Understanding the nervous system: lessons from Frontiers in Neurophotonics

The Frontiers in Neurophotonics Symposium is a biennial event that brings together neurobiologists and physicists/engineers who share interest in the development of leading-edge photonics-based approaches to understand and manipulate the nervous system, from its individual molecular components to complex networks in the intact brain. In this Community paper, we highlight several topics that have been featured at the symposium that took place in October 2022 in Québec City, Canada.

Synaptotagmin 1-triggered lipid signaling facilitates coupling of exo- and endocytosis

Exocytosis and endocytosis are essential physiological processes and are of prime importance for brain function. Neurotransmission depends on the Ca2+-triggered exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs). In neurons, exocytosis is spatiotemporally coupled to the retrieval of an equal amount of membrane and SV proteins by compensatory endocytosis. How exocytosis and endocytosis are balanced to maintain presynaptic membrane homeostasis and, thereby, sustain brain function is essentially unknown. We combine mouse genetics with optical imaging to show that the SV calcium sensor Synaptotagmin 1 couples exocytic SV fusion to the endocytic retrieval of SV membranes by promoting the local activity-dependent formation of the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) at presynaptic sites. Interference with these mechanisms impairs PI(4,5)P2-triggered SV membrane retrieval but not exocytic SV fusion. Our findings demonstrate that the coupling of SV exocytosis and endocytosis involves local Synaptotagmin 1-induced lipid signaling to maintain presynaptic membrane homeostasis in central nervous system neurons.

Imaging of post-synaptic membrane trafficking in neuronal dendrites: progress, limitations, and new developments

Membrane trafficking of post-synaptic cargo is a key determinant of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. We describe here the latest developments in visualizing individual exocytosis and endocytosis events in neurons using pH-sensitive tags. We show how these tools help decipher the spatial and temporal regulation of membrane trafficking steps during synaptic plasticity.

Rational Engineering of an Improved Genetically Encoded pH Sensor Based on Superecliptic pHluorin

Genetically encoded pH sensors based on fluorescent proteins are valuable tools for the imaging of cellular events that are associated with pH changes, such as exocytosis and endocytosis. Superecliptic pHluorin (SEP) is a pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein (GFP) variant widely used for such applications. Here, we report the rational design, development, structure, and applications of Lime, an improved SEP variant with higher fluorescence brightness and greater pH sensitivity. The X-ray crystal structure of Lime supports the mechanistic rationale that guided the introduction of beneficial mutations. Lime provides substantial improvements relative to SEP for imaging of endocytosis and exocytosis. Furthermore, Lime and its variants are advantageous for a broader range of applications including the detection of synaptic release and neuronal voltage changes.

Alix is required for activity-dependent bulk endocytosis at brain synapses

In chemical synapses undergoing high frequency stimulation, vesicle components can be retrieved from the plasma membrane via a clathrin-independent process called activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE). Alix (ALG-2-interacting protein X/PDCD6IP) is an adaptor protein binding to ESCRT and endophilin-A proteins which is required for clathrin-independent endocytosis in fibroblasts. Alix is expressed in neurons and concentrates at synapses during epileptic seizures. Here, we used cultured neurons to show that Alix is recruited to presynapses where it interacts with and concentrates endophilin-A during conditions triggering ADBE. Using Alix knockout (ko) neurons, we showed that this recruitment, which requires interaction with the calcium-binding protein ALG-2, is necessary for ADBE. We also found that presynaptic compartments of Alix ko hippocampi display subtle morphological defects compatible with flawed synaptic activity and plasticity detected electrophysiologically. Furthermore, mice lacking Alix in the forebrain undergo less seizures during kainate-induced status epilepticus and reduced propagation of the epileptiform activity. These results thus show that impairment of ADBE due to the lack of neuronal Alix leads to abnormal synaptic recovery during physiological or pathological repeated stimulations.

The adaptor protein Alix (PDCD6IP) is necessary for membrane shaping underlying various biological processes including endocytosis. This study shows that Alix mediates activity-dependent bulk endocytosis and is required for correct synaptic physiology under normal and pathological conditions.

A synaptomic analysis reveals dopamine hub synapses in the mouse striatum

Dopamine transmission is involved in reward processing and motor control, and its impairment plays a central role in numerous neurological disorders. Despite its strong pathophysiological relevance, the molecular and structural organization of the dopaminergic synapse remains to be established. Here, we used targeted labelling and fluorescence activated sorting to purify striatal dopaminergic synaptosomes. We provide the proteome of dopaminergic synapses with 57 proteins specifically enriched. Beyond canonical markers of dopamine neurotransmission such as dopamine biosynthetic enzymes and cognate receptors, we validated 6 proteins not previously described as enriched. Moreover, our data reveal the adhesion of dopaminergic synapses to glutamatergic, GABAergic or cholinergic synapses in structures we named “dopamine hub synapses”. At glutamatergic synapses, pre- and postsynaptic markers are significantly increased upon association with dopamine synapses. Dopamine hub synapses may thus support local dopaminergic signalling, complementing volume transmission thought to be the major mechanism by which monoamines modulate network activity.

The neurotransmitter dopamine is an important regulator of brain function. Here the authors describe “dopamine hub synapses”, where dopamine transmission may act in synergy with other neurotransmitters.

Selective endocytosis of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs by the Alzheimer's disease risk factor CALM bidirectionally controls synaptic plasticity

AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission, and the plastic modulation of their surface levels determines synaptic strength. AMPARs of different subunit compositions fulfill distinct roles in synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) to enable learning. Largely unknown endocytic mechanisms mediate the subunit-selective regulation of the surface levels of GluA1-homomeric Ca2+-permeable (CP) versus heteromeric Ca2+-impermeable (CI) AMPARs. Here, we report that the Alzheimer's disease risk factor CALM controls the surface levels of CP-AMPARs and thereby reciprocally regulates LTP and LTD in vivo to modulate learning. We show that CALM selectively facilitates the endocytosis of ubiquitinated CP-AMPARs via a mechanism that depends on ubiquitin recognition by its ANTH domain but is independent of clathrin. Our data identify CALM and related ANTH domain-containing proteins as the core endocytic machinery that determines the surface levels of CP-AMPARs to bidirectionally control synaptic plasticity and modulate learning in the mammalian brain.

