The kinesin motor KIF3A is a component of the presynaptic ribbon in vertebrate photoreceptors

Slow kinesin-dependent microtubular transport facilitates ribbon synapse assembly in developing cochlear inner hair cells

Sensory synapses are characterized by electron-dense presynaptic specializations, so-called synaptic ribbons. In cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs), ribbons play an essential role as core active zone (AZ) organizers, where they tether synaptic vesicles, cluster calcium channels and facilitate the temporally-precise release of primed vesicles. While a multitude of studies aimed to elucidate the molecular composition and function of IHC ribbon synapses, the developmental formation of these signalling complexes remains largely elusive to date. To address this shortcoming, we performed long-term live-cell imaging of fluorescently-labelled ribbon precursors in young postnatal IHCs to track ribbon precursor motion. We show that ribbon precursors utilize the apico-basal microtubular (MT) cytoskeleton for targeted trafficking to the presynapse, in a process reminiscent of slow axonal transport in neurons. During translocation, precursor volume regulation is achieved by highly dynamic structural plasticity - characterized by regularly-occurring fusion and fission events. Pharmacological MT destabilization negatively impacted on precursor translocation and attenuated structural plasticity, whereas genetic disruption of the anterograde molecular motor Kif1a impaired ribbon volume accumulation during developmental maturation. Combined, our data thus indicate an essential role of the MT cytoskeleton and Kif1a in adequate ribbon synapse formation and structural maintenance.

The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site

The architecture of the presynaptic release site is exquisitely designed to facilitate and regulate synaptic vesicle exocytosis. With the identification of some of the building blocks of the active zone and the advent of super resolution imaging techniques, we are beginning to understand the morphological and functional properties of synapses in great detail. Presynaptic release sites consist of the plasma membrane, the cytomatrix, and dense projections. These three components are morphologically distinct but intimately connected with each other and with postsynaptic specializations, ensuring the fidelity of synaptic vesicle tethering, docking, and fusion, as well as signal detection. Although the morphology and molecular compositions of active zones may vary among species, tissues, and cells, global architectural design of the release sites is highly conserved.

Ciliary Proteins Repurposed by the Synaptic Ribbon: Trafficking Myristoylated Proteins at Rod Photoreceptor Synapses

The Unc119 protein mediates transport of myristoylated proteins to the photoreceptor outer segment, a specialized primary cilium. This transport activity is regulated by the GTPase Arl3 as well as by Arl13b and Rp2 that control Arl3 activation/inactivation. Interestingly, Unc119 is also enriched in photoreceptor synapses and can bind to RIBEYE, the main component of synaptic ribbons. In the present study, we analyzed whether the known regulatory proteins, that control the Unc119-dependent myristoylated protein transport at the primary cilium, are also present at the photoreceptor synaptic ribbon complex by using high-resolution immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy. We found Arl3 and Arl13b to be enriched at the synaptic ribbon whereas Rp2 was predominantly found on vesicles distributed within the entire terminal. These findings indicate that the synaptic ribbon could be involved in the discharge of Unc119-bound lipid-modified proteins. In agreement with this hypothesis, we found Nphp3 (Nephrocystin-3), a myristoylated, Unc119-dependent cargo protein enriched at the basal portion of the ribbon in close vicinity to the active zone. Mutations in Nphp3 are known to be associated with Senior–Løken Syndrome 3 (SLS3). Visual impairment and blindness in SLS3 might thus not only result from ciliary dysfunctions but also from malfunctions of the photoreceptor synapse.

Influence of T-Bar on Calcium Concentration Impacting Release Probability

The relation of form and function, namely the impact of the synaptic anatomy on calcium dynamics in the presynaptic bouton, is a major challenge of present (computational) neuroscience at a cellular level. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a simple model system, which allows studying basic effects in a rather simple way. This synapse harbors several special structures. In particular, in opposite to standard vertebrate synapses, the presynaptic boutons are rather large, and they have several presynaptic zones. In these zones, different types of anatomical structures are present. Some of the zones bear a so-called T-bar, a particular anatomical structure. The geometric form of the T-bar resembles the shape of the letter “T” or a table with one leg. When an action potential arises, calcium influx is triggered. The probability of vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release is superlinearly proportional to the concentration of calcium close to the vesicular release site. It is tempting to assume that the T-bar causes some sort of calcium accumulation and hence triggers a higher release probability and thus enhances neurotransmitter exocytosis. In order to study this influence in a quantitative manner, we constructed a typical T-bar geometry and compared the calcium concentration close to the active zones (AZs). We compared the case of synapses with and without T-bars. Indeed, we found a substantial influence of the T-bar structure on the presynaptic calcium concentrations close to the AZs, indicating that this anatomical structure increases vesicle release probability. Therefore, our study reveals how the T-bar zone implies a strong relation between form and function. Our study answers the question of experimental studies (namely “Wichmann and Sigrist, Journal of neurogenetics 2010”) concerning the sense of the anatomical structure of the T-bar.

Photoreceptor Compartment-Specific TULP1 Interactomes

Photoreceptors are highly compartmentalized cells with large amounts of proteins synthesized in the inner segment (IS) and transported to the outer segment (OS) and synaptic terminal. Tulp1 is a photoreceptor-specific protein localized to the IS and synapse. In the absence of Tulp1, several OS-specific proteins are mislocalized and synaptic vesicle recycling is impaired. To better understand the involvement of Tulp1 in protein trafficking, our approach in the current study was to physically isolate Tulp1-containing photoreceptor compartments by serial tangential sectioning of retinas and to identify compartment-specific Tulp1 binding partners by immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Our results indicate that Tulp1 has two distinct interactomes. We report the identification of: (1) an IS-specific interaction between Tulp1 and the motor protein Kinesin family member 3a (Kif3a), (2) a synaptic-specific interaction between Tulp1 and the scaffold protein Ribeye, and (3) an interaction between Tulp1 and the cytoskeletal protein microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) in both compartments. Immunolocalization studies in the wild-type retina indicate that Tulp1 and its binding partners co-localize to their respective compartments. Our observations are compatible with Tulp1 functioning in protein trafficking in multiple photoreceptor compartments, likely as an adapter molecule linking vesicles to molecular motors and the cytoskeletal scaffold.

Functional compartmentalization of photoreceptor neurons

Retinal photoreceptors are neurons that convert dynamically changing patterns of light into electrical signals that are processed by retinal interneurons and ultimately transmitted to vision centers in the brain. They represent the essential first step in seeing without which the remainder of the visual system is rendered moot. To support this role, the major functions of photoreceptors are segregated into three main specialized compartments-the outer segment, the inner segment, and the pre-synaptic terminal. This compartmentalization is crucial for photoreceptor function-disruption leads to devastating blinding diseases for which therapies remain elusive. In this review, we examine the current understanding of the molecular and physical mechanisms underlying photoreceptor functional compartmentalization and highlight areas where significant knowledge gaps remain.

