1
|
Delhaye M, LeDue J, Robinson K, Xu Q, Zhang Q, Oku S, Zhang P, Craig AM. Adaptation of Magnified Analysis of the Proteome for Excitatory Synaptic Proteins in Varied Samples and Evaluation of Cell Type-Specific Distributions. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1291232024. [PMID: 38360747 PMCID: PMC10993037 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1291-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests a remarkable diversity and complexity in the molecular composition of synapses, forming the basis for the brain to execute complex behaviors. Hence, there is considerable interest in visualizing the spatial distribution of such molecular diversity at individual synapses within intact brain circuits. Yet this task presents significant technical challenges. Expansion microscopy approaches have revolutionized our view of molecular anatomy. However, their use to study synapse-related questions outside of the labs developing them has been limited. Here we independently adapted a version of Magnified Analysis of the Proteome (MAP) and present a step-by-step protocol for visualizing over 40 synaptic proteins in brain circuits. Surprisingly, our findings show that the advantage of MAP over conventional immunolabeling was primarily due to improved antigen recognition and secondarily physical expansion. Furthermore, we demonstrated the versatile use of MAP in brains perfused with paraformaldehyde or fresh-fixed with formalin and in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. These tests expand the potential applications of MAP to combinations with slice electrophysiology or clinical pathology specimens. Using male and female mice expressing YFP-ChR2 exclusively in interneurons, we revealed a distinct composition of AMPA and NMDA receptors and Shank family members at synapses on hippocampal interneurons versus on pyramidal neurons. Quantitative single synapse analyses yielded comprehensive cell type distributions of synaptic proteins and their relationships. These findings exemplify the value of the versatile adapted MAP procedure presented here as an accessible tool for the broad neuroscience community to unravel the complexity of the "synaptome" across brain circuits and disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Delhaye
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey LeDue
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Kaylie Robinson
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Shinichiro Oku
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Peng Zhang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Ann Marie Craig
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Micheva KD, Gong B, Collman F, Weinberg RJ, Smith SJ, Trimmer JS, Murray KD. Developing a Toolbox of Antibodies Validated for Array Tomography-Based Imaging of Brain Synapses. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0290-23.2023. [PMID: 37945352 PMCID: PMC10748464 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0290-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody (Ab)-based imaging techniques rely on reagents whose performance may be application specific. Because commercial antibodies are validated for only a few purposes, users interested in other applications may have to perform extensive in-house antibody testing. Here, we present a novel application-specific proxy screening step to efficiently identify candidate antibodies for array tomography (AT), a serial section volume microscopy technique for high-dimensional quantitative analysis of the cellular proteome. To identify antibodies suitable for AT-based analysis of synapses in mammalian brain, we introduce a heterologous cell-based assay that simulates characteristic features of AT, such as chemical fixation and resin embedding that are likely to influence antibody binding. The assay was included into an initial screening strategy to generate monoclonal antibodies that can be used for AT. This approach simplifies the screening of candidate antibodies and has high predictive value for identifying antibodies suitable for AT analyses. In addition, we have created a comprehensive database of AT-validated antibodies with a neuroscience focus and show that these antibodies have a high likelihood of success for postembedding applications in general, including immunogold electron microscopy. The generation of a large and growing toolbox of AT-compatible antibodies will further enhance the value of this imaging technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina D Micheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, CA
| | - Belvin Gong
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, 95618, CA
| | | | - Richard J Weinberg
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27514, NC
| | | | - James S Trimmer
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, 95618, CA
| | - Karl D Murray