Live cell tracking of macrophage efferocytosis during Drosophila embryo development in vivo

Apoptosis of cells and their subsequent removal via efferocytosis occurs in nearly all tissues during development, homeostasis, and disease. However, it has been difficult to track cell death and subsequent corpse removal in vivo. Here, we developed a genetically encoded fluorescent reporter, CharON, that could track emerging apoptotic cells and their efferocytic clearance by phagocytes. Using Drosophila expressing CharON, we uncovered multiple qualitative and quantitative features of coordinated clearance of apoptotic corpses during embryonic development. To confront high rate of emerging apoptotic corpses, the macrophages displayed heterogeneity in engulfment, with some efferocytic macrophages carrying high corpse burden. However, overburdened macrophages were compromised in clearing wound debris, revealing an inherent vulnerability. These findings reveal known and unexpected features of apoptosis and macrophage efferocytosis in vivo.

Bioorthogonal labeling of transmembrane proteins with non-canonical amino acids unveils masked epitopes in live neurons

Progress in biological imaging is intrinsically linked to advances in labeling methods. The explosion in the development of high-resolution and super-resolution imaging calls for new approaches to label targets with small probes. These should allow to faithfully report the localization of the target within the imaging resolution - typically nowadays a few nanometers - and allow access to any epitope of the target, in the native cellular and tissue environment. We report here the development of a complete labeling and imaging pipeline using genetic code expansion and non-canonical amino acids in neurons that allows to fluorescently label masked epitopes in target transmembrane proteins in live neurons, both in dissociated culture and organotypic brain slices. This allows us to image the differential localization of two AMPA receptor (AMPAR) auxiliary subunits of the transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein family in complex with their partner with a variety of methods including widefield, confocal, and dSTORM super-resolution microscopy.

The vSNAREs VAMP2 and VAMP4 control recycling and intracellular sorting of post-synaptic receptors in neuronal dendrites

The endosomal recycling system dynamically tunes synaptic strength, which underlies synaptic plasticity. Exocytosis is involved in the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP), as postsynaptic cleavage of the SNARE (soluble NSF-attachment protein receptor) protein VAMP2 by tetanus toxin blocks LTP. Moreover, induction of LTP increases the exocytosis of transferrin receptors (TfRs) and markers of recycling endosomes (REs), as well as post-synaptic AMPA type receptors (AMPARs). However, the interplay between AMPAR and TfR exocytosis remains unclear. Here, we identify VAMP4 as the vesicular SNARE that mediates most dendritic RE exocytosis. In contrast, VAMP2 plays a minor role in RE exocytosis. LTP induction increases the exocytosis of both VAMP2- and VAMP4-labeled organelles. Knock down (KD) of VAMP4 decreases TfR recycling but increases AMPAR recycling. Moreover, VAMP4 KD increases AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission, which consequently occludes LTP expression. The opposing changes in AMPAR and TfR recycling upon VAMP4 KD reveal their sorting into separate endosomal populations.

NMDAR-dependent long-term depression is associated with increased short term plasticity through autophagy mediated loss of PSD-95

Long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic strength can take multiple forms and contribute to circuit remodeling, memory encoding or erasure. The generic term LTD encompasses various induction pathways, including activation of NMDA, mGlu or P2X receptors. However, the associated specific molecular mechanisms and effects on synaptic physiology are still unclear. We here compare how NMDAR- or P2XR-dependent LTD affect synaptic nanoscale organization and function in rodents. While both LTDs are associated with a loss and reorganization of synaptic AMPARs, only NMDAR-dependent LTD induction triggers a profound reorganization of PSD-95. This modification, which requires the autophagy machinery to remove the T19-phosphorylated form of PSD-95 from synapses, leads to an increase in AMPAR surface mobility. We demonstrate that these post-synaptic changes that occur specifically during NMDAR-dependent LTD result in an increased short-term plasticity improving neuronal responsiveness of depressed synapses. Our results establish that P2XR- and NMDAR-mediated LTD are associated to functionally distinct forms of LTD.

The atypical Rho GTPase Rnd2 is critical for dentate granule neuron development and anxiety-like behavior during adult but not neonatal neurogenesis

Despite the central role of Rho GTPases in neuronal development, their functions in adult hippocampal neurogenesis remain poorly explored. Here, by using a retrovirus-based loss-of-function approach in vivo, we show that the atypical Rho GTPase Rnd2 is crucial for survival, positioning, somatodendritic morphogenesis, and functional maturation of adult-born dentate granule neurons. Interestingly, most of these functions are specific to granule neurons generated during adulthood since the deletion of Rnd2 in neonatally-born granule neurons only affects dendritogenesis. In addition, suppression of Rnd2 in adult-born dentate granule neurons increases anxiety-like behavior whereas its deletion in pups has no such effect, a finding supporting the adult neurogenesis hypothesis of anxiety disorders. Thus, our results are in line with the view that adult neurogenesis is not a simple continuation of earlier processes from development, and establish a causal relationship between Rnd2 expression and anxiety.

