1
|
Medeiros AT, Gratz S, Delgado A, Ritt J, O’Connor-Giles KM. Ca 2+ channel and active zone protein abundance intersects with input-specific synapse organization to shape functional synaptic diversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.02.535290. [PMID: 37034654 PMCID: PMC10081318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.02.535290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic heterogeneity is a hallmark of nervous systems that enables complex and adaptable communication in neural circuits. To understand circuit function, it is thus critical to determine the factors that contribute to the functional diversity of synapses. We investigated the contributions of voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) abundance, spatial organization, and subunit composition to synapse diversity among and between synapses formed by two closely related Drosophila glutamatergic motor neurons with distinct neurotransmitter release probabilities (Pr). Surprisingly, VGCC levels are highly predictive of heterogeneous Pr among individual synapses of either low- or high-Pr inputs, but not between inputs. We find that the same number of VGCCs are more densely organized at high-Pr synapses, consistent with tighter VGCC-synaptic vesicle coupling. We generated endogenously tagged lines to investigate VGCC subunits in vivo and found that the α2δ-3 subunit Straightjacket along with the CAST/ELKS active zone (AZ) protein Bruchpilot, both key regulators of VGCCs, are less abundant at high-Pr inputs, yet positively correlate with Pr among synapses formed by either input. Consistently, both Straightjacket and Bruchpilot levels are dynamically increased across AZs of both inputs when neurotransmitter release is potentiated to maintain stable communication following glutamate receptor inhibition. Together, these findings suggest a model in which VGCC and AZ protein abundance intersects with input-specific spatial and molecular organization to shape the functional diversity of synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. T. Medeiros
- Neuroscience Graduate Training Program, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - S.J. Gratz
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - A. Delgado
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - J.T. Ritt
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Kate M. O’Connor-Giles
- Neuroscience Graduate Training Program, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chan ICW, Chen N, Hernandez J, Meltzer H, Park A, Stahl A. Future avenues in Drosophila mushroom body research. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053863. [PMID: 38862172 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053863.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
How does the brain translate sensory information into complex behaviors? With relatively small neuronal numbers, readable behavioral outputs, and an unparalleled genetic toolkit, the Drosophila mushroom body (MB) offers an excellent model to address this question in the context of associative learning and memory. Recent technological breakthroughs, such as the freshly completed full-brain connectome, multiomics approaches, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, and machine learning techniques, led to major advancements in our understanding of the MB circuit at the molecular, structural, physiological, and functional levels. Despite significant progress in individual MB areas, the field still faces the fundamental challenge of resolving how these different levels combine and interact to ultimately control the behavior of an individual fly. In this review, we discuss various aspects of MB research, with a focus on the current knowledge gaps, and an outlook on the future methodological developments required to reach an overall view of the neurobiological basis of learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Chi Wai Chan
- Dynamics of Neuronal Circuits Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Developmental Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nannan Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - John Hernandez
- Neuroscience Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA
| | - Hagar Meltzer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Annie Park
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Madhwani KR, Sayied S, Ogata CH, Hogan CA, Lentini JM, Mallik M, Dumouchel JL, Storkebaum E, Fu D, O’Connor-Giles KM. tRNA modification enzyme-dependent redox homeostasis regulates synapse formation and memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.566895. [PMID: 38014328 PMCID: PMC10680711 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.566895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modification of RNA regulates gene expression at multiple levels. ALKBH8 is a tRNA modifying enzyme that methylates wobble uridines in specific tRNAs to modulate translation. Through methylation of tRNA-selenocysteine, ALKBH8 promotes selenoprotein synthesis and regulates redox homeostasis. Pathogenic variants in ALKBH8 have been linked to intellectual disability disorders in the human population, but the role of ALKBH8 in the nervous system is unknown. Through in vivo studies in Drosophila, we show that ALKBH8 controls oxidative stress in the brain to restrain synaptic growth and support learning and memory. ALKBH8 null animals lack wobble uridine methylation and exhibit a global reduction in protein synthesis, including a specific decrease in selenoprotein levels. Loss of ALKBH8 or independent disruption of selenoprotein synthesis results in ectopic synapse formation. Genetic expression of antioxidant enzymes fully suppresses synaptic overgrowth in ALKBH8 null animals, confirming oxidative stress as the underlying cause of dysregulation. ALKBH8 animals also exhibit associative learning and memory impairments that are reversed by pharmacological antioxidant treatment. Together, these findings demonstrate the critical role of tRNA modification in redox homeostasis in the nervous system and reveal antioxidants as a potential therapy for ALKBH8-associated intellectual disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shanzeh Sayied
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Caley A. Hogan
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenna M. Lentini
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Moushami Mallik
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, NL
| | | | - Erik Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Dragony Fu
- Department of Biology, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kate M. O’Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang Y, Wang T, Cai Y, Cui T, Kuah M, Vicini S, Wang T. Role of α2δ-3 in regulating calcium channel localization at presynaptic active zones during homeostatic plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1253669. [PMID: 38025261 PMCID: PMC10662314 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1253669] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostatic modulation of synaptic transmission is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is critical for stabilizing the nervous system. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) compensates for impairments in postsynaptic glutamate receptors due to pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion. During PHP, there is an increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, counteracting postsynaptic changes and restoring excitation to baseline levels. Previous studies have shown that α2δ-3, an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), is essential for both the rapid induction and sustained expression of PHP at the Drosophila NMJ. However, the molecular mechanisms by which α2δ-3 regulates neurotransmitter release during PHP remain to be elucidated. In this study, we utilized electrophysiological, confocal imaging, and super-resolution imaging approaches to explore how α2δ-3 regulates synaptic transmission during PHP. Our findings suggest that α2δ-3 governs PHP by controlling the localization of the calcium channel pore-forming α1 subunit at presynaptic release sites, or active zones. Moreover, we examined the role of two structural domains within α2δ-3 in regulating neurotransmitter release and calcium channel localization. Our results highlight that these domains in α2δ-3 serve distinct functions in controlling synaptic transmission and presynaptic calcium channel abundance, at baseline in the absence of perturbations and during PHP. In summary, our research offers compelling evidence that α2δ-3 is an indispensable signaling component for controlling calcium channel trafficking and stabilization in homeostatic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yimei Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tao Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michelle Kuah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramesh N, Escher M, Turrel O, Lützkendorf J, Matkovic T, Liu F, Sigrist SJ. An antagonism between Spinophilin and Syd-1 operates upstream of memory-promoting presynaptic long-term plasticity. eLife 2023; 12:e86084. [PMID: 37767892 PMCID: PMC10588984 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86084] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We still face fundamental gaps in understanding how molecular plastic changes of synapses intersect with circuit operation to define behavioral states. Here, we show that an antagonism between two conserved regulatory proteins, Spinophilin (Spn) and Syd-1, controls presynaptic long-term plasticity and the maintenance of olfactory memories in Drosophila. While Spn mutants could not trigger nanoscopic active zone remodeling under homeostatic challenge and failed to stably potentiate neurotransmitter release, concomitant reduction of Syd-1 rescued all these deficits. The Spn/Syd-1 antagonism converged on active zone close F-actin, and genetic or acute pharmacological depolymerization of F-actin rescued the Spn deficits by allowing access to synaptic vesicle release sites. Within the intrinsic mushroom body neurons, the Spn/Syd-1 antagonism specifically controlled olfactory memory stabilization but not initial learning. Thus, this evolutionarily conserved protein complex controls behaviorally relevant presynaptic long-term plasticity, also observed in the mammalian brain but still enigmatic concerning its molecular mechanisms and behavioral relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niraja Ramesh
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Marc Escher
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Oriane Turrel
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | | | - Tanja Matkovic
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Fan Liu
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare PharmakologieBerlinGermany
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He K, Han Y, Li X, Hernandez RX, Riboul DV, Feghhi T, Justs KA, Mahneva O, Perry S, Macleod GT, Dickman D. Physiologic and Nanoscale Distinctions Define Glutamatergic Synapses in Tonic vs Phasic Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4598-4611. [PMID: 37221096 PMCID: PMC10286941 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0046-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons exhibit a striking degree of functional diversity, each one tuned to the needs of the circuitry in which it is embedded. A fundamental functional dichotomy occurs in activity patterns, with some neurons firing at a relatively constant "tonic" rate, while others fire in bursts, a "phasic" pattern. Synapses formed by tonic versus phasic neurons are also functionally differentiated, yet the bases of their distinctive properties remain enigmatic. A major challenge toward illuminating the synaptic differences between tonic and phasic neurons is the difficulty in isolating their physiological properties. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, most muscle fibers are coinnervated by two motor neurons: the tonic "MN-Ib" and phasic "MN-Is." Here, we used selective expression of a newly developed botulinum neurotoxin transgene to silence tonic or phasic motor neurons in Drosophila larvae of either sex. This approach highlighted major differences in their neurotransmitter release properties, including probability, short-term plasticity, and vesicle pools. Furthermore, Ca2+ imaging demonstrated ∼2-fold greater Ca2+ influx at phasic neuron release sites relative to tonic, along with an enhanced synaptic vesicle coupling. Finally, confocal and super-resolution imaging revealed that phasic neuron release sites are organized in a more compact arrangement, with enhanced stoichiometry of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels relative to other active zone scaffolds. These data suggest that distinctions in active zone nano-architecture and Ca2+ influx collaborate to differentially tune glutamate release at tonic versus phasic synaptic subtypes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT "Tonic" and "phasic" neuronal subtypes, based on differential firing properties, are common across many nervous systems. Using a recently developed approach to selectively silence transmission from one of these two neurons, we reveal specialized synaptic functional and structural properties that distinguish these specialized neurons. This study provides important insights into how input-specific synaptic diversity is achieved, which could have implications for neurologic disorders that involve changes in synaptic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai He
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Yifu Han