Development and maintenance of vision's first synapse

Synapses in the outer retina are the first information relay points in vision. Here, photoreceptors form synapses onto two types of interneurons, bipolar cells and horizontal cells. Because outer retina synapses are particularly large and highly ordered, they have been a useful system for the discovery of mechanisms underlying synapse specificity and maintenance. Understanding these processes is critical to efforts aimed at restoring visual function through repairing or replacing neurons and promoting their connectivity. We review outer retina neuron synapse architecture, neural migration modes, and the cellular and molecular pathways that play key roles in the development and maintenance of these connections. We further discuss how these mechanisms may impact connectivity in the retina.

Transmission at rod and cone ribbon synapses in the retina

Light-evoked voltage responses of rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the vertebrate retina must be converted to a train of synaptic vesicle release events for transmission to downstream neurons. This review discusses the processes, proteins, and structures that shape this critical early step in vision, focusing on studies from salamander retina with comparisons to other experimental animals. Many mechanisms are conserved across species. In cones, glutamate release is confined to ribbon release sites although rods are also capable of release at non-ribbon sites. The role of non-ribbon release in rods remains unclear. Release from synaptic ribbons in rods and cones involves at least three vesicle pools: a readily releasable pool (RRP) matching the number of membrane-associated vesicles along the ribbon base, a ribbon reserve pool matching the number of additional vesicles on the ribbon, and an enormous cytoplasmic reserve. Vesicle release increases in parallel with Ca²⁺ channel activity. While the opening of only a few Ca²⁺ channels beneath each ribbon can trigger fusion of a single vesicle, sustained release rates in darkness are governed by the rate at which the RRP can be replenished. The number of vacant release sites, their functional status, and the rate of vesicle delivery in turn govern replenishment. Along with an overview of the mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis, we consider specific properties of ribbon-associated proteins and pose a number of remaining questions about this first synapse in the visual system.

Molecular Assembly and Structural Plasticity of Sensory Ribbon Synapses-A Presynaptic Perspective

In the mammalian cochlea, specialized ribbon-type synapses between sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and postsynaptic spiral ganglion neurons ensure the temporal precision and indefatigability of synaptic sound encoding. These high-through-put synapses are presynaptically characterized by an electron-dense projection-the synaptic ribbon-which provides structural scaffolding and tethers a large pool of synaptic vesicles. While advances have been made in recent years in deciphering the molecular anatomy and function of these specialized active zones, the developmental assembly of this presynaptic interaction hub remains largely elusive. In this review, we discuss the dynamic nature of IHC (pre-) synaptogenesis and highlight molecular key players as well as the transport pathways underlying this process. Since developmental assembly appears to be a highly dynamic process, we further ask if this structural plasticity might be maintained into adulthood, how this may influence the functional properties of a given IHC synapse and how such plasticity could be regulated on the molecular level. To do so, we take a closer look at other ribbon-bearing systems, such as retinal photoreceptors and pinealocytes and aim to infer conserved mechanisms that may mediate these phenomena.

Molecular Motor KIF3B Acts as a Key Regulator of Dendritic Architecture in Cortical Neurons

Neurons require a well-coordinated intercellular transport system to maintain their normal cellular function and morphology. The kinesin family of proteins (KIFs) fills this role by regulating the transport of a diverse array of cargos in post-mitotic cells. On the other hand, in mitotic cells, KIFs facilitate the fidelity of the cellular division machinery. Though certain mitotic KIFs function in post-mitotic neurons, little is known about them. We studied the role of a mitotic KIF (KIF3B) in neuronal architecture. We find that the RNAi mediated knockdown of KIF3B in primary cortical neurons resulted in an increase in spine density; the number of thin and mushroom spines; and dendritic branching. Consistent with the change in spine density, we observed a specific increase in the distribution of the excitatory post-synaptic protein, PSD-95 in KIF3B knockdown neurons. Interestingly, overexpression of KIF3B produced a reduction in spine density, in particular mushroom spines, and a decrease in dendritic branching. These studies suggest that KIF3B is a key determinant of cortical neuron morphology and that it functions as an inhibitory constraint on structural plasticity, further illuminating the significance of mitotic KIFs in post-mitotic neurons.

Synapse development and maturation at the drosophila neuromuscular junction

Synapses are the sites of neuron-to-neuron communication and form the basis of the neural circuits that underlie all animal cognition and behavior. Chemical synapses are specialized asymmetric junctions between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic target that form through a series of diverse cellular and subcellular events under the control of complex signaling networks. Once established, the synapse facilitates neurotransmission by mediating the organization and fusion of synaptic vesicles and must also retain the ability to undergo plastic changes. In recent years, synaptic genes have been implicated in a wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders; the individual and societal burdens imposed by these disorders, as well as the lack of effective therapies, motivates continued work on fundamental synapse biology. The properties and functions of the nervous system are remarkably conserved across animal phyla, and many insights into the synapses of the vertebrate central nervous system have been derived from studies of invertebrate models. A prominent model synapse is the Drosophila melanogaster larval neuromuscular junction, which bears striking similarities to the glutamatergic synapses of the vertebrate brain and spine; further advantages include the simplicity and experimental versatility of the fly, as well as its century-long history as a model organism. Here, we survey findings on the major events in synaptogenesis, including target specification, morphogenesis, and the assembly and maturation of synaptic specializations, with a emphasis on work conducted at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction.

Sensory Processing at Ribbon Synapses in the Retina and the Cochlea

In recent years, sensory neuroscientists have made major efforts to dissect the structure and function of ribbon synapses which process sensory information in the eye and ear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of two key aspects of ribbon synapses: 1) their mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis and 2) their molecular anatomy and physiology. Our comparison of ribbon synapses in the cochlea and the retina reveals convergent signaling mechanisms, as well as divergent strategies in different sensory systems.

Nanomachinery Organizing Release at Neuronal and Ribbon Synapses

A critical aim in neuroscience is to obtain a comprehensive view of how regulated neurotransmission is achieved. Our current understanding of synapses relies mainly on data from electrophysiological recordings, imaging, and molecular biology. Based on these methodologies, proteins involved in a synaptic vesicle (SV) formation, mobility, and fusion at the active zone (AZ) membrane have been identified. In the last decade, electron tomography (ET) combined with a rapid freezing immobilization of neuronal samples opened a window for understanding the structural machinery with the highest spatial resolution in situ. ET provides significant insights into the molecular architecture of the AZ and the organelles within the presynaptic nerve terminal. The specialized sensory ribbon synapses exhibit a distinct architecture from neuronal synapses due to the presence of the electron-dense synaptic ribbon. However, both synapse types share the filamentous structures, also commonly termed as tethers that are proposed to contribute to different steps of SV recruitment and exocytosis. In this review, we discuss the emerging views on the role of filamentous structures in SV exocytosis gained from ultrastructural studies of excitatory, mainly central neuronal compared to ribbon-type synapses with a focus on inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses. Moreover, we will speculate on the molecular entities that may be involved in filament formation and hence play a crucial role in the SV cycle.