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, 95618, CA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, 95618, CA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Micheva KD, Gong B, Collman F, Weinberg RJ, Smith SJ, Trimmer JS, Murray KD. Developing a Toolbox of Antibodies Validated for Array Tomography-Based Imaging of Brain Synapses. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.28.546920. [PMID: 37425759 PMCID: PMC10327040 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-based imaging techniques rely on reagents whose performance may be application-specific. Because commercial antibodies are validated for only a few purposes, users interested in other applications may have to perform extensive in-house antibody testing. Here we present a novel application-specific proxy screening step to efficiently identify candidate antibodies for array tomography (AT), a serial section volume microscopy technique for high-dimensional quantitative analysis of the cellular proteome. To identify antibodies suitable for AT-based analysis of synapses in mammalian brain, we introduce a heterologous cell-based assay that simulates characteristic features of AT, such as chemical fixation and resin embedding that are likely to influence antibody binding. The assay was included into an initial screening strategy to generate monoclonal antibodies that can be used for AT. This approach simplifies the screening of candidate antibodies and has high predictive value for identifying antibodies suitable for AT analyses. In addition, we have created a comprehensive database of AT-validated antibodies with a neuroscience focus and show that these antibodies have a high likelihood of success for postembedding applications in general, including immunogold electron microscopy. The generation of a large and growing toolbox of AT-compatible antibodies will further enhance the value of this imaging technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina D. Micheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Belvin Gong
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | | | - Richard J. Weinberg
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - James S. Trimmer
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Karl D. Murray
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hindley N, Sanchez Avila A, Henstridge C. Bringing synapses into focus: Recent advances in synaptic imaging and mass-spectrometry for studying synaptopathy. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1130198. [PMID: 37008679 PMCID: PMC10050382 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1130198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are integral for healthy brain function and are becoming increasingly recognized as key structures in the early stages of brain disease. Understanding the pathological processes driving synaptic dysfunction will unlock new therapeutic opportunities for some of the most devastating diseases of our time. To achieve this we need a solid repertoire of imaging and molecular tools to interrogate synaptic biology at greater resolution. Synapses have historically been examined in small numbers, using highly technical imaging modalities, or in bulk, using crude molecular approaches. However, recent advances in imaging techniques are allowing us to analyze large numbers of synapses, at single-synapse resolution. Furthermore, multiplexing is now achievable with some of these approaches, meaning we can examine multiple proteins at individual synapses in intact tissue. New molecular techniques now allow accurate quantification of proteins from isolated synapses. The development of increasingly sensitive mass-spectrometry equipment means we can now scan the synaptic molecular landscape almost in totality and see how this changes in disease. As we embrace these new technical developments, synapses will be viewed with clearer focus, and the field of synaptopathy will become richer with insightful and high-quality data. Here, we will discuss some of the ways in which synaptic interrogation is being facilitated by methodological advances, focusing on imaging, and mass spectrometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hindley
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Nicole Hindley,
| | - Anna Sanchez Avila
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Henstridge
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Euan Macdonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rollenhagen A, Anstötz M, Zimmermann K, Kasugai Y, Sätzler K, Molnar E, Ferraguti F, Lübke JHR. Layer-specific distribution and expression pattern of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the barrel field of the adult rat somatosensory cortex: a quantitative electron microscopic analysis. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:2342-2360. [PMID: 35732315 PMCID: PMC9977369 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) glutamate receptors are driving forces for synaptic transmission and plasticity at neocortical synapses. However, their distribution pattern in the adult rat neocortex is largely unknown and was quantified using freeze fracture replication combined with postimmunogold-labeling. Both receptors were co-localized at layer (L)4 and L5 postsynaptic densities (PSDs). At L4 dendritic shaft and spine PSDs, the number of gold grains detecting AMPA was similar, whereas at L5 shaft PSDs AMPA-receptors outnumbered those on spine PSDs. Their number was significantly higher at L5 vs. L4 PSDs. At L4 and L5 dendritic shaft PSDs, the number of gold grains detecting GluN1 was ~2-fold higher than at spine PSDs. The number of gold grains detecting the GluN1-subunit was higher for both shaft and spine PSDs in L5 vs. L4. Both receptors showed a large variability in L4 and L5. A high correlation between the number of gold grains and PSD size for both receptors and targets was observed. Both receptors were distributed over the entire PSD but showed a layer- and target-specific distribution pattern. The layer- and target-specific distribution of AMPA and GluN1 glutamate receptors partially contribute to the observed functional differences in synaptic transmission and plasticity in the neocortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Rollenhagen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Max Anstötz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40001, Germany
