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Zeng Y, Wu T, Liang F, Long S, Guo W, Huang Y, Pei Z. Expression of human Ras-related protein Rab39B variant T168K in Caenorhabditis elegans leads to motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26902. [PMID: 38444482 PMCID: PMC10912484 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Human RAB39B gene is related to familial early-onset Parkinson disease. In early adulthood, men with the RAB39B c.503C > A (Thr168Lys, p. T168K) mutation develop typical tremor, bradykinesia, and alpha-synuclein accumulation. We investigated the pathological mechanism of RAB39B T168K in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. In early adult C. elegans, RAB39B T168K led to dopaminergic neuron degeneration that presented as disrupted dendrites and blunt neuronal cells. Abnormal dopamine secretion was inferred from a decline in motor function and a positive basal slowing phenotype. Dopamine-associated tests confirmed that synthesis and recycling of dopamine were normal. The RAB39B T168K mutation might impair dopamine vesicular transmission from the presynaptic membrane to the synaptic gap in dopaminergic neurons. The release-dependent feedback mechanism in neurotransmitters regulates the balance of receptor activities. Protein-protein interactions network analysis revealed that RAB39B may also function in lysosomal degradation and autophagy. Impaired disposal of misfolded α-synuclein eventually leads to protein aggregation. Thus, like other members of the Rab family, RAB39B may be involved in vesicular transport associated with dopamine secretion and α-synuclein clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tengteng Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyin Liang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simei Long
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyuan Guo
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Pei
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Ceyhan B, Nategh P, Neghabi M, LaMar JA, Konjalwar S, Rodriguez P, Hahn MK, Gross M, Grumbar G, Salleng KJ, Blakely RD, Ranji M. Optical Imaging Demonstrates Tissue-Specific Metabolic Perturbations in Mblac1 Knockout Mice. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:298-305. [PMID: 38410184 PMCID: PMC10896421 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3355962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metabolic changes have been extensively documented in neurodegenerative brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mutations in the C. elegans swip-10 gene result in dopamine (DA) dependent motor dysfunction accompanied by DA neuron degeneration. Recently, the putative human ortholog of swip-10 (MBLAC1) was implicated as a risk factor in AD, a disorder that, like PD, has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, the AD risk associated with MBLAC1 arises in subjects with cardiovascular morbidity, suggesting a broader functional insult arising from reduced MBLAC1 protein expression and one possibly linked to metabolic alterations. METHODS Our current studies, utilizing Mblac1 knockout (KO) mice, seek to determine whether mitochondrial respiration is affected in the peripheral tissues of these mice. We quantified the levels of mitochondrial coenzymes, NADH, FAD, and their redox ratio (NADH/FAD, RR) in livers and kidneys of wild-type (WT) mice and their homozygous KO littermates of males and females, using 3D optical cryo-imaging. RESULTS Compared to WT, the RR of livers from KO mice was significantly reduced, without an apparent sex effect, driven predominantly by significantly lower NADH levels. In contrast, no genotype and sex differences were observed in kidney samples. Serum analyses of WT and KO mice revealed significantly elevated glucose levels in young and aged KO adults and diminished cholesterol levels in the aged KOs, consistent with liver dysfunction. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION As seen with C. elegans swip-10 mutants, loss of MBLAC1 protein results in metabolic changes that are not restricted to neural cells and are consistent with the presence of peripheral comorbidities accompanying neurodegenerative disease in cases where MBLAC1 expression changes impact risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busenur Ceyhan
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Parisa Nategh
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Mehrnoosh Neghabi
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Jacob A LaMar
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Shalaka Konjalwar
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Maureen K Hahn
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
| | - Matthew Gross
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Gregory Grumbar
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Kenneth J Salleng
- Division of Research, Comparative MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
| | - Mahsa Ranji
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
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3
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Rodriguez P, Blakely RD. Sink or swim: Does a worm paralysis phenotype hold clues to neurodegenerative disease? J Cell Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37795580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31125] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Receiving a neurodegenerative disease (NDD) diagnosis, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is devastating, particularly given the limited options for treatment. Advances in genetic technologies have allowed for efficient modeling of NDDs in animals and brought hope for new disease-modifying medications. The complexity of the mammalian brain and the costs and time needed to identify and develop therapeutic leads limits progress. Modeling NDDs in invertebrates, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, offers orders of magnitude increases in speed of genetic analysis and manipulation, and can be pursued at substantially reduced cost, providing an important, platform complement and inform research with mammalian NDD models. In this review, we describe how our efforts to exploit C. elegans for the study of neural signaling and health led to the discovery of a paralytic phenotype (swimming-induced paralysis) associated with altered dopamine signaling and, surprisingly, to the discovery of a novel gene and pathway whose dysfunction in glial cells triggers neurodegeneration. Research to date on swip-10 and its putative mammalian ortholog MBLAC1, suggests that a tandem analysis will offer insights into NDD mechanisms and insights into novel, disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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4
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Sheardown E, Mech AM, Petrazzini MEM, Leggieri A, Gidziela A, Hosseinian S, Sealy IM, Torres-Perez JV, Busch-Nentwich EM, Malanchini M, Brennan CH. Translational relevance of forward genetic screens in animal models for the study of psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104559. [PMID: 35124155 PMCID: PMC9016269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a significant burden in our societies. Despite the convincing evidence pointing at gene and gene-environment interaction contributions, the role of genetics in the etiology of psychiatric disease is still poorly understood. Forward genetic screens in animal models have helped elucidate causal links. Here we discuss the application of mutagenesis-based forward genetic approaches in common animal model species: two invertebrates, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila sp.); and two vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus), in relation to psychiatric disease. We also discuss the use of large scale genomic studies in human populations. Despite the advances using data from human populations, animal models coupled with next-generation sequencing strategies are still needed. Although with its own limitations, zebrafish possess characteristics that make them especially well-suited to forward genetic studies exploring the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sheardown
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Aleksandra M Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | | | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Agnieszka Gidziela
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Ian M Sealy
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK.
