1
|
Pei J, Zhang C, Zhang X, Zhao Z, Zhang X, Yuan Y. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation improves memory in vascular dementia by enhancing neuronal activity and promoting spine formation. Neuroimage 2024; 291:120584. [PMID: 38522806 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory is closely associated with neuronal activity and dendritic spine formation. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) improves the memory of individuals with vascular dementia (VD). However, it is unclear whether neuronal activity and dendritic spine formation under ultrasound stimulation are involved in memory improvement in VD. In this study, we found that seven days of TUS improved memory in VD model while simultaneously increasing pyramidal neuron activity, promoting dendritic spine formation, and reducing dendritic spine elimination. These effects lasted for 7 days but disappeared on 14 d after TUS. Neuronal activity and dendritic spine formation strongly corresponded to improvements in memory behavior over time. In addition, we also found that the memory, neuronal activity and dendritic spine of VD mice cannot be restored again by TUS of 7 days after 28 d. Collectively, these findings suggest that TUS increases neuronal activity and promotes dendritic spine formation and is thus important for improving memory in patients with VD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Pei
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.215 Heping Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.215 Heping Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.215 Heping Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, No.438 Hebei Street, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bosch PJ, Kerr G, Cole R, Warwick CA, Wendt LH, Pradeep A, Bagnall E, Aldridge GM. Enhanced Spine Stability and Survival Lead to Increases in Dendritic Spine Density as an Early Response to Local Alpha-Synuclein Overexpression in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:42. [PMID: 38668880 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01472-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Lewy Body Dementias (LBD), including Parkinson's disease dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, are characterized by widespread accumulation of intracellular alpha-Synuclein protein deposits in regions beyond the brainstem, including in the cortex. However, the impact of local pathology in the cortex is unknown. To investigate this, we employed viral overexpression of human alpha-Synuclein protein targeting the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC). We then used in vivo 2-photon microscopy to image awake head-fixed mice via an implanted chronic cranial window to assess the early consequences of alpha-Synuclein overexpression in the weeks following overexpression. We imaged apical tufts of Layer V pyramidal neurons in the PFC of Thy1-YFP transgenic mice at 1-week intervals from 1 to 2 weeks before and 9 weeks following viral overexpression, allowing analysis of dynamic changes in dendritic spines. We found an increase in the relative dendritic spine density following local overexpression of alpha-Synuclein, beginning at 5 weeks post-injection, and persisting for the remainder of the study. We found that alpha-Synuclein overexpression led to an increased percentage and longevity of newly-persistent spines, without significant changes in the total density of newly formed or eliminated spines. A follow-up study utilizing confocal microscopy revealed that the increased spine density is found in cortical cells within the alpha-Synuclein injection site, but negative for alpha-Synuclein phosphorylation at Serine-129, highlighting the potential for effects of dose and local circuits on spine survival. These findings have important implications for the physiological role and early pathological stages of alpha-Synuclein in the cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Bosch
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Gemma Kerr
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Rachel Cole
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | | | - Linder H Wendt
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Akash Pradeep
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Emma Bagnall
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Georgina M Aldridge
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 169 Newton Road, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, Iowa City, 52242, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang Y, Wu J, Liu C, Gan L, Chen H, Sun YL, Liu J, Tao YX, Zhu T, Chen C. Schwann cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote memory impairment associated with chronic neuropathic pain. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:99. [PMID: 38632655 PMCID: PMC11025217 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of memory impairment, a common complication of chronic neuropathic pain (CNP), has not been fully elucidated. Schwann cell (SC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to remote organ injury. Here, we showed that SC-EVs may mediate pathological communication between SCs and hippocampal neurons in the context of CNP. METHODS We used an adeno-associated virus harboring the SC-specific promoter Mpz and expressing the CD63-GFP gene to track SC-EVs transport. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of EVs and gain-of-function and loss-of-function regulatory experiments revealed that miR-142-5p was the main cargo of SC-EVs. Next, luciferase reporter gene and phenotyping experiments confirmed the direct targets of miR-142-5p. RESULTS The contents and granule sizes of plasma EVs were significantly greater in rats with chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury (CCI)than in sham rats. Administration of the EV biogenesis inhibitor GW4869 ameliorated memory impairment in CCI rats and reversed CCI-associated dendritic spine damage. Notably, during CCI stress, SC-EVs could be transferred into the brain through the circulation and accumulate in the hippocampal CA1-CA3 regions. miR-142-5p was the main cargo wrapped in SC-EVs and mediated the development of CCI-associated memory impairment. Furthermore, α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), ELAV-like protein 4 (ELAVL4) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9 X-linked (USP9X) were demonstrated to be important downstream target genes for miR-142-5p-mediated regulation of dendritic spine damage in hippocampal neurons from CCI rats. CONCLUSION Together, these findings suggest that SCs-EVs and/or their cargo miR-142-5p may be potential therapeutic targets for memory impairment associated with CNP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Changliang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Research Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Emergency Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ya-Lan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Smith SS, Benanni S, Jones Q, Kenney L, Evrard MR. Manipulation of α4βδ GABA A receptors alters synaptic pruning in layer 3 prelimbic prefrontal cortex and impairs temporal order recognition: Implications for schizophrenia and autism. Brain Res 2024; 1835:148929. [PMID: 38599510 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Temporal order memory is impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). These disorders, more prevalent in males, result in abnormal dendritic spine pruning during adolescence in layer 3 (L3) medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), yielding either too many (ASD) or too few (SCZ) spines. Here we tested whether altering spine density in neural circuits including the mPFC could be associated with impaired temporal order memory in male mice. We have shown that α4βδ GABAA receptors (GABARs) emerge at puberty on spines of L5 prelimbic mPFC (PL) where they trigger pruning. We show here that α4βδ receptors also increase at puberty in L3 PL (P < 0.0001) and used these receptors as a target to manipulate spine density here. Pubertal injection (14 d) of the GABA agonist gaboxadol, at a dose (3 mg/kg) selective for α4βδ, reduced L3 spine density by half (P < 0.0001), while α4 knock-out increased spine density ∼ 40 % (P < 0.0001), mimicking spine densities in SCZ and ASD, respectively. In both cases, performance on the mPFC-dependent temporal order recognition task was impaired, resulting in decreases in the discrimination ratio which assesses preference for the novel object: -0.39 ± 0.15, gaboxadol versus 0.52 ± 0.09, vehicle; P = 0.0002; -0.048 ± 0.10, α4 KO versus 0.49 ± 0.04, wild-type; P < 0.0001. In contrast, the number of approaches was unaltered, reflecting unchanged locomotion. These data suggest that altering α4βδ GABAR expression/activity alters spine density in L3 mPFC and impairs temporal order memory to mimic changes in ASD and SCZ. These findings may provide insight into these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl S Smith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Safae Benanni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Quiana Jones
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Lindsay Kenney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Matthew R Evrard