| | - Kerstin Zimmermann
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Yu Kasugai
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1a, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Kurt Sätzler
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Rd., Londonderry BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Elek Molnar
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1a, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Joachim H R Lübke
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH/Medical University Aachen, Pauwelstr. 30, Aachen 52074, Germany.,JARA Translational Medicine Jülich/Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sanchez Avila A, Henstridge CM. ARRAY TOMOGRAPHY: 15 YEARS OF SYNAPTIC ANALYSIS. Neuronal Signal. [PMID: 36187224 PMCID: PMC9512143 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are minuscule, intricate structures crucial for the correct communication between neurons. In the 125 years since the term synapse was first coined, we have advanced a long way when it comes to our understanding of how they work and what they do. Most of the fundamental discoveries have been invariably linked to advances in technology. However, due to their size, delicate structural integrity and their sheer number, our knowledge of synaptic biology has remained somewhat elusive and their role in neurodegenerative diseases still remains largely unknown. Here, we briefly discuss some of the imaging technologies used to study synapses and focus on the utility of the high-resolution imaging technique array tomography (AT). We introduce the AT technique and highlight some of the ways it is utilised with a particular focus on its power for analysing synaptic composition and pathology in human post-mortem tissue. We also discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of techniques for imaging synapses and highlight some recent advances in the study of form and function by combining physiology and high-resolution synaptic imaging.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Loss of synapses on spinal motor neurons is a major feature of several neurodegenerative diseases; however, analyzing these premotor synapses is challenging because of their small size and high density. This protocol describes confocal and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) imaging of murine spinal premotor synapses and their segment-specific quantification by confocal microscopy. We detail the preparation of spinal cord segments, followed by image acquisition and analysis. This protocol enables in-depth analysis of pathological changes in spinal premotor synapses during neurodegeneration. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Buettner et al. (2021). Dissection and sectioning of identified murine spinal cord segments Fluorescent labeling of spinal premotor synapses and motor neurons Confocal and super-resolution acquisition of individual premotor synapses Quantification of premotor synapses onto motor neurons
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannik M. Buettner
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Toni Kirmann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - George Z. Mentis
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Depts. of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian M. Simon
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jackson RE, Compans B, Burrone J. Correlative Live-Cell and Super-Resolution Imaging to Link Presynaptic Molecular Organisation With Function. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:830583. [PMID: 35242024 PMCID: PMC8885727 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.830583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Information transfer at synapses occurs when vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release neurotransmitters, which then bind to receptors at the postsynaptic membrane. The process of neurotransmitter release varies dramatically between different synapses, but little is known about how this heterogeneity emerges. The development of super-resolution microscopy has revealed that synaptic proteins are precisely organised within and between the two parts of the synapse and that this precise spatiotemporal organisation fine-tunes neurotransmission. However, it remains unclear if variability in release probability could be attributed to the nanoscale organisation of one or several proteins of the release machinery. To begin to address this question, we have developed a pipeline for correlative functional and super-resolution microscopy, taking advantage of recent technological advancements enabling multicolour imaging. Here we demonstrate the combination of live imaging of SypHy-RGECO, a unique dual reporter that simultaneously measures presynaptic calcium influx and neurotransmitter release, with post hoc immunolabelling and multicolour single molecule localisation microscopy, to investigate the structure-function relationship at individual presynaptic boutons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Jackson