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Xiling Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Roberto X Hernandez
- Integrative Biology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
- International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Danielle V Riboul
- Integrative Biology Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
| | - Touhid Feghhi
- Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
| | - Karlis A Justs
- Integrative Biology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
| | - Olena Mahneva
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Gregory T Macleod
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida 33458
- Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mallik B, Brusich DJ, Heyrman G, Frank CA. Precise mapping of one classic and three novel GluRIIA mutants in Drosophila melanogaster. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000784. [PMID: 37334199 PMCID: PMC10276266 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Mutation of the Drosophila melanogaster GluRIIA gene or pharmacological agents targeting it are commonly used to assess homeostatic synaptic function at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The commonly used mutation, GluRIIA SP16 , is a null allele created by a large and imprecise excision of a P-element which affects GluRIIA and multiple upstream genes. Here we mapped the exact bounds of the GluRIIA SP16 allele, refined a multiplex PCR strategy for positive identification of GluRIIA SP16 in homozygous or heterozygous backgrounds, and sequenced and characterized three new CRISPR-generated GluRIIA mutants. We found the three new GluRIIA alleles are apparent nulls that lack GluRIIA immunofluorescence signal at the 3 rd instar larval NMJ and are predicted to cause premature truncations at the genetic level. Further, these new mutants have similar electrophysiological outcomes as GluRIIA SP16 , including reduced miniature excitatory postsynaptic potential (mEPSP) amplitude and frequency compared to controls, and they express robust homeostatic compensation as evidenced by normal excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude and elevated quantal content. These findings and new tools extend the capacity of the D. melanogaster NMJ for assessment of synaptic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhagaban Mallik
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Douglas J Brusich
- Human Biology Department, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Georgette Heyrman
- Human Biology Department, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States
| | - C. Andrew Frank
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ghelani T, Escher M, Thomas U, Esch K, Lützkendorf J, Depner H, Maglione M, Parutto P, Gratz S, Matkovic-Rachid T, Ryglewski S, Walter AM, Holcman D, O‘Connor Giles K, Heine M, Sigrist SJ. Interactive nanocluster compaction of the ELKS scaffold and Cacophony Ca 2+ channels drives sustained active zone potentiation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade7804. [PMID: 36800417 PMCID: PMC9937578 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
At presynaptic active zones (AZs), conserved scaffold protein architectures control synaptic vesicle (SV) release by defining the nanoscale distribution and density of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). While AZs can potentiate SV release in the minutes range, we lack an understanding of how AZ scaffold components and VGCCs engage into potentiation. We here establish dynamic, intravital single-molecule imaging of endogenously tagged proteins at Drosophila AZs undergoing presynaptic homeostatic potentiation. During potentiation, the numbers of α1 VGCC subunit Cacophony (Cac) increased per AZ, while their mobility decreased and nanoscale distribution compacted. These dynamic Cac changes depended on the interaction between Cac channel's intracellular carboxyl terminus and the membrane-close amino-terminal region of the ELKS-family protein Bruchpilot, whose distribution compacted drastically. The Cac-ELKS/Bruchpilot interaction was also needed for sustained AZ potentiation. Our single-molecule analysis illustrates how the AZ scaffold couples to VGCC nanoscale distribution and dynamics to establish a state of sustained potentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Ghelani
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience Leibniz-Forschungs Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) im CharitéCrossOver (CCO) Charité–University Medicine Berlin Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Platz, 110117 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Escher
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Thomas
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestr. 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Klara Esch
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Lützkendorf
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Depner
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 23a, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Parutto
- Group of Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology, IBENS, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, France
- Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
- Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0DS, UK
| | - Scott Gratz
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Tanja Matkovic-Rachid
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ryglewski
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexander M. Walter
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience Leibniz-Forschungs Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) im CharitéCrossOver (CCO) Charité–University Medicine Berlin Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Platz, 110117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - David Holcman
- Group of Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology, IBENS, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, France
- Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0DS, UK
| | - Kate O‘Connor Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Martin Heine
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Group Molecular Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestr. 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Institute for Biology and Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jetti SK, Crane AB, Akbergenova Y, Aponte-Santiago NA, Cunningham KL, Whittaker CA, Littleton JT. Molecular Logic of Synaptic Diversity Between Drosophila Tonic and Phasic Motoneurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524447. [PMID: 36711745 PMCID: PMC9882338 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Although neuronal subtypes display unique synaptic organization and function, the underlying transcriptional differences that establish these features is poorly understood. To identify molecular pathways that contribute to synaptic diversity, single neuron PatchSeq RNA profiling was performed on Drosophila tonic and phasic glutamatergic motoneurons. Tonic motoneurons form weaker facilitating synapses onto single muscles, while phasic motoneurons form stronger depressing synapses onto multiple muscles. Super-resolution microscopy and in vivo imaging demonstrated synaptic active zones in phasic motoneurons are more compact and display enhanced Ca 2+ influx compared to their tonic counterparts. Genetic analysis identified unique synaptic properties that mapped onto gene expression differences for several cellular pathways, including distinct signaling ligands, post-translational modifications and intracellular Ca 2+ buffers. These findings provide insights into how unique transcriptomes drive functional and morphological differences between neuronal subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Jetti
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Andrés B Crane
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Yulia Akbergenova
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Nicole A Aponte-Santiago
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Charles A Whittaker
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cunningham KL, Littleton JT. Mechanisms controlling the trafficking, localization, and abundance of presynaptic Ca 2+ channels. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1116729. [PMID: 36710932 PMCID: PMC9880069 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1116729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr ), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Given this functional significance, defining the processes that cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance is critical for understanding how these mechanisms set synaptic strength and how they might be regulated to control presynaptic plasticity. VGCC abundance at AZs involves multiple steps, including channel biosynthesis (transcription, translation, and trafficking through the endomembrane system), forward axonal trafficking and delivery to synaptic terminals, incorporation and retention at presynaptic sites, and protein recycling. Here we discuss mechanisms that control VGCC abundance at synapses, highlighting findings from invertebrate and vertebrate models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bykhovskaia M. Probabilities of evoked and spontaneous synaptic transmission at individual active zones: Lessons from Drosophila. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1110538. [PMID: 36683858 PMCID: PMC9846329 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve terminals release neuronal transmitters at morphological specializations known as active zones (AZs). Synaptic vesicle fusion at individual AZs is probabilistic, and this property is fundamental for the neuronal information transfer. Until recently, a lack of appropriate tools limited the studies of stochastic properties of neuronal secretion at individual AZs. However, Drosophila transgenic lines that express postsynaptically tethered Ca2+ sensor GCaMP enabled the visualization of single exocytic event at individual AZs. The present mini-review discusses how this powerful approach enables the investigation of the evoked and spontaneous transmission at single AZs and promotes the understanding of the properties of both release components.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dannhäuser S, Mrestani A, Gundelach F, Pauli M, Komma F, Kollmannsberger P, Sauer M, Heckmann M, Paul MM. Endogenous tagging of Unc-13 reveals nanoscale reorganization at active zones during presynaptic homeostatic potentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1074304. [PMID: 36589286 PMCID: PMC9797049 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1074304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurotransmitter release at presynaptic active zones (AZs) requires concerted protein interactions within a dense 3D nano-hemisphere. Among the complex protein meshwork the (M)unc-13 family member Unc-13 of Drosophila melanogaster is essential for docking of synaptic vesicles and transmitter release. Methods We employ minos-mediated integration cassette (MiMIC)-based gene editing using GFSTF (EGFP-FlAsH-StrepII-TEV-3xFlag) to endogenously tag all annotated Drosophila Unc-13 isoforms enabling visualization of endogenous Unc-13 expression within the central and peripheral nervous system. Results and discussion Electrophysiological characterization using two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) reveals that evoked and spontaneous synaptic transmission remain unaffected in unc-13 GFSTF 3rd instar larvae and acute presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) can be induced at control levels. Furthermore, multi-color structured-illumination shows precise co-localization of Unc-13GFSTF, Bruchpilot, and GluRIIA-receptor subunits within the synaptic mesoscale. Localization microscopy in combination with HDBSCAN algorithms detect Unc-13GFSTF subclusters that move toward the AZ center during PHP with unaltered Unc-13GFSTF protein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Dannhäuser
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Achmed Mrestani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Gundelach
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Pauli
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Komma
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Heckmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mila M Paul
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Han Y, Chien C, Goel P, He K, Pinales C, Buser C, Dickman D. Botulinum neurotoxin accurately separates tonic vs. phasic transmission and reveals heterosynaptic plasticity rules in Drosophila. eLife 2022; 11:e77924. [PMID: 35993544 PMCID: PMC9439677 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing and mature nervous systems, diverse neuronal subtypes innervate common targets to establish, maintain, and modify neural circuit function. A major challenge towards understanding the structural and functional architecture of neural circuits is to separate these inputs and determine their intrinsic and heterosynaptic relationships. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction is a powerful model system to study these questions, where two glutamatergic motor neurons, the strong phasic-like Is and weak tonic-like Ib, co-innervate individual muscle targets to coordinate locomotor behavior. However, complete neurotransmission from each input has never been electrophysiologically separated. We have employed a botulinum neurotoxin, BoNT-C, that eliminates both spontaneous and evoked neurotransmission without perturbing synaptic growth or structure, enabling the first approach that accurately isolates input-specific neurotransmission. Selective expression of BoNT-C in Is or Ib motor neurons disambiguates the functional properties of each input. Importantly, the blended values of Is+Ib neurotransmission can be fully recapitulated by isolated physiology from each input. Finally, selective silencing by BoNT-C does not induce heterosynaptic structural or functional plasticity at the convergent input. Thus, BoNT-C establishes the first approach to accurately separate neurotransmission between tonic vs. phasic neurons and defines heterosynaptic plasticity rules in a powerful model glutamatergic circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Han