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moon S, Lee HH, Archer-Hartmann S, Nagai N, Mubasher Z, Parappurath M, Ahmed L, Ramos RL, Kimata K, Azadi P, Cai W, Zhao JY. Knockout of the intellectual disability-linked gene Hs6st2 in mice decreases heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfation, impairs dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons, and affects memory. Glycobiology 2024; 34:cwad095. [PMID: 38015989 PMCID: PMC10969535 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide that plays a key role in cellular signaling networks. HS functions are regulated by its 6-O-sulfation, which is catalyzed by three HS 6-O-sulfotransferases (HS6STs). Notably, HS6ST2 is mainly expressed in the brain and HS6ST2 mutations are linked to brain disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To determine the role of Hs6st2 in the brain, we carried out a series of molecular and behavioral assessments on Hs6st2 knockout mice. We first carried out strong anion exchange-high performance liquid chromatography and found that knockout of Hs6st2 moderately decreases HS 6-O-sulfation levels in the brain. We then assessed body weights and found that Hs6st2 knockout mice exhibit increased body weight, which is associated with abnormal metabolic pathways. We also performed behavioral tests and found that Hs6st2 knockout mice showed memory deficits, which recapitulate patient clinical symptoms. To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the memory deficits, we used RNA sequencing to examine transcriptomes in two memory-related brain regions, the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. We found that knockout of Hs6st2 impairs transcriptome in the hippocampus, but only mildly in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, the transcriptome changes in the hippocampus are enriched in dendrite and synapse pathways. We also found that knockout of Hs6st2 decreases HS levels and impairs dendritic spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Taken together, our study provides novel molecular and behavioral insights into the role of Hs6st2 in the brain, which facilitates a better understanding of HS6ST2 and HS-linked brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Moon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Hiu Ham Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Stephanie Archer-Hartmann
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Naoko Nagai
- Institute for Molecular Science of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Zainab Mubasher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Mahima Parappurath
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Laiba Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Raddy L Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Koji Kimata
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Weikang Cai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Jerry Yingtao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matsuda KI, Takahashi T, Morishita S, Tanaka M. Histological analysis of neuronal changes in the olfactory cortex during pregnancy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26780. [PMID: 38444488 PMCID: PMC10912243 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in olfactory sensitivity are widely known to occur during pregnancy and may be responsible for hyperemesis gravidarum. These changes are thought to be caused by structural and functional alterations in neurons in response to marked changes of the hormonal milieu. In this study, we examined changes in neurons in the olfactory cortex during pregnancy and after delivery in rats. Dendritic spine densities were measured in the piriform cortex (PIR) and posterolateral cortical amygdala (COApl), which are involved in olfaction. The results showed increased numbers of dendritic spines in the PIR in mid-pregnancy and in the COApl during early and late pregnancy, but not in the motor area of the cerebral cortex, indicating a correlation with changes in olfactory sensitivity during pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis of expression of ovarian hormone receptors in these brain regions revealed a decrease in the number of estrogen receptor α-positive cells during pregnancy in the PIR and during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the COApl. Regarding pregnancy-related peptide hormones, oxytocin receptors were expressed in the PIR and COApl, while prolactin receptors were not found in these regions. Accordingly, oxytocin-containing neurites were distributed in both regions. These results suggest that the balance of these hormonal signals has an effect on olfactory sensitivity in pregnant females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ichi Matsuda
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoki Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sae Morishita
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kelly-Castro EC, Shear R, Dindigal AH, Bhagwat M, Zhang H. MARK1 regulates dendritic spine morphogenesis and cognitive functions in vivo. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114752. [PMID: 38484863 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic spines play a pivotal role in synaptic communication and are crucial for learning and memory processes. Abnormalities in spine morphology and plasticity are observed in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the underlying signaling mechanisms remain poorly understood. The microtubule affinity regulating kinase 1 (MARK1) has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, and the MARK1 gene shows accelerated evolution in the human lineage suggesting a role in cognition. However, the in vivo role of MARK1 in synaptogenesis and cognitive functions remains unknown. Here we show that forebrain-specific conditional knockout (cKO) of Mark1 in mice causes defects in dendritic spine morphogenesis in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons with a significant reduction in spine density. In addition, we found loss of MARK1 causes synaptic accumulation of GKAP and GluA2. Furthermore, we found that MARK1 cKO mice show defects in spatial learning in the Morris water maze and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze. Taken together, our data show a novel role for MARK1 in regulating dendritic spine morphogenesis and cognitive functions in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Kelly-Castro
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA
| | - Rebecca Shear
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA
| | - Ankitha H Dindigal
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA
| | - Maitreyee Bhagwat
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA
| | - Huaye Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang K, Wei R, Liu Q, Tao Y, Wu Z, Yang L, Wang QH, Wang H, Pan Z. Specific inhibition of TET1 in the spinal dorsal horn alleviates inflammatory pain in mice by regulating synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2024; 244:109799. [PMID: 38008374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA demethylation mediated by ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is a critical epigenetic mechanism in which gene expression is regulated via catalysis of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Previously, we demonstrated that TET1 is associated with the genesis of chronic inflammatory pain. However, how TET1 participates in enhanced nociceptive responses in chronic pain remains poorly understood. Here, we report that conditional knockout of Tet1 in dorsal horn neurons via intrathecal injection of rAAV-hSyn-Cre in Tet1fl/fl mice not only reversed the inflammation-induced upregulation of synapse-associated proteins (post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYP)) in the dorsal horn but also ameliorated abnormalities in dendritic spine morphology and alleviated pain hypersensitivities. Pharmacological blockade of TET1 by intrathecal injection of a TET1-specific inhibitor-Bobcat 339-produced similar results, as did knockdown of Tet1 by intrathecal injection of siRNA. Thus, our data strongly suggest that increased TET1 expression during inflammatory pain upregulates the expression of multiple synapse-associated proteins and dysregulates synaptic morphology in dorsal horn neurons, suggesting that Tet1 may be a potential target for analgesic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Yang Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qi-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yamazaki H, Koganezawa N, Yokoo H, Sekino Y, Shirao T. Super-resolution imaging reveals the relationship between CaMKIIβ and drebrin within dendritic spines. Neurosci Res 2024; 199:30-35. [PMID: 37659612 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are unique postsynaptic structures that emerge from the dendrites of neurons. They undergo activity-dependent morphological changes known as structural plasticity. The changes involve actin cytoskeletal remodeling, which is regulated by actin-binding proteins. CaMKII is a crucial molecule in synaptic plasticity. Notably, CaMKIIβ subtype is known to bind to filamentous-actin and is closely involved in structural plasticity. We have shown that CaMKIIβ binds to drebrin, and is localized in spines as both drebrin-dependent and drebrin-independent pools. However, the nanoscale relationship between drebrin and CaMKIIβ within dendritic spines has not been clarified. In this study, we used stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to examine the detailed localization of these proteins. STORM imaging showed that CaMKIIβ co-localized with drebrin in the core region of spines, and localized in the submembrane region of spines without drebrin. Interestingly, the dissociation of CaMKIIβ and drebrin in the core region was induced by NMDA receptor activation. In drebrin knockdown neurons, CaMKIIβ was decreased in the core region but not in the submembrane region. Together it indicates that the clustering of CaMKIIβ in the spine core region is dependent on drebrin. These findings suggest that drebrin-dependent CaMKIIβ is in a standby state before its activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Yamazaki
