nucleus and local interactions within dendritic spines, among other possibilities. Growing experimental evidence links these E-TC mechanisms to late-phase long-term potentiation and learning and memory. These advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of E-TC mean that future efforts can focus on understanding its mesoscale functions and how it regulates neuronal network activity and behaviour in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Houda G Khaled
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nataniel J Mandelberg
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel M Cohen
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xingzhi He
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Richard W Tsien
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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Bukatova S, Bacova Z, Osacka J, Bakos J. Mini review of molecules involved in altered postnatal neurogenesis in autism. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37815399 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2269304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The neurobiology of autism is complex, but emerging research points to potential abnormalities and alterations in neurogenesis. The aim of the present review is to describe the advances in the understanding of the role of selected neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and other compounds secreted by neuronal cells in the processes of postnatal neurogenesis in conjunction with autism. We characterize the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell proliferation, generation of major neuronal cell types with special emphasis on neurogenic niches - the subventricular zone and hippocampal areas. We also discuss changes in intracellular calcium levels and calcium-dependent transcription factors in the context of the regulation of neurogenesis and cell fate determination. To sum up, this review provides specific insight into the known association between alterations in the function of the entire spectrum of molecules involved in neurogenesis and the etiology of autism pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislava Bukatova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Osacka
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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9
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Nicoll RA, Schulman H. Synaptic memory and CaMKII. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2877-2925. [PMID: 37290118 PMCID: PMC10642921 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were discovered within a decade of each other and have been inextricably intertwined ever since. However, like many marriages, it has had its up and downs. Based on the unique biochemical properties of CaMKII, it was proposed as a memory molecule before any physiological linkage was made to LTP. However, as reviewed here, the convincing linkage of CaMKII to synaptic physiology and behavior took many decades. New technologies were critical in this journey, including in vitro brain slices, mouse genetics, single-cell molecular genetics, pharmacological reagents, protein structure, and two-photon microscopy, as were new investigators attracted by the exciting challenge. This review tracks this journey and assesses the state of this marriage 40 years on. The collective literature impels us to propose a relatively simple model for synaptic memory involving the following steps that drive the process: 1) Ca2+ entry through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activates CaMKII. 2) CaMKII undergoes autophosphorylation resulting in constitutive, Ca2+-independent activity and exposure of a binding site for the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B. 3) Active CaMKII translocates to the postsynaptic density (PSD) and binds to the cytoplasmic C-tail of GluN2B. 4) The CaMKII-GluN2B complex initiates a structural rearrangement of the PSD that may involve liquid-liquid phase separation. 5) This rearrangement involves the PSD-95 scaffolding protein, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), and their transmembrane AMPAR-regulatory protein (TARP) auxiliary subunits, resulting in an accumulation of AMPARs in the PSD that underlies synaptic potentiation. 6) The stability of the modified PSD is maintained by the stability of the CaMKII-GluN2B complex. 7) By a process of subunit exchange or interholoenzyme phosphorylation CaMKII maintains synaptic potentiation in the face of CaMKII protein turnover. There are many other important proteins that participate in enlargement of the synaptic spine or modulation of the steps that drive and maintain the potentiation. In this review we critically discuss the data underlying each of the steps. As will become clear, some of these steps are more firmly grounded than others, and we provide suggestions as to how the evidence supporting these steps can be strengthened or, based on the new data, be replaced. Although the journey has been a long one, the prospect of having a detailed cellular and molecular understanding of learning and memory is at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A Nicoll
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Howard Schulman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
- Panorama Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California, United States
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10