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Chun Chien
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Kaikai He
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | | | | | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cunningham KL, Sauvola CW, Tavana S, Littleton JT. Regulation of presynaptic Ca 2+ channel abundance at active zones through a balance of delivery and turnover. eLife 2022; 11:78648. [PMID: 35833625 PMCID: PMC9352347 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Although biosynthesis, delivery, and recycling cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance, experimentally isolating these distinct regulatory processes has been difficult. Here, we describe how the AZ levels of cacophony (Cac), the sole VGCC-mediating synaptic transmission in Drosophila, are determined. We also analyzed the relationship between Cac, the conserved VGCC regulatory subunit α2δ, and the core AZ scaffold protein Bruchpilot (BRP) in establishing a functional AZ. We find that Cac and BRP are independently regulated at growing AZs, as Cac is dispensable for AZ formation and structural maturation, and BRP abundance is not limiting for Cac accumulation. Additionally, AZs stop accumulating Cac after an initial growth phase, whereas BRP levels continue to increase given extended developmental time. AZ Cac is also buffered against moderate increases or decreases in biosynthesis, whereas BRP lacks this buffering. To probe mechanisms that determine AZ Cac abundance, intravital FRAP and Cac photoconversion were used to separately measure delivery and turnover at individual AZs over a multi-day period. Cac delivery occurs broadly across the AZ population, correlates with AZ size, and is rate-limited by α2δ. Although Cac does not undergo significant lateral transfer between neighboring AZs over the course of development, Cac removal from AZs does occur and is promoted by new Cac delivery, generating a cap on Cac accumulation at mature AZs. Together, these findings reveal how Cac biosynthesis, synaptic delivery, and recycling set the abundance of VGCCs at individual AZs throughout synapse development and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chad W Sauvola
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sara Tavana
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Knodel MM, Dutta Roy R, Wittum G. Influence of T-Bar on Calcium Concentration Impacting Release Probability. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:855746. [PMID: 35586479 PMCID: PMC9108211 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.855746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus M. Knodel
- Goethe Center for Scientific Computing (GCSC), Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- *Correspondence: Markus M. Knodel ; orcid.org/0000-0001-8739-0803
| | | | - Gabriel Wittum
- Goethe Center for Scientific Computing (GCSC), Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stahl A, Noyes NC, Boto T, Botero V, Broyles CN, Jing M, Zeng J, King LB, Li Y, Davis RL, Tomchik SM. Associative learning drives longitudinally graded presynaptic plasticity of neurotransmitter release along axonal compartments. eLife 2022; 11:76712. [PMID: 35285796 PMCID: PMC8956283 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76712] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Anatomical and physiological compartmentalization of neurons is a mechanism to increase the computational capacity of a circuit, and a major question is what role axonal compartmentalization plays. Axonal compartmentalization may enable localized, presynaptic plasticity to alter neuronal output in a flexible, experience-dependent manner. Here, we show that olfactory learning generates compartmentalized, bidirectional plasticity of acetylcholine release that varies across the longitudinal compartments of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) axons. The directionality of the learning-induced plasticity depends on the valence of the learning event (aversive vs. appetitive), varies linearly across proximal to distal compartments following appetitive conditioning, and correlates with learning-induced changes in downstream mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) that modulate behavioral action selection. Potentiation of acetylcholine release was dependent on the CaV2.1 calcium channel subunit cacophony. In addition, contrast between the positive conditioned stimulus and other odors required the inositol triphosphate receptor, which maintained responsivity to odors upon repeated presentations, preventing adaptation. Downstream from the MB, a set of MBONs that receive their input from the γ3 MB compartment were required for normal appetitive learning, suggesting that they represent a key node through which reward learning influences decision-making. These data demonstrate that learning drives valence-correlated, compartmentalized, bidirectional potentiation, and depression of synaptic neurotransmitter release, which rely on distinct mechanisms and are distributed across axonal compartments in a learning circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Nathaniel C Noyes
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Connor N Broyles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Miao Jing
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhi Zeng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,PKU IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Lanikea B King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Yulong Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,PKU IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ronald L Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Newman ZL, Bakshinskaya D, Schultz R, Kenny SJ, Moon S, Aghi K, Stanley C, Marnani N, Li R, Bleier J, Xu K, Isacoff EY. Determinants of synapse diversity revealed by super-resolution quantal transmission and active zone imaging. Nat Commun 2022; 13:229. [PMID: 35017509 PMCID: PMC8752601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27815-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuit function depends on the pattern of synaptic connections between neurons and the strength of those connections. Synaptic strength is determined by both postsynaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitter and the presynaptic probability of action potential evoked transmitter release (Pr). Whereas morphology and neurotransmitter receptor number indicate postsynaptic sensitivity, presynaptic indicators and the mechanism that sets Pr remain to be defined. To address this, we developed QuaSOR, a super-resolution method for determining Pr from quantal synaptic transmission imaging at hundreds of glutamatergic synapses at a time. We mapped the Pr onto super-resolution 3D molecular reconstructions of the presynaptic active zones (AZs) of the same synapses at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We find that Pr varies greatly between synapses made by a single axon, quantify the contribution of key AZ proteins to Pr diversity and find that one of these, Complexin, suppresses spontaneous and evoked transmission differentially, thereby generating a spatial and quantitative mismatch between release modes. Transmission is thus regulated by the balance and nanoscale distribution of release-enhancing and suppressing presynaptic proteins to generate high signal-to-noise evoked transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Newman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Dariya Bakshinskaya
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ryan Schultz
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Samuel J Kenny
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Seonah Moon
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Krisha Aghi
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Cherise Stanley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Nadia Marnani
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rachel Li
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Julia Bleier
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated BioImaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated BioImaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Weill Neurohub, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wenner PA, Pekala D. Homeostatic Regulation of Motoneuron Properties in Development. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:87-107. [PMID: 36066822 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic plasticity represents a set of compensatory mechanisms that are engaged following a perturbation to some feature of neuronal or network function. Homeostatic mechanisms are most robustly expressed during development, a period that is replete with various perturbations such as increased cell size and the addition/removal of synaptic connections. In this review we look at numerous studies that have advanced our understanding of homeostatic plasticity by taking advantage of the accessibility of developing motoneurons. We discuss the homeostatic regulation of embryonic movements in the living chick embryo and describe the spinal compensatory mechanisms that act to recover these movements (homeostatic intrinsic plasticity) or stabilize synaptic strength (synaptic scaling). We describe the expression and triggering mechanisms of these forms of homeostatic plasticity and thereby gain an understanding of their roles in the motor system. We then illustrate how these findings can be extended to studies of developing motoneurons in other systems including the rodents, zebrafish, and fly. Furthermore, studies in developing drosophila have been critical in identifying some of the molecular signaling cascades and expression mechanisms that underlie homeostatic intrinsic membrane excitability. This powerful model organism has also been used to study a presynaptic form of homeostatic plasticity where increases or decreases in synaptic transmission are associated with compensatory changes in probability of release at the neuromuscular junction. Further, we describe studies that demonstrate homeostatic adjustments of ion channel expression following perturbations to other kinds of ion channels. Finally, we discuss work in xenopus that shows a homeostatic regulation of neurotransmitter phenotype in developing motoneurons following activity perturbations. Together, this work illustrates the importance of developing motoneurons in elucidating the mechanisms and roles of homeostatic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Wenner
- Department of Cell Biology, Whitehead Biomedical Research Building, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Dobromila Pekala
- Department of Cell Biology, Whitehead Biomedical Research Building, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li X, Chien C, Han Y, Sun Z, Chen X, Dickman D. Autocrine inhibition by a glutamate-gated chloride channel mediates presynaptic homeostatic depression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1215. [PMID: 34851664 PMCID: PMC8635443 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic modulation of presynaptic neurotransmitter release is a fundamental form of plasticity that stabilizes neural activity, where presynaptic homeostatic depression (PHD) can adaptively diminish synaptic strength. PHD has been proposed to operate through an autocrine mechanism to homeostatically depress release probability in response to excess glutamate release at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. This model implies the existence of a presynaptic glutamate autoreceptor. We systematically screened all neuronal glutamate receptors in the fly genome and identified the glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluClα) to be required for the expression of PHD. Pharmacological, genetic, and Ca2+ imaging experiments demonstrate that GluClα acts locally at axonal terminals to drive PHD. Unexpectedly, GluClα localizes and traffics with synaptic vesicles to drive presynaptic inhibition through an activity-dependent anionic conductance. Thus, GluClα operates as both a sensor and effector of PHD to adaptively depress neurotransmitter release through an elegant autocrine inhibitory signaling mechanism at presynaptic terminals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiling Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Chun Chien
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yifu Han
