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Bykhovskaia M. Dynamic Formation of the Protein-Lipid Pre-fusion Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.17.589983. [PMID: 38659925 PMCID: PMC11042276 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles (SVs) fuse with the presynaptic membrane (PM) to release neuronal transmitters. The SV protein Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) serves as a Ca 2+ sensor for evoked fusion. Syt1 is thought to trigger fusion by penetrating into PM upon Ca 2+ binding, however the mechanistic detail of this process is still debated. Syt1 interacts with the SNARE complex, a coiled-coil four-helical bundle that enables the SV-PM attachment. The SNARE-associated protein Complexin (Cpx) promotes the Ca 2+ -dependent fusion, possibly interacting with Syt1. We employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) to investigate the formation of the Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex interacting with the lipid bilayers of PM and SV. Our simulations demonstrated that the PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex can transition to a "dead-end" state, wherein Syt1 attaches tightly to PM but does not immerse into it, as opposed to a pre-fusion state, which has the tips of the Ca 2+ -bound C2 domains of Syt1 inserted into PM. Our simulations unraveled the sequence of Syt1 conformational transitions, including the simultaneous Syt1 docking to the SNARE-Cpx bundle and PM, followed by the Ca 2+ chelation and the penetration of the tips of Syt1 domains into PM, leading to the pre-fusion state of the protein-lipid complex. Importantly, we found that the direct Syt1-Cpx interactions are required to promote these transitions. Thus, we developed the all-atom dynamic model of the conformational transitions that lead to the formation of the pre-fusion PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex. Our simulations also revealed an alternative "dead-end" state of the protein-lipid complex that can be formed if this pathway is disrupted. Statement of Significance Neurons communicate by releasing transmitter molecules. Transmitters are packed in synaptic vesicles (SVs) and released by the fusion of SVs with the presynaptic membrane (PM). This process is regulated by a dynamic complex of fusion proteins, including the coil-coiled SNARE bundle that attaches SV to PM, Synaptotagmin that serves as a Ca 2+ sensor for the release process, and Complexin that attaches to the SNARE bundle and promotes the Ca 2+ -dependent release. To understand how these proteins interact dynamically with the lipid bilayers of SV and PM, we employed molecular dynamics, a computational approach that enables simulating the behavior of proteins and lipids at the atomistic resolution. Our simulations enabled us to delineate the stages of the formation of prefusion protein-lipid complex.
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Bose D, Bera M, Norman CA, Timofeeva Y, Volynski KE, Krishnakumar SS. A minimal presynaptic protein machinery mediating synchronous and asynchronous exocytosis and short-term plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589559. [PMID: 38659918 PMCID: PMC11042279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles with remarkable precision in response to presynaptic Ca2+ influx but exhibit significant heterogeneity in exocytosis timing and efficacy based on the recent history of activity. This heterogeneity is critical for information transfer in the brain, yet its molecular basis remains poorly understood. Here, we employ a biochemically-defined fusion assay under physiologically-relevant conditions to delineate the minimal protein machinery sufficient to account for different modes of Ca2+-triggered vesicle fusion and short-term facilitation. We find that Synaptotagmin-1, Synaptotagmin-7, and Complexin, synergistically restrain SNARE complex assembly, thus preserving vesicles in a stably docked state at rest. Upon Ca2+ activation, Synaptotagmin-1 induces rapid vesicle fusion, while Synaptotagmin-7 mediates delayed fusion. Competitive binding of Synaptotagmin-1 and Synaptotagmin-7 to the same SNAREs, coupled with differential rates of Ca2+-triggered fusion clamp reversal, govern the kinetics of vesicular fusion. Under conditions mimicking sustained neuronal activity, the Synaptotagmin-7 fusion clamp is destabilized by the elevated basal Ca2+ concentration, thereby enhancing the synchronous component of fusion. These findings provide a direct demonstration that a small set of proteins is sufficient to account for how nerve terminals adapt and regulate the Ca2+-evoked neurotransmitter exocytosis process to support their specialized functions in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipayan Bose
- Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Chris A Norman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Yulia Timofeeva
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kirill E Volynski
- Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
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3
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Bera M, Radhakrishnan A, Coleman J, K. Sundaram RV, Ramakrishnan S, Pincet F, Rothman JE. Synaptophysin chaperones the assembly of 12 SNAREpins under each ready-release vesicle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311484120. [PMID: 37903271 PMCID: PMC10636311 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311484120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin (Syp) has long been known to form a complex with the Vesicle associated soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment receptor (v-SNARE) Vesicle associated membrane protein (VAMP), but a more specific molecular function or mechanism of action in exocytosis has been lacking because gene knockouts have minimal effects. Utilizing fully defined reconstitution and single-molecule measurements, we now report that Syp functions as a chaperone that determines the number of SNAREpins assembling between a ready-release vesicle and its target membrane bilayer. Specifically, Syp directs the assembly of 12 ± 1 SNAREpins under each docked vesicle, even in the face of an excess of SNARE proteins. The SNAREpins assemble in successive waves of 6 ± 1 and 5 ± 2 SNAREpins, respectively, tightly linked to oligomerization of and binding to the vesicle Ca++ sensor Synaptotagmin. Templating of 12 SNAREpins by Syp is likely the direct result of its hexamer structure and its binding of VAMP2 dimers, both of which we demonstrate in detergent extracts and lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Abhijith Radhakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - R. Venkat K. Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris Cité, 75005Paris, France
| | - James E. Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
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4