Balancing presynaptic release and endocytic membrane retrieval at hair cell ribbon synapses

The timely and reliable processing of auditory and vestibular information within the inner ear requires highly sophisticated sensory transduction pathways. On a cellular level, these demands are met by hair cells, which respond to sound waves - or alterations in body positioning - by releasing glutamate-filled synaptic vesicles (SVs) from their presynaptic active zones with unprecedented speed and exquisite temporal fidelity, thereby initiating the auditory and vestibular pathways. In order to achieve this, hair cells have developed anatomical and molecular specializations, such as the characteristic and name-giving 'synaptic ribbons' - presynaptically anchored dense bodies that tether SVs prior to release - as well as other unique or unconventional synaptic proteins. The tightly orchestrated interplay between these molecular components enables not only ultrafast exocytosis, but similarly rapid and efficient compensatory endocytosis. So far, the knowledge of how endocytosis operates at hair cell ribbon synapses is limited. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the SV cycle and molecular anatomy of hair cell ribbon synapses, with a focus on cochlear inner hair cells.

Analysis of the function of KIF3A and KIF3B in the spermatogenesis in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris

Spermatogenesis represents one of the most complicated morphological transformation procedures. During this process, the assembly and maintenance of the flagella and intracellular transport of membrane-bound organelles required KIF3A and KIF3B. Our main goal was to test KIF3A and KIF3B location during spermatogenesis of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. We cloned complete cDNA of KIF3A/3B from the testis of B. pectinirostris by PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of B. pectinirostris KIF3A/3B contained three domains: (a) the head region, (b) the stalk region, and (c) the tail region. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that KIF3A and KIF3B mRNA were presented in all the tissues examined, with the highest expression seen in the testis. In situ hybridization (ISH) showed that KIF3A and KIF3B were distributed in the periphery of the nuclear in the spermatocyte and the early spermatid. In the late spermatid and mature sperm, the KIF3A and KIF3B mRNA were gradually gathered to one side where the flagella formed. Immunofluorescence (IF) showed that KIF3A, tubulin, and mitochondria were co-localized in different stages during spermiogenesis in B. pectinirostris. The temporal and spatial expression dynamics of KIF3A/3B indicate that KIF3A and KIF3B might be involved in flagellar assembly and maintenance at the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, these proteins may transport the mitochondria resulting in flagellum formation in B. pectinirostris.

CNS synapses are stabilized trans-synaptically by laminins and laminin-interacting proteins

The retina expresses several laminins in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where they may provide an extracellular scaffold for synapse stabilization. Mice with a targeted deletion of the laminin β2 gene (Lamb2) exhibit retinal disruptions: photoreceptor synapses in the OPL are disorganized and the retinal physiological response is attenuated. We hypothesize that laminins are required for proper trans-synaptic alignment. To test this, we compared the distribution, expression, association and modification of several pre- and post-synaptic elements in wild-type and Lamb2-null retinae. A potential laminin receptor, integrin α3, is at the presynaptic side of the wild-type OPL. Another potential laminin receptor, dystroglycan, is at the post-synaptic side of the wild-type OPL. Integrin α3 and dystroglycan can be co-immunoprecipitated with the laminin β2 chain, demonstrating that they may bind laminins. In the absence of the laminin β2 chain, the expression of many pre-synaptic components (bassoon, kinesin, among others) is relatively undisturbed although their spatial organization and anchoring to the membrane is disrupted. In contrast, in the Lamb2-null, β-dystroglycan (β-DG) expression is altered, co-localization of β-DG with dystrophin and the glutamate receptor mGluR6 is disrupted, and the post-synaptic bipolar cell components mGluR6 and GPR179 become dissociated, suggesting that laminins mediate scaffolding of post-synaptic components. In addition, although pikachurin remains associated with β-DG, pikachurin is no longer closely associated with mGluR6 or α-DG in the Lamb2-null. These data suggest that laminins act as links among pre- and post-synaptic laminin receptors and α-DG and pikachurin in the synaptic space to maintain proper trans-synaptic alignment.

Dynamic transcription and expression patterns of KIF3A and KIF3B genes during spermiogenesis in the shrimp, Palaemon carincauda

Spermiogenesis is a highly ordered and complex process in the male germ cell differentiation. The microtubule-based motor proteins KIF3A and KIF3B are required for the progression of the stages of spermiogenesis. In this study, the main goal was to determine whether KIF3A and KIF3B have a key role in spermiogenesis in Palaemon carincauda. The complete cDNA of KIF3A/3B from the testis of P. carincauda was cloned by using PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of KIF3A/3B contained three domains which were the: a) head region, b) stalk region, and c) tail region. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were obtained for all the tissues examined, with the greatest gene expression in the testis. In situ hybridization indicated the KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were distributed in the periphery of the nuclear in the early spermatid of spermiogenesis. In the middle and late spermatid stages, KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were gradually upregulated and assembled to one side where acrosome biogenesis begins. In the mature sperm, KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were distributed in the acrosome cap and spike. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that KIF3A, tubulin, mitochondria, and Golgi were co-localized in different stages during spermiogenesis in P. carincauda. The temporal and spatial gene expression dynamics of KIF3A/3B indicate that KIF3A and KIF3B proteins may be involved in acrosome formation and nucleus shaping. Moreover, these proteins can transport the mitochondria and Golgi that facilitate acrosome formation in P. carincauda.

Identification of synaptic pattern of NMDA receptor subunits upon direction-selective retinal ganglion cells in developing and adult mouse retina

Direction selectivity of the retina is a unique mechanism and critical function of eyes for surviving. Direction-selective retinal ganglion cells (DS RGCs) strongly respond to preferred directional stimuli, but rarely respond to the opposite or null directional stimuli. These DS RGCs are sensitive to glutamate, which is secreted from bipolar cells. Using immunocytochemistry, we studied with the distributions of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits on the dendrites of DS RGCs in the developing and adult mouse retina. DS RGCs were injected with Lucifer yellow for identification of dendritic morphology. The triple-labeled images of dendrites, kinesin II, and NMDA receptor subunits were visualized using confocal microscopy and were reconstructed from high-resolution confocal images. Although our results revealed that the synaptic pattern of NMDA receptor subunits on dendrites of DS RGCs was not asymmetric in developing and adult mouse retina, they showed the anatomical connectivity of NMDA glutamatergic synapses onto DS RGCs and the developmental formation of the direction selectivity in the mouse retina. Through the comprehensive interpretation of the direction-selective neural circuit, this study, therefore, implies that the direction selectivity may be generated by the asymmetry of the excitatory glutamatergic inputs and the inhibitory inputs onto DS RGCs.