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Zihan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sauvola CW, Akbergenova Y, Cunningham KL, Aponte-Santiago NA, Littleton JT. The decoy SNARE Tomosyn sets tonic versus phasic release properties and is required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity. eLife 2021; 10:e72841. [PMID: 34713802 PMCID: PMC8612732 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle (SV) release probability (Pr) is a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength established by cell-intrinsic properties and further refined by plasticity. To characterize mechanisms that generate Pr heterogeneity between distinct neuronal populations, we examined glutamatergic tonic (Ib) and phasic (Is) motoneurons in Drosophila with stereotyped differences in Pr and synaptic plasticity. We found the decoy soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) Tomosyn is differentially expressed between these motoneuron subclasses and contributes to intrinsic differences in their synaptic output. Tomosyn expression enables tonic release in Ib motoneurons by reducing SNARE complex formation and suppressing Pr to generate decreased levels of SV fusion and enhanced resistance to synaptic fatigue. In contrast, phasic release dominates when Tomosyn expression is low, enabling high intrinsic Pr at Is terminals at the expense of sustained release and robust presynaptic potentiation. In addition, loss of Tomosyn disrupts the ability of tonic synapses to undergo presynaptic homeostatic potentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad W Sauvola
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Yulia Akbergenova
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Karen L Cunningham
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - J Troy Littleton
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute of Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weiss JT, Donlea JM. Sleep deprivation results in diverse patterns of synaptic scaling across the Drosophila mushroom bodies. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3248-3261.e3. [PMID: 34107302 PMCID: PMC8355077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is essential for a variety of plastic processes, including learning and memory. However, the consequences of insufficient sleep on circuit connectivity remain poorly understood. To better appreciate the effects of sleep loss on synaptic connectivity across a memory-encoding circuit, we examined changes in the distribution of synaptic markers in the Drosophila mushroom body (MB). Protein-trap tags for active zone components indicate that recent sleep time is inversely correlated with Bruchpilot (BRP) abundance in the MB lobes; sleep loss elevates BRP while sleep induction reduces BRP across the MB. Overnight sleep deprivation also elevated levels of dSyd-1 and Cacophony, but not other pre-synaptic proteins. Cell-type-specific genetic reporters show that MB-intrinsic Kenyon cells (KCs) exhibit increased pre-synaptic BRP throughout the axonal lobes after sleep deprivation; similar increases were not detected in projections from large interneurons or dopaminergic neurons that innervate the MB. These results indicate that pre-synaptic plasticity in KCs is responsible for elevated levels of BRP in the MB lobes of sleep-deprived flies. Because KCs provide synaptic inputs to several classes of post-synaptic partners, we next used a fluorescent reporter for synaptic contacts to test whether each class of KC output connections is scaled uniformly by sleep loss. The KC output synapses that we observed here can be divided into three classes: KCs to MB interneurons; KCs to dopaminergic neurons; and KCs to MB output neurons. No single class showed uniform scaling across each constituent member, indicating that different rules may govern plasticity during sleep loss across cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T Weiss
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Donlea
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Miller-Fleming TW, Cuentas-Condori A, Manning L, Palumbos S, Richmond JE, Miller DM. Transcriptional Control of Parallel-Acting Pathways That Remove Specific Presynaptic Proteins in Remodeling Neurons. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5849-5866. [PMID: 34045310 PMCID: PMC8265810 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0893-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are actively dismantled to mediate circuit refinement, but the developmental pathways that regulate synaptic disassembly are largely unknown. We have previously shown that the epithelial sodium channel ENaC/UNC-8 triggers an activity-dependent mechanism that drives the removal of presynaptic proteins liprin-α/SYD-2, Synaptobrevin/SNB-1, RAB-3, and Endophilin/UNC-57 in remodeling GABAergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (Miller-Fleming et al., 2016). Here, we report that the conserved transcription factor Iroquois/IRX-1 regulates UNC-8 expression as well as an additional pathway, independent of UNC-8, that functions in parallel to dismantle functional presynaptic terminals. We show that the additional IRX-1-regulated pathway is selectively required for the removal of the presynaptic proteins, Munc13/UNC-13 and ELKS, which normally mediate synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion and neurotransmitter release. Our findings are notable because they highlight the key role of transcriptional regulation in synapse elimination during development and reveal parallel-acting pathways that coordinate synaptic disassembly by removing specific active zone proteins.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic pruning is a conserved feature of developing neural circuits but the mechanisms that dismantle the presynaptic apparatus are largely unknown. We have determined that synaptic disassembly is orchestrated by parallel-acting mechanisms that target distinct components of the active zone. Thus, our finding suggests that synaptic disassembly is not accomplished by en masse destruction but depends on mechanisms that dismantle the structure in an organized process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Cuentas-Condori
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212
| | - Laura Manning
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - Sierra Palumbos
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - David M Miller
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Oh KH, Krout MD, Richmond JE, Kim H. UNC-2 CaV2 Channel Localization at Presynaptic Active Zones Depends on UNC-10/RIM and SYD-2/Liprin-α in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4782-4794. [PMID: 33975919 PMCID: PMC8260173 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0076-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic active zone proteins couple calcium influx with synaptic vesicle exocytosis. However, the control of presynaptic calcium channel localization by active zone proteins is not completely understood. In a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) forward genetic screen, we find that UNC-10/RIM (Rab3-interacting molecule) and SYD-2/Liprin-α regulate presynaptic localization of UNC-2, the CaV2 channel ortholog. We further quantitatively analyzed live animals using endogenously GFP-tagged UNC-2 and active zone components. Consistent with the interaction between RIM and CaV2 in mammals, the intensity and number of UNC-2 channel puncta at presynaptic terminals were greatly reduced in unc-10 mutant animals. To understand how SYD-2 regulates presynaptic UNC-2 channel localization, we analyzed presynaptic localization of endogenous SYD-2, UNC-10, RIMB-1/RIM-BP (RIM binding protein), and ELKS-1. Our analysis revealed that although SYD-2 is the most critical for active zone assembly, loss of SYD-2 function does not completely abolish presynaptic localization of UNC-10, RIMB-1, and ELKS-1, suggesting an existence of SYD-2-independent active zone assembly. UNC-2 localization analysis in double and triple mutants of active zone components show that SYD-2 promotes UNC-2 localization by partially controlling UNC-10 localization, and ELKS-1 and RIMB-1 also contribute to UNC-2 channel localization. In addition, we find that core active zone proteins are unequal in their abundance. Although the abundance of UNC-10 at the active zone is comparable to UNC-2, SYD-2 and ELKS-1 are twice more and RIMB-1 four times more abundant than UNC-2. Together our data show that UNC-10, SYD-2, RIMB-1, and ELKS-1 control presynaptic UNC-2 channel localization in redundant yet distinct manners.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Precise control of neurotransmission is dependent on the tight coupling of the calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to the exocytosis machinery at the presynaptic active zones. However, how these VGCCs are tethered to the active zone is incompletely understood. To understand the mechanism of presynaptic VGCC localization, we performed a C. elegans forward genetic screen and quantitatively analyzed endogenous active zones and presynaptic VGCCs. In addition to RIM, our study finds that SYD-2/Liprin-α is critical for presynaptic localization of VGCCs. Yet, the loss of SYD-2, a core active zone scaffolding protein, does not completely abolish the presynaptic localization of the VGCC, showing that the active zone is a resilient structure assembled by redundant mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly H Oh
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| | - Mia D Krout
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607
| | - Hongkyun Kim
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hidalgo S, Campusano JM, Hodge JJL. The Drosophila ortholog of the schizophrenia-associated CACNA1A and CACNA1B voltage-gated calcium channels regulate memory, sleep and circadian rhythms. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 155:105394. [PMID: 34015490 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia exhibits up to 80% heritability. A number of genome wide association studies (GWAS) have repeatedly shown common variants in voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channel genes CACNA1C, CACNA1I and CACNA1G have a major contribution to the risk of the disease. More recently, studies using whole exome sequencing have also found that CACNA1B (Cav2.2 N-type) deletions and rare disruptive variants in CACNA1A (Cav2.1 P/Q-type) are associated with schizophrenia. The negative symptoms of schizophrenia include behavioural defects such as impaired memory, sleep and circadian rhythms. It is not known how variants in schizophrenia-associated genes contribute to cognitive and behavioural symptoms, thus hampering the development of treatment for schizophrenia symptoms. In order to address this knowledge gap, we studied behavioural phenotypes in a number of loss of function mutants for the Drosophila ortholog of the Cav2 gene family called cacophony (cac). cac mutants showed several behavioural features including decreased night-time sleep and hyperactivity similar to those reported in human patients. The change in timing of sleep-wake cycles suggested disrupted circadian rhythms, with the loss of night-time sleep being caused by loss of cac just in the circadian clock neurons. These animals also showed a reduction in rhythmic circadian behaviour a phenotype that also could be mapped to the central clock. Furthermore, reduction of cac just in the clock resulted in a lengthening of the 24 h period. In order to understand how loss of Cav2 function may lead to cognitive deficits and underlying cellular pathophysiology we targeted loss of function of cac to the memory centre of the fly, called the mushroom bodies (MB). This manipulation was sufficient to cause reduction in both short- and intermediate-term associative memory. Memory impairment was accompanied by a decrease in Ca2+ transients in response to a depolarizing stimulus, imaged in the MB presynaptic terminals. This work shows loss of cac Cav2 channel function alone causes a number of cognitive and behavioural deficits and underlying reduced neuronal Ca2+ transients, establishing Drosophila as a high-throughput in vivo genetic model to study the Cav channel pathophysiology related to schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Hidalgo
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, UK; Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Jorge M Campusano
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - James J L Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yeates CJ, Frank CA. Homeostatic Depression Shows Heightened Sensitivity to Synaptic Calcium. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:618393. [PMID: 34025355 PMCID: PMC8139420 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.618393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses and circuits rely on homeostatic forms of regulation in order to transmit meaningful information. The Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a well-studied synapse that shows robust homeostatic control of function. Most prior studies of homeostatic plasticity at the NMJ have centered on presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). PHP happens when postsynaptic muscle neurotransmitter receptors are impaired, triggering retrograde signaling that causes an increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. As a result, normal levels of evoked excitation are maintained. The counterpart to PHP at the NMJ is presynaptic homeostatic depression (PHD). Overexpression of the Drosophila vesicular glutamate transporter (VGlut) causes an increase in the amplitude of spontaneous events. PHD happens when the synapse responds to the challenge by decreasing quantal content (QC) during evoked neurotransmissionagain, resulting in normal levels of postsynaptic excitation. We hypothesized that there may exist a class of molecules that affects both PHP and PHD. Impairment of any such molecule could hurt a synapses ability to respond to any significant homeostatic challenge. We conducted an electrophysiology-based screen for blocks of PHD. We did not observe a block of PHD in the genetic conditions screened, but we found loss-of-function conditions that led to a substantial deficit in evoked amplitude when combined with VGlut overexpression. The conditions causing this phenotype included a double heterozygous loss-of-function condition for genes encoding the inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R itpr) and ryanodine receptor (RyR). IP3Rs and RyRs gate calcium release from intracellular stores. Pharmacological agents targeting IP3R and RyR recapitulated the genetic losses of these factors, as did lowering calcium levels from other sources. Our data are consistent with the idea that the homeostatic signaling process underlying PHD is especially sensitive to levels of calcium at the presynapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Yeates