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Wang Y, Xu Y, Guo W, Fang Y, Hu L, Wang R, Zhao R, Guo D, Qi B, Ren G, Ren J, Li Y, Zhang M. Ablation of Shank3 alleviates cardiac dysfunction in aging mice by promoting CaMKII activation and Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Redox Biol 2022; 58:102537. [PMID: 36436456 PMCID: PMC9709154 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Compromised mitophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis are major contributors for the etiology of cardiac aging, although the precise underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Shank3, a heart-enriched protein, has recently been reported to regulate aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to examine the role of Shank3 in the pathogenesis of cardiac senescence and the possible mechanisms involved. Cardiac-specific conditional Shank3 knockout (Shank3CKO) mice were subjected to natural aging. Mitochondrial function and mitophagy activity were determined in vivo, in mouse hearts and in vitro, in cardiomyocytes. Here, we showed that cardiac Shank3 expression exhibited a gradual increase during the natural progression of the aging, accompanied by overtly decreased mitophagy activity and a decline in cardiac function. Ablation of Shank3 promoted mitophagy, reduced mitochondria-derived superoxide (H2O2 and O2•-) production and apoptosis, and protected against cardiac dysfunction in the aged heart. In an in vitro study, senescent cardiomyocytes treated with D-gal exhibited reduced mitophagy and significantly elevated Shank3 expression. Shank3 knock-down restored mitophagy, leading to increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress, and reduced apoptosis in senescent cardiomyocytes, whereas Shank3 overexpression mimicked D-gal-induced mitophagy inhibition and mitochondrial dysfunction in normally cultured cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, the IP assay revealed that Shank3 directly binds to CaMKII, and this interaction was further increased in the aged heart. Enhanced Shank3/CaMKII binding impedes mitochondrial translocation of CaMKII, resulting in the inhibition of parkin-mediated mitophagy, which ultimately leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac damage in the aged heart. Our study identified Shank3 as a novel contributor to aging-related cardiac damage. Manipulating Shank3/CaMKII-induced mitophagy inhibition could thus be an optional strategy for therapeutic intervention in clinical aging-related cardiac dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Yuerong Xu
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Wangang Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Yexian Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Lang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Runze Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Bingchao Qi
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Gaotong Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author. Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710038, China,Corresponding author.
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11
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Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
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12
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Yasuda R, Hayashi Y, Hell JW. CaMKII: a central molecular organizer of synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:666-682. [PMID: 36056211 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Calcium-calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is the most abundant protein in excitatory synapses and is central to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. It is activated by intracellular increases in calcium ion levels and triggers molecular processes necessary for synaptic plasticity. CaMKII phosphorylates numerous synaptic proteins, thereby regulating their structure and functions. This leads to molecular events crucial for synaptic plasticity, such as receptor trafficking, localization and activity; actin cytoskeletal dynamics; translation; and even transcription through synapse-nucleus shuttling. Several new tools affording increasingly greater spatiotemporal resolution have revealed the link between CaMKII activity and downstream signalling processes in dendritic spines during synaptic and behavioural plasticity. These technologies have provided insights into the function of CaMKII in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Yasuda
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA.
| | - Yasunori Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Johannes W Hell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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13