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Norman CA, Krishnakumar SS, Timofeeva Y, Volynski KE. The release of inhibition model reproduces kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release in central synapses. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1091. [PMID: 37891212 PMCID: PMC10611806 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-evoked release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (SVs) is catalysed by SNARE proteins. The predominant view is that, at rest, complete assembly of SNARE complexes is inhibited ('clamped') by synaptotagmin and complexin molecules. Calcium binding by synaptotagmins releases this fusion clamp and triggers fast SV exocytosis. However, this model has not been quantitatively tested over physiological timescales. Here we describe an experimentally constrained computational modelling framework to quantitatively assess how the molecular architecture of the fusion clamp affects SV exocytosis. Our results argue that the 'release-of-inhibition' model can indeed account for fast calcium-activated SV fusion, and that dual binding of synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 to the same SNARE complex enables synergistic regulation of the kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release. The developed framework provides a powerful and adaptable tool to link the molecular biochemistry of presynaptic proteins to physiological data and efficiently test the plausibility of calcium-activated neurotransmitter release models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Norman
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Neurology, Yale Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Yulia Timofeeva
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Kirill E Volynski
- University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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5
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Queiroz Zetune Villa Real K, Mougios N, Rehm R, Sograte-Idrissi S, Albert L, Rahimi AM, Maidorn M, Hentze J, Martínez-Carranza M, Hosseini H, Saal KA, Oleksiievets N, Prigge M, Tsukanov R, Stenmark P, Fornasiero EF, Opazo F. A Versatile Synaptotagmin-1 Nanobody Provides Perturbation-Free Live Synaptic Imaging And Low Linkage-Error in Super-Resolution Microscopy. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300218. [PMID: 37421204 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of living synapses has relied for over two decades on the overexpression of synaptic proteins fused to fluorescent reporters. This strategy alters the stoichiometry of synaptic components and ultimately affects synapse physiology. To overcome these limitations, here a nanobody is presented that binds the calcium sensor synaptotagmin-1 (NbSyt1). This nanobody functions as an intrabody (iNbSyt1) in living neurons and is minimally invasive, leaving synaptic transmission almost unaffected, as suggested by the crystal structure of the NbSyt1 bound to Synaptotagmin-1 and by the physiological data. Its single-domain nature enables the generation of protein-based fluorescent reporters, as showcased here by measuring spatially localized presynaptic Ca2+ with a NbSyt1- jGCaMP8 chimera. Moreover, the small size of NbSyt1 makes it ideal for various super-resolution imaging methods. Overall, NbSyt1 is a versatile binder that will enable imaging in cellular and molecular neuroscience with unprecedented precision across multiple spatiotemporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Queiroz Zetune Villa Real
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Mougios
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ronja Rehm
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shama Sograte-Idrissi
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - László Albert
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Amir Mohammad Rahimi
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Maidorn
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jannik Hentze
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markel Martínez-Carranza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Stockholm, SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Research Group Neuromodulatory Networks, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kim-Ann Saal
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nazar Oleksiievets
- III. Institute of Physics - Biophysics, Georg August University, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Prigge
- Research Group Neuromodulatory Networks, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Roman Tsukanov
- III. Institute of Physics - Biophysics, Georg August University, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pål Stenmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Stockholm, SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbH, 37079, Göttingen, Germany
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6
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Rothman JE, Grushin K, Bera M, Pincet F. Turbocharging synaptic transmission. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2233-2249. [PMID: 37643878 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from biochemistry, genetics, and electron microscopy strongly supports the idea that a ring of Synaptotagmin is central to the clamping and release of synaptic vesicles (SVs) for synchronous neurotransmission. Recent direct measurements in cell-free systems suggest there are 12 SNAREpins in each ready-release vesicle, consisting of six peripheral and six central SNAREpins. The six central SNAREpins are directly bound to the Synaptotagmin ring, are directly released by Ca++ , and they initially open the fusion pore. The six peripheral SNAREpins are indirectly bound to the ring, each linked to a central SNAREpin by a bridging molecule of Complexin. We suggest that the primary role of peripheral SNAREpins is to provide additional force to 'turbocharge' neurotransmitter release, explaining how it can occur much faster than other forms of membrane fusion. The SV protein Synaptophysin forms hexamers that bear two copies of the v-SNARE VAMP at each vertex, one likely assembling into a peripheral SNAREpin and the other into a central SNAREpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kirill Grushin
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Nanobiology Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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7