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Gunma University of Health and Welfare, 191-1 Kawamagari-cho, Maebashi 371-0823, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Noriko Koganezawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yokoo
- Department of Human Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yuko Sekino
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Institute for Drug Discovery Innovation, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Shirao
- AlzMed, Inc, UT South building Entrepreneurs Lab, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8485, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luyben TT, Rai J, Zhou B, Li H, Okamoto K. Two-Photon FRET/FLIM Imaging of Cerebral Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2794:33-43. [PMID: 38630218 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3810-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Two-photon FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) and FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy) enable the detection of FRET changes of fluorescence reporters in deep brain tissues, which provide a valuable approach for monitoring target molecular dynamics and functions. Here, we describe two-photon FRET and FLIM imaging techniques that allow us to visualize endogenous and optogenetically induced cAMP dynamics in living neurons with genetically engineered FRET-based cAMP reporters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas T Luyben
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jayant Rai
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bingyue Zhou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hang Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kenichi Okamoto
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahmed S, Abir AH, Sharmin O, Khurshid N, Akter A, Nakshy NT, Hasan MM, Yesmine S, Rahman M. Modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade through G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) activation: Prenatal lysophosphatidylinositol attenuates valproic acid-induced synaptic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction. Life Sci 2023; 334:122195. [PMID: 37866808 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has recently emerged as a potential regulator of this signaling cascade. This study explores the intricate modulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade via GPR55 activation and its potential therapeutic implications in the context of autism-associated neuronal impairments. MAIN METHODS Valproic acid (VPA) was administered on embryonic day 12 (E12) to induce ASD, and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), a GPR55 agonist, was used prenatally to modulate the receptor activity. Golgi-cox staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology, and Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining was carried out to quantify damaged neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented to identify molecular mediators involved in neuroprotection. KEY FINDINGS Prenatal VPA exposure resulted in significant abnormalities in synaptic development, which were further evidenced by impairments in social interaction and cognitive function. When LPI was administered, most of the synaptic abnormalities were alleviated, as reflected by higher neuron and dendritic spine count. LPI treatment also reduced cytoplasmic cytochrome c concentration and related neuronal cell death. Mechanistically, GPR55 activation by LPI increases the expression of phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β, leading to the activation of this signaling in the process of rescuing synaptic abnormalities and mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE The observed therapeutic effects of GPR55 activation shed light on its significance as a prospective target for ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and dendritic spine loss, offering novel prospects for developing targeted interventions to alleviate the neuropathological causes of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Ariful Haque Abir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Universität Klinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, Glückstraße 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ozayra Sharmin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neda Khurshid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Amana Akter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Tajneen Nakshy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, University of Information Technology and Sciences, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Saquiba Yesmine
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Knobloch JA, Laurent G, Lauterbach MA. STED microscopy reveals dendrite-specificity of spines in turtle cortex. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 231:102541. [PMID: 37898315 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are key structures for neural communication, learning and memory. Spine size and shape probably reflect synaptic strength and learning. Imaging with superresolution STED microscopy the detailed shape of the majority of the spines of individual neurons in turtle cortex (Trachemys scripta elegans) revealed several distinguishable shape classes. Dendritic spines of a given class were not distributed randomly, but rather decorated significantly more often some dendrites than others. The individuality of dendrites was corroborated by significant inter-dendrite differences in other parameters such as spine density and length. In addition, many spines were branched or possessed spinules. These findings may have implications for the role of individual dendrites in this cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Knobloch
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University, Building 48, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Gilles Laurent
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marcel A Lauterbach
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University, Building 48, 66421 Homburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schneeweis A, Pak DTS. Wherefore Art Tau? Functional importance of site-specific tau phosphorylation in diverse subcellular domains. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 164:106475. [PMID: 37778693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Tau has canonically been considered as an axonal protein, but studies have observed tau localization in other subcellular domains of neurons. This relocated tau has been identified in both physiological and pathological conditions, and it is often labeled mislocalized. Furthermore, these forms of tau are referred to as "hyperphosphorylated" without specifying the phosphosites involved. On the contrary, we speculate that tau may have multiple physiological functions in various locations regulated via specific phosphorylation sites, although this picture is obscured by a lack of comprehensive phosphosite analysis. Here, we examine findings in the literature on the subcellular location of tau and potential roles tau has in those regions. We intentionally focus on the site-specific phosphorylated patterns involved in governing these properties, which are not well elucidated. To facilitate understanding of these events, we have begun establishing a comprehensive map of tau phosphorylation signatures. Such efforts may clarify tau's diverse physiological functions beyond the axon as well as promote development of novel therapeutic strategies directed against distinct tau subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Schneeweis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Daniel T S Pak
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
You M, Li S, Yan S, Yao D, Wang T, Wang Y. Exposure to nonylphenol in early life causes behavioural deficits related with autism spectrum disorders in rats. Environ Int 2023; 180:108228. [PMID: 37802007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to nonylphenol (NP), a typical EDC, is known to cause some long-term behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, these abnormal behaviours are the most frequent psychiatric co-morbidities in ASD. However, the direct evidence for the link between NP exposure in early life and ASD-like behavioural phenotypes is still missing. In the present study, typical ASD-like behaviours induced by valproic acid treatment were considered as a positive behavioural control. We investigated impacts on social behaviours following early-life exposure to NP, and explored effects of this exposure on neuronal dendritic spines, mitochondria function, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, primary cultured rat neurons were employed as in vitro model to evaluate changes in dendritic spine caused by exposure to NP, and oxidative stress and ER stress were specifically modulated to further explore their roles in these changes. Our results indicated rats exposed to NP in early life showed mild ASD-like behaviours. Moreover, we also found the activation of ER stress triggered by oxidative stress may contribute to dendritic spine decrease and synaptic dysfunction, which may underlie neurobehavioural abnormalities induced by early-life exposure to NP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingdan You