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5
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Refai O, Aggarwal S, Cheng MH, Gichi Z, Salvino JM, Bahar I, Blakely RD, Mortensen OV. Allosteric Modulator KM822 Attenuates Behavioral Actions of Amphetamine in Caenorhabditis elegans through Interactions with the Dopamine Transporter DAT-1. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:123-131. [PMID: 34906999 PMCID: PMC8969146 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant dopamine (DA) signaling is associated with several psychiatric disorders, such as autism, bipolar disorder, addiction, and Parkinson's disease, and several medications that target the DA transporter (DAT) can induce or treat these disorders. In addition, psychostimulants, such as cocaine and D-amphetamine (AMPH), rely on the competitive interactions with the transporter's substrate binding site to produce their rewarding effects. Agents that exhibit noncompetitive, allosteric modulation of DAT remain an important topic of investigation due to their potential therapeutic applications. We previously identified a novel allosteric modulator of human DAT, KM822, that can decrease the affinity of cocaine for DAT and attenuate cocaine-elicited behaviors; however, whether DAT is the sole mediator of KM822 actions in vivo is unproven given the large number of potential off-target sites. Here, we provide in silico and in vitro evidence that the allosteric site engaged by KM822 is conserved between human DAT and Caenorhabditis elegans DAT-1. KM822 binds to a similar pocket in DAT-1 as previously identified in human DAT. In functional dopamine uptake assays, KM822 affects the interaction between AMPH and DAT-1 by reducing the affinity of AMPH for DAT-1. Finally, through a combination of genetic and pharmacological in vivo approaches we provide evidence that KM822 diminishes the behavioral actions of AMPH on swimming-induced paralysis through a direct allosteric modulation of DAT-1. More broadly, our findings demonstrate allosteric modulation of DAT as a behavior modifying strategy and suggests that Caenorhabditis elegans can be operationalized to identify and investigate the interactions of DAT allosteric modulators. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We previously demonstrated that the dopamine transporter (DAT) allosteric modulator KM822 decreases cocaine affinity for human DAT. Here, using in silico and in vivo genetic approaches, we extend this finding to interactions with amphetamine, demonstrating evolutionary conservation of the DAT allosteric site. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we report that KM822 suppresses amphetamine behavioral effects via specific interactions with DAT-1. Our findings reveal Caenorhabditis elegans as a new tool to study allosteric modulation of DAT and its behavioral consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Refai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Shaili Aggarwal
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Zayna Gichi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Joseph M Salvino
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
| | - Ole V Mortensen
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., Z.G., R.D.B.); Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (O.R., R.D.B.); Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.A., O.V.M.); Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.H.C., I.B.); and The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.M.S.)
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6
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Formisano R, Rosikon KD, Singh A, Dhillon HS. The dopamine membrane transporter plays an active modulatory role in synaptic dopamine homeostasis. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:1551-1559. [PMID: 34747520 PMCID: PMC9079189 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24965] [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: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Modulatory mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and clearance are highly controlled processes whose finely tuned regulation is critical for functioning of the nervous system. Dysregulation of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine can lead to several neuropathies. Synaptic modulation of dopamine is known to involve pre-synaptic D2 auto-receptors and acid sensing ion channels. In addition, the dopamine membrane transporter (DAT), which is responsible for clearance of dopamine from the synaptic cleft, is suspected to play an active role in modulating release of dopamine. Using functional imaging on the Caenorhabditis elegans model system, we show that DAT-1 acts as a negative feedback modulator to neurotransmitter vesicle fusion. Results from our fluorescence recovery after photo-bleaching (FRAP) based experiments were followed up with and reaffirmed using swimming-induced paralysis behavioral assays. Utilizing our numerical FRAP data we have developed a mechanistic model to dissect the dynamics of synaptic vesicle fusion, and compare the feedback effects of DAT-1 with the dopamine auto-receptor. Our experimental results and the mechanistic model are of potential broader significance, as similar dynamics are likely to be used by other synaptic modulators including membrane transporters for other neurotransmitters across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Formisano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Katarzyna D Rosikon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Abhyudai Singh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Data Sciences Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Harbinder S Dhillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
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7
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Xu Y, Zhang L, Liu Y, Topalidou I, Hassinan C, Ailion M, Zhao Z, Wang T, Chen Z, Bai J. Dopamine receptor DOP-1 engages a sleep pathway to modulate swimming in C. elegans. iScience 2021; 24:102247. [PMID: 33796839 PMCID: PMC7995527 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102247] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals require robust yet flexible programs to support locomotion. Here we report a pathway that connects the D1-like dopamine receptor DOP-1 with a sleep mechanism to modulate swimming in C. elegans. We show that DOP-1 plays a negative role in sustaining swimming behavior. By contrast, a pathway through the D2-like dopamine receptor DOP-3 negatively regulates the initiation of swimming, but its impact fades quickly over a few minutes. We find that DOP-1 and the GPCR kinase (G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2) function in the sleep interneuron RIS, where DOP-1 modulates the secretion of a sleep neuropeptide FLP-11. We further show that DOP-1 and FLP-11 act in the same pathway to modulate swimming. Together, these results delineate a functional connection between a dopamine receptor and a sleep program to regulate swimming in C. elegans. The temporal transition between DOP-3 and DOP-1 pathways highlights the dynamic nature of neuromodulation for rhythmic movements that persist over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, P. R. China.,Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan 570102, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Irini Topalidou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, WA 98195