Signal transduction and signal transmission

Vision begins in highly specialized light-sensing neurons, the rod and cone photoreceptors. Their task is to absorb photons, transduce the physical stimulus into neuronal sig­nals, transmit the signals to the parallel signal processing pathways of the subsequent reti­nal network with the highest possible fidelity and continuously adapt to changes in stim­ulus intensities. If you imagine a pitch-black night with only a few photons hitting the ret­ina and being absorbed by the photoreceptors and a bright sunny day with the photore­ceptors being bombarded by billions of photons, you realize that a photoreceptor faces two fundamental challenges: it has to detect the light signal with the greatest sensitivity, e.g. a single photon leads to a change in the membrane potential of a rod photoreceptor and, at the same time, encode light intensities covering a broad dynamic range of sev­eral orders of magnitude. To fulfill these demands, photoreceptors have developed separate, structurally and functionally specialized compartments, which are the topic of this article: the outer segment for signal transduc­tion and the terminal with its highly complex ribbon synapse for signal transmission.

Primary cilia as a novel horizon between neuron and environment

The primary cilium, a hair-like sensory organelle found on most mammalian cells, has gained recent attention within the field of neuroscience. Although neural primary cilia have been known to play a role in embryonic central nervous system patterning, we are just beginning to appreciate their importance in the mature organism. After several decades of investigation and controversy, the neural primary cilium is emerging as an important regulator of neuroplasticity in the healthy adult central nervous system. Further, primary cilia have recently been implicated in disease states such as cancer and epilepsy. Intriguingly, while primary cilia are expressed throughout the central nervous system, their structure, receptors, and signaling pathways vary by anatomical region and neural cell type. These differences likely bear relevance to both their homeostatic and neuropathological functions, although much remains to be uncovered. In this review, we provide a brief historical overview of neural primary cilia and highlight several key advances in the field over the past few decades. We then set forth a proposed research agenda to fill in the gaps in our knowledge regarding how the primary cilium functions and malfunctions in nervous tissue, with the ultimate goal of targeting this sensory structure for neural repair following injury.

Abnormal photoreceptor outer segment development and early retinal degeneration in kif3a mutant zebrafish

Photoreceptors are highly specialized sensory neurons that possess a modified primary cilium called the outer segment. Photoreceptor outer segment formation and maintenance require highly active protein transport via a process known as intraflagellar transport. Anterograde transport in outer segments is powered by the heterotrimeric kinesin II and coordinated by intraflagellar transport proteins. Here, we describe a new zebrafish model carrying a nonsense mutation in the kinesin II family member 3A (kif3a) gene. Kif3a mutant zebrafish exhibited curved body axes and kidney cysts. Outer segments were not formed in most parts of the mutant retina, and rhodopsin was mislocalized, suggesting KIF3A has a role in rhodopsin trafficking. Both rod and cone photoreceptors degenerated rapidly between 4 and 9 days post fertilization, and electroretinography response was not detected in 7 days post fertilization mutant larvae. Loss of KIF3A in zebrafish also resulted in an intracellular transport defect affecting anterograde but not retrograde transport of organelles. Our results indicate KIF3A plays a conserved role in photoreceptor outer segment formation and intracellular transport.

The Presynaptic Microtubule Cytoskeleton in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Lessons from Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias

The capacity of the nervous system to generate neuronal networks relies on the establishment and maintenance of synaptic contacts. Synapses are composed of functionally different presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. An appropriate synaptic architecture is required to provide the structural basis that supports synaptic transmission, a process involving changes in cytoskeletal dynamics. Actin microfilaments are the main cytoskeletal components present at both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals in glutamatergic synapses. However, in the last few years it has been demonstrated that microtubules (MTs) transiently invade dendritic spines, promoting their maturation. Nevertheless, the presence and functions of MTs at the presynaptic site are still a matter of debate. Early electron microscopy (EM) studies revealed that MTs are present in the presynaptic terminals of the central nervous system (CNS) where they interact with synaptic vesicles (SVs) and reach the active zone. These observations have been reproduced by several EM protocols; however, there is empirical heterogeneity in detecting presynaptic MTs, since they appear to be both labile and unstable. Moreover, increasing evidence derived from studies in the fruit fly neuromuscular junction proposes different roles for MTs in regulating presynaptic function in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the main findings that support the presence and roles of MTs at presynaptic terminals, integrating descriptive and biochemical analyses, and studies performed in invertebrate genetic models.

Ribbon Synapses and Visual Processing in the Retina

The first synapses transmitting visual information contain an unusual organelle, the ribbon, which is involved in the transport and priming of vesicles to be released at the active zone. The ribbon is one of many design features that allow efficient refilling of the active zone, which in turn enables graded changes in membrane potential to be transmitted using a continuous mode of neurotransmitter release. The ribbon also plays a key role in supplying vesicles for rapid and transient bursts of release that signal fast changes, such as the onset of light. We increasingly understand how the physiological properties of ribbon synapses determine basic transformations of the visual signal and, in particular, how the process of refilling the active zone regulates the gain and adaptive properties of the retinal circuit. The molecular basis of ribbon function is, however, far from clear.

Identification of Synaptic Patterns of NMDA Receptor Subtypes Upon Direction-Selective Rabbit Retinal Ganglion Cells

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to identify anisotropies that contribute to the directional preference of direction-selective retinal ganglion cells (DS RGCs) in the rabbit retina. We investigated the distributions of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1), NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B receptor subunits in the dendritic arbors of rabbit DS RGCs.

METHODS

The distributions of the NMDAR subunits on the DS RGCs were determined using immunocytochemistry. DS RGCs were injected with Lucifer yellow, and the cells were identified by their characteristic morphology. The triple-labeled images of dendrites, kinesin II and NMDARs were visualized using confocal microscopy and were reconstructed from high-resolution confocal images.

RESULTS

We found no evidence of asymmetry in any of the NMDAR subunits examined on the dendritic arbors of both the ON and OFF layers of DS RGCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that direction selectivity appears to lie in the neuronal circuitry afferent to the DS RGCs.