Pharmacological Programming of Endosomal Signaling Activated by Small Molecule Ligands of the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with pivotal roles in reproduction. One key mechanism dictating the signal activity of GPCRs is membrane trafficking. After binding its hormone FSH, FSHR undergoes internalization to very early endosomes (VEEs) for its acute signaling and sorting to a rapid recycling pathway. The VEE is a heterogeneous compartment containing the Adaptor Protein Phosphotyrosine Interacting with Pleckstrin homology Domain and Leucine Zipper 1 (APPL1) with distinct functions in regulating endosomal Gαs/cAMP signaling and rapid recycling. Low molecular weight (LMW) allosteric FSHR ligands were developed for use in assisted reproductive technology yet could also provide novel pharmacological tools to study FSHR. Given the critical nature of receptor internalization and endosomal signaling for FSHR activity, we assessed whether these compounds exhibit differential abilities to alter receptor endosomal trafficking and signaling within the VEE. Two chemically distinct LMW agonists (benzamide, termed B3 and thiazolidinone, termed T1) were employed. T1 was able to induce a greater level of cAMP than FSH and B3. As cAMP signaling drives gonadotrophin hormone receptor recycling, rapid exocytic events were evaluated at single event resolution. Strikingly, T1 was able to induce a 3-fold increase in recycling events compared to FSH and two-fold more compared to B3. As T1-induced internalization was only marginally greater, the dramatic increase in recycling and cAMP signaling may be due to additional mechanisms. All compounds exhibited a similar requirement for receptor internalization to increase cAMP and proportion of FSHR endosomes with active Gαs, suggesting regulation of cAMP signaling induced by T1 may be altered. APPL1 plays a central role for GPCRs targeted to the VEE, and indeed, loss of APPL1 inhibited FSH-induced recycling and increased endosomal cAMP signaling. While T1-induced FSHR recycling was APPL1-dependent, its elevated cAMP signaling was only partially increased following APPL1 knockdown. Unexpectedly, B3 altered the dependence of FSHR to APPL1 in an opposing manner, whereby its endosomal signaling was negatively regulated by APPL1, while B3-induced FSHR recycling was APPL1-independent. Overall, FSHR allosteric compounds have the potential to re-program FSHR activity via altering engagement with VEE machinery and also suggests that these two distinct functions of APPL1 can potentially be selected pharmacologically.

Imaging endocytic vesicle formation at high spatial and temporal resolutions with the pulsed-pH protocol

Endocytosis is a fundamental process occurring in all eukaryotic cells. Live cell imaging of endocytosis has helped to decipher many of its mechanisms and regulations. With the pulsed-pH (ppH) protocol, one can detect the formation of individual endocytic vesicles (EVs) with an unmatched temporal resolution of 2 s. The ppH protocol makes use of cargo protein (e.g., the transferrin receptor) coupled to a pH-sensitive fluorescent protein, such as superecliptic pHluorin (SEP), which is brightly fluorescent at pH 7.4 but not fluorescent at pH <6.0. If the SEP moiety is at the surface, its fluorescence will decrease when cells are exposed to a low pH (5.5) buffer. If the SEP moiety has been internalized, SEP will remain fluorescent even during application of the low pH buffer. Fast perfusion enables the complete exchange of low and high pH extracellular solutions every 2 s, defining the temporal resolution of the technique. Unlike other imaging-based endocytosis assays, the ppH protocol detects EVs without a priori hypotheses on the dynamics of vesicle formation. Here, we explain how the ppH protocol quantifies the endocytic activity of living cells and the recruitment of associated proteins in real time. We provide a step-by-step procedure for expression of the reporter proteins with transient transfection, live cell image acquisition with synchronized pH changes and automated analysis. The whole protocol can be performed in 2 d to provide quantitative information on the endocytic process being studied.

Semisynthetic fluorescent pH sensors for imaging exocytosis and endocytosis

The GFP-based superecliptic pHluorin (SEP) enables detection of exocytosis and endocytosis, but its performance has not been duplicated in red fluorescent protein scaffolds. Here we describe "semisynthetic" pH-sensitive protein conjugates with organic fluorophores, carbofluorescein, and Virginia Orange that match the properties of SEP. Conjugation to genetically encoded self-labeling tags or antibodies allows visualization of both exocytosis and endocytosis, constituting new bright sensors for these key steps of synaptic transmission.

A Central Small Amino Acid in the VAMP2 Transmembrane Domain Regulates the Fusion Pore in Exocytosis

Exocytosis depends on cytosolic domains of SNARE proteins but the function of the transmembrane domains (TMDs) in membrane fusion remains controversial. The TMD of the SNARE protein synaptobrevin2/VAMP2 contains two highly conserved small amino acids, G₁₀₀ and C₁₀₃, in its central portion. Substituting G₁₀₀ and/or C₁₀₃ with the β-branched amino acid valine impairs the structural flexibility of the TMD in terms of α-helix/β-sheet transitions in model membranes (measured by infrared reflection-absorption or evanescent wave spectroscopy) during increase in protein/lipid ratios, a parameter expected to be altered by recruitment of SNAREs at fusion sites. This structural change is accompanied by reduced membrane fluidity (measured by infrared ellipsometry). The G₁₀₀V/C₁₀₃V mutation nearly abolishes depolarization-evoked exocytosis (measured by membrane capacitance) and hormone secretion (measured biochemically). Single-vesicle optical (by TIRF microscopy) and biophysical measurements of ATP release indicate that G₁₀₀V/C₁₀₃V retards initial fusion-pore opening, hinders its expansion and leads to premature closure in most instances. We conclude that the TMD of VAMP2 plays a critical role in membrane fusion and that the structural mobility provided by the central small amino acids is crucial for exocytosis by influencing the molecular re-arrangements of the lipid membrane that are necessary for fusion pore opening and expansion.