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; School of Public Heath, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Yan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianqi Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang M, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Crawford J, Qian C, Wang GH, Qian J, Dong XZ, Pletnikov MV, Liu CM, Zhou FQ. Neuronal Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Regulates Neuronal Morphogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognitive Behavior in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1512-1532. [PMID: 37326884 PMCID: PMC10533778 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2)-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) regulates neural stem cell proliferation and fate specificity through silencing different gene sets in the central nervous system. Here, we explored the function of EZH2 in early post-mitotic neurons by generating a neuron-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse line. The results showed that a lack of neuronal EZH2 led to delayed neuronal migration, more complex dendritic arborization, and increased dendritic spine density. Transcriptome analysis revealed that neuronal EZH2-regulated genes are related to neuronal morphogenesis. In particular, the gene encoding p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) was identified as a target gene suppressed by EZH2 and H3K27me3, and expression of the dominant negative Pak3 reversed Ezh2 knockout-induced higher dendritic spine density. Finally, the lack of neuronal EZH2 resulted in impaired memory behaviors in adult mice. Our results demonstrated that neuronal EZH2 acts to control multiple steps of neuronal morphogenesis during development, and has long-lasting effects on cognitive function in adult mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Qian Xu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Joshua Crawford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Cheng Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Xin-Zhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen L, Luo T, Cui W, Zhu M, Xu Z, Huang H. Kalirin is involved in epileptogenesis by modulating the activity of the Rac1 signaling pathway. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 131:102289. [PMID: 37196826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a common chronic brain disease. Despite the availability of various anti-seizure drugs, approximately 30 % of patients do not respond to treatment. Recent research suggests that Kalirin plays a role in regulating neurological function. However, the pathogenesis of Kalirin in epileptic seizures remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of Kalirin in epileptogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS An epileptic model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Endogenous Kalirin was inhibited using shRNA. The expression of Kalirin, Rac1, and Cdc42 in the hippocampal CA1 region was measured using Western blotting. Spine and synaptic structures were examined using Golgi staining and electron microscopy. Moreover, the necrotic neurons in CA1 were examined using HE staining. RESULTS The results indicated that the epileptic score increased in epileptic animals, while inhibition of Kalirin decreased the epileptic scores and increased the latent period of the first seizure attack. Inhibition of Kalirin attenuated the increases in Rac1 expression, dendritic spine density, and synaptic vesicle number in the CA1 region induced by PTZ. However, the increase in Cdc42 expression was not affected by the inhibition of Kalirin. CONCLUSION This study suggests that Kalirin is involved in the development of seizures by modulating the activity of Rac1, providing a novel anti-epileptic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China
| | - Wenxiu Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China
| | - ManMing Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China
| | - Zucai Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, Guizhou province 563003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mondal R, Banerjee C, Nandy S, Roy M, Chakraborty J. Calcineurin inhibition protects against dopamine toxicity and attenuates behavioral decline in a Parkinson's disease model. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:140. [PMID: 37528492 PMCID: PMC10394860 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD), a highly prevalent neuro-motor disorder is caused due to progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons at substantia nigra region of brain. This leads to depleted dopamine (DA) content at striatum, thus affecting the fine tuning of basal ganglia. In patients, this imbalance is manifested by akinesia, catalepsy and tremor. PD associated behavioral dysfunctions are frequently mitigated by l-DOPA (LD) therapy, a precursor for DA synthesis. Due to progressive neurodegeneration, LD eventually loses applicability in PD. Although DA is cytotoxic, it is unclear whether LD therapy can accelerate PD progression or not. LD itself does not lead to neurodegeneration in vivo, but previous reports demonstrate that LD treatment mediated excess DA can potentiate neurotoxicity when PD associated genetic or epigenetic aberrations are involved. So, minimizing DA toxicity during the therapy is an absolute necessity to halt or slowdown PD progression. The two major contributing factors associated with DA toxicity are: degradation by Monoamine oxidase and DAquinone (DAQ) formation. RESULTS Here, we report that apoptotic mitochondrial fragmentation via Calcineurin (CaN)-DRP1 axis is a common downstream event for both these initial cues, inhibiting which can protect cells from DA toxicity comprehensively. No protective effect is observed, in terms of cell survival when only PxIxIT domain of CaN is obstructed, demonstrating the importance to block DRP1-CaN axis specifically. Further, evaluation of the impact of DA exposure on PD progression in a mice model reveal that LD mediated behavioral recovery diminishes with time, mostly because of continued DAergic cell death and dendritic spine loss at striatum. CaN inhibition, alone or in combination with LD, offer long term behavioral protection. This protective effect is mediated specifically by hindering CaN-DRP1 axis, whereas inhibiting interaction between CaN and other substrates, including proteins involved in neuro-inflammation, remained ineffective when LD is co-administered. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we conclude that DA toxicity can be circumvented by CaN inhibition and it can mitigate PD related behavioral aberrations by protecting neuronal architecture at striatum. We propose that CaN inhibitors might extend the therapeutic efficacy of LD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupsha Mondal
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Chayan Banerjee
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sumangal Nandy
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Moumita Roy
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Joy Chakraborty
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ren D, Luo B, Chen P, Yu L, Xiong M, Fu Z, Zhou T, Chen WB, Fei E. DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 2 (DGCR2), a schizophrenia risk gene, regulates dendritic spine development through cell adhesion. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:134. [PMID: 37480133 PMCID: PMC10362570 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendritic spines are the sites of excitatory synapses on pyramidal neurons, and their development is crucial for neural circuits and brain functions. The spine shape, size, or number alterations are associated with neurological disorders, including schizophrenia. DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 2 (DGCR2) is one of the deleted genes within the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), which is a high risk for developing schizophrenia. DGCR2 expression was reduced in schizophrenics. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of DGCR2 in schizophrenia or 22q11DS is still unclear. RESULTS Here, we report that DGCR2 expression was increased during the neurodevelopmental period and enriched in the postsynaptic densities (PSDs). DGCR2-deficient hippocampal neurons formed fewer spines. In agreement, glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity were decreased in the hippocampus of DGCR2-deficient mice. Further molecular studies showed that the extracellular domain (ECD) of DGCR2 is responsible for its transcellular interaction with cell adhesion molecule Neurexin1 (NRXN1) and spine development. Consequently, abnormal behaviors, like anxiety, were observed in DGCR2-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that DGCR2 is a novel cell adhesion molecule required for spine development and synaptic plasticity, and its deficiency induces abnormal behaviors in mice. This study provides a potential pathophysiological mechanism of DGCR2 in 22q11DS and related mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Lulu Yu
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Mingtao Xiong
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Wen-Bing Chen