Developmental disruptions underlying brain abnormalities in ciliopathies

Primary cilia are essential conveyors of signals underlying major cell functions. Cerebral cortical progenitors and neurons have a primary cilium. The significance of cilia function for brain development and function is evident in the plethora of developmental brain disorders associated with human ciliopathies. Nevertheless, the role of primary cilia function in corticogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we delineate the functions of primary cilia in the construction of cerebral cortex and their relevance to ciliopathies, using an shRNA library targeting ciliopathy genes known to cause brain disorders, but whose roles in brain development are unclear. We used the library to query how ciliopathy genes affect distinct stages of mouse cortical development, in particular neural progenitor development, neuronal migration, neuronal differentiation and early neuronal connectivity. Our results define the developmental functions of ciliopathy genes and delineate disrupted developmental events that are integrally related to the emergence of brain abnormalities in ciliopathies.

Primary cilia are essential conveyors of signals underlying major cellular functions but their role in brain development is not completely understood. Here the authors compiled a shRNA library targeting ciliopathy genes known to cause brain disorders, and used it to query how ciliopathy genes affect distinct stages of mouse cortical development.

Relating structure and function of inner hair cell ribbon synapses

In the mammalian cochlea, sound is encoded at synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Each SGN receives input from a single IHC ribbon-type active zone (AZ) and yet SGNs indefatigably spike up to hundreds of Hz to encode acoustic stimuli with submillisecond precision. Accumulating evidence indicates a highly specialized molecular composition and structure of the presynapse, adapted to suit these high functional demands. However, we are only beginning to understand key features such as stimulus-secretion coupling, exocytosis mechanisms, exo-endocytosis coupling, modes of endocytosis and vesicle reformation, as well as replenishment of the readily releasable pool. Relating structure and function has become an important avenue in addressing these points and has been applied to normal and genetically manipulated hair cell synapses. Here, we review some of the exciting new insights gained from recent studies of the molecular anatomy and physiology of IHC ribbon synapses.

Metabolic regulation and energy homeostasis through the primary Cilium

Obesity and diabetes represent a significant healthcare concern. In contrast to genome-wide association studies that, some exceptions notwithstanding, have offered modest clues about pathomechanism, the dissection of rare disorders in which obesity represents a core feature have highlighted key molecules and structures critical to energy regulation. Here we focus on the primary cilium, an organelle whose roles in energy homeostasis have been underscored by the high incidence of obesity and type II diabetes in patients and mouse mutants with compromised ciliary function. We discuss recent evidence linking ciliary dysfunction to metabolic defects and we explore the contribution of neuronal and nonneuronal cilia to these phenotypes.

New approach to capture and characterize synaptic proteome

Little is known regarding the identity of the population of proteins that are transported and localized to synapses. Here we describe a new approach that involves the isolation and systematic proteomic characterization of molecular motor kinesins to identify the populations of proteins transported to synapses. We used this approach to identify and compare proteins transported to synapses by kinesin (Kif) complexes Kif5C and Kif3A in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Approximately 40-50% of the protein cargos identified in our proteomics analysis of kinesin complexes are known synaptic proteins. We also found that the identity of kinesins and where they are expressed determine what proteins they transport. Our results reveal a previously unappreciated role of kinesins in regulating the composition of synaptic proteome.

The role of primary cilia in the development and disease of the retina

The normal development and function of photoreceptors is essential for eye health and visual acuity in vertebrates. Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in photoreceptor development and function are associated with a suite of inherited retinal dystrophies, often as part of complex multi-organ syndromic conditions. In this review, we focus on the role of the photoreceptor outer segment, a highly modified and specialized primary cilium, in retinal health and disease. We discuss the many defects in the structure and function of the photoreceptor primary cilium that can cause a class of inherited conditions known as ciliopathies, often characterized by retinal dystrophy and degeneration, and highlight the recent insights into disease mechanisms.

Identification and immunocytochemical characterization of Piccolino, a novel Piccolo splice variant selectively expressed at sensory ribbon synapses of the eye and ear

Piccolo is one of the largest cytomatrix proteins present at active zones of chemical synapses, where it is suggested to play a role in recruiting and integrating molecules relevant for both synaptic vesicle exo- and endocytosis. Here we examined the retina of a Piccolo-mutant mouse with a targeted deletion of exon 14 in the Pclo gene. Piccolo deficiency resulted in its profound loss at conventional chemical amacrine cell synapses but retinal ribbon synapses were structurally and functionally unaffected. This led to the identification of a shorter, ribbon-specific Piccolo variant, Piccolino, present in retinal photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, as well as in inner hair cells of the inner ear. By RT-PCR analysis and the generation of a Piccolino-specific antibody we show that non-splicing of intron 5/6 leads to premature translation termination and generation of the C-terminally truncated protein specifically expressed at active zones of ribbon synapse containing cell types. With in situ proximity ligation assays we provide evidence that this truncation leads to the absence of interaction sites for Bassoon, Munc13, and presumably also ELKS/CAST, RIM2, and the L-type Ca²⁺ channel which exist in the full-length Piccolo at active zones of conventional chemical synapses. The putative lack of interactions with proteins of the active zone suggests a function of Piccolino at ribbon synapses of sensory neurons different from Piccolo’s function at conventional chemical synapses.

Protein sorting, targeting and trafficking in photoreceptor cells

Vision is the most fundamental of our senses initiated when photons are absorbed by the rod and cone photoreceptor neurons of the retina. At the distal end of each photoreceptor resides a light-sensing organelle, called the outer segment, which is a modified primary cilium highly enriched with proteins involved in visual signal transduction. At the proximal end, each photoreceptor has a synaptic terminal, which connects this cell to the downstream neurons for further processing of the visual information. Understanding the mechanisms involved in creating and maintaining functional compartmentalization of photoreceptor cells remains among the most fascinating topics in ocular cell biology. This review will discuss how photoreceptor compartmentalization is supported by protein sorting, targeting and trafficking, with an emphasis on the best-studied cases of outer segment-resident proteins.

Regulation of cilium length and intraflagellar transport

Primary cilia are highly conserved sensory organelles that extend from the surface of almost all vertebrate cells. The importance of cilia is evident from their involvement in many diseases, called ciliopathies. Primary cilia contain a microtubular axoneme that is used as a railway for transport of both structural components and signaling proteins. This transport machinery is called intraflagellar transport (IFT). Cilia are dynamic organelles whose presence on the cell surface, morphology, length and function are highly regulated. It is clear that the IFT machinery plays an important role in this regulation. However, it is not clear how, for example environmental cues or cell fate decisions are relayed to modulate IFT and cilium morphology or function. This chapter presents an overview of molecules that have been shown to regulate cilium length and IFT. Several examples where signaling modulates IFT and cilium function are used to discuss the importance of these systems for the cell and for understanding of the etiology of ciliopathies.