| | - Cera Hassinan
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019
| | - Michael Ailion
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, WA 98195
| | - Zhenqiang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan 570102, P. R. China
| | - Tan Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan 570102, P. R. China
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, P. R. China.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan 570102, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Bai
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, WA 98195
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8
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Kirshenboim I, Aviner B, Itskovits E, Zaslaver A, Broday L. Dopamine-dependent biphasic behaviour under 'deep diving' conditions in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210128. [PMID: 33715430 PMCID: PMC7944115 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Underwater divers are susceptible to neurological risks due to their exposure to increased pressure. Absorption of elevated partial pressure of inert gases such as helium and nitrogen may lead to nitrogen narcosis. Although the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis are known, the molecular mechanisms underlying these symptoms have not been elucidated. Here, we examined the behaviour of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans under scuba diving conditions. We analysed wild-type animals and mutants in the dopamine pathway under hyperbaric conditions, using several gas compositions and under varying pressure levels. We found that the animals changed their speed on a flat bacterial surface in response to pressure in a biphasic mode that depended on dopamine. Dopamine-deficient cat-2 mutant animals did not exhibit a biphasic response in high pressure, while the extracellular accumulation of dopamine in dat-1 mutant animals mildly influenced this response. Our data demonstrate that in C. elegans, similarly to mammalian systems, dopamine signalling is involved in the response to high pressure. This study establishes C. elegans as a powerful system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underly nitrogen toxicity in response to high pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbar Kirshenboim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ben Aviner
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Itskovits
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Science, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Alon Zaslaver
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Science, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Limor Broday
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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9
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Involvement of dopamine receptor in the actions of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:1366-1370. [PMID: 33097185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) exhibited a vigorous swimming behavior in liquid medium. Addition of dopamine inhibited the swimming behavior, causing paralysis in 65% of wild-type nematodes. Interestingly, phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabidivarin (CBDV), caused paralysis in 40% of the animals. Knockout of DOP-3, the dopamine D2-like receptor critical for locomotor behavior, eliminated the paralysis induced by dopamine, CBD, and CBDV. In contrast, both CBD and CBDV caused paralysis in animals lacking CAT-2, an enzyme necessary for dopamine synthesis. Co-administration of dopamine with either CBD or CBDV caused paralysis similar to that of either phytocannabinoid treatment alone. These data support the notion that CBD and CBDV act as functional partial agonists on dopamine D2-like receptors in vivo. The discovery that dopamine receptor is involved in the actions of phytocannabinoids moves a significant step toward our understanding of the mechanisms for medical uses of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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10
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Smith LL, Ryde IT, Hartman JH, Romersi RF, Markovich Z, Meyer JN. Strengths and limitations of morphological and behavioral analyses in detecting dopaminergic deficiency in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotoxicology 2019; 74:209-220. [PMID: 31323240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to develop a better understanding of the role environmental toxicants may play in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, it has become increasingly important to optimize sensitive methods for quickly screening toxicants to determine their ability to disrupt neuronal function. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can help with this effort. This species has an integrated nervous system producing behavioral function, provides easy access for molecular studies, has a rapid lifespan, and is an inexpensive model. This study focuses on methods of measuring neurodegeneration involving the dopaminergic system and the identification of compounds with actions that disrupt dopamine function in the model organism C. elegans. Several dopamine-mediated locomotory behaviors, Area Exploration, Body Bends, and Reversals, as well as Swimming-Induced Paralysis and Learned 2-Nonanone Avoidance, were compared to determine the best behavioral method for screening purposes. These behavioral endpoints were also compared to morphological scoring of neurodegeneration in the dopamine neurons. We found that in adult worms, Area Exploration is more advantageous than the other behavioral methods for identifying DA-deficient locomotion and is comparable to neuromorphological scoring outputs. For larval stage worms, locomotion was an unreliable endpoint, and neuronal scoring appeared to be the best method. We compared the wild-type N2 strain to the commonly used dat-1p::GFP reporter strains BY200 and BZ555, and we further characterized the dopamine-deficient strains, cat-2 e1112 and cat-2 n4547. In contrast to published results, we found that the cat-2 strains slowed on food almost as much as N2s. Both showed decreased levels of cat-2 mRNA and DA content, rather than none, with cat-2 e1112 having the greatest reduction in DA content in comparison to N2. Finally, we compared and contrasted strengths, limitations, cost, and equipment needs for all primary methods for analysis of the dopamine system in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latasha L Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Ian T Ryde
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Jessica H Hartman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Riccardo F Romersi
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Zachary Markovich
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
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11