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Erkang Fei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhong M, Wang Y, Lin G, Liao FF, Zhou FM. Dopamine-independent development and maintenance of mouse striatal medium spiny neuron dendritic spines. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106096. [PMID: 37001611 PMCID: PMC10864017 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and striatal dopamine (DA) innervation are profoundly important for brain function such as motor control and cognition. A widely accepted theory posits that striatal DA loss causes (or leads to) MSN dendritic atrophy. However, examination of the literature indicates that the data from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and animal PD models were contradictory among studies and hard to interpret. Here we have re-examined the potential effects of DA activity on MSN morphology or lack thereof. We found that in 15-day, 4- and 12-month old Pitx3 null mutant mice that have severe DA denervation in the dorsal striatum while having substantial residual DA innervation in the ventral striatum, MSN dendrites and spine numbers were similar in dorsal and ventral striatum, and also similar to those in normal mice. In 15-day, 4- and 12-month old tyrosine hydroxylase knockout mice that cannot synthesize L-dopa and thus have no endogenous DA in the entire brain, MSN dendrites and spine numbers were also indistinguishable from age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, in adult WT mice, unilateral 6-OHDA lesion at 12 months of age caused an almost complete striatal DA denervation in the lesioned side, but MSN dendrites and spine numbers were similar in the lesioned and control sides. Taken together, our data indicate that in mice, the development and maintenance of MSN dendrites and spines are DA-independent such that DA depletion does not trigger MSN dendritic atrophy; our data also suggest that the reported MSN dendritic atrophy in PD may be a component of neurodegeneration in PD rather than a consequence of DA denervation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manli Zhong
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China; Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Geng Lin
- Teaching Center for Basic Medical Experiments, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Francesca-Fang Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Fu-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen YS, Zhang SM, Tan W, Zhu Q, Yue CX, Xiang P, Li JQ, Wei Z, Zeng Y. Early 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Administration Ameliorates Synaptic and Behavioral Deficits in the Young FXS Animal Model by Acting on BDNF-TrkB Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2539-2552. [PMID: 36680734 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited form of intellectual disability and the most common cause of autism spectrum disorders. FXS patients exhibit severe syndromic features and behavioral alterations, including anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, in addition to cognitive impairment and seizures. At present, there are no effective treatments or cures for FXS. Previously, we have found the divergence of BDNF-TrkB signaling trajectories is associated with spine defects in early postnatal developmental stages of Fmr1 KO mice. Here, young fragile X mice were intraperitoneal injection with 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a high affinity tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonist. 7,8-DHF ameliorated morphological abnormities in dendritic spine and synaptic structure and rescued synaptic and hippocampus-dependent cognitive dysfunction. These observed improvements of 7,8-DHF involved decreased protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkBY816, p-PLCγ, and p-CaMKII in the hippocampus. In addition, 7,8-DHF intervention in primary hippocampal neurons increased p-TrkBY816 and activated the PLCγ1-CaMKII signaling pathway, leading to improvement of neuronal morphology. This study is the first to account for early life synaptic impairments, neuronal morphological, and cognitive delays in FXS in response to the abnormal BDNF-TrkB pathway. Present studies provide novel evidences about the effective early intervention in FXS mice at developmental stages and a strategy to produce powerful impacts on neural development, synaptic plasticity, and behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shan Chen
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Zhu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao-Xiong Yue
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Xiang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-Quan Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen M, Jiang Y, Li X, Li J, Tu C, Zhang H, Gong X, Yu G, Guo G, Zhang J. Enriched environment ameliorates learning and memory deficits in hepatic encephalopathy mice by restoration of the structure of dendrites and dendritic spines. Brain Res 2023; 1804:148264. [PMID: 36702182 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is one of the most common symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, there is a lack of easily implementable rehabilitation strategies. As an easy-to-implement strategy, numerous studies suggest that enriched environment (EE) can be beneficial for cognitive function. However, the effects of EE on learning and memory, as well as dendritic spines plasticity in HE is still unclear. Accordingly, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of EE on the behavior and dendritic spine morphology in an animal model of HE. Our results showed that HE mice have no movement disorder and anxiety, but they exhibit spatial learning and memory dysfunction. Further analysis revealed that the complexity of the dendrites and the maturity of the dendritic spines are reduced in the hippocampus of HE mice. After 4 weeks of housekeeping in EE, dendritic complexity, and dendritic spine maturity, as well as the spatial learning and memory function of HE mice were restored. In conclusion, exposure to EE can positively influence dendritic spines plasticity in the hippocampus and thereby elicit its beneficial effects on cognitive functions in HE.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang W, Zhao F, Lu Y, Siedlak SL, Fujioka H, Feng H, Perry G, Zhu X. Damaged mitochondria coincide with presynaptic vesicle loss and abnormalities in alzheimer's disease brain. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:54. [PMID: 37004141 PMCID: PMC10067183 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of synapses is the most robust pathological correlate of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated cognitive deficits, although the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Synaptic terminals have abundant mitochondria which play an indispensable role in synaptic function through ATP provision and calcium buffering. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early and prominent feature in AD which could contribute to synaptic deficits. Here, using electron microscopy, we examined synapses with a focus on mitochondrial deficits in presynaptic axonal terminals and dendritic spines in cortical biopsy samples from clinically diagnosed AD and age-matched non-AD control patients. Synaptic vesicle density within the presynaptic axon terminals was significantly decreased in AD cases which appeared largely due to significantly decreased reserve pool, but there were significantly more presynaptic axons containing enlarged synaptic vesicles or dense core vesicles in AD. Importantly, there was reduced number of mitochondria along with significantly increased damaged mitochondria in the presynapse of AD which correlated with changes in SV density. Mitochondria in the post-synaptic dendritic spines were also enlarged and damaged in the AD biopsy samples. This study provided evidence of presynaptic vesicle loss as synaptic deficits in AD and suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction in both pre- and post-synaptic compartments contribute to synaptic deficits in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Fanpeng Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yubing Lu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sandra L Siedlak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Hisashi Fujioka
- Cryo-EM Core Facility, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - George Perry
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiongwei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Suresh A, Dunaevsky A. Impaired AMPARs translocation into dendritic spines with motor skill learning in the Fragile X mouse model. eNeuro 2023:ENEURO. [PMID: 36898833 DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0364-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor skill learning induces changes in synaptic structure and function in the primary motor cortex. In the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) mouse model an impairment in motor skill learning and associated formation of new dendritic spines was previously reported. However, whether modulation of synaptic strength through trafficking of AMPA receptors with motor skill training is impaired in FXS is not known. Here we performed in vivo imaging of a tagged AMPA receptor subunit, GluA2, in layer (L) 2/3 neurons in the primary motor cortex of wild type and Fmr1 KO male mice at different stages of learning a single forelimb-reaching task. Surprisingly, in the Fmr1 KO mice, despite impairments in learning there was no deficit in motor skill training-induced spine formation. However, the gradual accumulation of GluA2 in WT stable spines, which persists after training is completed and past the phase of spine number normalization, is absent in the Fmr1 KO mouse. These results demonstrate that motor skill learning not only reorganizes circuits through formation of new synapses, but also strengthens existing synapses through accumulation of AMPA receptors and GluA2 changes are better associated with learning than new spine formation.Significance StatementThis study identifies a significant synaptic defect associated with a behavioral impairment relevant to the pathology of Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Using in vivo imaging of a tagged AMPA-type receptor subunit GluA2, we found that the motor-skill training-induced accumulation of GluA2 in dendritic spines that occurs in control mice is impaired in the Fmr1 knock out (KO) mouse. This study identifies a synaptic correlate of impaired motor skill learning in the Fmr1 KO mouse.