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Kalyana Sundaram RV, Chatterjee A, Bera M, Grushin K, Panda A, Li F, Coleman J, Lee S, Ramakrishnan S, Ernst AM, Gupta K, Rothman JE, Krishnakumar SS. Roles for diacylglycerol in synaptic vesicle priming and release revealed by complete reconstitution of core protein machinery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309516120. [PMID: 37590407 PMCID: PMC10450444 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309516120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we introduce the full functional reconstitution of genetically validated core protein machinery (SNAREs, Munc13, Munc18, Synaptotagmin, and Complexin) for synaptic vesicle priming and release in a geometry that enables detailed characterization of the fate of docked vesicles both before and after release is triggered with Ca2+. Using this setup, we identify new roles for diacylglycerol (DAG) in regulating vesicle priming and Ca2+-triggered release involving the SNARE assembly chaperone Munc13. We find that low concentrations of DAG profoundly accelerate the rate of Ca2+-dependent release, and high concentrations reduce clamping and permit extensive spontaneous release. As expected, DAG also increases the number of docked, release-ready vesicles. Dynamic single-molecule imaging of Complexin binding to release-ready vesicles directly establishes that DAG accelerates the rate of SNAREpin assembly mediated by chaperones, Munc13 and Munc18. The selective effects of physiologically validated mutations confirmed that the Munc18-Syntaxin-VAMP2 "template" complex is a functional intermediate in the production of primed, release-ready vesicles, which requires the coordinated action of Munc13 and Munc18.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Atrouli Chatterjee
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Kirill Grushin
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Aniruddha Panda
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Feng Li
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Seong Lee
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Andreas M. Ernst
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Kallol Gupta
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - James E. Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Shyam S. Krishnakumar
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06520
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8
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Bera M, Grushin K, Sundaram RVK, Shahanoor Z, Chatterjee A, Radhakrishnan A, Lee S, Padmanarayana M, Coleman J, Pincet F, Rothman JE, Dittman JS. Two successive oligomeric Munc13 assemblies scaffold vesicle docking and SNARE assembly to support neurotransmitter release. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.549017. [PMID: 37503179 PMCID: PMC10369971 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.549017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The critical presynaptic protein Munc13 serves numerous roles in the process of docking and priming synaptic vesicles. Here we investigate the functional significance of two distinct oligomers of the Munc13 core domain (Munc13C) comprising C1-C2B-MUN-C2C. Oligomer interface point mutations that specifically destabilized either the trimer or lateral hexamer assemblies of Munc13C disrupted vesicle docking, trans-SNARE formation, and Ca 2+ -triggered vesicle fusion in vitro and impaired neurotransmitter secretion and motor nervous system function in vivo. We suggest that a progression of oligomeric Munc13 complexes couples vesicle docking and assembly of a precise number of SNARE molecules to support rapid and high-fidelity vesicle priming.
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9
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Bera M, Radhakrishnan A, Coleman J, Sundaram RVK, Ramakrishnan S, Pincet F, Rothman JE. Synaptophysin Chaperones the Assembly of 12 SNAREpins under each Ready-Release Vesicle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547834. [PMID: 37461465 PMCID: PMC10349951 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The synaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin has long been known to form a complex with the v-SNARE VAMP, but a more specific molecular function or mechanism of action in exocytosis has been lacking because gene knockouts have minimal effects. Utilizing fully-defined reconstitution and single-molecule measurements, we now report that Synaptophysin functions as a chaperone that determines the number of SNAREpins assembling between a ready-release vesicle and its target membrane bilayer. Specifically, Synaptophysin directs the assembly of 12 ± 1 SNAREpins under each docked vesicle, even in the face of an excess of SNARE proteins. The SNAREpins assemble in successive waves of 6 ± 1 and 5 ± 2 SNAREpins, respectively, tightly linked to oligomerization of and binding to the vesicle Ca++ sensor Synaptotagmin. Templating of 12 SNAREpins by Synaptophysin is likely the direct result of its hexamer structure and its binding of VAMP2 dimers, both of which we demonstrate in detergent extracts and lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Abhijith Radhakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ramalingam Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - James E. Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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10
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Thoduvayil S, Weerakkody JS, Sundaram RVK, Topper M, Bera M, Coleman J, Li X, Mariappan M, Ramakrishnan S. Rapid Quantification of First and Second Phase Insulin Secretion Dynamics using an In vitro Platform for Improving Insulin Therapy. Cell Calcium 2023; 113:102766. [PMID: 37295201 PMCID: PMC10450995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput quantification of the first- and second-phase insulin secretion dynamics is intractable with current methods. The fact that independent secretion phases play distinct roles in metabolism necessitates partitioning them separately and performing high-throughput compound screening to target them individually. We developed an insulin-nanoluc luciferase reporter system to dissect the molecular and cellular pathways involved in the separate phases of insulin secretion. We validated this method through genetic studies, including knockdown and overexpression, as well as small-molecule screening and their effects on insulin secretion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the results of this method are well correlated with those of single-vesicle exocytosis experiments conducted on live cells, providing a quantitative reference for the approach. Thus, we have developed a robust methodology for screening small molecules and cellular pathways that target specific phases of insulin secretion, resulting in a better understanding of insulin secretion, which in turn will result in a more effective insulin therapy through the stimulation of endogenous glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikha Thoduvayil
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Jonathan S Weerakkody
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Ramalingam Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Mackenzie Topper
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Xia Li
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Malaiyalam Mariappan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516 USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA.