High-resolution optical imaging of zebrafish larval ribbon synapse protein RIBEYE, RIM2, and CaV 1.4 by stimulation emission depletion microscopy

The synaptic ribbon is a unique presynaptic structure with an intricate morphology in photoreceptors. Because of the resolution limit in conventional fluorescence microscopy, investigating ribbon protein locations has been challenging, especially in the early development stages of model animals. Here, we used stimulated emission depletion microscopy, a super-resolution imaging technique, to look at retina sections in 4 days post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish. We observed that in photoreceptor cells, RIBEYE and RIM2 are expressed along the synaptic ribbon, with RIM2 consistently located inside of the horseshoe-shaped synaptic ribbon structure with RIBEYE located on the outside. The L-type calcium channel subunit, CACNA1F, exhibited small spot-like staining beneath the RIM2 and RIBEYE structures. Using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides to knock down RIBEYE expression, we observed fewer and shorter ribbons in the photoreceptor outer plexiform layers of 4 dpf fish retina as well as a reduction in RIM2 expression. The clustering of CACNA1F in these blind fish was no longer observed, but instead showed a diffuse expression in the photoreceptor terminal.

The dynamic architecture of photoreceptor ribbon synapses: cytoskeletal, extracellular matrix, and intramembrane proteins

Rod and cone photoreceptors possess ribbon synapses that assist in the transmission of graded light responses to second-order bipolar and horizontal cells of the vertebrate retina. Proper functioning of the synapse requires the juxtaposition of presynaptic release sites immediately adjacent to postsynaptic receptors. In this review, we focus on the synaptic, cytoskeletal, and extracellular matrix proteins that help to organize photoreceptor ribbon synapses in the outer plexiform layer. We examine the proteins that foster the clustering of release proteins, calcium channels, and synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminals of photoreceptors adjacent to their postsynaptic contacts. Although many proteins interact with one another in the presynaptic terminal and synaptic cleft, these protein-protein interactions do not create a static and immutable structure. Instead, photoreceptor ribbon synapses are remarkably dynamic, exhibiting structural changes on both rapid and slow time scales.

Structure and function of a complex sensory synapse

Vision is the most important of the senses for humans, and the retina is the first stage in the processing of light signals in the visual system. In the retina, highly specialized light-sensing neurons, the rod and cone photoreceptors, convert light into neural signals. These signals are extensively processed and filtered in the subsequent retinal network before transmitted to the higher visual centres in the brain, where the perception of viewed objects and scenes is finally constructed. A key feature of signal processing in the mammalian retina is parallel processing. Visual information is segregated in parallel pathways already at the rod and cone photoreceptor terminals, which provide multiple output synapses for the faithful encoding and transfer of the visual signals to the post-receptoral retinal network. This review aims at highlighting the current knowledge about the structural and functional pre- and post-synaptic specializations of rod and cone photoreceptor ribbon synapses, which belong to the most complex chemical synapses in the central nervous system.

Unconventional functions of microtubule motors

With the functional characterization of proteins advancing at fast pace, the notion that one protein performs different functions - often with no relation to each other - emerges as a novel principle of how cells work. Molecular motors are no exception to this new development. Here, we provide an account on recent findings revealing that microtubule motors are multifunctional proteins that regulate many cellular processes, in addition to their main function in transport. Some of these functions rely on their motor activity, but others are independent of it. Of the first category, we focus on the role of microtubule motors in organelle biogenesis, and in the remodeling of the cytoskeleton, especially through the regulation of microtubule dynamics. Of the second category, we discuss the function of microtubule motors as static anchors of the cargo at the destination, and their participation in regulating signaling cascades by modulating interactions between signaling proteins, including transcription factors. We also review atypical forms of transport, such as the cytoplasmic streaming in the oocyte, and the movement of cargo by microtubule fluctuations. Our goal is to provide an overview of these unexpected functions of microtubule motors, and to incite future research in this expanding field.

Synaptic ribbons: machines for priming vesicle release?

Synaptic ribbons are specialized organelles that hold vesicles close to the active zone of sensory synapses, but their function is mysterious. Acute disruption of the ribbon complex using light has now revealed that it has a role in priming synaptic vesicles for fusion.

Synaptic Pattern of KA1 and KA2 upon the Direction-Selective Ganglion Cells in Developing and Adult Mouse Retina

The detection of image motion is important to vision. Direction-selective retinal ganglion cells (DS-RGCs) respond strongly to stimuli moving in one direction of motion and are strongly inhibited by stimuli moving in the opposite direction. In this article, we investigated the distributions of kainate glutamate receptor subtypes KA1 and KA2 on the dendritic arbors of DS-RGCs in developing (5, 10) days postnatal (PN) and adult mouse retina to search for anisotropies. The distribution of kainate receptor subtypes on the DS-RGCs was determined using antibody immunocytochemistry. To identify their characteristic morphology, DS-RGCs were injected with Lucifer yellow. The triple-labeled images of dendrites, kinesin II, and receptors were visualized by confocal microscopy and were reconstructed from high-resolution confocal images. We found no evidence of asymmetry in any of the kainate receptor subunits examined on the dendritic arbors of both the On and Off layers of DS-RGCs in all periods of developing and adult stage that would predict direction selectivity.

Rapid glutamate receptor 2 trafficking during retinal degeneration

Background

Retinal degenerations, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), are characterized by photoreceptor loss and anomalous remodeling of the surviving retina that corrupts visual processing and poses a barrier to late-stage therapeutic interventions in particular. However, the molecular events associated with retinal remodeling remain largely unknown. Given our prior evidence of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) reprogramming in retinal degenerations, we hypothesized that the edited glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) subunit and its trafficking may be modulated in retinal degenerations.

Results

Adult albino Balb/C mice were exposed to intense light for 24 h to induce light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD). We found that prior to the onset of photoreceptor loss, protein levels of GluR2 and related trafficking proteins, including glutamate receptor-interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), were rapidly increased. LIRD triggered neuritogenesis in photoreceptor survival regions, where GluR2 and its trafficking proteins were expressed in the anomalous dendrites. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed interaction between KIF3A and GRIP1 as well as PSD-95, suggesting that KIF3A may mediate transport of GluR2 and its trafficking proteins to the novel dendrites. However, in areas of photoreceptor loss, GluR2 along with its trafficking proteins nearly vanished in retracted retinal neurites.

Conclusions

All together, LIRD rapidly triggers GluR2 plasticity, which is a potential mechanism behind functionally phenotypic revisions of retinal neurons and neuritogenesis during retinal degenerations.