Collapse
|
24
|
Ferrer-Ferrer M, Jia S, Kaushik R, Schneeberg J, Figiel I, Aleshin S, Mironov A, Safari M, Frischknecht R, Wlodarczyk J, Senkov O, Dityatev A. Mice deficient in synaptic protease neurotrypsin show impaired spaced long-term potentiation and blunted learning-induced modulation of dendritic spines. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:82. [PMID: 36871239 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04720-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrypsin (NT) is a neuronal trypsin-like serine protease whose mutations cause severe mental retardation in humans. NT is activated in vitro by Hebbian-like conjunction of pre- and postsynaptic activities, which promotes the formation of dendritic filopodia via proteolytic cleavage of the proteoglycan agrin. Here, we investigated the functional importance of this mechanism for synaptic plasticity, learning, and extinction of memory. We report that juvenile neurotrypsin-deficient (NT-/-) mice exhibit impaired long-term potentiation induced by a spaced stimulation protocol designed to probe the generation of new filopodia and their conversion into functional synapses. Behaviorally, juvenile NT-/- mice show impaired contextual fear memory and have a sociability deficit. The latter persists in aged NT-/- mice, which, unlike juvenile mice, show normal recall but impaired extinction of contextual fear memories. Structurally, juvenile mutants exhibit reduced spine density in the CA1 region, fewer thin spines, and no modulation in the density of dendritic spines following fear conditioning and extinction in contrast to wild-type littermates. The head width of thin spines is reduced in both juvenile and aged NT-/- mice. In vivo delivery of adeno-associated virus expressing an NT-generated fragment of agrin, agrin-22, but not a shorter agrin-15, elevates the spine density in NT-/- mice. Moreover, agrin-22 co-aggregates with pre- and postsynaptic markers and increases the density and size of presynaptic boutons and presynaptic puncta, corroborating the view that agrin-22 supports the synaptic growth.
Collapse
|
25
|
Gergin S, Kirazlı Ö, Boracı H, Yıldız SD, Yananlı HR, Şehirli ÜS. The effects of regular swimming exercise and melatonin on the neurons localized in the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats. Anat Sci Int 2023; 98:204-219. [PMID: 36223003 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. We aimed to investigate the effects of regular swimming exercise and melatonin applied in the 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's disease rats by analysing dendritic spine of striatal neurons. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were used. 6-Hydroxydopamine unilaterally injected four (control, exercise, melatonin and exercise + melatonin) groups were included in the study. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Neurons and structures were identified from three-dimensional images by Neurolucida software. There was not any apparent difference for tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and fibres in the striatum between the lesion sides of hemiparkinsonian groups. The treatment groups blocked the apomorphine-induced increase in rotations compared to the control group. In stepping test, the treatment groups prevented the loss of stepping in the contralateral side of hemiparkinsonian groups. The melatonin mostly had a positive effect on motor activity tests. In morphological analyses, the 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced lesion led to the reduction of the total dendritic length and number of branches. In the treatment groups, the reduction of the dendritic parameters was not observed. 6-Hydroxydopamine lesion led to a decrease in the total spine density, spine densities of thin and mushroom types. The exercise and melatonin treatments prevented the loss of spine density. The exercise treatment prevented the loss of spine density of mushroom type spines. The melatonin treatment blocked the loss of spine density of stubby type. In conclusion, these results provide evidence for effective additional protective therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, results from the current study provide evidence for swimming exercise and melatonin as a promising candidate for effective additional protective strategies for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Gergin
- Department of Anatomy, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,, Istanbul, Turkey.,Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Kirazlı
- Department of Anatomy, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hatice Boracı
- Department of Anatomy, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sercan Doğukan Yıldız
- Department of Anatomy, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Raci Yananlı
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lee HJ, Park JH, Trotter JH, Maher JN, Keenoy KE, Jang YM, Lee Y, Kim JI, Weeber EJ, Hoe HS. Reelin and APP Cooperatively Modulate Dendritic Spine Formation In Vitro and In Vivo. Exp Neurobiol 2023; 32:42-55. [PMID: 36919335 PMCID: PMC10017845 DOI: 10.5607/en22044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the normal function of APP at synapses is poorly understood. We and others have found that APP interacts with Reelin and that each protein is individually important for dendritic spine formation, which is associated with learning and memory, in vitro. However, whether Reelin acts through APP to modulate dendritic spine formation or synaptic function remains unknown. In the present study, we found that Reelin treatment significantly increased dendritic spine density and PSD-95 puncta number in primary hippocampal neurons. An examination of the molecular mechanisms by which Reelin regulates dendritic spinogenesis revealed that Reelin enhanced hippocampal dendritic spine formation in a Ras/ERK/CREB signaling-dependent manner. Interestingly, Reelin did not increase dendritic spine number in primary hippocampal neurons when APP expression was reduced or in vivo in APP knockout (KO) mice. Taken together, our data are the first to demonstrate that Reelin acts cooperatively with APP to modulate dendritic spine formation and suggest that normal APP function is critical for Reelin-mediated dendritic spinogenesis at synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Lee
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Park
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Justin H Trotter
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - James N Maher
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kathleen E Keenoy
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - You Mi Jang
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea
| | - Youngeun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Jae-Ick Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Edwin J Weeber
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhu Y, Wang R, Fan Z, Luo D, Cai G, Li X, Han J, Zhuo L, Zhang L, Zhang H, Li Y, Wu S. Taurine Alleviates Chronic Social Defeat Stress-Induced Depression by Protecting Cortical Neurons from Dendritic Spine Loss. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:827-840. [PMID: 35435537 PMCID: PMC9958166 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01218-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal amino acid metabolism in neural cells is involved in the occurrence and development of major depressive disorder. Taurine is an important amino acid required for brain development. Here, microdialysis combined with metabonomic analysis revealed that the level of taurine in the extracellular fluid of the cerebral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was significantly reduced in mice with chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression. Therefore, taurine supplementation may be usable an intervention for depression. We found that taurine supplementation effectively rescued immobility time during a tail suspension assay and improved social avoidance behaviors in CSDS mice. Moreover, taurine treatment protected CSDS mice from impairments in dendritic complexity, spine density, and the proportions of different types of spines. The expression of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subunit 2A, an important synaptic receptor, was largely restored in the mPFC of these mice after taurine supplementation. These results demonstrated that taurine exerted an antidepressive effect by protecting cortical neurons from dendritic spine loss and synaptic protein deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Ze Fan
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China ,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Danlei Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Guohong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Jiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Lixia Zhuo