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11
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Sundaram RVK, Chatterjee A, Bera M, Grushin K, Panda A, Li F, Coleman J, Lee S, Ramakrishnan S, Ernst AM, Gupta K, Rothman JE, Krishnakumar SS. Novel Roles for Diacylglycerol in Synaptic Vesicle Priming and Release Revealed by Complete Reconstitution of Core Protein Machinery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543781. [PMID: 37333317 PMCID: PMC10274626 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Here we introduce the full functional reconstitution of genetically-validated core protein machinery (SNAREs, Munc13, Munc18, Synaptotagmin, Complexin) for synaptic vesicle priming and release in a geometry that enables detailed characterization of the fate of docked vesicles both before and after release is triggered with Ca 2+ . Using this novel setup, we discover new roles for diacylglycerol (DAG) in regulating vesicle priming and Ca 2+- triggered release involving the SNARE assembly chaperone Munc13. We find that low concentrations of DAG profoundly accelerate the rate of Ca 2+ -dependent release, and high concentrations reduce clamping and permit extensive spontaneous release. As expected, DAG also increases the number of ready-release vesicles. Dynamic single-molecule imaging of Complexin binding to ready-release vesicles directly establishes that DAG accelerates the rate of SNAREpin assembly mediated by Munc13 and Munc18 chaperones. The selective effects of physiologically validated mutations confirmed that the Munc18-Syntaxin-VAMP2 'template' complex is a functional intermediate in the production of primed, ready-release vesicles, which requires the coordinated action of Munc13 and Munc18. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Munc13 and Munc18 are SNARE-associated chaperones that act as "priming" factors, facilitating the formation of a pool of docked, release-ready vesicles and regulating Ca 2+ -evoked neurotransmitter release. Although important insights into Munc18/Munc13 function have been gained, how they assemble and operate together remains enigmatic. To address this, we developed a novel biochemically-defined fusion assay which enabled us to investigate the cooperative action of Munc13 and Munc18 in molecular terms. We find that Munc18 nucleates the SNARE complex, while Munc13 promotes and accelerates the SNARE assembly in a DAG-dependent manner. The concerted action of Munc13 and Munc18 stages the SNARE assembly process to ensure efficient 'clamping' and formation of stably docked vesicles, which can be triggered to fuse rapidly (∼10 msec) upon Ca 2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Atrouli Chatterjee
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kirill Grushin
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Aniruddha Panda
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Seong Lee
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Andreas M. Ernst
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Kallol Gupta
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - James E. Rothman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shyam S. Krishnakumar
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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12
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Ji Y, Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Self-Regulated and Bidirectional Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. ACS NANO 2023; 17:8992-9002. [PMID: 37156507 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is not limited to a sender releasing a signaling molecule and a receiver perceiving it but is often self-regulated and bidirectional. Yet, in communities of synthetic cells, such features that render communication efficient and adaptive are missing. Here, we report the design and implementation of adaptive two-way signaling with lipid-vesicle-based synthetic cells. The first layer of self-regulation derives from coupling the temporal dynamics of the signal, H2O2, production in the sender to adhesions between sender and receiver cells. This way the receiver stays within the signaling range for the duration sender produces the signal and detaches once the signal fades. Specifically, H2O2 acts as both a forward signal and a regulator of the adhesions by activating photoswitchable proteins at the surface for the duration of the chemiluminescence. The second layer of self-regulation arises when the adhesions render the receiver permeable and trigger the release of a backward signal, resulting in bidirectional exchange. These design rules provide a concept for engineering multicellular systems with adaptive communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ji
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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13
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Role of calcium-sensor proteins in cell membrane repair. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232522. [PMID: 36728029 PMCID: PMC9970828 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell membrane repair is a critical process used to maintain cell integrity and survival from potentially lethal chemical, and mechanical membrane injury. Rapid increases in local calcium levels due to a membrane rupture have been widely accepted as a trigger for multiple membrane-resealing models that utilize exocytosis, endocytosis, patching, and shedding mechanisms. Calcium-sensor proteins, such as synaptotagmins (Syt), dysferlin, S100 proteins, and annexins, have all been identified to regulate, or participate in, multiple modes of membrane repair. Dysfunction of membrane repair from inefficiencies or genetic alterations in these proteins contributes to diseases such as muscular dystrophy (MD) and heart disease. The present review covers the role of some of the key calcium-sensor proteins and their involvement in membrane repair.
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14
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Wu X, Qiu H, Zhang M. Interactions between Membraneless Condensates and Membranous Organelles at the Presynapse: A Phase Separation View of Synaptic Vesicle Cycle. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167629. [PMID: 35595170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in presynaptic boutons involves coordinated actions of a large list of proteins that are associated directly or indirectly with membrane structures including synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes. These proteins are often highly abundant in different synaptic bouton sub-compartments, and they rarely act alone. Instead, these proteins interact with each other forming intricate and distinct molecular complexes. Many of these complexes form condensed clusters on membrane surfaces. This review summarizes findings in recent years showing that many of presynaptic protein complex assemblies are formed via phase separation. These protein condensates extensively interact with lipid membranes via distinct modes, forming various mesoscale structures by different mode of organizations between membraneless condensates and membranous organelles. We discuss that such mesoscale interactions could have deep implications on mobilization, exocytosis, and retrieval of synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hua Qiu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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15