Kinesin II is required for cell survival and adherens junction positioning in Drosophila photoreceptors

Photoreceptor morphogenesis requires specific and coordinated localization of junctional markers at different stages of development. Here, we provide evidence that Drosophila Klp64D, a homolog of Kif3A motor subunit of the heterotrimeric Kinesin II complex, is essential for viability of developing photoreceptors and localization of junctional proteins. Genetic analysis of mutant clones shows that absence of Klp64D protein in early larval eye disc does not affect initial differentiation, but results in abnormal nuclear position in differentiating photoreceptors. These cells eventually die in the pupal stage, indicating klp64D's role in cell viability. The function of Klp64D protein is cell type specific because the p35 cell death inhibitor can rescue cell death in cone cells but not photoreceptors. In contrast to early induction of mutant clones, late induction during third instar larval stage just prior to pupation allows survival of single- or few-celled clones of klp64D mutant cells. Analysis of these lately induced clones shows that Klp64D function is essential for Bazooka (Par-3 homolog) and Armadillo localization to the adherens junction (AJ) in pupal photoreceptors. These findings suggest that Kinesin II complex plays a cell type-specific function in the localization of AJ and cell polarity proteins in the developing retina, thereby contributing to photoreceptor morphogenesis.

The diverse roles of ribbon synapses in sensory neurotransmission

Sensory synapses of the visual and auditory systems must faithfully encode a wide dynamic range of graded signals, and must be capable of sustained transmitter release over long periods of time. Functionally and morphologically, these sensory synapses are unique: their active zones are specialized in several ways for sustained, rapid vesicle exocytosis, but their most striking feature is an organelle called the synaptic ribbon, which is a proteinaceous structure that extends into the cytoplasm at the active zone and tethers a large pool of releasable vesicles. But precisely how does the ribbon function to support tonic release at these synapses? Recent genetic and biophysical advances have begun to open the 'black box' of the synaptic ribbon with some surprising findings and promise to resolve its function in vision and hearing.

NPHP4 is necessary for normal photoreceptor ribbon synapse maintenance and outer segment formation, and for sperm development

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is an autosomal recessive kidney disease that is often associated with vision and/or brain defects. To date, 11 genes are known to cause NPHP. The gene products, while structurally unrelated, all localize to cilia or centrosomes. Although mouse models of NPHP are available for 9 of the 11 genes, none has been described for nephronophthisis 4 (Nphp4). Here we report a novel, chemically induced mutant, nmf192, that bears a nonsense mutation in exon 4 of Nphp4. Homozygous mutant Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mice do not exhibit renal defects, phenotypes observed in human patients bearing mutations in NPHP4, but they do develop severe photoreceptor degeneration and extinguished rod and cone ERG responses by 9 weeks of age. Photoreceptor outer segments (OS) fail to develop properly, and some OS markers mislocalize to the inner segments and outer nuclear layer in the Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mutant retina. Despite NPHP4 localization to the transition zone in the connecting cilia (CC), the CC appear to be normal in structure and ciliary transport function is partially retained. Likewise, synaptic ribbons develop normally but then rapidly degenerate by P14. Finally, Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) male mutants are sterile and show reduced sperm motility and epididymal sperm counts. Although Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mice fail to recapitulate the kidney phenotype of NPHP, they will provide a valuable tool to further elucidate how NPHP4 functions in the retina and male reproductive organs.

Synaptic input of ON-bipolar cells onto the dopaminergic neurons of the mouse retina

In the retina, dopamine fulfills a crucial role in neural adaptation to photopic illumination, but the pathway that carries cone signals to the dopaminergic amacrine (DA) cells was controversial. We identified the site of ON-cone bipolar input onto DA cells in transgenic mice in which both types of catecholaminergic amacrine (CA) cells were labeled with green fluorescent protein or human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP). In confocal Z series of retinal whole mounts stained with antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DA cells gave rise to varicose processes that descended obliquely through the scleral half of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and formed a loose, tangential plexus in the middle of this layer. Comparison with the distribution of the dendrites of type 2 CA cells and examination of neurobiotin-injected DA cells proved that their vitreal processes were situated in stratum S3 of the IPL. Electron microscope demonstration of PLAP activity showed that bipolar cell endings in S3 established ribbon synapses onto a postsynaptic dyad in which one or both processes were labeled by a precipitate of lead phosphate and therefore belonged to DA cells. In places, the postsynaptic DA cell processes returned a reciprocal synapse onto the bipolar endings. Confocal images of sections stained with antibodies to TH, kinesin Kif3a, which labels synaptic ribbons, and glutamate or GABA(A) receptors, confirmed that ribbon-containing endings made glutamatergic synapses onto DA cells processes in S3 and received from them GABAergic synapses. The presynaptic ON-bipolar cells most likely belonged to the CB3 (type 5) variety.

Immunocytochemical localization of synaptic proteins to photoreceptor synapses of Drosophila melanogaster

The location of proteins that contribute to synaptic function has been widely studied in vertebrate synapses, far more than at model synapses of the genetically manipulable fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila photoreceptor terminals have been extensively exploited to characterize the actions of synaptic genes, and their distinct and repetitive synaptic ultrastructure is anatomically well suited for such studies. Synaptic release sites include a bipartite T-bar ribbon, comprising a platform surmounting a pedestal. So far, little is known about the composition and precise location of proteins at either the T-bar ribbon or its associated synaptic organelles, knowledge of which is required to understand many details of synaptic function. We studied the localization of candidate proteins to pre- or postsynaptic organelles, by using immuno-electron microscopy with the pre-embedding method, after first validating immunolabeling by confocal microscopy. We used monoclonal antibodies against Bruchpilot, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate clone 15 (EPS-15), and cysteine string protein (CSP), all raised against a fly head homogenate, as well as sea urchin kinesin (antibody SUK4) and Discs large (DLG). All these antibodies labeled distinct synaptic structures in photoreceptor terminals in the first optic neuropil, the lamina, as did rabbit anti-DPAK (Drosophila p21 activated kinase) and anti-Dynamin. Validating reports from light microscopy, immunoreactivity to Bruchpilot localized to the edge of the platform, and immunoreactivity to SUK4 localized to the pedestal of the T-bar ribbon. Anti-DLG recognized the photoreceptor head of capitate projections, invaginating organelles from surrounding glia. For synaptic vesicles, immunoreactivity to EPS-15 localized to sites of endocytosis, and anti-CSP labeled vesicles lying close to the T-bar ribbon. These results provide markers for synaptic sites, and a basis for further functional studies.