Rab35 GTPase Triggers Switch-like Recruitment of the Lowe Syndrome Lipid Phosphatase OCRL on Newborn Endosomes

Phosphoinositide (PtdIns) homeostasis requires a tight spatial and temporal regulation during the endocytic process [1]. Indeed, PtdIns(4,5)P2 plays a crucial role in endocytosis by controlling clathrin-coated pit formation, whereas its conversion into PtdIns4P right after scission of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) is essential for successful uncoating and cargo sorting [1-6]. In non-neuronal cells, endosomal PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis critically relies on the lipid phosphatase OCRL [7-9], the inactivation of which causes the Oculo-Cerebro-Renal syndrome of Lowe [10, 11]. To understand the coupling between PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis and endosome formation, a key issue is thus to unravel the mechanism by which OCRL is recruited on CCVs precisely after their scission from the plasma membrane. Here we found that the Rab35 GTPase, which plays a fundamental but poorly understood role in endosomal trafficking after cargo internalization [12-21], directly recruits the OCRL phosphatase immediately after scission of the CCVs. Consistent with Rab35 and OCRL acting together, depletion of either Rab35 or OCRL leads to retention of internalized receptors such as the endogenous cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) in peripheral clathrin-positive endosomes that display abnormal association with PtdIns(4,5)P2- and actin-binding proteins. Remarkably, Rab35 loading on CCVs rapidly follows the recruitment of the AP2-binding Rab35 GEF/activator DENND1A (connecdenn 1) and the disappearance of the Rab35 GAP/inhibitor EPI64B. We propose that the precise spatial and temporal activation of Rab35 acts as a major switch for OCRL recruitment on newborn endosomes, post-scission PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, and subsequent endosomal trafficking.

Mechanical coupling between transsynaptic N-cadherin adhesions and actin flow stabilizes dendritic spines

A combination of quantitative live imaging of fluorescently tagged actin, N-cadherin, and myosin in primary neurons and computer modeling of actin dynamics shows that a clutch-like mechanism connecting N-cadherin–based transsynaptic adhesions and the actin/myosin network drives the stabilization of dendritic filopodia into spines.

The morphology of neuronal dendritic spines is a critical indicator of synaptic function. It is regulated by several factors, including the intracellular actin/myosin cytoskeleton and transcellular N-cadherin adhesions. To examine the mechanical relationship between these molecular components, we performed quantitative live-imaging experiments in primary hippocampal neurons. We found that actin turnover and structural motility were lower in dendritic spines than in immature filopodia and increased upon expression of a nonadhesive N-cadherin mutant, resulting in an inverse relationship between spine motility and actin enrichment. Furthermore, the pharmacological stimulation of myosin II induced the rearward motion of actin structures in spines, showing that myosin II exerts tension on the actin network. Strikingly, the formation of stable, spine-like structures enriched in actin was induced at contacts between dendritic filopodia and N-cadherin–coated beads or micropatterns. Finally, computer simulations of actin dynamics mimicked various experimental conditions, pointing to the actin flow rate as an important parameter controlling actin enrichment in dendritic spines. Together these data demonstrate that a clutch-like mechanism between N-cadherin adhesions and the actin flow underlies the stabilization of dendritic filopodia into mature spines, a mechanism that may have important implications in synapse initiation, maturation, and plasticity in the developing brain.

pHuji, a pH-sensitive red fluorescent protein for imaging of exo- and endocytosis

Fluorescent proteins with pH-sensitive fluorescence are valuable tools for the imaging of exocytosis and endocytosis. The Aequorea green fluorescent protein mutant superecliptic pHluorin (SEP) is particularly well suited to these applications. Here we describe pHuji, a red fluorescent protein with a pH sensitivity that approaches that of SEP, making it amenable for detection of single exocytosis and endocytosis events. To demonstrate the utility of the pHuji plus SEP pair, we perform simultaneous two-color imaging of clathrin-mediated internalization of both the transferrin receptor and the β2 adrenergic receptor. These experiments reveal that the two receptors are differentially sorted at the time of endocytic vesicle formation.

Endosomal WASH and exocyst complexes control exocytosis of MT1-MMP at invadopodia

WASH and exocyst promote pericellular matrix degradation and tumor cell invasion by enabling localized exocytosis of MT1-MMP from late endosomes.

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix by carcinoma cells during metastatic dissemination requires formation of actin-based protrusions of the plasma membrane called invadopodia, where the trans-membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) accumulates. Here, we describe an interaction between the exocyst complex and the endosomal Arp2/3 activator Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and Scar homolog (WASH) on MT1-MMP–containing late endosomes in invasive breast carcinoma cells. We found that WASH and exocyst are required for matrix degradation by an exocytic mechanism that involves tubular connections between MT1-MMP–positive late endosomes and the plasma membrane in contact with the matrix. This ensures focal delivery of MT1-MMP and supports pericellular matrix degradation and tumor cell invasion into different pathologically relevant matrix environments. Our data suggest a general mechanism used by tumor cells to breach the basement membrane and for invasive migration through fibrous collagen-enriched tissues surrounding the tumor.

Agonist-dependent endocytosis of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors revealed by a γ2(R43Q) epilepsy mutation

GABA-gated chloride channels (GABAARs) trafficking is involved in the regulation of fast inhibitory transmission. Here, we took advantage of a γ2(R43Q) subunit mutation linked to epilepsy in humans that considerably reduces the number of GABAARs on the cell surface to better understand the trafficking of GABAARs. Using recombinant expression in cultured rat hippocampal neurons and COS-7 cells, we showed that receptors containing γ2(R43Q) were addressed to the cell membrane but underwent clathrin-mediated dynamin-dependent endocytosis. The γ2(R43Q)-dependent endocytosis was reduced by GABAAR antagonists. These data, in addition to a new homology model, suggested that a conformational change in the extracellular domain of γ2(R43Q)-containing GABAARs increased their internalization. This led us to show that endogenous and recombinant wild-type GABAAR endocytosis in both cultured neurons and COS-7 cells can be amplified by their agonists. These findings revealed not only a direct relationship between endocytosis of GABAARs and a genetic neurological disorder but also that trafficking of these receptors can be modulated by their agonist.