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Kalyana Sundaram RV, Bera M, Coleman J, Weerakkody JS, Krishnakumar SS, Ramakrishnan S. Native Planar Asymmetric Suspended Membrane for Single-Molecule Investigations: Plasma Membrane on a Chip. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2205567. [PMID: 36328714 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasma membranes, in their role as gatekeepers to the external environment, host numerous protein assemblies and lipid domains that manage the movement of molecules into and out of cells, regulate electric potential, and direct cell signaling. The ability to investigate these roles on the bilayer at a single-molecule level in a controlled, in vitro environment while preserving lipid and protein architectures will provide deeper insights into how the plasma membrane works. A tunable silicon microarray platform that supports stable, planar, and asymmetric suspended lipid membranes (SLIM) using synthetic and native plasma membrane vesicles for single-molecule fluorescence investigations is developed. Essentially, a "plasma membrane-on-a-chip" system that preserves lipid asymmetry and protein orientation is created. By harnessing the combined potential of this platform with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, the authors are able to visualize protein complexes with single-molecule precision. This technology has widespread applications in biological processes that happen at the cellular membranes and will further the knowledge of lipid and protein assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramalingam Venkat Kalyana Sundaram
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Manindra Bera
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jonathan S Weerakkody
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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16
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Sannigrahi A, Rai VH, Chalil MV, Chakraborty D, Meher SK, Roy R. A Versatile Suspended Lipid Membrane System for Probing Membrane Remodeling and Disruption. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1190. [PMID: 36557095 PMCID: PMC9784602 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial membrane systems can serve as models to investigate molecular mechanisms of different cellular processes, including transport, pore formation, and viral fusion. However, the current, such as SUVs, GUVs, and the supported lipid bilayers suffer from issues, namely high curvature, heterogeneity, and surface artefacts, respectively. Freestanding membranes provide a facile solution to these issues, but current systems developed by various groups use silicon or aluminum oxide wafers for fabrication that involves access to a dedicated nanolithography facility and high cost while conferring poor membrane stability. Here, we report the development, characterization and applications of an easy-to-fabricate suspended lipid bilayer (SULB) membrane platform leveraging commercial track-etched porous filters (PCTE) with defined microwell size. Our SULB system offers a platform to study the lipid composition-dependent structural and functional properties of membranes with exceptional stability. With dye entrapped in PCTE microwells by SULB, we show that sphingomyelin significantly augments the activity of pore-forming toxin, Cytolysin A (ClyA) and the pore formation induces lipid exchange between the bilayer leaflets. Further, we demonstrate high efficiency and rapid kinetics of membrane fusion by dengue virus in our SULB platform. Our suspended bilayer membrane mimetic offers a novel platform to investigate a large class of biomembrane interactions and processes.
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17
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Zhu J, McDargh ZA, Li F, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE, O’Shaughnessy B. Synaptotagmin rings as high-sensitivity regulators of synaptic vesicle docking and fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208337119. [PMID: 36103579 PMCID: PMC9499556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208337119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchronous release at neuronal synapses is accomplished by a machinery that senses calcium influx and fuses the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes to release neurotransmitters. Previous studies suggested the calcium sensor synaptotagmin (Syt) is a facilitator of vesicle docking and both a facilitator and inhibitor of fusion. On phospholipid monolayers, the Syt C2AB domain spontaneously oligomerized into rings that are disassembled by Ca2+, suggesting Syt rings may clamp fusion as membrane-separating "washers" until Ca2+-mediated disassembly triggers fusion and release [J. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 111, 13966-13971 (2014)].). Here, we combined mathematical modeling with experiment to measure the mechanical properties of Syt rings and to test this mechanism. Consistent with experimental results, the model quantitatively recapitulates observed Syt ring-induced dome and volcano shapes on phospholipid monolayers and predicts rings are stabilized by anionic phospholipid bilayers or bulk solution with ATP. The selected ring conformation is highly sensitive to membrane composition and bulk ATP levels, a property that may regulate vesicle docking and fusion in ATP-rich synaptic terminals. We find the Syt molecules hosted by a synaptic vesicle oligomerize into a halo, unbound from the vesicle, but in proximity to sufficiently phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-rich plasma membrane (PM) domains, the PM-bound trans Syt ring conformation is preferred. Thus, the Syt halo serves as landing gear for spatially directed docking at PIP2-rich sites that define the active zones of exocytotic release, positioning the Syt ring to clamp fusion and await calcium. Our results suggest the Syt ring is both a Ca2+-sensitive fusion clamp and a high-fidelity sensor for directed docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Zachary A. McDargh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | | | - James E. Rothman
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Ben O’Shaughnessy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
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18