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Robinson SB, Refai O, Hardaway JA, Sturgeon S, Popay T, Bermingham DP, Freeman P, Wright J, Blakely RD. Dopamine-dependent, swimming-induced paralysis arises as a consequence of loss of function mutations in the RUNX transcription factor RNT-1. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216417. [PMID: 31083672 PMCID: PMC6513266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter with actions across phylogeny that modulate core behaviors such as motor activity, reward, attention, and cognition. Perturbed DA signaling in humans is associated with multiple disorders, including addiction, ADHD, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. The presynaptic DA transporter exerts powerful control on DA signaling by efficient clearance of the neurotransmitter following release. As in vertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans DAT (DAT-1) constrains DA signaling and loss of function mutations in the dat-1 gene result in slowed crawling on solid media and swimming-induced paralysis (Swip) in water. Previously, we identified a mutant line, vt34, that exhibits robust DA-dependent Swip. vt34 exhibits biochemical and behavioral phenotypes consistent with reduced DAT-1 function though vt34; dat-1 double mutants exhibit an enhanced Swip phenotype, suggesting contributions of the vt34-associated mutation to additional mechanisms that lead to excess DA signaling. SNP mapping and whole genome sequencing of vt34 identified the site of the molecular lesion in the gene B0412.2 that encodes the Runx transcription factor ortholog RNT-1. Unlike dat-1 animals, but similar to other loss of function rnt-1 mutants, vt34 exhibits altered male tail morphology and reduced body size. Deletion mutations in both rnt-1 and the bro-1 gene, which encodes a RNT-1 binding partner also exhibit Swip. Both vt34 and rnt-1 mutations exhibit reduced levels of dat-1 mRNA as well as the tyrosine hydroxylase ortholog cat-2. Although reporter studies indicate that rnt-1 is expressed in DA neurons, its re-expression in DA neurons of vt34 animals fails to fully rescue Swip. Moreover, as shown for vt34, rnt-1 mutation exhibits additivity with dat-1 in generating Swip, as do rnt-1 and bro-1 mutations, and vt34 exhibits altered capacity for acetylcholine signaling at the neuromuscular junction. Together, these findings identify a novel role for rnt-1 in limiting DA neurotransmission and suggest that loss of RNT-1 may disrupt function of both DA neurons and body wall muscle to drive Swip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Osama Refai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL United States of America
| | - J Andrew Hardaway
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Sarah Sturgeon
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Tessa Popay
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Daniel P Bermingham
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Phyllis Freeman
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Jane Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL United States of America
- Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
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12
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Kudumala S, Sossi S, Carvelli L. Swimming Induced Paralysis to Assess Dopamine Signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31009010 DOI: 10.3791/59243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The swimming assay described in this protocol is a valid tool to identify proteins regulating the dopaminergic synapses. Similar to mammals, dopamine (DA) controls several functions in C. elegans including learning and motor activity. Conditions that stimulate DA release (e.g., amphetamine (AMPH) treatments) or that prevent DA clearance (e.g., animals lacking the DA transporter (dat-1) which are incapable of reaccumulating DA into the neurons) generate an excess of extracellular DA ultimately resulting in inhibited locomotion. This behavior is particularly evident when animals swim in water. In fact, while wild-type animals continue to swim for an extended period, dat-1 null mutants and wild-type treated with AMPH or inhibitors of the DA transporter sink to the bottom of the well and do not move. This behavior is termed "Swimming Induced Paralysis" (SWIP). Although the SWIP assay is well established, a detailed description of the method is lacking. Here, we describe a step-by-step guide to perform SWIP. To perform the assay, late larval stage-4 animals are placed in a glass spot plate containing control sucrose solution with or without AMPH. Animals are scored for their swimming behavior either manually by visualization under a stereoscope or automatically by recording with a camera mounted on the stereoscope. Videos are then analyzed using a tracking software, which yields a visual representation of thrashing frequency and paralysis in the form of heat maps. Both the manual and automated systems guarantee an easily quantifiable readout of the animals' swimming ability and thus facilitate screening for animals bearing mutations within the dopaminergic system or for auxiliary genes. In addition, SWIP can be used to elucidate the mechanism of action of drugs of abuse such as AMPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirisha Kudumala
- Harriet Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, John D MacArthur Campus
| | - Serena Sossi
- Integrative Biology and Neuroscience program, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University
| | - Lucia Carvelli
- Harriet Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, John D MacArthur Campus; Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University; Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University;
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13
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Blakely RD, El Mestikawy S, Robinson MB. The brain in flux: Genetic, physiologic, and therapeutic perspectives on transporters in the CNS. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:1-6. [PMID: 30571999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The brain has specific properties that make it uniquely dependent upon transporters. This is the 3rd edition of a biennial special issue that originates from a scientific meeting devoted to studies of transporters and their relationship to brain function and to neurodevelopmental, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders. The field continues to rapidly evolve with advances in studies of structure that inform mechanism, with genetic analyses in humans revealing surprising aspects of biology, and with integrated cellular to whole animal analyses of the role of transporters in their control of physiology and pathophysiology. This special issue includes a sampling of review articles that address timely questions of the field followed by several primary research articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy D Blakely
- Florida Atlantic University Brain Institute, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, United States
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM 119 - CNRS UMR 8246 - INSERM U1130, Neurosciences Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States.