Zinc potentiates GluK3 glutamate receptor function by stabilizing the ligand binding domain dimer interface

Kainate receptors (KARs) play a key role in the regulation of synaptic networks. Here, we show that zinc, a cation released at a subset of glutamatergic synapses, potentiates glutamate currents mediated by homomeric and heteromeric KARs containing GluK3 at 10-100 μM concentrations, whereas it inhibits other KAR subtypes. Potentiation of GluK3 currents is mainly due to reduced desensitization, as shown by kinetic analysis and desensitization mutants. Crystallographic and mutation analyses revealed that a specific zinc binding site is formed at the base of the ligand binding domain (LBD) dimer interface by a GluK3-specific aspartate (Asp759), together with two conserved residues, His762 and Asp730, the latter located on the partner subunit. In addition, we propose that tetrameric GluK2/GluK3 receptors are likely assembled as pairs of heterodimeric LBDs. Therefore, zinc binding stabilizes the labile GluK3 dimer interface, slows desensitization, and potentiates currents, providing a mechanism for KAR potentiation at glutamatergic synapses.

SHANK3 mutations identified in autism lead to modification of dendritic spine morphology via an actin-dependent mechanism

Genetic mutations of SHANK3 have been reported in patients with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. At the synapse, Shank3/ProSAP2 is a scaffolding protein that connects glutamate receptors to the actin cytoskeleton via a chain of intermediary elements. Although genetic studies have repeatedly confirmed the association of SHANK3 mutations with susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, very little is known about the neuronal consequences of these mutations. Here, we report the functional effects of two de novo mutations (STOP and Q321R) and two inherited variations (R12C and R300C) identified in patients with ASD. We show that Shank3 is located at the tip of actin filaments and enhances its polymerization. Shank3 also participates in growth cone motility in developing neurons. The truncating mutation (STOP) strongly affects the development and morphology of dendritic spines, reduces synaptic transmission in mature neurons and also inhibits the effect of Shank3 on growth cone motility. The de novo mutation in the ankyrin domain (Q321R) modifies the roles of Shank3 in spine induction and morphology, and actin accumulation in spines and affects growth cone motility. Finally, the two inherited mutations (R12C and R300C) have intermediate effects on spine density and synaptic transmission. Therefore, although inherited by healthy parents, the functional effects of these mutations strongly suggest that they could represent risk factors for ASD. Altogether, these data provide new insights into the synaptic alterations caused by SHANK3 mutations in humans and provide a robust cellular readout for the development of knowledge-based therapies.

Endocytosis of the glutamate receptor subunit GluK3 controls polarized trafficking

Kainate receptors (KARs) are widely expressed in the brain and are present at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites. GluK3-containing KARs are thought to compose presynaptic autoreceptors that facilitate hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission. Here we identify molecular mechanisms that underlie the polarized trafficking of KARs composed of the GluK3b splice variant. Endocytosis followed by degradation is driven by a dileucine motif on the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of GluK3b in heterologous cells, in cultured hippocampal neurons, and in dentate granule cells from organotypic slice cultures. The internalization of GluK3b is clathrin and dynamin2 dependent. GluK3b is differentially endocytosed in dendrites as compared to the axons. These data suggest that the polarized trafficking of KARs in neurons could be controlled by the regulation of receptor endocytosis.

A high precision survey of the molecular dynamics of mammalian clathrin-mediated endocytosis

The molecular dynamics of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in living cells has been mapped with an approximately ten-fold improvement in temporal accuracy, yielding new insights into the molecular mechanism.

Dual colour total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for decoding the molecular dynamics of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Typically, the recruitment of a fluorescent protein–tagged endocytic protein was referenced to the disappearance of spot-like clathrin-coated structure (CCS), but the precision of spot-like CCS disappearance as a marker for canonical CME remained unknown. Here we have used an imaging assay based on total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to detect scission events with a resolution of ∼2 s. We found that scission events engulfed comparable amounts of transferrin receptor cargo at CCSs of different sizes and CCS did not always disappear following scission. We measured the recruitment dynamics of 34 types of endocytic protein to scission events: Abp1, ACK1, amphiphysin1, APPL1, Arp3, BIN1, CALM, CIP4, clathrin light chain (Clc), cofilin, coronin1B, cortactin, dynamin1/2, endophilin2, Eps15, Eps8, epsin2, FBP17, FCHo1/2, GAK, Hip1R, lifeAct, mu2 subunit of the AP2 complex, myosin1E, myosin6, NECAP, N-WASP, OCRL1, Rab5, SNX9, synaptojanin2β1, and syndapin2. For each protein we aligned ∼1,000 recruitment profiles to their respective scission events and constructed characteristic “recruitment signatures” that were grouped, as for yeast, to reveal the modular organization of mammalian CME. A detailed analysis revealed the unanticipated recruitment dynamics of SNX9, FBP17, and CIP4 and showed that the same set of proteins was recruited, in the same order, to scission events at CCSs of different sizes and lifetimes. Collectively these data reveal the fine-grained temporal structure of CME and suggest a simplified canonical model of mammalian CME in which the same core mechanism of CME, involving actin, operates at CCSs of diverse sizes and lifetimes.