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Gao L, Zhao J, Ardiel EL, Hall Q, Nurrish S, Kaplan JM. Shank promotes action potential repolarization by recruiting BK channels to calcium microdomains. eLife 2022; 11:75140. [PMID: 35266450 PMCID: PMC8937234 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations altering the scaffolding protein Shank are linked to several psychiatric disorders, and to synaptic and behavioral defects in mice. Among its many binding partners, Shank directly binds CaV1 voltage activated calcium channels. Here we show that the C. elegans SHN-1/Shank promotes CaV1 coupling to calcium activated potassium channels. Mutations inactivating SHN-1, and those preventing SHN-1 binding to EGL-19/CaV1 all increase action potential durations in body muscles. Action potential repolarization is mediated by two classes of potassium channels: SHK-1/KCNA and SLO-1 and SLO-2 BK channels. BK channels are calcium-dependent, and their activation requires tight coupling to EGL-19/CaV1 channels. SHN-1's effects on AP duration are mediated by changes in BK channels. In shn-1 mutants, SLO-2 currents and channel clustering are significantly decreased in both body muscles and neurons. Finally, increased and decreased shn-1 gene copy number produce similar changes in AP width and SLO-2 current. Collectively, these results suggest that an important function of Shank is to promote microdomain coupling of BK with CaV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Gao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Evan L Ardiel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Qi Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Stephen Nurrish
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
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14
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Woike D, Wang E, Tibbe D, Hassani Nia F, Failla AV, Kibæk M, Overgård TM, Larsen MJ, Fagerberg CR, Barsukov I, Kreienkamp HJ. Mutations affecting the N-terminal domains of SHANK3 point to different pathomechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2022; 12:902. [PMID: 35042901 PMCID: PMC8766471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank proteins are major scaffolds of the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. Mutations in SHANK genes are associated with autism and intellectual disability. The effects of missense mutations on Shank3 function, and therefore the pathomechanisms are unclear. Several missense mutations in SHANK3 affect the N-terminal region, consisting of the Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) domain and a set of Ankyrin (Ank) repeats. Here we identify a novel SHANK3 missense mutation (p.L270M) in the Ankyrin repeats in patients with an ADHD-like phenotype. We functionally analysed this and a series of other mutations, using biochemical and biophysical techniques. We observe two major effects: (1) a loss of binding to δ-catenin (e.g. in the p.L270M variant), and (2) interference with the intramolecular interaction between N-terminal SPN domain and the Ank repeats. This also interferes with binding to the α-subunit of the calcium-/calmodulin dependent kinase II (αCaMKII), and appears to be associated with a more severe neurodevelopmental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Woike
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emily Wang
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Debora Tibbe
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Virgilio Failla
- UKE Microscopic Imaging Facility (UMIF), University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Kibæk
- H C Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Martin J Larsen
- H C Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina R Fagerberg
- H C Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Igor Barsukov
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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15
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Late-Onset Behavioral and Synaptic Consequences of L-Type Ca 2+ Channel Activation in the Basolateral Amygdala of Developing Rats. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0282-21.2022. [PMID: 35064022 PMCID: PMC8868026 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0282-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal CNS development is fine-tuned to drive the functional needs of succeeding life stages; accordingly, the emergence of sensory and motor functions, behavioral patterns and cognitive abilities relies on a complex interplay of signaling pathways. Strictly regulated Ca2+ signaling mediated by L-type channels (LTCCs) is crucial in neural circuit development and aberrant increases in neuronal LTCC activity are linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In the amygdala, a brain region that integrates signals associated with aversive and rewarding stimuli, LTCCs contribute to NMDA-independent long-term potentiation (LTP) and are required for the consolidation and extinction of fear memory. In vitro studies have elucidated distinct electrophysiological and synaptic properties characterizing the transition from immature to functionally mature basolateral subdivision of the amygdala (BLA) principal neurons. Further, acute increase of LTCC activity selectively regulates excitability and spontaneous synaptic activity in immature BLA neurons, suggesting an age-dependent regulation of BLA circuitry by LTCCs. This study aimed to elucidate whether early life alterations in LTCC activity subsequently affect synaptic strength and amygdala-dependent behaviors in early adulthood. In vivo intra-amygdala injection of an LTCC agonist at a critical period of postnatal neurodevelopment in male rat pups was used to examine synaptic plasticity of BLA excitatory inputs, expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) and glutamate receptors, as well as anxiety and social affiliation behaviors at a juvenile age. Results indicate that enhanced LTCC activity in immature BLA principal neurons trigger persistent changes in the developmental trajectory to modify membrane properties and synaptic LTP at later stages, concomitant with alterations in amygdala-related behavioral patterns.