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Wang S, Ma C. Stability profile of the neuronal SNARE complex reflects its potency to drive fast membrane fusion. Biophys J 2022; 121:3081-3102. [PMID: 35810329 PMCID: PMC9463651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) form the SNARE complex to mediate most fusion events of the secretory pathway. The neuronal SNARE complex is featured by its high stability and half-zippered conformation required for driving robust and fast synaptic exocytosis. However, these two features seem to be thermodynamically mutually exclusive. In this study, we have employed temperature-dependent disassociation assays and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments to analyze the stability and conformation of the neuronal SNARE complex. We reclassified the amino acids of the SNARE motif into four sub-groups (core, core-side I and II, and non-contact). Our data showed that the core residues predominantly contribute to the complex stability to meet a basal requirement for SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, while the core-side residues exert an unbalanced effect on the N- and C-half bundle stability that determines the half-zippered conformation of the neuronal SNARE complex, which would accommodate essential regulations by complexins and synaptotagmins for fast Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion. Furthermore, our data confirmed a strong coupling of folding energy between the N- and C-half assembly of the neuronal SNARE complex, which rationalizes the strong potency of the half-zippered conformation to conduct robust and fast fusion. Overall, these results uncovered that the stability profile of the neuronal SNARE complex reflects its potency to drive fast and robust membrane fusion. Based on these results, we also developed a new parameter, the stability factor (Fs), to characterize the overall stability of the neuronal SNARE complex and resolved a linear correlation between the stability and inter-residue coulombic interactions of the neuronal SNARE complex, which would help rationally design artificial SNARE complexes and remold functional SNARE complexes with desirable stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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19
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Bera M, Ramakrishnan S, Coleman J, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE. Molecular determinants of complexin clamping and activation function. eLife 2022; 11:e71938. [PMID: 35442188 PMCID: PMC9020821 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we reported that Synaptotagmin-1 and Complexin synergistically clamp the SNARE assembly process to generate and maintain a pool of docked vesicles that fuse rapidly and synchronously upon Ca2+ influx (Ramakrishnan et al., 2020). Here, using the same in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we determine the molecular details of the Complexin-mediated fusion clamp and its role in Ca2+-activation. We find that a delay in fusion kinetics, likely imparted by Synaptotagmin-1, is needed for Complexin to block fusion. Systematic truncation/mutational analyses reveal that continuous alpha-helical accessory-central domains of Complexin are essential for its inhibitory function and specific interaction of the accessory helix with the SNAREpins enhances this functionality. The C-terminal domain promotes clamping by locally elevating Complexin concentration through interactions with the membrane. Independent of their clamping functions, the accessory-central helical domains of Complexin also contribute to rapid Ca2+-synchronized vesicle release by increasing the probability of fusion from the clamped state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Bera
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Sathish Ramakrishnan
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jeff Coleman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - James E Rothman
- Yale Nanobiology InstituteNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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20
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Munc13 structural transitions and oligomers that may choreograph successive stages in vesicle priming for neurotransmitter release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2121259119. [PMID: 35135883 PMCID: PMC8851502 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121259119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The speed of neural information processing in the human central nervous system is ultimately determined by the speed of chemical transmission at synapses, because action potentials have relatively short distances to traverse. The release of synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters must therefore be remarkably fast as compared to other forms of membrane fusion. Six separate SNARE complexes cooperate to achieve this. But how can exactly six copies be assembled under every vesicle? Here we report that six copies of the key molecular chaperone that assembles the SNAREs can arrange themselves into a closed hexagon, providing the likely answer. How can exactly six SNARE complexes be assembled under each synaptic vesicle? Here we report cryo-EM crystal structures of the core domain of Munc13, the key chaperone that initiates SNAREpin assembly. The functional core of Munc13, consisting of C1–C2B–MUN–C2C (Munc13C) spontaneously crystallizes between phosphatidylserine-rich bilayers in two distinct conformations, each in a radically different oligomeric state. In the open conformation (state 1), Munc13C forms upright trimers that link the two bilayers, separating them by ∼21 nm. In the closed conformation, six copies of Munc13C interact to form a lateral hexamer elevated ∼14 nm above the bilayer. Open and closed conformations differ only by a rigid body rotation around a flexible hinge, which when performed cooperatively assembles Munc13 into a lateral hexamer (state 2) in which the key SNARE assembly-activating site of Munc13 is autoinhibited by its neighbor. We propose that each Munc13 in the lateral hexamer ultimately assembles a single SNAREpin, explaining how only and exactly six SNARE complexes are templated. We suggest that state 1 and state 2 may represent two successive states in the synaptic vesicle supply chain leading to “primed” ready-release vesicles in which SNAREpins are clamped and ready to release (state 3).
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21
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Dietz J, Oelkers M, Hubrich R, Pérez-Lara A, Jahn R, Steinem C, Janshoff A. Forces, Kinetics, and Fusion Efficiency Altered by the Full-Length Synaptotagmin-1 -PI(4,5)P 2 Interaction in Constrained Geometries. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:1449-1455. [PMID: 34855407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A mechanism for full-length synaptotagmin-1 (syt-1) to interact with anionic bilayers and to promote fusion in the presence of SNAREs is proposed. Colloidal probe force spectroscopy in conjunction with tethered particle motion monitoring showed that in the absence of Ca2+ the binding of syt-1 to membranes depends on the presence and content of PI(4,5)P2. Addition of Ca2+ switches the interaction forces from weak to strong, eventually exceeding the cohesion of the C2A domain of syt-1 leading to partial unfolding of the protein. Fusion of single unilamellar vesicles equipped with syt-1 and synaptobrevin 2 with planar pore-spanning target membranes containing PS and PI(4,5)P2 shows an almost complete suppression of stalled intermediate fusion states and an accelerated fusion kinetics in the presence of Ca2+, which is further enhanced upon addition of ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joern Dietz
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marieelen Oelkers
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Hubrich
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angel Pérez-Lara
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faβberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Jahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faβberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Janshoff
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August Universität, Tammannstr. 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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22