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14
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Essmann CL, Ryan KR, Elmi M, Bryon-Dodd K, Porter A, Vaughan A, McMullan R, Nurrish S. Activation of RHO-1 in cholinergic motor neurons competes with dopamine signalling to control locomotion. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204057. [PMID: 30240421 PMCID: PMC6150489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase RhoA plays a crucial role in the regulation of neuronal signalling to generate behaviour. In the developing nervous system RhoA is known to regulate the actin cytoskeleton, however the effectors of RhoA-signalling in adult neurons remain largely unidentified. We have previously shown that activation of the RhoA ortholog (RHO-1) in C. elegans cholinergic motor neurons triggers hyperactivity of these neurons and loopy locomotion with exaggerated body bends. This is achieved in part through increased diacylglycerol (DAG) levels and the recruitment of the synaptic vesicle protein UNC-13 to synaptic release sites, however other pathways remain to be identified. Dopamine, which is negatively regulated by the dopamine re-uptake transporter (DAT), has a central role in modulating locomotion in both humans and C. elegans. In this study we identify a new pathway in which RHO-1 regulates locomotory behaviour by repressing dopamine signalling, via DAT-1, linking these two pathways together. We observed an upregulation of dat-1 expression when RHO-1 is activated and show that loss of DAT-1 inhibits the loopy locomotion phenotype caused by RHO-1 activation. Reducing dopamine signalling in dat-1 mutants through mutations in genes involved in dopamine synthesis or in the dopamine receptor DOP-1 restores the ability of RHO-1 to trigger loopy locomotion in dat-1 mutants. Taken together, we show that negative regulation of dopamine signalling via DAT-1 is necessary for the neuronal RHO-1 pathway to regulate locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara L. Essmann
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katie R. Ryan
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muna Elmi
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley Bryon-Dodd
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Porter
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Vaughan
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel McMullan
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Nurrish
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Refai O, Blakely RD. Blockade and reversal of swimming-induced paralysis in C. elegans by the antipsychotic and D2-type dopamine receptor antagonist azaperone. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:59-68. [PMID: 29800604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The catecholamine neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) exerts powerful modulatory control of physiology and behavior across phylogeny. Perturbations of DA signaling in humans are associated with multiple neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders, including Parkinson's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, addiction and schizophrenia. In the nematode C. elegans, DA signaling regulates mating behavior, learning, food seeking and locomotion. Previously, we demonstrated that loss of function mutations in the dat-1 gene that encodes the presynaptic DA transporter (DAT-1) results in a rapid cessation of movement when animals are placed in water, termed Swimming Induced Paralysis (Swip). Loss of function mutations in genes that support DA biosynthesis, DA vesicular packaging and DA action at the extrasynaptic D2-type DA receptor DOP-3 suppress Swip in dat-1 animals, consistent with paralysis as arising from excessive DA signaling. Although animals grown on the vesicular monoamine transporter antagonist reserpine diminish Swip, the drug must be applied chronically, can impact the signaling of multiple biogenic amines, and has been reported to have penetrant, off-target actions. Here, we demonstrate that the antipsychotic drug azaperone potently and rapidly suppresses Swip behavior in either dat-1 mutants, as well as in wildtype animals treated with the DAT-1 antagonist nisoxetine, with genetic experiments consistent with DOP-3 antagonism as the mechanism of Swip suppression. Reversal of Swip in previously paralyzed dat-1 animals by azaperone application demonstrates an otherwise functionally-intact swimming circuit in these mutants. Finally, whereas azaperone suppresses DA-dependent Swip, the drug fails to attenuate the DA-independent paralysis induced by βPEA, aldicarb or genetic disruption of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. We discuss our findings with respect to the use of azaperone as a potent and selective tool in the identification and analysis of presynaptic mechanisms that regulate DA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Refai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA; Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
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16
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Gibson CL, Balbona JT, Niedzwiecki A, Rodriguez P, Nguyen KCQ, Hall DH, Blakely RD. Glial loss of the metallo β-lactamase domain containing protein, SWIP-10, induces age- and glutamate-signaling dependent, dopamine neuron degeneration. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007269. [PMID: 29590100 PMCID: PMC5891035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Across phylogeny, glutamate (Glu) signaling plays a critical role in regulating neural excitability, thus supporting many complex behaviors. Perturbed synaptic and extrasynaptic Glu homeostasis in the human brain has been implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, where theories suggest that excitotoxic insults may accelerate a naturally occurring process of dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration. In C. elegans, mutation of the glial expressed gene, swip-10, results in Glu-dependent DA neuron hyperexcitation that leads to elevated DA release, triggering DA signaling-dependent motor paralysis. Here, we demonstrate that swip-10 mutations induce premature and progressive DA neuron degeneration, with light and electron microscopy studies demonstrating the presence of dystrophic dendritic processes, as well as shrunken and/or missing cell soma. As with paralysis, DA neuron degeneration in swip-10 mutants is rescued by glial-specific, but not DA neuron-specific expression of wildtype swip-10, consistent with a cell non-autonomous mechanism. Genetic studies implicate the vesicular Glu transporter VGLU-3 and the cystine/Glu exchanger homolog AAT-1 as potential sources of Glu signaling supporting DA neuron degeneration. Degeneration can be significantly suppressed by mutations in the Ca2+ permeable Glu receptors, nmr-2 and glr-1, in genes that support intracellular Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-dependent proteolysis, as well as genes involved in apoptotic cell death. Our studies suggest that Glu stimulation of nematode DA neurons in early larval stages, without the protective actions of SWIP-10, contributes to insults that ultimately drive DA neuron degeneration. The swip-10 model may provide an efficient platform for the identification of molecular mechanisms that enhance risk for Parkinson's disease and/or the identification of agents that can limit neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L. Gibson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Joseph T. Balbona
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Niedzwiecki
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Ken C. Q. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - David H. Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- The Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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The Atypical MAP Kinase SWIP-13/ERK8 Regulates Dopamine Transporters through a Rho-Dependent Mechanism. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9288-9304. [PMID: 28842414 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1582-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) regulates multiple behaviors across phylogeny, with disrupted DA signaling in humans associated with addiction, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. The DA transporter (DAT) imposes spatial and temporal limits on DA action, and provides for presynaptic DA recycling to replenish neurotransmitter pools. Molecular mechanisms that regulate DAT expression, trafficking, and function, particularly in vivo, remain poorly understood, though recent studies have implicated rho-linked pathways in psychostimulant action. To identify genes that dictate the ability of DAT to sustain normal levels of DA clearance, we pursued a forward genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans based on the phenotype swimming-induced paralysis (Swip), a paralytic behavior observed in hermaphrodite worms with loss-of-function dat-1 mutations. Here, we report the identity of swip-13, which encodes a highly conserved ortholog of the human atypical MAP kinase ERK8. We present evidence that SWIP-13 acts presynaptically to insure adequate levels of surface DAT expression and DA clearance. Moreover, we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting a conserved pathway involving SWIP-13/ERK8 activation of Rho GTPases that dictates DAT surface expression and function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Signaling by the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is tightly regulated by the DA transporter (DAT), insuring efficient DA clearance after release. Molecular networks that regulate DAT are poorly understood, particularly in vivo Using a forward genetic screen in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we implicate the atypical mitogen activated protein kinase, SWIP-13, in DAT regulation. Moreover, we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that SWIP-13, as well as its human counterpart ERK8, regulate DAT surface availability via the activation of Rho proteins. Our findings implicate a novel pathway that regulates DA synaptic availability and that may contribute to risk for disorders linked to perturbed DA signaling. Targeting this pathway may be of value in the development of therapeutics in such disorders.