The molecular machinery of clathrin-mediated endocytosis concentrates receptors at the cell surface in a patch of membrane that curves into a vesicle, pinches off, and internalizes membrane cargo and a tiny volume of extracellular fluid. We know that dozens of proteins are involved in this process, but precisely when and where they act remains poorly understood. Here we used a fluorescence imaging assay to detect the moment of scission in living cells and used this as a reference point from which to measure the characteristic recruitment signatures of 34 fluorescently tagged endocytic proteins. Pair-wise comparison of these recruitment signatures allowed us to identify seven modules of proteins that were recruited with similar kinetics. For the most part the recruitment signatures were consistent with what was previously known about the proteins' structure and their binding affinities; however, the recruitment signatures for some components (such as some BAR and F-BAR domain proteins) could not have been predicted from existing structural or biochemical data. This study provides a paradigm for mapping molecular dynamics in living cells and provides new insights into the mechanism of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Gating and permeation of kainate receptors: differences unveiled

Kainate receptors (KARs) represent, together with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, one of the three families of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Recent advances in the study of their biophysical properties have revealed a surprising diversity. KAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) are often much slower than AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs, and this is probably due to the slow deactivation rate of KARs containing the GluK4 or GluK5 subunits. By contrast, GluK3-containing receptors, unlike other AMPA/kainate receptors, desensitize faster at low agonist concentrations, making these receptors insensitive to glutamate spillover from neighboring synapses. Moreover, KARs have a wide range of sensitivities to intracellular polyamines and consequently of voltage dependent activation. Finally, newly discovered associated proteins, such as Neto1 and 2, have marked effects on receptor properties, increasing further the potential diversity of KAR functional properties. Altogether, this functional diversity of KARs could have profound consequences on their ability to shape synaptic transmission under physiological and pathological conditions.

Atypical functional properties of GluK3-containing kainate receptors

The properties of synaptic receptors determine their mode of action at presynaptic and postsynaptic loci. Here, we investigated the atypical biophysical properties of GluK3-containing kainate receptors, which contribute to presynaptic facilitation at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. We show, using fast glutamate applications on outside-out patches and kinetic modeling, that the low sensitivity of GluK3 receptors for glutamate is attributable to fast desensitization of partially bound receptors. Consequently, these receptors can only be activated by fast transients of high glutamate concentration. In addition, GluK3 receptors are very sensitive to voltage-dependent block by intracellular spermine that precludes activation of substantial currents at potentials positive to -50 mV. Two specific residues within the channel pore define this high-affinity site. Finally, GluK3 are calcium permeable in the same way as unedited GluK2 receptors. These receptors present unique properties among AMPA/kainate receptors that could reflect a specialized presynaptic function.

Human GluR6c, a functional splicing variants of GluR6, is mainly expressed in non-nervous cells

Kainate-type glutamate receptors (KARs) are receptor channels with a variety of distinct physiological functions in synaptic transmission, depending on their sub-cellular location in functional neuronal compartments. The kainate receptor subunit GluR6 presents different splice variants involving the C-terminal domain, namely GluR6a, GluR6b and GluR6c. In this study, we report the analysis of the three human splicing isoforms and in particular of the uncharacterized hGluR6c. When expressed in COS-7 cells, hGluR6a receptor subunit was highly present on the surface of the plasma membrane, whereas hGluR6b and hGluRc were poorly transported to the membrane. Electrophysiological studies of homomeric receptors showed that hGluR6c subunit can generate functional receptors with characteristics similar to the GluR6b variant. mRNA expression analysis demonstrated that hGluR6c variant is mainly expressed in non-neuronal cells and barely expressed in neuronal ones. Interestingly, undifferentiated NT2 cells expressing only the hGluR6c isoform, during neuronal differentiation induced by retinoic acid, increased the expression level of the neuronal form hGluR6a with a parallel decreased of hGluR6c. Overall, our data indicate that hGluR6c might have unique properties in non-nervous cells and in the first stages of CNS development.

Principles of Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRFM)

INTRODUCTIONTotal internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is a powerful technique for studying events that occur near a cell surface. The technique allows selective imaging of fluorescent molecules that are closest to a high refractive index substance such as glass. TIRFM has been used to study (1) exocytosis of single synaptic vesicles stained with FM1-43 in living goldfish retinal bipolar neurons and (2) exocytosis of single dense core granules stained with neuropeptide Y-enhanced green fluorescent protein (NPY-EGFP) in living bovine chromaffin cells. This article describes the basic theory behind TIRFM and provides an overview for setting up a TIRFM system.

Imaging Exocytosis with Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRFM)

INTRODUCTIONAlthough electrophysiological techniques such as membrane capacitance measurements, electrochemical detection, and post-synaptic recordings are powerful ways of studying exocytosis, information concerning any steps prior to vesicle fusion must be inferred indirectly. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is a powerful technique for studying events that, like exocytosis, occur near a cell surface. The technique allows selective imaging of fluorescent molecules that are closest to a high refractive index substance such as glass. In this protocol, TIRFM is used to investigate the steps leading up to vesicle fusion in both retinal bipolar neurons and chromaffin cells by directly imaging synaptic vesicles and dense core granules prior to and including exocytosis.

Fast regulation of axonal growth cone motility by electrical activity

Axonal growth cones are responsible for the correct guidance of developing axons and the establishment of functional neural networks. They are highly motile because of fast and continuous rearrangements of their actin-rich cytoskeleton. Here we have used live imaging of axonal growth cones of hippocampal neurons in culture and quantified their motility with a temporal resolution of 2 s. Using novel methods of analysis of growth cone dynamics, we show that transient activation of kainate receptors by bath-applied kainate induced a fast and reversible growth cone stalling. This effect depends on electrical activity and can be mimicked by the transient discharge of action potentials elicited in the neuron by intracellular current injections at the somatic level through a patch pipette. Growth cone stalling induced by electrical stimulation is mediated by calcium entry from the extracellular medium as well as by calcium release from intracellular stores that define spatially restricted microdomains directly affecting cytoskeletal dynamics. We propose that growth cone motility is dynamically controlled by transient bursts of spontaneous electrical activity, which constitutes a prominent feature of developing neural networks in vivo.