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Alten B, Guzikowski NJ, Zurawski Z, Hamm HE, Kavalali ET. Presynaptic mechanisms underlying GABA B-receptor-mediated inhibition of spontaneous neurotransmitter release. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110255. [PMID: 35045279 PMCID: PMC8793855 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of neurotransmitter release by neurotransmitter substances constitutes a fundamental means of neuromodulation. In contrast to well-delineated mechanisms that underlie inhibition of evoked release via suppression of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, processes that underlie neuromodulatory inhibition of spontaneous release remain unclear. Here, we interrogated inhibition of spontaneous glutamate and GABA release by presynaptic metabotropic GABAB receptors. Our findings show that this inhibition relies on Gβγ subunit action at the membrane, and it is largely independent of presynaptic Ca2+ signaling for both forms of release. In the case of spontaneous glutamate release, inhibition requires Gβγ interaction with the C terminus of the key fusion machinery component SNAP25, and it is modulated by synaptotagmin-1. Inhibition of spontaneous GABA release, on the other hand, is independent of these pathways and likely requires alternative Gβγ targets at the presynaptic terminal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Alten
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Natalie J. Guzikowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Zack Zurawski
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Heidi E. Hamm
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Ege T. Kavalali
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
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23
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Synaptotagmin 1 oligomerization via the juxtamembrane linker regulates spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2113859118. [PMID: 34810248 PMCID: PMC8694047 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113859118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin 1 (syt1) is a synaptic vesicle (SV) protein that is rapidly activated by Ca2+ influx into presynaptic nerve terminals, triggering SV exocytosis. Syt1 also inhibits exocytosis, prior to Ca2+ influx, and thus helps synchronize evoked exocytosis upon Ca2+ binding. Herein, we identified a cluster of lysine residues, in the oft-ignored juxtamembrane linker region of syt1, that governs homo-multimerization in an anionic lipid-dependent manner. Neutralization of this positively charged region abolished syt1 self-association on phospholipid bilayers in vitro. Subsequently, in neurons, we found mutations that disrupted syt1 self-association were correlated with defects in clamping spontaneous SV release and in triggering and synchronizing evoked exocytosis. Thus, syt1 regulates SV exocytosis as an oligomer via charged residues in the juxtamembrane linker. Synaptotagmin 1 (syt1) is a Ca2+ sensor that regulates synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Cell-based experiments suggest that syt1 functions as a multimer; however, biochemical and electron microscopy studies have yielded contradictory findings regarding putative self-association. Here, we performed dynamic light scattering on syt1 in solution, followed by electron microscopy, and we used atomic force microscopy to study syt1 self-association on supported lipid bilayers under aqueous conditions. Ring-like multimers were clearly observed. Multimerization was enhanced by Ca2+ and required anionic phospholipids. Large ring-like structures (∼180 nm) were reduced to smaller rings (∼30 nm) upon neutralization of a cluster of juxtamembrane lysine residues; further substitution of residues in the second C2-domain completely abolished self-association. When expressed in neurons, syt1 mutants with graded reductions in self-association activity exhibited concomitant reductions in 1) clamping spontaneous release and 2) triggering and synchronizing evoked release. Thus, the juxtamembrane linker of syt1 plays a crucial role in exocytosis by mediating multimerization.
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24
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Wang J, Rattner A, Nathans J. A transcriptome atlas of the mouse iris at single-cell resolution defines cell types and the genomic response to pupil dilation. eLife 2021; 10:e73477. [PMID: 34783308 PMCID: PMC8594943 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The iris controls the level of retinal illumination by controlling pupil diameter. It is a site of diverse ophthalmologic diseases and it is a potential source of cells for ocular auto-transplantation. The present study provides foundational data on the mouse iris based on single nucleus RNA sequencing. More specifically, this work has (1) defined all of the major cell types in the mouse iris and ciliary body, (2) led to the discovery of two types of iris stromal cells and two types of iris sphincter cells, (3) revealed the differences in cell type-specific transcriptomes in the resting vs. dilated states, and (4) identified and validated antibody and in situ hybridization probes that can be used to visualize the major iris cell types. By immunostaining for specific iris cell types, we have observed and quantified distortions in nuclear morphology associated with iris dilation and clarified the neural crest contribution to the iris by showing that Wnt1-Cre-expressing progenitors contribute to nearly all iris cell types, whereas Sox10-Cre-expressing progenitors contribute only to stromal cells. This work should be useful as a point of reference for investigations of iris development, disease, and pharmacology, for the isolation and propagation of defined iris cell types, and for iris cell engineering and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Amir Rattner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jeremy Nathans
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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25
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Bera M, Ramakrishnan S, Coleman J, Krishnakumar SS, Rothman JE. Molecular Determinants of Complexin Clamping in Reconstituted Single-Vesicle Fusion.. [DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.05.451112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTPreviously we reported that Synaptotagmin-1 and Complexin synergistically clamp the SNARE assembly process to generate and maintain a pool of docked vesicles that fuse rapidly and synchronously upon Ca2+ influx (Ramakrishnan et al. 2020). Here using the same in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we establish the molecular details of the Complexin clamp and its physiological relevance. We find that a delay in fusion kinetics, likely imparted by Synaptotagmin-1, is needed for Complexin to block fusion. Systematic truncation/mutational analyses reveal that continuous alpha-helical accessory-central domains of Complexin are essential for its inhibitory function and specific interaction of the accessory helix with the SNAREpins, analogous to the trans clamping model, enhances this functionality. The c-terminal domain promotes clamping by locally elevating Complexin concentration through interactions with the membrane. Further, we find that Complexin likely contributes to rapid Ca2+-synchronized vesicular release by preventing un-initiated fusion rather than by directly facilitating vesicle fusion.