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - C Andrew Frank
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Leinwand SG, Scott K. Juvenile hormone drives the maturation of spontaneous mushroom body neural activity and learned behavior. Neuron 2021; 109:1836-1847.e5. [PMID: 33915110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mature behaviors emerge from neural circuits sculpted by genetic programs and spontaneous and evoked neural activity. However, how neural activity is refined to drive maturation of learned behavior remains poorly understood. Here, we explore how transient hormonal signaling coordinates a neural activity state transition and maturation of associative learning. We identify spontaneous, asynchronous activity in a Drosophila learning and memory brain region, the mushroom body. This activity declines significantly over the first week of adulthood. Moreover, this activity is generated cell-autonomously via Cacophony voltage-gated calcium channels in a single cell type, α'/β' Kenyon cells. Juvenile hormone, a crucial developmental regulator, acts transiently in α'/β' Kenyon cells during a young adult sensitive period to downregulate spontaneous activity and enable subsequent enhanced learning. Hormone signaling in young animals therefore controls a neural activity state transition and is required for improved associative learning, providing insight into the maturation of circuits and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Leinwand
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Kristin Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pooryasin A, Maglione M, Schubert M, Matkovic-Rachid T, Hasheminasab SM, Pech U, Fiala A, Mielke T, Sigrist SJ. Unc13A and Unc13B contribute to the decoding of distinct sensory information in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1932. [PMID: 33771998 PMCID: PMC7997984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical distance between presynaptic Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+ sensors triggering the release of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles regulates short-term plasticity (STP). While STP is highly diversified across synapse types, the computational and behavioral relevance of this diversity remains unclear. In the Drosophila brain, at nanoscale level, we can distinguish distinct coupling distances between Ca2+ channels and the (m)unc13 family priming factors, Unc13A and Unc13B. Importantly, coupling distance defines release components with distinct STP characteristics. Here, we show that while Unc13A and Unc13B both contribute to synaptic signalling, they play distinct roles in neural decoding of olfactory information at excitatory projection neuron (ePN) output synapses. Unc13A clusters closer to Ca2+ channels than Unc13B, specifically promoting fast phasic signal transfer. Reduction of Unc13A in ePNs attenuates responses to both aversive and appetitive stimuli, while reduction of Unc13B provokes a general shift towards appetitive values. Collectively, we provide direct genetic evidence that release components of distinct nanoscopic coupling distances differentially control STP to play distinct roles in neural decoding of sensory information. The physical distance between synaptic Ca2+ channels and sensors modulates short-term plasticity (STP). Here, the authors show that synaptic release factors Unc13A and Unc13B distinctly couple with Ca2+ channels and contribute to the neural decoding of distinct sensory information in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Pooryasin
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Schubert
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sayed-Mohammad Hasheminasab
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,CCU Translational Radiation Oncology, DKTK, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Pech
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behavior, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Laboratory of Neuronal Communication, VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - André Fiala
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behavior, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Mielke
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aponte-Santiago NA, Littleton JT. Synaptic Properties and Plasticity Mechanisms of Invertebrate Tonic and Phasic Neurons. Front Physiol 2020; 11:611982. [PMID: 33391026 PMCID: PMC7772194 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.611982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining neuronal cell types and their associated biophysical and synaptic diversity has become an important goal in neuroscience as a mechanism to create comprehensive brain cell atlases in the post-genomic age. Beyond broad classification such as neurotransmitter expression, interneuron vs. pyramidal, sensory or motor, the field is still in the early stages of understanding closely related cell types. In both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems, one well-described distinction related to firing characteristics and synaptic release properties are tonic and phasic neuronal subtypes. In vertebrates, these classes were defined based on sustained firing responses during stimulation (tonic) vs. transient responses that rapidly adapt (phasic). In crustaceans, the distinction expanded to include synaptic release properties, with tonic motoneurons displaying sustained firing and weaker synapses that undergo short-term facilitation to maintain muscle contraction and posture. In contrast, phasic motoneurons with stronger synapses showed rapid depression and were recruited for short bursts during fast locomotion. Tonic and phasic motoneurons with similarities to those in crustaceans have been characterized in Drosophila, allowing the genetic toolkit associated with this model to be used for dissecting the unique properties and plasticity mechanisms for these neuronal subtypes. This review outlines general properties of invertebrate tonic and phasic motoneurons and highlights recent advances that characterize distinct synaptic and plasticity pathways associated with two closely related glutamatergic neuronal cell types that drive invertebrate locomotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Aponte-Santiago
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - J. Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Insulin and Leptin/Upd2 Exert Opposing Influences on Synapse Number in Fat-Sensing Neurons. Cell Metab 2020; 32:786-800.e7. [PMID: 32976758 PMCID: PMC7642105 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Energy-sensing neural circuits decide to expend or conserve resources based, in part, on the tonic, steady-state, energy-store information they receive. Tonic signals, in the form of adipose tissue-derived adipokines, set the baseline level of activity in the energy-sensing neurons, thereby providing context for interpretation of additional inputs. However, the mechanism by which tonic adipokine information establishes steady-state neuronal function has heretofore been unclear. We show here that under conditions of nutrient surplus, Upd2, a Drosophila leptin ortholog, regulates actin-based synapse reorganization to reduce bouton number in an inhibitory circuit, thus establishing a neural tone that is permissive for insulin release. Unexpectedly, we found that insulin feeds back on these same inhibitory neurons to conversely increase bouton number, resulting in maintenance of negative tone. Our results point to a mechanism by which two surplus-sensing hormonal systems, Upd2/leptin and insulin, converge on a neuronal circuit with opposing outcomes to establish energy-store-dependent neuron activity.
Collapse
|
30
|
Chavushyan V, Soghomonyan A, Karapetyan G, Simonyan K, Yenkoyan K. Disruption of Cholinergic Circuits as an Area for Targeted Drug Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: In Vivo Assessment of Short-Term Plasticity in Rat Brain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100297. [PMID: 33050228 PMCID: PMC7600922 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still in progress. Aberrant pathways of synaptic transmission in basal forebrain cholinergic neural circuits are thought to be associated with the progression of AD. However, the effect of amyloid-beta (Aβ) on short-term plasticity (STP) of cholinergic circuits in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) is largely unknown. STP assessment in rat brain cholinergic circuitry may indicate a new target for AD cholinergic therapeutics. Thus, we aimed to study in vivo electrophysiological patterns of synaptic activity in NBM-hippocampus and NBM-basolateral amygdala circuits associated with AD-like neurodegeneration. The extracellular single-unit recordings of responses from the hippocampal and basolateral amygdala neurons to high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the NBM were performed after intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ 25–35. We found that after Aβ 25–35 exposure the number of hippocampal neurons exhibiting inhibitory responses to HFS of NBM is decreased. The reverse tendency was seen in the basolateral amygdala inhibitory neural populations, whereas the number of amygdala neurons with excitatory responses decreased. The low intensity of inhibitory and excitatory responses during HFS and post-stimulus period is probably due to the anomalous basal synaptic transmission and excitability of hippocampal and amygdala neurons. These functional changes were accompanied by structural alteration of hippocampal, amygdala, and NBM neurons. We have thus demonstrated that Aβ 25–35 induces STP disruption in NBM-hippocampus and NBM-basolateral amygdala circuits as manifested by unbalanced excitatory/inhibitory responses and their frequency. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of synaptic integrity. We believe that advancing our understanding of in vivo mechanisms of synaptic plasticity disruption in specific neural circuits could lead to effective drug searches for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vergine Chavushyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (V.C.); (A.S.); (G.K.)
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Relations, L. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS, Yerevan 0028, Armenia;
| | - Ani Soghomonyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (V.C.); (A.S.); (G.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Gohar Karapetyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (V.C.); (A.S.); (G.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Karen Simonyan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Relations, L. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS, Yerevan 0028, Armenia;
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (V.C.); (A.S.); (G.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +374-11-621-074
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
The auxiliary glutamate receptor subunit dSol-1 promotes presynaptic neurotransmitter release and homeostatic potentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25830-25839. [PMID: 32973097 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915464117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic glutamate receptors (GluRs) modulate neurotransmitter release and are physiological targets for regulation during various forms of plasticity. Although much is known about the auxiliary subunits associated with postsynaptic GluRs, far less is understood about presynaptic auxiliary GluR subunits and their functions. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, a presynaptic GluR, DKaiR1D, localizes near active zones and operates as an autoreceptor to tune baseline transmission and enhance presynaptic neurotransmitter release in response to diminished postsynaptic GluR functionality, a process referred to as presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). Here, we identify an auxiliary subunit that collaborates with DKaiR1D to promote these synaptic functions. This subunit, dSol-1, is the homolog of the Caenorhabditis elegans CUB (Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain protein Sol-1. We find that dSol-1 functions in neurons to facilitate baseline neurotransmission and to enable PHP expression, properties shared with DKaiR1D Intriguingly, presynaptic overexpression of dSol-1 is sufficient to enhance neurotransmitter release through a DKaiR1D-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, dSol-1 is necessary to rapidly increase the abundance of DKaiR1D receptors near active zones during homeostatic signaling. Together with recent work showing the CUB domain protein Neto2 is necessary for the homeostatic modulation of postsynaptic GluRs in mammals, our data demonstrate that dSol-1 is required for the homeostatic regulation of presynaptic GluRs. Thus, we propose that CUB domain proteins are fundamental homeostatic modulators of GluRs on both sides of the synapse.