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16
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Wu CH, Tatavarty V, Jean Beltran PM, Guerrero AA, Keshishian H, Krug K, MacMullan MA, Li L, Carr SA, Cottrell JR, Turrigiano GG. A bidirectional switch in the Shank3 phosphorylation state biases synapses toward up- or downscaling. eLife 2022; 11:74277. [PMID: 35471151 PMCID: PMC9084893 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic synaptic plasticity requires widespread remodeling of synaptic signaling and scaffolding networks, but the role of post-translational modifications in this process has not been systematically studied. Using deep-scale quantitative analysis of the phosphoproteome in mouse neocortical neurons, we found widespread and temporally complex changes during synaptic scaling up and down. We observed 424 bidirectionally modulated phosphosites that were strongly enriched for synapse-associated proteins, including S1539 in the autism spectrum disorder-associated synaptic scaffold protein Shank3. Using a parallel proteomic analysis performed on Shank3 isolated from rat neocortical neurons by immunoaffinity, we identified two sites that were persistently hypophosphorylated during scaling up and transiently hyperphosphorylated during scaling down: one (rat S1615) that corresponded to S1539 in mouse, and a second highly conserved site, rat S1586. The phosphorylation status of these sites modified the synaptic localization of Shank3 during scaling protocols, and dephosphorylation of these sites via PP2A activity was essential for the maintenance of synaptic scaling up. Finally, phosphomimetic mutations at these sites prevented scaling up but not down, while phosphodeficient mutations prevented scaling down but not up. These mutations did not impact baseline synaptic strength, indicating that they gate, rather than drive, the induction of synaptic scaling. Thus, an activity-dependent switch between hypo- and hyperphosphorylation at S1586 and S1615 of Shank3 enables scaling up or down, respectively. Collectively, our data show that activity-dependent phosphoproteome dynamics are important for the functional reconfiguration of synaptic scaffolds and can bias synapses toward upward or downward homeostatic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hong Wu
- Department of Biology, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Hasmik Keshishian
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Karsten Krug
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Melanie A MacMullan
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Li Li
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Steven A Carr
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Jeffrey R Cottrell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
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17
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Regulation of neuronal excitation-transcription coupling by Kv2.1-induced clustering of somatic L-type Ca 2+ channels at ER-PM junctions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110094118. [PMID: 34750263 PMCID: PMC8609631 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110094118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In hippocampal neurons, gene expression is triggered by electrical activity and Ca2+ entry via L-type Cav1.2 channels in a process called excitation–transcription coupling. We identified a domain on the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv2.1 that promotes the clustering of L-type Cav1.2 channels at endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane junctions in the soma of neurons. Importantly, we discovered by disrupting this domain that the Kv2.1-mediated clustering of Cav1.2 at this somatic microdomain is critical for depolarization-induced excitation–transcription coupling. In mammalian brain neurons, membrane depolarization leads to voltage-gated Ca2+ channel-mediated Ca2+ influx that triggers diverse cellular responses, including gene expression, in a process termed excitation–transcription coupling. Neuronal L-type Ca2+ channels, which have prominent populations on the soma and distal dendrites of hippocampal neurons, play a privileged role in excitation–transcription coupling. The voltage-gated K+ channel Kv2.1 organizes signaling complexes containing the L-type Ca2+ channel Cav1.2 at somatic endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane junctions. This leads to enhanced clustering of Cav1.2 channels, increasing their activity. However, the downstream consequences of the Kv2.1-mediated regulation of Cav1.2 localization and function on excitation–transcription coupling are not known. Here, we have identified a region between residues 478 to 486 of Kv2.1’s C terminus that mediates the Kv2.1-dependent clustering of Cav1.2. By disrupting this Ca2+ channel association domain with either mutations or with a cell-penetrating interfering peptide, we blocked the Kv2.1-mediated clustering of Cav1.2 at endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane junctions and the subsequent enhancement of its channel activity and somatic Ca2+ signals without affecting the clustering of Kv2.1. These interventions abolished the depolarization-induced and L-type Ca2+ channel-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB and the subsequent expression of c-Fos in hippocampal neurons. Our findings support a model whereby the Kv2.1-Ca2+ channel association domain-mediated clustering of Cav1.2 channels imparts a mechanism to control somatic Ca2+ signals that couple neuronal excitation to gene expression.