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Compans
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Burrone
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Holderith N, Aldahabi M, Nusser Z. Selective Enrichment of Munc13-2 in Presynaptic Active Zones of Hippocampal Pyramidal Cells That Innervate mGluR1α Expressing Interneurons. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 13:773209. [PMID: 35221979 PMCID: PMC8866005 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.773209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective distribution of proteins in presynaptic active zones (AZs) is a prerequisite for generating postsynaptic target cell type-specific differences in presynaptic vesicle release probability (Pv) and short-term plasticity, a characteristic feature of cortical pyramidal cells (PCs). In the hippocampus of rodents, somatostatin and mGluR1α expressing interneurons (mGluR1α+ INs) receive small, facilitating excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) from PCs and express Elfn1 that trans-synaptically recruits mGluR7 into the presynaptic AZ of PC axons. Here we show that Elfn1 also has a role in the selective recruitment of Munc13-2, a synaptic vesicle priming and docking protein, to PC AZs that innervate mGluR1α+ INs. In Elfn1 knock-out mice, unitary EPSCs (uEPSCs) in mGluR1α+ INs have threefold larger amplitudes with less pronounced short-term facilitation, which might be the consequence of the loss of either mGluR7 or Munc13-2 or both. Conditional genetic deletion of Munc13-2 from CA1 PCs results in the loss of Munc13-2, but not mGluR7 from the AZs, and has no effect on the amplitude of uEPSCs and leaves the characteristic short-term facilitation intact at PC to mGluR1α+ IN connection. Our results demonstrate that Munc13-1 alone is capable of imposing low Pv at PC to mGluR1α+ IN synapses and Munc13-2 has yet an unknown role in this synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Holderith
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mohammad Aldahabi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Nusser
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Zoltan Nusser,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Beeson KA, Westbrook GL, Schnell E. α2δ-2 is required for depolarization-induced suppression of excitation in Purkinje cells. J Physiol 2022; 600:111-122. [PMID: 34783012 PMCID: PMC8724408 DOI: 10.1113/jp282438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
α2δ proteins (CACNA2D1-4) are required for normal neurological function and contribute to membrane trafficking of voltage-gated calcium channels, through which calcium entry initiates numerous physiological processes. However, it remains unclear how α2δ proteins influence calcium-mediated signalling to control neuronal output. Using whole-cell recordings of mouse Purkinje cells, we show that α2δ-2 is required for functional coupling of postsynaptic voltage-dependent calcium entry with calcium-dependent effector mechanisms controlling two different outputs, depolarization-induced suppression of excitation and spike afterhyperpolarization. Our findings indicate an important role for α2δ-2 proteins in regulating functional postsynaptic calcium channel coupling in neurons, providing new context for understanding the effects of α2δ mutations on neuronal circuit function and presenting additional potential avenues to manipulate α2δ-mediated signalling for therapeutic gain. KEY POINTS: Calcium influx, via voltage-dependent calcium channels, drives numerous neuronal signalling processes with precision achieved in part by tight coupling between calcium entry and calcium-dependent effectors. α2δ proteins are important for neurological function and contribute to calcium channel membrane trafficking, although how α2δ proteins influence postsynaptic calcium-dependent signalling is largely unexplored. Here it is shown that loss of α2δ-2 proteins disrupts functional calcium coupling to two different postsynaptic calcium-dependent signals in mouse Purkinje cell neurons, retrograde endocannabinoid signalling and the action potential afterhyperpolarization. The findings provide new insights into the control of calcium coupling as well as new roles for α2δ-2 proteins in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. Beeson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239
| | | | - Eric Schnell
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239,Operative Care Division, Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR, 97239,Eric Schnell, MD, PhD,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bhattacharya U, Jhou JF, Zou YF, Abrigo G, Lin SW, Chen YH, Chien FC, Tai HC. Surface charge manipulation and electrostatic immobilization of synaptosomes for super-resolution imaging: a study on tau compartmentalization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18583. [PMID: 34545174 PMCID: PMC8452691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptosomes are subcellular fractions prepared from brain tissues that are enriched in synaptic terminals, widely used for the study of neural transmission and synaptic dysfunction. Immunofluorescence imaging is increasingly applied to synaptosomes to investigate protein localization. However, conventional methods for imaging synaptosomes over glass coverslips suffer from formaldehyde-induced aggregation. Here, we developed a facile strategy to capture and image synaptosomes without aggregation artefacts. First, ethylene