Collapse
|
32
|
Different functions of two putative Drosophila α 2δ subunits in the same identified motoneurons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13670. [PMID: 32792569 PMCID: PMC7426832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate neuronal excitability and translate activity into calcium dependent signaling. The α1 subunit of high voltage activated (HVA) VGCCs associates with α2δ accessory subunits, which may affect calcium channel biophysical properties, cell surface expression, localization and transport and are thus important players in calcium-dependent signaling. In vertebrates, the functions of the different combinations of the four α2δ and the seven HVA α1 subunits are incompletely understood, in particular with respect to partially redundant or separate functions in neurons. This study capitalizes on the relatively simpler situation in the Drosophila genetic model containing two neuronal putative α2δ subunits, straightjacket and CG4587, and one Cav1 and Cav2 homolog each, both with well-described functions in different compartments of identified motoneurons. Straightjacket is required for normal Cav1 and Cav2 current amplitudes and correct Cav2 channel function in all neuronal compartments. By contrast, CG4587 does not affect Cav1 or Cav2 current amplitudes or presynaptic function, but is required for correct Cav2 channel allocation to the axonal versus the dendritic domain. We suggest that the two different putative α2δ subunits are required in the same neurons to regulate different functions of VGCCs.
Collapse
|
33
|
Aponte-Santiago NA, Ormerod KG, Akbergenova Y, Littleton JT. Synaptic Plasticity Induced by Differential Manipulation of Tonic and Phasic Motoneurons in Drosophila. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6270-6288. [PMID: 32631939 PMCID: PMC7424871 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0925-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional plasticity induced by neuronal competition is a common feature of developing nervous systems. However, the rules governing how postsynaptic cells differentiate between presynaptic inputs are unclear. In this study, we characterized synaptic interactions following manipulations of tonic Ib or phasic Is glutamatergic motoneurons that coinnervate postsynaptic muscles of male or female Drosophila melanogaster larvae. After identifying drivers for each neuronal subtype, we performed ablation or genetic manipulations to alter neuronal activity and examined the effects on synaptic innervation and function at neuromuscular junctions. Ablation of either Ib or Is resulted in decreased muscle response, with some functional compensation occurring in the Ib input when Is was missing. In contrast, the Is terminal failed to show functional or structural changes following loss of the coinnervating Ib input. Decreasing the activity of the Ib or Is neuron with tetanus toxin light chain resulted in structural changes in muscle innervation. Decreased Ib activity resulted in reduced active zone (AZ) number and decreased postsynaptic subsynaptic reticulum volume, with the emergence of filopodial-like protrusions from synaptic boutons of the Ib input. Decreased Is activity did not induce structural changes at its own synapses, but the coinnervating Ib motoneuron increased the number of synaptic boutons and AZs it formed. These findings indicate that tonic Ib and phasic Is motoneurons respond independently to changes in activity, with either functional or structural alterations in the Ib neuron occurring following ablation or reduced activity of the coinnervating Is input, respectively.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Both invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems display synaptic plasticity in response to behavioral experiences, indicating that underlying mechanisms emerged early in evolution. How specific neuronal classes innervating the same postsynaptic target display distinct types of plasticity is unclear. Here, we examined whether Drosophila tonic Ib and phasic Is motoneurons display competitive or cooperative interactions during innervation of the same muscle, or compensatory changes when the output of one motoneuron is altered. We established a system to differentially manipulate the motoneurons and examined the effects of cell type-specific changes to one of the inputs. Our findings indicate Ib and Is motoneurons respond differently to activity mismatch or loss of the coinnervating input, with the Ib subclass responding robustly compared with Is motoneurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Aponte-Santiago
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Kiel G Ormerod
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Yulia Akbergenova
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mechanisms and Functional Consequences of Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity at Auditory Nerve Synapses. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6896-6909. [PMID: 32747441 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1175-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple forms of homeostasis influence synaptic function under diverse activity conditions. Both presynaptic and postsynaptic forms of homeostasis are important, but their relative impact on fidelity is unknown. To address this issue, we studied auditory nerve synapses onto bushy cells in the cochlear nucleus of mice of both sexes. These synapses undergo bidirectional presynaptic and postsynaptic homeostatic changes with increased and decreased acoustic stimulation. We found that both young and mature synapses exhibit similar activity-dependent changes in short-term depression. Experiments using chelators and imaging both indicated that presynaptic Ca2+ influx decreased after noise exposure, and increased after ligating the ear canal. By contrast, Ca2+ cooperativity was unaffected. Experiments using specific antagonists suggest that occlusion leads to changes in the Ca2+ channel subtypes driving neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, dynamic-clamp experiments revealed that spike fidelity primarily depended on changes in presynaptic depression, with some contribution from changes in postsynaptic intrinsic properties. These experiments indicate that presynaptic Ca2+ influx is homeostatically regulated in vivo to enhance synaptic fidelity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Homeostatic mechanisms in synapses maintain stable function in the face of different levels of activity. Both juvenile and mature auditory nerve synapses onto bushy cells modify short-term depression in different acoustic environments, which raises the question of what the underlying presynaptic mechanisms are and the relative importance of presynaptic and postsynaptic contributions to the faithful transfer of information. Changes in short-term depression under different acoustic conditions were a result of changes in presynaptic Ca2+ influx. Spike fidelity was affected by both presynaptic and postsynaptic changes after ear occlusion and was only affected by presynaptic changes after noise-rearing. These findings are important for understanding regulation of auditory synapses under normal conditions and also in disorders following noise exposure or conductive hearing loss.
Collapse
|
35
|
Goel P, Nishimura S, Chetlapalli K, Li X, Chen C, Dickman D. Distinct Target-Specific Mechanisms Homeostatically Stabilize Transmission at Pre- and Post-synaptic Compartments. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:196. [PMID: 32676010 PMCID: PMC7333441 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons must establish and stabilize connections made with diverse targets, each with distinct demands and functional characteristics. At Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), synaptic strength remains stable in a manipulation that simultaneously induces hypo-innervation on one target and hyper-innervation on the other. However, the expression mechanisms that achieve this exquisite target-specific homeostatic control remain enigmatic. Here, we identify the distinct target-specific homeostatic expression mechanisms. On the hypo-innervated target, an increase in postsynaptic glutamate receptor (GluR) abundance is sufficient to compensate for reduced innervation, without any apparent presynaptic adaptations. In contrast, a target-specific reduction in presynaptic neurotransmitter release probability is reflected by a decrease in active zone components restricted to terminals of hyper-innervated targets. Finally, loss of postsynaptic GluRs on one target induces a compartmentalized, homeostatic enhancement of presynaptic neurotransmitter release called presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) that can be precisely balanced with the adaptations required for both hypo- and hyper-innervation to maintain stable synaptic strength. Thus, distinct anterograde and retrograde signaling systems operate at pre- and post-synaptic compartments to enable target-specific, homeostatic control of neurotransmission.
Collapse
|
36
|
Perry S, Goel P, Tran NL, Pinales C, Buser C, Miller DL, Ganetzky B, Dickman D. Developmental arrest of Drosophila larvae elicits presynaptic depression and enables prolonged studies of neurodegeneration. Development 2020; 147:dev.186312. [PMID: 32345746 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synapses exhibit an astonishing degree of adaptive plasticity in healthy and disease states. We have investigated whether synapses also adjust to life stages imposed by novel developmental programs for which they were never molded by evolution. Under conditions in which Drosophila larvae are terminally arrested, we have characterized synaptic growth, structure and function at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although wild-type larvae transition to pupae after 5 days, arrested third instar (ATI) larvae persist for 35 days, during which time NMJs exhibit extensive overgrowth in muscle size, presynaptic release sites and postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Remarkably, despite this exuberant growth, stable neurotransmission is maintained throughout the ATI lifespan through a potent homeostatic reduction in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Arrest of the larval stage in stathmin mutants also reveals a degree of progressive instability and neurodegeneration that was not apparent during the typical larval period. Hence, an adaptive form of presynaptic depression stabilizes neurotransmission during an extended developmental period of unconstrained synaptic growth. More generally, the ATI manipulation provides a powerful system for studying neurodegeneration and plasticity across prolonged developmental timescales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nancy L Tran
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel L Miller
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA
| | - Barry Ganetzky
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Structural Remodeling of Active Zones Is Associated with Synaptic Homeostasis. J Neurosci 2020; 40:2817-2827. [PMID: 32122953 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2002-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Perturbations to postsynaptic glutamate receptors (GluRs) trigger retrograde signaling to precisely increase presynaptic neurotransmitter release, maintaining stable levels of synaptic strength, a process referred to as homeostatic regulation. However, the structural change of homeostatic regulation remains poorly defined. At wild-type Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapse, there is one Bruchpilot (Brp) ring detected by superresolution microscopy at active zones (AZs). In the present study, we report multiple Brp rings (i.e., multiple T-bars seen by electron microscopy) at AZs of both male and female larvae when GluRs are reduced. At GluRIIC-deficient neuromuscular junctions, quantal size was reduced but quantal content was increased, indicative of homeostatic presynaptic potentiation. Consistently, multiple Brp rings at AZs were observed in the two classic synaptic homeostasis models (i.e., GluRIIA mutant and pharmacological blockade of GluRIIA activity). Furthermore, postsynaptic overexpression of the cell adhesion protein Neuroligin 1 partially rescued multiple Brp rings phenotype. Our study thus supports that the formation of multiple Brp rings at AZs might be a structural basis for synaptic homeostasis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic homeostasis is a conserved fundamental mechanism to maintain efficient neurotransmission of neural networks. Active zones (AZs) are characterized by an electron-dense cytomatrix, which is largely composed of Bruchpilot (Brp) at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses. It is not clear how the structure of AZs changes during homeostatic regulation. To address this question, we examined the structure of AZs by superresolution microscopy and electron microscopy during homeostatic regulation. Our results reveal multiple Brp rings at AZs of glutamate receptor-deficient neuromuscular junction synapses compared with single Brp ring at AZs in wild type (WT). We further show that Neuroligin 1-mediated retrograde signaling regulates multiple Brp ring formation at glutamate receptor-deficient synapses. This study thus reveals a regulatory mechanism for synaptic homeostasis.