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18
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Delling JP, Boeckers TM. Comparison of SHANK3 deficiency in animal models: phenotypes, treatment strategies, and translational implications. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:55. [PMID: 34784886 PMCID: PMC8594088 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and high heritability. Core symptoms of ASD include deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Many genes have been identified that are associated with an increased risk for ASD. Proteins encoded by these ASD risk genes are often involved in processes related to fetal brain development, chromatin modification and regulation of gene expression in general, as well as the structural and functional integrity of synapses. Genes of the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) family encode crucial scaffolding proteins (SHANK1-3) of excitatory synapses and other macromolecular complexes. SHANK gene mutations are highly associated with ASD and more specifically the Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS), which is caused by heterozygous 22q13.3-deletion resulting in SHANK3-haploinsufficiency, or by SHANK3 missense variants. SHANK3 deficiency and potential treatment options have been extensively studied in animal models, especially in mice, but also in rats and non-human primates. However, few of the proposed therapeutic strategies have translated into clinical practice yet. MAIN TEXT This review summarizes the literature concerning SHANK3-deficient animal models. In particular, the structural, behavioral, and neurological abnormalities are described and compared, providing a broad and comprehensive overview. Additionally, the underlying pathophysiologies and possible treatments that have been investigated in these models are discussed and evaluated with respect to their effect on ASD- or PMDS-associated phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Animal models of SHANK3 deficiency generated by various genetic strategies, which determine the composition of the residual SHANK3-isoforms and affected cell types, show phenotypes resembling ASD and PMDS. The phenotypic heterogeneity across multiple models and studies resembles the variation of clinical severity in human ASD and PMDS patients. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed and tested in animal models, which might lead to translational implications for human patients with ASD and/or PMDS. Future studies should explore the effects of new therapeutic approaches that target genetic haploinsufficiency, like CRISPR-mediated activation of promotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Delling
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany. .,Ulm Site, DZNE, Ulm, Germany.
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19
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Panov J, Kaphzan H. Angelman Syndrome and Angelman-like Syndromes Share the Same Calcium-Related Gene Signatures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9870. [PMID: 34576033 PMCID: PMC8469403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman-like syndromes are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that entail clinical presentation similar to Angelman Syndrome (AS). In our previous study, we showed that calcium signaling is disrupted in AS, and we identified calcium-target and calcium-regulating gene signatures that are able to differentiate between AS and their controls in different models. In the herein study, we evaluated these sets of calcium-target and calcium-regulating genes as signatures of AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes. We collected a number of RNA-seq datasets of various AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes and performed Principle Component Analysis (PCA) separately on the two sets of signature genes to visualize the distribution of samples on the PC1-PC2 plane. In addition to the evaluation of calcium signature genes, we performed differential gene expression analyses to identify calcium-related genes dysregulated in each of the studied syndromes. These analyses showed that the calcium-target and calcium-regulating signatures differentiate well between AS-like syndromes and their controls. However, in spite of the fact that many of the non-AS-like syndromes have multiple differentially expressed calcium-related genes, the calcium signatures were not efficient classifiers for non-AS-like neurodevelopmental disorders. These results show that features based on clinical presentation are reflected in signatures derived from bioinformatics analyses and suggest the use of bioinformatics as a tool for classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Laboratory for Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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20
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Zhang HL, Zhao B, Han W, Sun YB, Yang P, Chen Y, Ni D, Zhang J, Yin DM. Acetylation of calmodulin regulates synaptic plasticity and fear learning. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101034. [PMID: 34339735 PMCID: PMC8383114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is critical for brain function, including learning and memory. It is regulated by gene transcription and protein synthesis as well as posttranslational modifications at synapses. Although protein acetylation has been shown to be involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, this was mainly for histone protein acetylation. To investigate whether acetylation of nonhistone proteins is important for synaptic plasticity, we analyzed mouse brain acetylome and found that calmodulin (CaM), a ubiquitous Ca2+ sensor, was acetylated on three lysine residues, which were conserved across species. NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) is considered the most compelling form of synaptic plasticity. During LTP induction, activation of NMDA receptor triggers Ca2+ influx, and the Ca2+ binds with CaM and activates calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα), which is essential for LTP induction. By using home-generated and site-specific antibodies against acetylated CaM, we show that CaM acetylation is upregulated by neural activities in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner. Moreover, mutation of acetyllysines in CaM1 proteins disrupts synaptic plasticity and fear learning in a mouse model. We further demonstrate that acetylation of CaM reduces the binding free energy and increases the binding affinity toward CaMKIIα, a protein kinase pivotal to synaptic plasticity and learning. Taken together, our results demonstrate importance of CaM acetylation in regulating synaptic plasticity and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Han