glycol bis(succinimidyl succinate) (EGS) is chosen as the chemical fixative to replace formaldehyde. EGS/glycine treatment makes the zeta potential of synaptosomes more negative. Second, we modified glass coverslips with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to impart positive charges. EGS-fixed synaptosomes spontaneously attach to modified glasses via electrostatic attraction while maintaining good dispersion. Individual synaptic terminals are imaged by conventional fluorescence microscopy or by super-resolution techniques such as direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). We examined tau protein by two-color and three-color dSTORM to understand its spatial distribution within mouse cortical synapses, observing tau colocalization with synaptic vesicles as well postsynaptic densities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia-Fong Jhou
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fong Zou
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Gerald Abrigo
- Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Ching Chien
- Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hwan-Ching Tai
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Agüi-Gonzalez P, Dankovich TM, Rizzoli SO, Phan NTN. Gold-Conjugated Nanobodies for Targeted Imaging Using High-Resolution Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:1797. [PMID: 34361183 DOI: 10.3390/nano11071797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale imaging with the ability to identify cellular organelles and protein complexes has been a highly challenging subject in the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) of biological samples. This is because only a few isotopic tags can be used successfully to target specific proteins or organelles. To address this, we generated gold nanoprobes, in which gold nanoparticles are conjugated to nanobodies. The nanoprobes were well suited for specific molecular imaging using NanoSIMS at subcellular resolution. They were demonstrated to be highly selective to different proteins of interest and sufficiently sensitive for SIMS detection. The nanoprobes offer the possibility of correlating the investigation of cellular isotopic turnover to the positions of specific proteins and organelles, thereby enabling an understanding of functional and structural relations that are currently obscure.
Collapse
|
13
|
Karlocai MR, Heredi J, Benedek T, Holderith N, Lorincz A, Nusser Z. Variability in the Munc13-1 content of excitatory release sites. eLife 2021; 10:67468. [PMID: 33904397 PMCID: PMC8116053 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the diversity of cortical glutamatergic synapses are still incompletely understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that presynaptic active zones (AZs) are constructed from molecularly uniform, independent release sites (RSs), the number of which scales linearly with the AZ size. Paired recordings between hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons in acute slices from adult mice followed by quantal analysis demonstrate large variability in the number of RSs (N) at these connections. High-resolution molecular analysis of functionally characterized synapses reveals variability in the content of one of the key vesicle priming factors – Munc13-1 – in AZs that possess the same N. Replica immunolabeling also shows a threefold variability in the total Munc13-1 content of AZs of identical size and a fourfold variability in the size and density of Munc13-1 clusters within the AZs. Our results provide evidence for quantitative molecular heterogeneity of RSs and support a model in which the AZ is built up from variable numbers of molecularly heterogeneous, but independent RSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Karlocai
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Heredi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tünde Benedek
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noemi Holderith
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Lorincz
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Nusser
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Minehart JA, Speer CM. A Picture Worth a Thousand Molecules-Integrative Technologies for Mapping Subcellular Molecular Organization and Plasticity in Developing Circuits. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 12:615059. [PMID: 33469427 PMCID: PMC7813761 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.615059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in developmental neuroscience is identifying the local regulatory mechanisms that control neurite and synaptic refinement over large brain volumes. Innovative molecular techniques and high-resolution imaging tools are beginning to reshape our view of how local protein translation in subcellular compartments drives axonal, dendritic, and synaptic development and plasticity. Here we review recent progress in three areas of neurite and synaptic study in situ-compartment-specific transcriptomics/translatomics, targeted proteomics, and super-resolution imaging analysis of synaptic organization and development. We discuss synergies between sequencing and imaging techniques for the discovery and validation of local molecular signaling mechanisms regulating synaptic development, plasticity, and maintenance in circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colenso M. Speer
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|