Intraflagellar transport molecules in ciliary and nonciliary cells of the retina

The assembly and maintenance of cilia require intraflagellar transport (IFT), a process mediated by molecular motors and IFT particles. Although IFT is a focus of current intense research, the spatial distribution of individual IFT proteins remains elusive. In this study, we analyzed the subcellular localization of IFT proteins in retinal cells by high resolution immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. We report that IFT proteins are differentially localized in subcompartments of photoreceptor cilia and in defined periciliary target domains for cytoplasmic transport, where they are associated with transport vesicles. IFT20 is not in the IFT core complex in photoreceptor cilia but accompanies Golgi-based sorting and vesicle trafficking of ciliary cargo. Moreover, we identify a nonciliary IFT system containing a subset of IFT proteins in dendrites of retinal neurons. Collectively, we provide evidence to implicate the differential composition of IFT systems in cells with and without primary cilia, thereby supporting new functions for IFT beyond its well-established role in cilia.

Synaptic localization of neuroligin 2 in the rodent retina: comparative study with the dystroglycan-containing complex

Several recent studies have shown that neuroligin 2 (NL2), a component of the cell adhesion neurexins-neuroligins complex, is localized postsynaptically at hippocampal and other inhibitory synapses throughout the brain. Other studies have shown that components of the dystroglycan complex are also localized at a subset of inhibitory synapses and are coexpressed with NL2 in brain. These data prompted us to undertake a comparative study between the localization of NL2 and the dystroglycan complex in the rodent retina. First, we determined that NL2 mRNA is expressed both in the inner and in the outer nuclear layers. Second, we found that NL2 is localized both in the inner and in the outer synaptic plexiform layers. In the latter, the horseshoe-shaped pattern of NL2 and its extensive colocalization with RIM2, a component of the presynaptic active zone at ribbon synapses, argue that NL2 is localized presynaptically at photoreceptor terminals. Third, comparison of NL2 and the dystroglycan complex distribution patterns reveals that, despite their coexpression in the outer plexiform layer, they are spatially segregated within distinct domains of the photoreceptor terminals, where NL2 is selectively associated with the active zone and the dystroglycan complex is distally distributed in the lateral regions. Finally, we report that the dystroglycan deficiency in the mdx(3cv) mouse does not alter NL2 localization in the outer plexiform layer. These data show that the NL2- and dystroglycan-containing complexes are differentially localized in the presynaptic photoreceptor terminals and suggest that they may serve distinct functions in retina.

The making of synaptic ribbons: how they are built and what they do

Ribbon synapses in the retina and inner ear maintain tonic neurotransmitter release at high rates to transduce a broad bandwidth of stimulus intensities. In ribbon synapses, synaptic vesicles can be released by a slow, sustained mode and by fast, synchronous mechanisms. The high release rates require structural and functional specializations. The synaptic ribbon is the key structural specialization of ribbon synapses. Synaptic ribbons are large, electron-dense structures that immobilize numerous synaptic vesicles next to presynaptic release sites. A main component of synaptic ribbons is the protein RIBEYE that has the capability to build the scaffold of the synaptic ribbon via multiple RIBEYE-RIBEYE interactions. A modular assembly model of synaptic ribbons has been proposed in which synaptic ribbons are formed from individual RIBEYE subunits. The scaffold of the synaptic ribbon provides a docking site for RIBEYE-associated proteins that could execute specific synaptic ribbon functions. Multiple functions have been assigned to synaptic ribbons including roles in exocytosis, endocytosis, and synaptic membrane trafficking. Recent studies demonstrated the importance of synaptic ribbons for fast, synchronous release and emphasized the need of a tight and efficient coupling between presynaptic Ca(2+) signaling and exocytosis. The present review summarizes recent advances on structure and function of synaptic ribbons.

Absence of functional active zone protein Bassoon affects assembly and transport of ribbon precursors during early steps of photoreceptor synaptogenesis

The retinal photoreceptor ribbon synapse is a structurally and functionally unique type of chemical synapse, specialized for tonic release of neurotransmitter in the dark. It is characterized by the presynaptic ribbon, an electron-dense organelle at the active zone, which is covered by hundreds of synaptic vesicles. Recently we showed that photoreceptor ribbon complexes are assembled from non-membranous, spherical densities--the precursor spheres--during the first two postnatal weeks of photoreceptor synaptogenesis. A core component of the precursor spheres and a key player in attaching the ribbon to the active zone is the presynaptic cytomatrix protein Bassoon. In this study, we examined in a comprehensive light and electron microscopic analysis whether Bassoon plays a role in the formation of the precursor spheres using Bassoon mutant mice lacking functional Bassoon. We report that developing Bassoon mutant photoreceptors contain fewer and smaller precursor spheres and that transport of precursor spheres to nascent synapses is delayed compared to wild-type controls. Moreover, western blot analyses of homogenates from postnatal day 0 (P0) to P14 Bassoon mutant retinae exhibit lower RIBEYE and Piccolo protein levels compared to the wild type, indicating elevated protein degradation in the absence of Bassoon. Our findings reveal a novel function of Bassoon in the early formation and delivery of precursor spheres to nascent ribbon synaptic sites in addition to its known role in ribbon anchoring during later stages of photoreceptor ribbon synaptogenesis.

Ectopic retinal ON bipolar cell synapses in the OFF inner plexiform layer: contacts with dopaminergic amacrine cells and melanopsin ganglion cells

A key principle of retinal organization is that distinct ON and OFF channels are relayed by separate populations of bipolar cells to different sublaminae of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). ON bipolar cell axons have been thought to synapse exclusively in the inner IPL (the ON sublamina) onto dendrites of ON-type amacrine and ganglion cells. However, M1 melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells and dopaminergic amacrine (DA) cells apparently violate this dogma. Both are driven by ON bipolar cells, but their dendrites stratify in the outermost IPL, within the OFF sublamina. Here, in the mouse retina, we show that some ON cone bipolar cells make ribbon synapses in the outermost OFF sublayer, where they costratify with and contact the dendrites of M1 and DA cells. Whole-cell recording and dye filling in retinal slices indicate that type 6 ON cone bipolars provide some of this ectopic ON channel input. Imaging studies in dissociated bipolar cells show that these ectopic ribbon synapses are capable of vesicular release. There is thus an accessory ON sublayer in the outer IPL.

IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 is associated with synaptic ribbons in the mouse retina

IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs), which are implicated in membrane trafficking and actin cytoskeleton dynamics. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 in the adult mouse retina using light and electron microscopy. IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 was distributed in a punctate manner and colocalized well with RIBEYE in both the outer and inner plexiform layers. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis showed that IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 was localized at the synaptic ribbons of photoreceptors. When heterologously expressed in HeLa cells, IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 was recruited to RIBEYE-containing clusters and formed an immunoprecipitable complex with RIBEYE. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation analysis showed that anti-IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 antibody efficiently pulled down RIBEYE from retinal lysates. These findings indicate that IQ-ArfGEF/BRAG1 is a novel component of retinal synaptic ribbons and forms a protein complex with RIBEYE.