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Bei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duan Ni
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU-SM), Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU-SM), Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Min Yin
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education and Shanghai, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Feng Z, Wu X, Zhang M. Presynaptic bouton compartmentalization and postsynaptic density-mediated glutamate receptor clustering via phase separation. Neuropharmacology 2021; 193:108622. [PMID: 34051266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal synapses encompass three compartments: presynaptic axon terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic dendrite. Each compartment contains densely packed molecular machineries that are involved in synaptic transmission. In recent years, emerging evidence indicates that the assembly of these membraneless substructures or assemblies that are not enclosed by membranes are driven by liquid-liquid phase separation. We review here recent studies that suggest the phase separation-mediated organization of these synaptic compartments. We discuss how synaptic function may be linked to its organization as biomolecular condensates. We conclude with a discussion of areas of future interest in the field for better understanding of the structural architecture of neuronal synapses and its contribution to synaptic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Feng
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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22
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CaMKII Phosphorylation Regulates Synaptic Enrichment of Shank3. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0481-20.2021. [PMID: 33568460 PMCID: PMC8152369 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0481-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
SHANK3 is a large scaffolding protein in the postsynaptic density (PSD) that organizes protein networks, which are critical for synaptic structure and function. The strong genetic association of SHANK3 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emphasizes the importance of SHANK3 in neuronal development. SHANK3 has a critical role in organizing excitatory synapses and is tightly regulated by alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. In this study, we examined basal and activity-dependent phosphorylation of Shank3 using mass spectrometry (MS) analysis from in vitro phosphorylation assays, in situ experiments, and studies with cultured neurons. We found that Shank3 is highly phosphorylated, and we identified serine 782 (S782) as a potent CaMKII phosphorylation site. Using a phosphorylation state-specific antibody, we demonstrate that CaMKII can phosphorylate Shank3 S782 in vitro and in heterologous cells on cotransfection with CaMKII. We also observed an effect of a nearby ASD-associated variant (Shank3 S685I), which increased S782 phosphorylation. Notably, eliminating phosphorylation of Shank3 with a S782A mutation increased Shank3 and PSD-95 synaptic puncta size without affecting Shank3 colocalization with PSD-95 in cultured hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our study revealed that CaMKII phosphorylates Shank3 S782 and that the phosphorylation affects Shank3 synaptic properties.
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23
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Proietti Onori M, van Woerden GM. Role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 in neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Res Bull 2021; 171:209-220. [PMID: 33774142 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a complex and heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by their early-onset and estimated to affect more than 3% of children worldwide. The rapid advancement of sequencing technologies in the past years allowed the identification of hundreds of variants in several different genes causing neurodevelopmental disorders. Between those, new variants in the Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CAMK2) genes were recently linked to intellectual disability. Despite many years of research on CAMK2, this proves for the first time that this well-known and highly conserved molecule plays an important role in the human brain. In this review, we give an overview of the identified CAMK2 variants, and we speculate on potential mechanisms through which dysfunctions in CAMK2 result in neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, we discuss how the identification of CAMK2 variants might result in new exciting discoveries regarding the function of CAMK2 in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Proietti Onori
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, the Netherlands; The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Geeske M van Woerden
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, the Netherlands; The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, the Netherlands.