Collapse
|
38
|
Kobbersmed JR, Grasskamp AT, Jusyte M, Böhme MA, Ditlevsen S, Sørensen JB, Walter AM. Rapid regulation of vesicle priming explains synaptic facilitation despite heterogeneous vesicle:Ca 2+ channel distances. eLife 2020; 9:51032. [PMID: 32077852 PMCID: PMC7145420 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical synaptic transmission relies on the Ca2+-induced fusion of transmitter-laden vesicles whose coupling distance to Ca2+ channels determines synaptic release probability and short-term plasticity, the facilitation or depression of repetitive responses. Here, using electron- and super-resolution microscopy at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction we quantitatively map vesicle:Ca2+ channel coupling distances. These are very heterogeneous, resulting in a broad spectrum of vesicular release probabilities within synapses. Stochastic simulations of transmitter release from vesicles placed according to this distribution revealed strong constraints on short-term plasticity; particularly facilitation was difficult to achieve. We show that postulated facilitation mechanisms operating via activity-dependent changes of vesicular release probability (e.g. by a facilitation fusion sensor) generate too little facilitation and too much variance. In contrast, Ca2+-dependent mechanisms rapidly increasing the number of releasable vesicles reliably reproduce short-term plasticity and variance of synaptic responses. We propose activity-dependent inhibition of vesicle un-priming or release site activation as novel facilitation mechanisms. Cells in the nervous system of all animals communicate by releasing and sensing chemicals at contact points named synapses. The ‘talking’ (or pre-synaptic) cell stores the chemicals close to the synapse, in small spheres called vesicles. When the cell is activated, calcium ions flow in and interact with the release-ready vesicles, which then spill the chemicals into the synapse. In turn, the ‘listening’ (or post-synaptic) cell can detect the chemicals and react accordingly. When the pre-synaptic cell is activated many times in a short period, it can release a greater quantity of chemicals, allowing a bigger reaction in the post-synaptic cell. This phenomenon is known as facilitation, but it is still unclear how exactly it can take place. This is especially the case when many of the vesicles are not ready to respond, for example when they are too far from where calcium flows into the cell. Computer simulations have been created to model facilitation but they have assumed that all vesicles are placed at the same distance to the calcium entry point: Kobbersmed et al. now provide evidence that this assumption is incorrect. Two high-resolution imaging techniques were used to measure the actual distances between the vesicles and the calcium source in the pre-synaptic cells of fruit flies: this showed that these distances are quite variable – some vesicles sit much closer to the source than others. This information was then used to create a new computer model to simulate facilitation. The results from this computing work led Kobbersmed et al. to suggest that facilitation may take place because a calcium-based mechanism in the cell increases the number of vesicles ready to release their chemicals. This new model may help researchers to better understand how the cells in the nervous system work. Ultimately, this can guide experiments to investigate what happens when information processing at synapses breaks down, for example in diseases such as epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janus Rl Kobbersmed
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Andreas T Grasskamp
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, FMP im CharitéCrossOver, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meida Jusyte
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, FMP im CharitéCrossOver, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias A Böhme
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, FMP im CharitéCrossOver, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Ditlevsen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, FMP im CharitéCrossOver, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Neuronal Glutamatergic Synaptic Clefts Alkalinize Rather Than Acidify during Neurotransmission. J Neurosci 2020; 40:1611-1624. [PMID: 31964719 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1774-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dogma that the synaptic cleft acidifies during neurotransmission is based on the corelease of neurotransmitters and protons from synaptic vesicles, and is supported by direct data from sensory ribbon-type synapses. However, it is unclear whether acidification occurs at non-ribbon-type synapses. Here we used genetically encoded fluorescent pH indicators to examine cleft pH at conventional neuronal synapses. At the neuromuscular junction of female Drosophila larvae, we observed alkaline spikes of over 1 log unit during fictive locomotion in vivo. Ex vivo, single action potentials evoked alkalinizing pH transients of only ∼0.01 log unit, but these transients summated rapidly during burst firing. A chemical pH indicator targeted to the cleft corroborated these findings. Cleft pH transients were dependent on Ca2+ movement across the postsynaptic membrane, rather than neurotransmitter release per se, a result consistent with cleft alkalinization being driven by the Ca2+/H+ antiporting activity of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase at the postsynaptic membrane. Targeting the pH indicators to the microenvironment of the presynaptic voltage gated Ca2+ channels revealed that alkalinization also occurred within the cleft proper at the active zone and not just within extrasynaptic regions. Application of the pH indicators at the mouse calyx of Held, a mammalian central synapse, similarly revealed cleft alkalinization during burst firing in both males and females. These findings, made at two quite different non-ribbon type synapses, suggest that cleft alkalinization during neurotransmission, rather than acidification, is a generalizable phenomenon across conventional neuronal synapses.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurotransmission is highly sensitive to the pH of the extracellular milieu. This is readily evident in the neurological symptoms that accompany systemic acid/base imbalances. Imaging data from sensory ribbon-type synapses show that neurotransmission itself can acidify the synaptic cleft, likely due to the corelease of protons and glutamate. It is not clear whether the same phenomenon occurs at conventional neuronal synapses due to the difficulties in collecting such data. If it does occur, it would provide for an additional layer of activity-dependent modulation of neurotransmission. Our findings of alkalinization, rather than acidification, within the cleft of two different neuronal synapses encourages a reassessment of the scope of activity-dependent pH influences on neurotransmission and short-term synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
|
40
|
Hoover KM, Gratz SJ, Qi N, Herrmann KA, Liu Y, Perry-Richardson JJ, Vanderzalm PJ, O'Connor-Giles KM, Broihier HT. The calcium channel subunit α 2δ-3 organizes synapses via an activity-dependent and autocrine BMP signaling pathway. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5575. [PMID: 31811118 PMCID: PMC6898181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are highly specialized for neurotransmitter signaling, yet activity-dependent growth factor release also plays critical roles at synapses. While efficient neurotransmitter signaling relies on precise apposition of release sites and neurotransmitter receptors, molecular mechanisms enabling high-fidelity growth factor signaling within the synaptic microenvironment remain obscure. Here we show that the auxiliary calcium channel subunit α2δ-3 promotes the function of an activity-dependent autocrine Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). α2δ proteins have conserved synaptogenic activity, although how they execute this function has remained elusive. We find that α2δ-3 provides an extracellular scaffold for an autocrine BMP signal, suggesting a mechanistic framework for understanding α2δ's conserved role in synapse organization. We further establish a transcriptional requirement for activity-dependent, autocrine BMP signaling in determining synapse density, structure, and function. We propose that activity-dependent, autocrine signals provide neurons with continuous feedback on their activity state for modulating both synapse structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall M Hoover
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Scott J Gratz
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Nova Qi
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kelsey A Herrmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yizhou Liu
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jahci J Perry-Richardson
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Pamela J Vanderzalm
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, 44118, USA
| | | | - Heather T Broihier
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Genç Ö, Davis GW. Target-wide Induction and Synapse Type-Specific Robustness of Presynaptic Homeostasis. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3863-3873.e2. [PMID: 31708391 PMCID: PMC7518040 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) is an evolutionarily conserved form of adaptive neuromodulation and is observed at both central and peripheral synapses. In this work, we make several fundamental advances by interrogating the synapse specificity of PHP. We define how PHP remains robust to acute versus long-term neurotransmitter receptor perturbation. We describe a general PHP property that includes global induction and synapse-specific expression mechanisms. Finally, we detail a novel synapse-specific PHP expression mechanism that enables the conversion from short- to long-term PHP expression. If our data can be extended to other systems, including the mammalian central nervous system, they suggest that PHP can be broadly induced and expressed to sustain the function of complex neural circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özgür Genç
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rapid and sustained homeostatic control of presynaptic exocytosis at a central synapse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:23783-23789. [PMID: 31685637 PMCID: PMC6876255 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909675116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic mechanisms stabilize neural activity, and there are genetic links between homeostatic plasticity and neural disease. While homeostatic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS) operates on relatively slow time scales of hours to days, activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity alter neural activity on much faster time scales. It is unclear if homeostatic plasticity stabilizes CNS synapses on rapid time scales. Here, we uncovered that cerebellar synapses stabilize transmission within minutes upon activity perturbation. This is achieved through homeostatic control of presynaptic exocytosis. We show that synergistic modulation of distinct presynaptic mechanisms not only maintains synaptic efficacy on rapid, but also on prolonged time scales. Homeostatic control of presynaptic exocytosis may be a general mechanism for stabilizing CNS function. Animal behavior is remarkably robust despite constant changes in neural activity. Homeostatic plasticity stabilizes central nervous system (CNS) function on time scales of hours to days. If and how CNS function is stabilized on more rapid time scales remains unknown. Here, we discovered that mossy fiber synapses in the mouse cerebellum homeostatically control synaptic efficacy within minutes after pharmacological glutamate receptor impairment. This rapid form of homeostatic plasticity is expressed presynaptically. We show that modulations of readily releasable vesicle pool size and release probability normalize synaptic strength in a hierarchical fashion upon acute pharmacological and prolonged genetic receptor perturbation. Presynaptic membrane capacitance measurements directly demonstrate regulation of vesicle pool size upon receptor impairment. Moreover, presynaptic voltage-clamp analysis revealed increased Ca2+-current density under specific experimental conditions. Thus, homeostatic modulation of presynaptic exocytosis through specific mechanisms stabilizes synaptic transmission in a CNS circuit on time scales ranging from minutes to months. Rapid presynaptic homeostatic plasticity may ensure stable neural circuit function in light of rapid activity-dependent plasticity.