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26
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Li XL, Gao Q, Shen PJ, Zhang YF, Jiang WP, Huang ZY, Peng F, Gu ZM, Chen XF. Proteomic analysis of individual giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, growth retardants. J Proteomics 2021; 241:104224. [PMID: 33845180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
"Iron prawn" is a condition of severe growth retardation that fishers call. The giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a commercially important species contains high protein content and functional nutrients. However, no proteomic information is available for this species. We performed the shotgun 2DLC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of the total protein from "iron prawn". Total 19,758 peptides corresponding to 2613 high-confidence proteins were identified. These proteins range in size from 40 to 70 kDa. KEGG analysis revealed that the largest group consisting total 102 KEGG pathway proteins comparing the "iron prawn" with the normal prawn. Additionally, 7, 11, 1, 6, and 5 commercially important enzymes were found in the eyestalk, liver, muscle, ovary, and testis, respectively. The functions of these differently expressed enzymes include immune system action against pathogens, muscle contraction, digestive system metabolism, cell differentiation, migration, and apoptosis in the severe growth retardation of "iron prawn". Our work provides insight into the understanding of the formation mechanism of "iron prawn".
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Lian Li
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Pei-Jing Shen
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Yu-Fei Zhang
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Wen-Ping Jiang
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Zhen-Yuan Huang
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Zhi-Min Gu
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China.
| | - Xue-Feng Chen
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Animal Genetic and Breeding of Zhejiang province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China.
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27
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Radhakrishnan A, Li X, Grushin K, Krishnakumar SS, Liu J, Rothman JE. Symmetrical arrangement of proteins under release-ready vesicles in presynaptic terminals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024029118. [PMID: 33468631 PMCID: PMC7865176 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024029118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled release of neurotransmitters stored in synaptic vesicles (SVs) is a fundamental process that is central to all information processing in the brain. This relies on tight coupling of the SV fusion to action potential-evoked presynaptic Ca2+ influx. This Ca2+-evoked release occurs from a readily releasable pool (RRP) of SVs docked to the plasma membrane (PM). The protein components involved in initial SV docking/tethering and the subsequent priming reactions which make the SV release ready are known. Yet, the supramolecular architecture and sequence of molecular events underlying SV release are unclear. Here, we use cryoelectron tomography analysis in cultured hippocampal neurons to delineate the arrangement of the exocytosis machinery under docked SVs. Under native conditions, we find that vesicles are initially "tethered" to the PM by a variable number of protein densities (∼10 to 20 nm long) with no discernible organization. In contrast, we observe exactly six protein masses, each likely consisting of a single SNAREpin with its bound Synaptotagmins and Complexin, arranged symmetrically connecting the "primed" vesicles to the PM. Our data indicate that the fusion machinery is likely organized into a highly cooperative framework during the priming process which enables rapid SV fusion and neurotransmitter release following Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Kirill Grushin
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Shyam S Krishnakumar
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520;
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520;
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - James E Rothman
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520;
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28
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Scholz P, Anstatt J, Krawczyk HE, Ischebeck T. Signalling Pinpointed to the Tip: The Complex Regulatory Network That Allows Pollen Tube Growth. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1098. [PMID: 32859043 PMCID: PMC7569787 DOI: 10.3390/plants9091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plants display a complex life cycle, alternating between haploid and diploid generations. During fertilisation, the haploid sperm cells are delivered to the female gametophyte by pollen tubes, specialised structures elongating by tip growth, which is based on an equilibrium between cell wall-reinforcing processes and turgor-driven expansion. One important factor of this equilibrium is the rate of pectin secretion mediated and regulated by factors including the exocyst complex and small G proteins. Critically important are also non-proteinaceous molecules comprising protons, calcium ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and signalling lipids. Among the latter, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and the kinases involved in its formation have been assigned important functions. The negatively charged headgroup of this lipid serves as an interaction point at the apical plasma membrane for partners such as the exocyst complex, thereby polarising the cell and its secretion processes. Another important signalling lipid is phosphatidic acid (PA), that can either be formed by the combination of phospholipases C and diacylglycerol kinases or by phospholipases D. It further fine-tunes pollen tube growth, for example by regulating ROS formation. How the individual signalling cues are intertwined or how external guidance cues are integrated to facilitate directional growth remain open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Scholz
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 11, D-37077 Goettingen, Germany; (J.A.); (H.E.K.)
| | | | | | - Till Ischebeck
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 11, D-37077 Goettingen, Germany; (J.A.); (H.E.K.)
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29
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Syntaxin Clustering and Optogenetic Control for Synaptic Membrane Fusion. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4773-4782. [PMID: 32682743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Membrane fusion during synaptic transmission mediates the trafficking of chemical signals and neuronal communication. The fast kinetics of membrane fusion on the order of millisecond is precisely regulated by the assembly of SNAREs and accessory proteins. It is believed that the formation of the SNARE complex is a key step during membrane fusion. Little is known, however, about the molecular machinery that mediates the formation of a large pre-fusion complex, including multiple SNAREs and accessory proteins. Syntaxin, a transmembrane protein on the plasma membrane, has been observed to undergo oligomerization to form clusters. Whether this clustering plays a critical role in membrane fusion is poorly understood in live cells. Optogenetics is an emerging biotechnology armed with the capacity to precisely modulate protein-protein interaction in time and space. Here, we propose an experimental scheme that combines optogenetics with single-vesicle membrane fusion, aiming to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which the syntaxin cluster regulates membrane fusion. We envision that newly developed optogenetic tools could facilitate the mechanistic understanding of synaptic transmission in live cells and animals.
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