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24
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Cai Q, Zeng M, Wu X, Wu H, Zhan Y, Tian R, Zhang M. CaMKIIα-driven, phosphatase-checked postsynaptic plasticity via phase separation. Cell Res 2020; 31:37-51. [PMID: 33235361 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-00439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) is essential for synaptic plasticity and learning by decoding synaptic Ca2+ oscillations. Despite decades of extensive research, new mechanisms underlying CaMKIIα's function in synapses are still being discovered. Here, we discover that Shank3 is a specific binding partner for autoinhibited CaMKIIα. We demonstrate that Shank3 and GluN2B, via combined actions of Ca2+ and phosphatases, reciprocally bind to CaMKIIα. Under basal condition, CaMKIIα is recruited to the Shank3 subcompartment of postsynaptic density (PSD) via phase separation. Rise of Ca2+ concentration induces GluN2B-mediated recruitment of active CaMKIIα and formation of the CaMKIIα/GluN2B/PSD-95 condensates, which are autonomously dispersed upon Ca2+ removal. Protein phosphatases control the Ca2+-dependent shuttling of CaMKIIα between the two PSD subcompartments and PSD condensate formation. Activation of CaMKIIα further enlarges the PSD assembly and induces structural LTP. Thus, Ca2+-induced and phosphatase-checked shuttling of CaMKIIα between distinct PSD nano-domains can regulate phase separation-mediated PSD assembly and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixu Cai
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Menglong Zeng
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haowei Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yumeng Zhan
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruijun Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. .,Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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25
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Andrew DR, Moe ME, Chen D, Tello JA, Doser RL, Conner WE, Ghuman JK, Restifo LL. Spontaneous motor-behavior abnormalities in two Drosophila models of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurogenet 2020; 35:1-22. [PMID: 33164597 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1833005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in hundreds of genes cause neurodevelopmental disorders with abnormal motor behavior alongside cognitive deficits. Boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability, often display repetitive behaviors, a core feature of autism. By direct observation and manual analysis, we characterized spontaneous-motor-behavior phenotypes of Drosophila dfmr1 mutants, an established model for FXS. We recorded individual 1-day-old adult flies, with mature nervous systems and prior to the onset of aging, in small arenas. We scored behavior using open-source video-annotation software to generate continuous activity timelines, which were represented graphically and quantitatively. Young dfmr1 mutants spent excessive time grooming, with increased bout number and duration; both were rescued by transgenic wild-type dfmr1+. By two grooming-pattern measures, dfmr1-mutant flies showed elevated repetitions consistent with perseveration, which is common in FXS. In addition, the mutant flies display a preference for grooming posterior body structures, and an increased rate of grooming transitions from one site to another. We raise the possibility that courtship and circadian rhythm defects, previously reported for dfmr1 mutants, are complicated by excessive grooming. We also observed significantly increased grooming in CASK mutants, despite their dramatically decreased walking phenotype. The mutant flies, a model for human CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders, displayed consistently elevated grooming indices throughout the assay, but transient locomotory activation immediately after placement in the arena. Based on published data identifying FMRP-target transcripts and functional analyses of mutations causing human genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, we propose the following proteins as candidate mediators of excessive repetitive behaviors in FXS: CaMKIIα, NMDA receptor subunits 2A and 2B, NLGN3, and SHANK3. Together, these fly-mutant phenotypes and mechanistic insights provide starting points for drug discovery to identify compounds that reduce dysfunctional repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Andrew
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, USA
| | - Mariah E Moe
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Dailu Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Judith A Tello
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel L Doser
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - William E Conner
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jaswinder K Ghuman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linda L Restifo
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,BIO5 Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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26
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Chen D, Ren K, Liu H, Mao H, Li Z, Mo H, Xie S, Shi Y, Chen Q, Wang W. A Whole-Brain Cell-Type-Specific Sparse Neuron Labeling Method and Its Application in a Shank3 Autistic Mouse Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:145. [PMID: 32581718 PMCID: PMC7291601 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single neurons, as the basic unit of the brain, consist of a cell body and processes, including dendrites and axons. Even neurons of the same type show various subtle process characteristics to fit into the diverse neural circuits. Different cell types of neurons form complicated circuits in the brain. Therefore, detailed neuronal morphology is required to understand normal neuronal function and pathological mechanisms, such as those that occur in autism. Here, we developed a strategy to sparsely label the same type of neurons throughout the whole brain and tested its application in an autistic animal model—Shank3 knockout (KO) mice. To achieve this, we