Collapse
|
43
|
Frank CA, James TD, Müller M. Homeostatic control of Drosophila neuromuscular junction function. Synapse 2019; 74:e22133. [PMID: 31556149 PMCID: PMC6817395 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to adapt to changing internal and external conditions is a key feature of biological systems. Homeostasis refers to a regulatory process that stabilizes dynamic systems to counteract perturbations. In the nervous system, homeostatic mechanisms control neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, neurotransmitter receptors, and neural circuit function. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of Drosophila melanogaster has provided a wealth of molecular information about how synapses implement homeostatic forms of synaptic plasticity, with a focus on the transsynaptic, homeostatic modulation of neurotransmitter release. This review examines some of the recent findings from the Drosophila NMJ and highlights questions the field will ponder in coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Andrew Frank
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Interdisciplinary Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Thomas D James
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Martin Müller
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kikuma K, Li X, Perry S, Li Q, Goel P, Chen C, Kim D, Stavropoulos N, Dickman D. Cul3 and insomniac are required for rapid ubiquitination of postsynaptic targets and retrograde homeostatic signaling. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2998. [PMID: 31278365 PMCID: PMC6611771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, inhibition of postsynaptic glutamate receptors activates retrograde signaling that precisely increases presynaptic neurotransmitter release to restore baseline synaptic strength. However, the nature of the underlying postsynaptic induction process remains enigmatic. Here, we design a forward genetic screen to discover factors in the postsynaptic compartment necessary to generate retrograde homeostatic signaling. This approach identified insomniac (inc), a putative adaptor for the Cullin-3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase complex, which together with Cul3 is essential for normal sleep regulation. Interestingly, we find that Inc and Cul3 rapidly accumulate at postsynaptic compartments following acute receptor inhibition and are required for a local increase in mono-ubiquitination. Finally, we show that Peflin, a Ca2+-regulated Cul3 co-adaptor, is necessary for homeostatic communication, suggesting a relationship between Ca2+ signaling and control of Cul3/Inc activity in the postsynaptic compartment. Our study suggests that Cul3/Inc-dependent mono-ubiquitination, compartmentalized at postsynaptic densities, gates retrograde signaling and provides an intriguing molecular link between the control of sleep and homeostatic plasticity at synapses. The authors use a forward genetic screen to discover postsynaptic factors required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. They identify insomniac and the ubiquitin ligase Cul3, genes involved in sleep regulation, to be necessary for retrograde homeostatic signalling at this synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koto Kikuma
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Xiling Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Qiuling Li
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Catherine Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Nicholas Stavropoulos
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
James TD, Zwiefelhofer DJ, Frank CA. Maintenance of homeostatic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular synapse requires continuous IP 3-directed signaling. eLife 2019; 8:39643. [PMID: 31180325 PMCID: PMC6557630 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses and circuits rely on neuroplasticity to adjust output and meet physiological needs. Forms of homeostatic synaptic plasticity impart stability at synapses by countering destabilizing perturbations. The Drosophila melanogaster larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a model synapse with robust expression of homeostatic plasticity. At the NMJ, a homeostatic system detects impaired postsynaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitter and activates a retrograde signal that restores synaptic function by adjusting neurotransmitter release. This process has been separated into temporally distinct phases, induction and maintenance. One prevailing hypothesis is that a shared mechanism governs both phases. Here, we show the two phases are separable. Combining genetics, pharmacology, and electrophysiology, we find that a signaling system consisting of PLCβ, inositol triphosphate (IP3), IP3 receptors, and Ryanodine receptors is required only for the maintenance of homeostatic plasticity. We also find that the NMJ is capable of inducing homeostatic signaling even when its sustained maintenance process is absent. Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D James
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Danielle J Zwiefelhofer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States
| | - C Andrew Frank
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States.,Interdisciplinary Programs in Neuroscience, Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cunningham KL, Littleton JT. Neurons regulate synaptic strength through homeostatic scaling of active zones. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1434-1435. [PMID: 30979798 PMCID: PMC6504892 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201903065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cunningham and Littleton preview work from Goel et al. that describes a mechanism by which neurons regulate synaptic output after alterations in synapse size or active zone number. How neurons stabilize their overall synaptic strength following conditions that alter synaptic morphology or function is a key question in neuronal homeostasis. In this issue, Goel et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201807165) find that neurons stabilize synaptic output despite disruptions in synapse size, active zone number, or postsynaptic function by controlling the delivery of active zone material and active zone size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Goel P, Dufour Bergeron D, Böhme MA, Nunnelly L, Lehmann M, Buser C, Walter AM, Sigrist SJ, Dickman D. Homeostatic scaling of active zone scaffolds maintains global synaptic strength. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1706-1724. [PMID: 30914419 PMCID: PMC6504899 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201807165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic terminals grow and retract throughout life, yet synaptic strength is maintained within stable physiological ranges. To study this process, we investigated Drosophila endophilin (endo) mutants. Although active zone (AZ) number is doubled in endo mutants, a compensatory reduction in their size homeostatically adjusts global neurotransmitter output to maintain synaptic strength. We find an inverse adaptation in rab3 mutants. Additional analyses using confocal, STED, and electron microscopy reveal a stoichiometric tuning of AZ scaffolds and nanoarchitecture. Axonal transport of synaptic cargo via the lysosomal kinesin adapter Arl8 regulates AZ abundance to modulate global synaptic output and sustain the homeostatic potentiation of neurotransmission. Finally, we find that this AZ scaling can interface with two independent homeostats, depression and potentiation, to remodel AZ structure and function, demonstrating a robust balancing of separate homeostatic adaptations. Thus, AZs are pliable substrates with elastic and modular nanostructures that can be dynamically sculpted to stabilize and tune both local and global synaptic strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Mathias A Böhme
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luke Nunnelly
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
A Screen for Synaptic Growth Mutants Reveals Mechanisms That Stabilize Synaptic Strength. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4051-4065. [PMID: 30902873 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2601-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses grow, prune, and remodel throughout development, experience, and disease. This structural plasticity can destabilize information transfer in the nervous system. However, neural activity remains stable throughout life, implying that adaptive countermeasures exist that maintain neurotransmission within proper physiological ranges. Aberrant synaptic structure and function have been associated with a variety of neural diseases, including Fragile X syndrome, autism, and intellectual disability. We have screened 300 mutants in Drosophila larvae of both sexes for defects in synaptic growth at the neuromuscular junction, identifying 12 mutants with severe reductions or enhancements in synaptic growth. Remarkably, electrophysiological recordings revealed that synaptic strength was unchanged in all but one of these mutants compared with WT. We used a combination of genetic, anatomical, and electrophysiological analyses to illuminate three mechanisms that stabilize synaptic strength despite major disparities in synaptic growth. These include compensatory changes in (1) postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor abundance, (2) presynaptic morphology, and (3) active zone structure. Together, this characterization identifies new mutants with defects in synaptic growth and the adaptive strategies used by synapses to homeostatically stabilize neurotransmission in response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study reveals compensatory mechanisms used by synapses to ensure stable functionality during severe alterations in synaptic growth using the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Through a forward genetic screen, we identify mutants that exhibit dramatic undergrown or overgrown synapses yet express stable levels of synaptic strength, with three specific compensatory mechanisms discovered. Thus, this study reveals novel insights into the adaptive strategies that constrain neurotransmission within narrow physiological ranges while allowing considerable flexibility in overall synapse number. More broadly, these findings provide insights into how stable synaptic function may be maintained in the nervous system during periods of intensive synaptic growth, pruning, and remodeling.
Collapse
|
49
|
Böhme MA, McCarthy AW, Grasskamp AT, Beuschel CB, Goel P, Jusyte M, Laber D, Huang S, Rey U, Petzoldt AG, Lehmann M, Göttfert F, Haghighi P, Hell SW, Owald D, Dickman D, Sigrist SJ, Walter AM. Rapid active zone remodeling consolidates presynaptic potentiation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1085. [PMID: 30842428 PMCID: PMC6403334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal communication across synapses relies on neurotransmitter release from presynaptic active zones (AZs) followed by postsynaptic transmitter detection. Synaptic plasticity homeostatically maintains functionality during perturbations and enables memory formation. Postsynaptic plasticity targets neurotransmitter receptors, but presynaptic mechanisms regulating the neurotransmitter release apparatus remain largely enigmatic. By studying Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) we show that AZs consist of nano-modular release sites and identify a molecular sequence that adds modules within minutes of inducing homeostatic plasticity. This requires cognate transport machinery and specific AZ-scaffolding proteins. Structural remodeling is not required for immediate potentiation of neurotransmitter release, but necessary to sustain potentiation over longer timescales. Finally, mutations in Unc13 disrupting homeostatic plasticity at the NMJ also impair short-term memory when central neurons are targeted, suggesting that both plasticity mechanisms utilize Unc13. Together, while immediate synaptic potentiation capitalizes on available material, it triggers the coincident incorporation of modular release sites to consolidate synaptic potentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias A Böhme
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anthony W McCarthy
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas T Grasskamp
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine B Beuschel
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Meida Jusyte
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Desiree Laber
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sheng Huang
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulises Rey
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Theory and Bio-systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Astrid G Petzoldt
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Göttfert
- Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan W Hell
- Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Owald
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexander M Walter
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|