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18
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Pinkas A, Aschner M. AGEs/RAGE-Related Neurodegeneration: daf-16 as a Mediator, Insulin as an Ameliorant, and C. elegans as an Expedient Research Model. Chem Res Toxicol 2017; 30:38-42. [PMID: 27704837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are nonenzymatically glycated proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These compounds both originate exogenously and are formed endogenously, and they are associated, along with one of their receptors (RAGE), with a variety of pathologies and neurodegeneration. Some of their deleterious effects include affecting insulin signaling and FOXO-related pathways in both receptor-dependent and -independent manners. A potential ameliorating agent for these effects is insulin, which is being studied in several in vivo and in vitro models; one of these models is C. elegans, whose maintenance, genetic malleability, and well-described longevity-related pathways make it an optimal complementary model for assessing these objectives. In the realm of neuroscience, this model is currently being used only for general assessment of neurodegeneration and shortened lifespan. We suggest that characterization of (a) the effects of AGEs/RAGE on specific neurotransmitter systems, (b) the role of the daf-2/daf-16 pathway in these neurodegenerative processes, and
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Pinkas
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
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19
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Sequence determinants of the Caenhorhabditis elegans dopamine transporter dictating in vivo axonal export and synaptic localization. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 78:41-51. [PMID: 27913309 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) acts across phylogeny to modulate both simple and complex behaviors. The presynaptic DA transporter (DAT) is a major determinant of DA signaling capacity in ensuring efficient extracellular DA clearance. In humans, DAT is also a major target for prescribed and abused psychostimulants. Multiple structural determinants of DAT function and regulation have been defined, though largely these findings have arisen from heterologous expression or ex vivo cell culture studies. Loss of function mutations in the gene encoding the Caenhorhabditis elegans DAT (dat-1) produces rapid immobility when animals are placed in water, a phenotype termed swimming-induced paralysis (Swip). The ability of a DA neuron-expressed, GFP-tagged DAT-1 fusion protein (GFP::DAT-1) to localize to synapses and rescue Swip in these animals provides a facile approach to define sequences supporting DAT somatic export and function in vivo. In prior studies, we found that truncation of the last 25 amino acids of the DAT-1 C-terminus (Δ25) precludes Swip rescue, supported by a deficit in GFP::DAT-1 synaptic localization. Here, we further defined the elements within Δ25 required for DAT-1 export and function in vivo. We identified two conserved motifs (584KW585 and 591PYRKR595) where mutation results in a failure of GFP::DAT-1 to be efficiently exported to synapses and restore DAT-1 function. The 584KW585 motif conforms to a sequence proposed to support SEC24 binding, ER export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and surface expression of mammalian DAT proteins, whereas the 591PYRKR595 sequence conforms to a 3R motif identified as a SEC24 binding site in vertebrate G-protein coupled receptors. Consistent with a potential role of SEC24 orthologs in DAT-1 export, we demonstrated DA neuron-specific expression of a sec-24.2 transcriptional reporter. Mutations of the orthologous C-terminal sequences in human DAT (hDAT) significantly reduced transporter surface expression and DA uptake, despite normal hDAT protein expression. Although, hDAT mutants retained SEC24 interactions, as defined in co-immunoprecipitation studies. However, these mutations disrupted the ability of SEC24D to enhance hDAT surface expression. Our studies document an essential role of conserved DAT C-terminal sequences in transporter somatic export and synaptic localization in vivo, that add further support for important roles for SEC24 family members in efficient transporter trafficking.