GluR7 is an essential subunit of presynaptic kainate autoreceptors at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses

Presynaptic ionotropic glutamate receptors are emerging as key players in the regulation of synaptic transmission. Here we identify GluR7, a kainate receptor (KAR) subunit with no known function in the brain, as an essential subunit of presynaptic autoreceptors that facilitate hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission. GluR7(-/-) mice display markedly reduced short- and long-term synaptic potentiation. Our data suggest that presynaptic KARs are GluR6/GluR7 heteromers that coassemble and are localized within synapses. We show that recombinant GluR6/GluR7 KARs exhibit low sensitivity to glutamate, and we provide evidence that presynaptic KARs at mossy fiber synapses are likely activated by high concentrations of glutamate. Overall, from our data, we propose a model whereby presynaptic KARs are localized in the presynaptic active zone close to release sites, display low affinity for glutamate, are likely Ca(2+)-permeable, are activated by single release events, and operate within a short time window to facilitate the subsequent release of glutamate.

Short-term plasticity of kainate receptor-mediated EPSCs induced by NMDA receptors at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses

Kainate receptors (KARs) are heteromeric ionotropic glutamate receptors that play a variety of functions in the regulation of the activity of synaptic networks. Little is known about the regulation of the function of synaptic KARs in the brain. In the present study, we found that a conditioning activation of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) induces short-term depression of KAR-EPSCs but not of AMPA receptor-EPSCs at synapses between mossy fibers and CA3 pyramidal cells. Short-term depression of KAR-EPSCs by synaptic NMDARs peaked at 1 s and reversed within 20 s, was likely induced and expressed postsynaptically, and was homosynaptic. It depended on a rise of Ca2+ in the postsynaptic cell and on the activation of the phosphatase calcineurin that likely binds to the GluR6b (glutamate receptor subunit 6b) subunit splice variant allowing the dephosphorylation of KARs and inhibition of activity. Finally, we show in the current-clamp mode that short-term depression of KAR-EPSPs is induced by the coincident discharge of action potentials in the postsynaptic cell together with synaptic stimulation. Hence, this study describes a form of short-term synaptic plasticity that is postsynaptic, depends on the temporal order of presynaptic and postsynaptic spiking, and likely affects the summation properties of mossy fiber EPSPs.

Dynamics of Endocytic Vesicle Creation

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is the main path for receptor internalization in metazoans and is essential for controlling cell integrity and signaling. It is driven by a large array of protein and lipid interactions that have been deciphered mainly by biochemical and genetic means. To place these interactions into context, and ultimately build a fully operative model of endocytosis at the molecular level, it is necessary to know the kinetic details of the role of each protein in this process. In this review, we describe the recent efforts made, by using live cell imaging, to define clear steps in the formation of endocytic vesicles and to observe the recruitment of key proteins during membrane invagination, the scission of a newly formed vesicle, and its movement away from the plasma membrane.

Co-assembly of two GluR6 kainate receptor splice variants within a functional protein complex

Kainate receptors (KAR) are composed of several distinct subunits and splice variants, but the functional relevance of this diversity remains largely unclear. Here we show that two splice variants of the GluR6 subunit, GluR6a and GluR6b, which differ in their C-terminal domains, do not show distinct functional properties, but coassemble as heteromers in vitro and in vivo. Using a proteomic approach combining affinity purification and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, we found that GluR6a and GluR6b interact with two distinct subsets of cytosolic proteins mainly involved in Ca(2+) regulation of channel function and intracellular trafficking. Guided by these results, we provide evidence that the regulation of native KAR function by NMDA receptors depends on the heteromerization of GluR6a and GluR6b and interaction of calcineurin with GluR6b. Thus, GluR6a and GluR6b bring in close proximity two separate subsets of interacting proteins that contribute to the fine regulation of KAR trafficking and function.

Coupling between clathrin-coated-pit invagination, cortactin recruitment, and membrane scission observed in live cells

During clathrin-mediated endocytosis, membrane scission marks the isolation of a cargo-laden clathrin-coated pit (CCP) from the cell exterior. Here we used live-cell imaging of a pH-sensitive cargo to visualize the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) at single CCPs with a time resolution of seconds. We show that CCPs are highly dynamic and can produce multiple vesicles in succession. Using alternating evanescent field and epifluorescence illumination, we show that CCP invagination and scission are tightly coupled, with scission coinciding with maximal displacement of CCPs from the plasma membrane and with peak recruitment of cortactin-DsRed, a dynamin and F-actin binding protein. Finally, perturbing actin polymerization with latrunculin-B drastically reduces the efficiency of membrane scission and affects many aspects of CCP dynamics. We propose that CCP invagination, actin polymerization, and CCV formation are highly coordinated for efficient endocytosis.

Recapture after exocytosis causes differential retention of protein in granules of bovine chromaffin cells

After exocytosis, chromaffin granules release essentially all their catecholamines in small fractions of a second, but it is unknown how fast they release stored peptides and proteins. Here we compare the exocytic release of fluorescently labelled neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tissue plasminogen activator from single granules. Exocytosis was tracked by measuring the membrane capacitance, and single granules in live cells were imaged by evanescent field microscopy. Neuropeptide Y left most granules in small fractions of a second, while tissue plasminogen activator remained in open granules for minutes. Taking advantage of the dependence on pH of the fluorescence of green fluorescent protein, we used rhythmic external acidification to determine whether and when granules re-sealed. One-third of them re-sealed within 100 s and retained significant levels of tissue plasminogen activator. Re-sealing accounts for only a fraction of the endocytosis monitored in capacitance measurements. When external [Ca2+] was raised, even neuropeptide Y remained in open granules until they re-sealed. It is concluded that a significant fraction of chromaffin granules re-seal after exocytosis, and retain those proteins that leave granules slowly. We suggest that granules vary the stoichiometry of release by varying both granule re-sealing and the association of proteins with the granule matrix.