- Department of Anesthesiology & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 Shaanxi China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology & Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, The School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Washburn HR, Chander P, Srikanth KD, Dalva MB. Transsynaptic Signaling of Ephs in Synaptic Development, Plasticity, and Disease. Neuroscience 2023; 508:137-152. [PMID: 36460219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Synapse formation between neurons is critical for proper circuit and brain function. Prior to activity-dependent refinement of connections between neurons, activity-independent cues regulate the contact and recognition of potential synaptic partners. Formation of a synapse results in molecular recognition events that initiate the process of synaptogenesis. Synaptogenesis requires contact between axon and dendrite, selection of correct and rejection of incorrect partners, and recruitment of appropriate pre- and postsynaptic proteins needed for the establishment of functional synaptic contact. Key regulators of these events are families of transsynaptic proteins, where one protein is found on the presynaptic neuron and the other is found on the postsynaptic neuron. Of these families, the EphBs and ephrin-Bs are required during each phase of synaptic development from target selection, recruitment of synaptic proteins, and formation of spines to regulation of synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic spine synapses in the mature brain. These roles also place EphBs and ephrin-Bs as important regulators of human neurological diseases. This review will focus on the role of EphBs and ephrin-Bs at synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halley R Washburn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Praveen Chander
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kolluru D Srikanth
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Matthew B Dalva
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Heck N, Santos MD. Dendritic Spines in Learning and Memory: From First Discoveries to Current Insights. Adv Neurobiol 2023; 34:311-348. [PMID: 37962799 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system is composed of neural ensembles, and their activity patterns are neural correlates of cognitive functions. Those ensembles are networks of neurons connected to each other by synapses. Most neurons integrate synaptic signal through a remarkable subcellular structure called spine. Dendritic spines are protrusions whose diverse shapes make them appear as a specific neuronal compartment, and they have been the focus of studies for more than a century. Soon after their first description by Ramón y Cajal, it has been hypothesized that spine morphological changes could modify neuronal connectivity and sustain cognitive abilities. Later studies demonstrated that changes in spine density and morphology occurred in experience-dependent plasticity during development, and in clinical cases of mental retardation. This gave ground for the assumption that dendritic spines are the particular locus of cerebral plasticity. With the discovery of synaptic long-term potentiation, a research program emerged with the aim to establish whether dendritic spine plasticity could explain learning and memory. The development of live imaging methods revealed on the one hand that dendritic spine remodeling is compatible with learning process and, on the other hand, that their long-term stability is compatible with lifelong memories. Furthermore, the study of the mechanisms of spine growth and maintenance shed new light on the rules of plasticity. In behavioral paradigms of memory, spine formation or elimination and morphological changes were found to correlate with learning. In a last critical step, recent experiments have provided evidence that dendritic spines play a causal role in learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Heck
- Laboratory Neurosciences Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Frankfurt M, Nassrallah Z, Luine V. Steroid Hormone Interaction with Dendritic Spines: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disease. Adv Neurobiol 2023; 34:349-366. [PMID: 37962800 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines, key sites for neural plasticity, are influenced by gonadal steroids. In this chapter, we review the effects of gonadal steroids on dendritic spine density in areas important to cognitive function, the hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Most of these animal model studies investigated the effects of estrogen in females, but we also include more recent data on androgen effects in both males and females. The underlying genomic and non-genomic mechanisms related to gonadal steroid-induced spinogenesis are also reviewed. Subsequently, we discuss possible reasons for the observed sex differences in many neuropsychiatric diseases, which appear to be caused, in part, by aberrant synaptic connections that may involve dendritic spine pathology. Overall, knowledge concerning the regulation of dendritic spines by gonadal hormones has grown since the initial discoveries in the 1990s, and current research points to a potential role for aberrant spine functioning in many neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Frankfurt
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Zeinab Nassrallah
- Department of Science Education Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen LJ, Chen JR, Tseng GF. Modulation of striatal glutamatergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission pathways concomitant with motor disturbance in rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:95. [PMID: 36437472 PMCID: PMC9701403 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrocephalus is characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles and causes motor impairments. The mechanisms underlying the motor changes remain elusive. Enlargement of ventricles compresses the striatum of the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei involved in the subcortical motor circuit. Here, we used a kaolin-injection juvenile rat model to explore the effects of acute and chronic hydrocephalus, 1 and 5 weeks post-treatment, respectively on the three major neurotransmission pathways (glutamatergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic) in the striatum. METHODS Rats were evaluated for motor impairments. Expressions of presynaptic and postsynaptic protein markers related to the glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic connections in the striatum were evaluated. Combined intracellular dye injection and substance P immunohistochemistry were used to distinguish between direct and indirect pathway striatal medium spiny neurons (d and i-MSNs) for the analysis of their dendritic spine density changes. RESULTS Hydrocephalic rats showed compromised open-field gait behavior. However, male but not female rats displayed stereotypic movements and compromised rotarod performance. Morphologically, the increase in lateral ventricle sizes was greater in the chronic than acute hydrocephalus conditions. Biochemically, hydrocephalic rats had significantly decreased striatal levels of synaptophysin, vesicular glutamate transporter 1, and glutamatergic postsynaptic density protein 95, suggesting a reduction of corticostriatal excitation. The expression of GluR2/3 was also reduced suggesting glutamate receptor compositional changes. The densities of dendritic spines, morphological correlates of excitatory synaptic foci, on both d and i-MSNs were also reduced. Hydrocephalus altered type 1 (DR1) and 2 (DR2) dopamine receptor expressions without affecting tyrosine hydroxylase level. DR1 was decreased in acute and chronic hydrocephalus, while DR2 only started to decrease later during chronic hydrocephalus. Since dopamine excites d-MSNs through DR1 and inhibits i-MSNs via DR2, our findings suggest that hydrocephalus downregulated the direct basal ganglia neural pathway persistently and disinhibited the indirect pathway late during chronic hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus also persistently reduced the striatal choline acetyltransferase level, suggesting a reduction of cholinergic modulation. CONCLUSIONS Hydrocephalus altered striatal glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission pathways and tipped the balance between the direct and indirect basal ganglia circuits, which could have contributed to the motor impairments in hydrocephalus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jin Chen
- grid.411824.a0000 0004 0622 7222Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, No. 701, Section 3, Jhongyang Rd., Hualien, 97004 Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Rung Chen
- grid.260542.70000 0004 0532 3749Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Fang Tseng