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20
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Illiano P, Lanzo A, Leo D, Paglione M, Zampi G, Gainetdinov RR, Di Schiavi E. ACaenorhabditis elegansmodel to study dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:207-214. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Placido Illiano
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Ambra Lanzo
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Damiana Leo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Maria Paglione
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Giuseppina Zampi
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine; St. Petersburg State University; 199034 St. Petersburg Russia
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Skolkovo 143025 Moscow Russia
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science - National Research Council, CNR; Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR; Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Naples Italy
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21
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Bermingham DP, Hardaway JA, Snarrenberg CL, Robinson SB, Folkes OM, Salimando GJ, Jinnah H, Blakely RD. Acute blockade of the Caenorhabditis elegans dopamine transporter DAT-1 by the mammalian norepinephrine transporter inhibitor nisoxetine reveals the influence of genetic modifications of dopamine signaling in vivo. Neurochem Int 2016; 98:122-8. [PMID: 26850478 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of neurotransmission by the catecholamine dopamine (DA) is conserved across phylogeny. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, excess DA signaling triggers Swimming-Induced Paralysis (Swip), a phenotype first described in animals with loss of function mutations in the presynaptic DA transporter (dat-1). Swip has proven to be a phenotype suitable for the identification of novel dat-1 mutations as well as the identification of novel genes that impact DA signaling. Pharmacological manipulations can also induce Swip, though the reagents employed to date lack specificity and potency, limiting their use in evaluation of dat-1 expression and function. Our lab previously established the mammalian norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor nisoxetine to be a potent antagonist of DA uptake conferred by DAT-1 following heterologous expression. Here we demonstrate the ability of low (μM) concentrations of nisoxetine to trigger Swip within minutes of incubation, with paralysis dependent on DA release and signaling, and non-additive with Swip triggered by dat-1 deletion. Using nisoxetine in combination with genetic mutations that impact DA release, we further demonstrate the utility of the drug for demonstrating contributions of presynaptic DA receptors and ion channels to Swip. Together, these findings reveal nisoxetine as a powerful reagent for monitoring multiple dimensions of DA signaling in vivo, thus providing a new resource that can be used to evaluate contributions of dat-1 and other genes linked to DA signaling without the potential for compensations that attend constitutive genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Bermingham
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - J Andrew Hardaway
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Chelsea L Snarrenberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Sarah B Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Oakleigh M Folkes
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Greg J Salimando
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Hussain Jinnah
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA.
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22
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Chen X, Barclay JW, Burgoyne RD, Morgan A. Using C. elegans to discover therapeutic compounds for ageing-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Chem Cent J 2015; 9:65. [PMID: 26617668 PMCID: PMC4661952 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-015-0143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are a major public health challenge, due to the demographic increase in the proportion of older individuals in society. However, the relatively few currently approved drugs for these conditions provide only symptomatic relief. A major goal of neurodegeneration research is therefore to identify potential new therapeutic compounds that can slow or even reverse disease progression, either by impacting directly on the neurodegenerative process or by activating endogenous physiological neuroprotective mechanisms that decline with ageing. This requires model systems that can recapitulate key features of human neurodegenerative diseases that are also amenable to compound screening approaches. Mammalian models are very powerful, but are prohibitively expensive for high-throughput drug screens. Given the highly conserved neurological pathways between mammals and invertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful tool for neuroprotective compound screening. Here we describe how C. elegans has been used to model various human ageing-associated neurodegenerative diseases and provide an extensive list of compounds that have therapeutic activity in these worm models and so may have translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK ; Centre for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, MI 49503 USA
| | - Jeff W Barclay
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
| | - Robert D Burgoyne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
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Glial Expression of the Caenorhabditis elegans Gene swip-10 Supports Glutamate Dependent Control of Extrasynaptic Dopamine Signaling. J Neurosci 2015; 35:9409-23. [PMID: 26109664 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0800-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells play a critical role in shaping neuronal development, structure, and function. In a screen for Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that display dopamine (DA)-dependent, Swimming-Induced Paralysis (Swip), we identified a novel gene, swip-10, the expression of which in glia is required to support normal swimming behavior. swip-10 mutants display reduced locomotion rates on plates, consistent with our findings of elevated rates of presynaptic DA vesicle fusion using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. In addition, swip-10 mutants exhibit elevated DA neuron excitability upon contact with food, as detected by in vivo Ca(2+) monitoring, that can be rescued by glial expression of swip-10. Mammalian glia exert powerful control of neuronal excitability via transporter-dependent buffering of extracellular glutamate (Glu). Consistent with this idea, swip-10 paralysis was blunted in mutants deficient in either vesicular Glu release or Glu receptor expression and could be phenocopied by mutations that disrupt the function of plasma membrane Glu transporters, most noticeably glt-1, the ortholog of mammalian astrocytic GLT1 (EAAT2). swip-10 encodes a protein containing a highly conserved metallo-β-lactamase domain, within which our swip-10 mutations are located and where engineered mutations disrupt Swip rescue. Sequence alignments identify the CNS-expressed gene MBLAC1 as a putative mammalian ortholog. Together, our studies provide evidence of a novel pathway in glial cells regulated by swip-10 that limits DA neuron excitability, DA secretion, and DA-dependent behaviors through modulation of Glu signaling.