Secretory granules are recaptured largely intact after stimulated exocytosis in cultured endocrine cells

Classical cell biology teaches that exocytosis causes the membrane of exocytic vesicles to disperse into the cell surface and that a cell must later retrieve by molecular sorting whatever membrane components it wishes to keep inside. We have tested whether this view applies to secretory granules in intact PC-12 cells. Three granule proteins were labeled with fluorescent proteins in different colors, and two-color evanescent-field microscopy was used to view single granules during and after exocytosis. Whereas neuro-peptide Y was lost from granules in seconds, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and the membrane protein phogrin remained at the granule site for over 1 min, thus providing markers for postexocytic granules. When tPA was imaged simultaneously with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) as a cytosolic marker, the volume occupied by the granule appeared as a dark spot where it excluded CFP. The spot remained even after tPA reported exocytosis, indicating that granules failed to flatten into the cell surface. Phogrin was labeled with GFP at its luminal end and used to sense the pH in granules. When exocytosis caused the acidic granule interior to neutralize, GFP-phogrin at first brightened and later dimmed again as the interior separated from the extracellular space and reacidified. Reacidification and dimming could be reversed by application of NH(4)Cl. We conclude that most granules reseal in <10 s after releasing cargo, and that these empty or partially empty granules are recaptured otherwise intact.

Altering the concentration of GABA in the synaptic cleft potentiates miniature IPSCs in rat occipital cortex

We have tested the effect of dextran (40 kDa, 5%) on miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) recorded in layer V cortical pyramidal cells. This compound increases the amplitude of mIPSCs at room and physiological temperatures by 15%, leaving their duration unaffected at room temperature and slightly increased at physiological temperature. The amplitude increase is attributable to an increase in the number of receptors bound by GABA during synaptic transmission, as shown by the occlusion between the effects of dextran and zolpidem on mIPSC amplitude at room temperature. As dextran presumably enhances the concentration and dwell time of GABA in the synaptic cleft, these results demonstrate that the postsynaptic GABAA receptors are not saturated at room and physiological temperatures.

Effect of zolpidem on miniature IPSCs and occupancy of postsynaptic GABAA receptors in central synapses

GABAA-mediated miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) were recorded from layer V pyramidal neurons of the visual cortex using whole-cell patch-clamp recording in rat brain slices. At room temperature, the benzodiazepine site agonist zolpidem enhanced both the amplitude (to 138 +/- 26% of control value at 10 microM) and the duration (163 +/- 14%) of mIPSCs. The enhancement of mIPSC amplitude was not caused by an increase of the single-channel conductance of the postsynaptic receptors, as determined by peak-scaled non-stationary fluctuation analysis of mIPSCs. The effect of zolpidem on fast, synaptic-like (1 msec duration) applications of GABA to outside-out patches was also investigated. The EC50 for fast GABA applications was 310 microM. In patches, zolpidem enhanced the amplitude of currents elicited by subsaturating GABA applications (100-300 microM) but not by saturating applications (10 mM). The increase of mIPSC amplitude by zolpidem provides evidence that the GABAA receptors are not saturated during miniature synaptic transmission in the recorded cells. By comparing the facilitation induced by 1 microM zolpidem on outside-out patches and mIPSCs, we estimated the concentration of GABA seen by the postsynaptic GABAA receptors to be approximately 300 microM after single vesicle release. We have estimated a similar degree of receptor occupancy at room and physiological temperature. However, at 35 degreesC, zolpidem did not enhance the amplitude of mIPSCs or of subsaturating GABA applications on patches, implying that, in these neurons, zolpidem cannot be used to probe the degree of receptor occupancy at physiological temperature.

Expression of GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs by layer V pyramidal cells of the rat primary visual cortex

The expression of the GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs by layer V pyramidal neurons of the primary visual cortex and cerebellar Purkinje cells was analysed by single-cell reverse transcription of the mRNAs and amplification of the resulting cDNAs by the polymerase chain reaction. Neurons were identified by infrared videomicroscopy, and GABA(A)-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents were recorded. In Purkinje cells, alpha1, beta2, beta3, gamma2S and gamma2L subunit mRNAs were detected within a single cell. In layer V pyramidal cells, a total of ten GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs could be detected, with a mean of seven subunit mRNAs per cell, suggesting GABA(A) receptor heterogeneity within a single pyramidal cell.

Correlation between kinetics and RNA splicing of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptors in neocortical neurons

In the cortex fast excitatory synaptic currents onto excitatory pyramidal neurons and inhibitory nonpyramidal neurons are mediated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors exhibiting cell-type-specific differences in their kinetic properties. AMPA receptors consist of four subunits (GluR1-4), each existing as two splice variants, flip and flop, which critically affect the desensitization properties of receptors expressed in heterologous systems. Using single cell reverse transcription PCR to analyze the mRNA of AMPA receptor subunits expressed in layers I-III neocortical neurons, we find that 90% of the GluR1-4 in nonpyramidal neurons are flop variants, whereas 92% of the GluR1-4 in pyramidal neurons are flip variants. We also find that nonpyramidal neurons predominantly express GluR1 mRNA (GluR1/GluR1-4 = 59%), whereas pyramidal neurons contain mainly GluR2 mRNA (GluR2/GluR1-4 = 59%). However, the neuron-type-specific splicing is exhibited by all four AMPA receptor subunits. We suggest that the predominance of the flop variants contributes to the faster and more extensive desensitization in nonpyramidal neurons, compared to pyramidal cells where flip variants are dominant. Alternative splicing of AMPA receptors may play an important role in regulating synaptic function in a cell-type-specific manner, without changing permeation properties.

Diversity of glutamate receptors in neocortical neurons: implications for synaptic plasticity

The biochemical and functional characteristics of the AMPA subtype of the glutamate receptors expressed by pyramidal and non-pyramidal neurons of the neocortex have been studied in acute slices by means of single-cell RT-PCR and fast applications of glutamate on outside-out patches. Our results suggest that the predominant expression of the flop splice variants of the GluR1-4 AMPA subunits contributes to the faster desensitization of these receptors in non-pyramidal neurons compared to pyramidal cells where flip variants of GluR1-4 are dominant. Alternative splicing of AMPA receptors may therefore play an important role in regulating synaptic function in a cell-type specific manner.