designed an adeno-associated virus (AAV) that expresses Cre recombinase-dependent regular and membrane-targeted enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under a human synapsin 1 promoter and verified it in several Cre transgenic mice. We could sparsely label the projection neurons in multiple brain areas by retro-ocular injection of the virus into CaMKIIα-Cre mice. Then, we analyzed the morphology of the projection neurons in Shank3 KO mice with this method. We found differential dendritic complexity and dendritic spine changes in projection neurons in Shank3 KO mice crossed with CaMKIIα-Cre mice compared with littermate control mice in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. By combining this method with various Cre mouse lines crossed with mouse models of disease, we can screen the morphological traits of distinct types of neurons throughout the whole brain that will help us to understand the exact role of the specific cell types of neurons not only in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) mouse models but also in other psychiatric disorder mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keke Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zongyan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiming Mo
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Shengjun Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwu Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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27
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Tao-Cheng JH. Activity-dependent redistribution of CaMKII in the postsynaptic compartment of hippocampal neurons. Mol Brain 2020; 13:53. [PMID: 32238193 PMCID: PMC7110642 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00594-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an abundant protein in neurons, is involved in synaptic plasticity and learning. CaMKII associates with multiple proteins located at or near the postsynaptic density (PSD), and CaMKII is known to translocate from cytoplasm to PSD under excitatory conditions. The present study examined the laminar distribution of CaMKII at the PSD by immunogold labeling in dissociated hippocampal cultures under low calcium (EGTA or APV), control, and stimulated (depolarization with high K+ or NMDA) conditions. The patterns of CaMKII distribution are classified with particular reference to the two layers of the PSD: (1) the PSD core, a layer within ~ 30-40 nm to the postsynaptic membrane, and (2) the PSD pallium, a deeper layer beyond the PSD core, ~ 100-120 nm from the postsynaptic membrane. Under low calcium conditions, a subpopulation (40%) of synapses stood out with no CaMKII labeling at the PSD, indicating that localization of CaMKII at the PSD is sensitive to calcium levels. Under control conditions, the majority (~ 60-70%) of synapses had label for CaMKII dispersed evenly in the spine, including the PSD and the nearby cytoplasm. Upon stimulation, the majority (60-75%) of synapses had label for CaMKII concentrated at the PSD, delineating the PSD pallium from the cytoplasm. Median distance of label for CaMKII to postsynaptic membrane was higher in low calcium samples (68-77 nm), than in control (59-63 nm) and stimulated samples (49-53 nm). Thus, upon stimulation, not only more CaMKII translocated to the PSD, but they also were closer to the postsynaptic membrane. Additionally, there were two relatively infrequent labeling patterns that may represent intermediate stages of CaMKII distribution between basal and stimulated conditions: (1) one type showed label preferentially localized near the PSD core where CaMKII may be binding to NR2B, an NMDA receptor concentrated at the PSD core, and (2) the second type showed label preferentially in the PSD pallium, where CaMKII may be binding to Shank, a PSD scaffold protein located in the PSD pallium. Both of these distribution patterns may portray the initial stages of CaMKII translocation upon synaptic activation. In addition to binding to PSD proteins, the concentrated CaMKII labeling at the PSD under heightened excitatory conditions could also be formed by self-clustering of CaMKII molecules recruited to the PSD. Most importantly, these accumulated CaMKII molecules do not extend beyond the border of the PSD pallium, and are likely held in the pallium by binding to Shank under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwa Tao-Cheng
- NINDS Electron Microscopy Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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28
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CaMKIIα phosphorylation of Shank3 modulates ABI1-Shank3 interaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:262-267. [PMID: 31983435 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions can be modulated by phosphorylation of either binding partner, thereby altering subcellular localization and/or physiological function. Shank3, a master postsynaptic scaffolding protein that controls the developmental maturation of excitatory synapses, was recently shown to be phosphorylated by Protein Kinase A (PKA) at Ser685 in vivo. Mutation of Shank3 Ser685 was shown to modulate the binding of Abelson interactor 1 (ABI1), a component of the WAVE regulatory complex for actin remodeling, but a direct effect of Ser685 phosphorylation on ABI1 binding was not investigated. Here, we demonstrate that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) also phosphorylates Shank3 at Ser685. Mutation of Ser685 to phospho-null alanine (S685A) prevented both CaMKIIα and PKA phosphorylation of a GST-Shank3 fusion protein. The co-immunoprecipitation of ABI1 with Shank3 from HEK293 cell extracts is reduced by mutation of Ser685 to either Ala or Asp. However, pre-phosphorylation of GST-Shank3 by purified CaMKIIα significantly increased binding of ABI1, and this effect was abrogated by Ser685 to Ala mutation in GST-Shank3. Taken together, our data suggest that neuronal ABI1-Shank3 interactions may be convergently regulated by Shank3 Ser685 phosphorylation in response to both Ca2+ and cAMP signaling, potentially modulating dendritic spine morphology.
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