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Chen P, DeWitt MR, Bornhorst J, Soares FA, Mukhopadhyay S, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Age- and manganese-dependent modulation of dopaminergic phenotypes in a C. elegans DJ-1 genetic model of Parkinson's disease. Metallomics 2015; 7:289-98. [PMID: 25531510 PMCID: PMC4479152 DOI: 10.1039/c4mt00292j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, yet its etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. PD is characterized by selective dopaminergic (DAergic) degeneration and progressive hypokinetic motor impairment. Mutations in dj-1 cause autosomal recessive early-onset PD. DJ-1 is thought to protect DAergic neurons via an antioxidant mechanism, but the precise basis of this protection has not yet been resolved. Aging and manganese (Mn) exposure are significant non-genetic risk factors for PD. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an optimal model for PD and aging studies because of its simple nervous system, conserved DAergic machinery, and short 20-day lifespan. Here we tested the hypothesis that C. elegans DJ-1 homologues were protective against Mn-induced DAergic toxicity in an age-dependent manner. We showed that the deletion of C. elegans DJ-1 related (djr) genes, djr-1.2, decreased survival after Mn exposure. djr-1.2, the DJ-1 homologue was expressed in DAergic neurons and its deletion decreased lifespan and dopamine (DA)-dependent dauer movement behavior after Mn exposure. We also tested the role of DAF-16 as a regulator of dj-1.2 interaction with Mn toxicity. Lifespan defects resulting from djr-1.2 deletion could be restored to normal by overexpression of either DJR-1.2 or DAF-16. Furthermore, dauer movement alterations after djr-1.2 deletion were abolished by constitutive activation of DAF-16 through mutation of its inhibitor, DAF-2 insulin receptor. Taken together, our results reveal PD-relevant interactions between aging, the PD environmental risk factor manganese, and homologues of the established PD genetic risk factor DJ-1. Our data demonstrate a novel role for the DJ-1 homologue, djr-1.2, in mitigating Mn-dependent lifespan reduction and DA signaling alterations, involving DAF-2/DAF-16 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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25
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Lüersen K, Faust U, Gottschling DC, Döring F. Gait-specific adaptation of locomotor activity in response to dietary restriction in Caenorhabditis elegans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:2480-8. [PMID: 24803455 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.099382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Locomotion is crucial for the survival of living organisms, as it allows foraging, flight and mating behaviour. In response to environmental cues, many organisms switch between alternative forms of locomotion, referred to as gaits. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits two gaits: swimming in liquids and crawling on dense gels. The kinematics and patterns of muscle activity differ between the two gaits, with swimming being less efficient than crawling. We found that C. elegans when grown on dietary restriction (DR) plates and then tested immediately for swimming activity exhibit an accelerated frequency of body-bending swimming compared with ad libitum-fed worms, resulting in an increased swimming speed. This response is independent of the presence or absence of food bacteria in the assay liquid. In contrast, the crawling speed of DR worms on assay agar plates is decreased and influenced by food availability. Because DR also attenuates the disturbed swimming activity of worms that are deficient in the presynaptic dopamine transporter DAT-1, our data link DR-induced alterations of the swimming gait to synaptic processes. This strongly suggests a biochemical rather than a biomechanical response to DR provoked by changes in the worm's body structure. We conclude that the increase in locomotor activity in response to DR is specific to the swimming gait and might represent a survival strategy, allowing food-deprived nematodes to exit unfavourable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lüersen
- Department of Molecular Prevention, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Heinrich-Hecht-Platz 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulla Faust
- Department of Molecular Prevention, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Heinrich-Hecht-Platz 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter-Christian Gottschling
- Department of Molecular Prevention, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Heinrich-Hecht-Platz 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Frank Döring
- Department of Molecular Prevention, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Heinrich-Hecht-Platz 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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26
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Hardaway JA, Wang J, Fleming PA, Fleming KA, Whitaker SM, Nackenoff A, Snarrenberg CL, Hardie SL, Zhang B, Blakely RD. An open-source analytical platform for analysis of C. elegans swimming-induced paralysis. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 232:58-62. [PMID: 24792527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nematode Caenhorhabditis elegans offers great power for the identification and characterization of genes that regulate behavior. In support of this effort, analytical methods are required that provide dimensional analyses of subcomponents of behavior. Previously, we demonstrated that loss of the presynaptic dopamine (DA) transporter, dat-1, evokes DA-dependent Swimming-Induced Paralysis (Swip) (Mcdonald et al., 2007), a behavior compatible with forward genetic screens (Hardaway et al., 2012). NEW METHOD Here, we detail the development and implementation of SwimR, a set of tools that provide for an automated, kinetic analysis of C. elegans Swip. SwimR relies on open source programs that can be freely implemented and modified. RESULTS We show that SwimR can display time-dependent alterations of swimming behavior induced by drug-treatment, illustrating this capacity with the dat-1 blocker and tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (IMI). We demonstrate the capacity of SwimR to extract multiple kinetic parameters that are impractical to obtain in manual assays. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Standard measurements of C. elegans swimming utilizes manual assessments of the number of animals exhibiting swimming versus paralysis. Our approach deconstructs the time course and rates of movement in an automated fashion, offering a significant increase in the information that can be obtained from swimming behavior. CONCLUSIONS The SwimR platform is a powerful tool for the deconstruction of worm thrashing behavior in the context of both genetic and pharmacological manipulations that can be used to segregate pathways that underlie nematode swimming mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA
| | - Paul A Fleming
- Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA
| | - Katherine A Fleming
- Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA
| | | | - Alex Nackenoff
- Department of Pharmacology, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA
| | | | | | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA.
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27
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Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model system to study neurotransmitter transporters. Neurochem Int 2014; 73:71-88. [PMID: 24704795 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The model genetic organism Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, uses many of the same neurotransmitters as mammals and very similar mechanisms of neurotransmitter storage, release and recycling. This system offers a variety of powerful molecular-genetic methods for the study of transporters, many of which would be difficult in mammalian models. We review here progress made using Drosophila to understand the function and regulation of neurotransmitter transporters and discuss future directions for its use.
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