- grid.411824.a0000 0004 0622 7222Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, No. 701, Section 3, Jhongyang Rd., Hualien, 97004 Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fan M, Liu Y, Shang Y, Xue Y, Liang J, Huang Z. JADE2 Is Essential for Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Functions in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:800-14. [PMID: 36008159 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of synaptic plasticity is closely correlated with a range of pathological conditions, such as cognitive deficits. However, how synaptic efficacy is regulated remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that the epigenetic factor JADE2 was indispensable for the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions in mice. METHODS We used the Morris water maze and the fear conditioning test to examine learning-related behaviors. In addition, Western blotting, viral-mediated JADE2 manipulations, RNA sequencing, and electrophysiological recordings were used to address our questions. RESULTS JADE2 expression is increased upon enhanced neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown or genetic deletion of Jade2 in hippocampal CA1 results in impaired structural and functional synaptic plasticity, leading to memory impairment, whereas overexpression of JADE2 in CA1 neurons facilitates hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Mechanistically, our data show that JADE2 modulates synaptic functions mainly by transcriptional activation of cytoskeletal regulator Rac1, and this activity is dependent on its interaction with histone acetyltransferase HBO1. Finally, we demonstrate that restoring RAC1 expression in Jade2 knockout mice could rescue the deficits in synaptic plasticity and learning-related behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that JADE2 plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory formation, suggesting that activity-dependent epigenetic regulation is an important molecular mechanism in controlling synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
|
33
|
Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. The synaptic lipidome in health and disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2022; 1864:184033. [PMID: 35964712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adequate homeostasis of lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism is essential for cells to perform highly specific tasks in our organism, and the brain, with its uniquely high energetic requirements, posesses singular characteristics. Some of these are related to its extraordinary dotation of synapses, the specialized subcelluar structures where signal transmission between neurons occurs in the central nervous system. The post-synaptic compartment of excitatory synapses, the dendritic spine, harbors key molecules involved in neurotransmission tightly packed within a minute volume of a few femtoliters. The spine is further compartmentalized into nanodomains that facilitate the execution of temporo-spatially separate functions in the synapse. Lipids play important roles in this structural and functional compartmentalization and in mechanisms that impact on synaptic transmission. This review analyzes the structural and dynamic processes involving lipids at the synapse, highlighting the importance of their homeostatic balance for the physiology of this complex and highly specialized structure, and underscoring the pathologies associated with disbalances of lipid metabolism, particularly in the perinatal and late adulthood periods of life. Although small variations of the lipid profile in the brain take place throughout the adult lifespan, the pathophysiological consequences are clinically manifested mostly during late adulthood. Disturbances in lipid homeostasis in the perinatal period leads to alterations during nervous system development, while in late adulthood they favor the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (UNS-CONICET), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AAZ, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ding X, Zhang HB, Qiu H, Wen X, Zhang LZ. Cranial irradiation induces cognitive decline associated with altered dendritic spine morphology in the young rat hippocampus. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:1867-75. [PMID: 35962792 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Therapeutic irradiation is commonly used to treat brain cancers but can induce cognitive dysfunction, especially in children. The mechanism is unknown but likely involves alterations in dendritic spine number and structure. METHODS To explore the impact of radiation exposure on the alteration of dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampus of young brains, 21-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats received cranial irradiation (10 Gy), and changes in spine density and morphology in dentate gyrus (DG) granules and CA1 pyramidal neurons were detected 1 and 3 months later by using Golgi staining. Moreover, we analyzed synapse-associated proteins within dendritic spines after irradiation. RESULT Our data showed that cognitive deficits were detected in young rats at both time points postirradiation, accompanied by morphological changes in dendritic spines. Our results revealed significant reductions in spine density in the DG at both 1 month (40.58%) and 3 months (28.92%) postirradiation. However, there was a decrease in spine density only at 1 month (33.29%) postirradiation in the basal dendrites of CA1 neurons and no significant changes in the apical dendrites of CA1 neurons at either time point. Notably, among our findings were the significant dynamic changes in spine morphology that persisted 3 months following cranial irradiation. Meanwhile, we found that depletion of the synapse-associated proteins PSD95 and Drebrin coincided with alterations in dendritic spines. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the decreased levels of PSD95 and Drebrin after ionizing radiation may cause changes in synaptic plasticity by affecting the morphological structure of dendritic spines, blocking the functional connectivity pathways of the brain and leading to cognitive impairment. Although the mechanism involved is unclear, understanding how ionizing radiation affects young brain hippocampal tissue may be useful to gain new mechanistic insights into radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhu W, Wu F, Li J, Meng L, Zhang W, Zhang H, Cha S, Zhang J, Guo G. Impaired learning and memory generated by hyperthyroidism is rescued by restoration of AMPA and NMDA receptors function. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105807. [PMID: 35777536 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperthyroidism has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive disorders. The hippocampus is a key brain region associated with cognitive function, among which excitatory synapse transmission plays an important role in the process of learning and memory. However, the mechanism by which hyperthyroidism leads to cognitive dysfunction through a synaptic mechanism remains unknown. We investigated the synaptic mechanisms in the effects of hyperthyroidism in an animal model that involved repeated injection of triiodothyronine (T3). These mice displayed impaired learning and memory in the Novel object recognition test, Y-maze test, and Morris Water Maze test, as well as elevated anxiety in the elevated plus maze. Mature dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region of hyperthyroid mice were significantly decreased, accompanied by decreased level of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the hippocampus. In primary cultured hippocampal neurons, levels of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors also decreased and whole-cell patch-clamp recording revealed that excitatory synaptic function was obviously attenuated after T3 treatment. Notably, pharmacological activation of AMPAR or NMDAR by intraperitoneal injection of CX546, an AMPAR agonist, or NMDA, an NMDAR agonist can restore excitatory synaptic function and corrected impaired learning and memory deficit in hyperthyroid mice. Together, our findings uncovered a previously unrecognized AMPAR and NMDAR-dependent mechanism involved in regulating hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and learning and memory disorders in hyperthyroidism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lianghui Meng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuhan Cha
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ka M, Kim HG, Kim WY. WDR5-HOTTIP Histone Modifying Complex Regulates Neural Migration and Dendrite Polarity of Pyramidal Neurons via Reelin Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5104-5120. [PMID: 35672601 PMCID: PMC9378496 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
WD-repeat domain 5 (WDR5), a core component of histone methyltransferase complexes, is associated with Kabuki syndrome and Kleefstra syndrome that feature intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental delay. Despite its critical status in gene regulation and neurological disorders, the role of WDR5 in neural development is unknown. Here we show that WDR5 is required for normal neuronal placement and dendrite polarization in the developing cerebral cortex. WDR5 knockdown led to defects in both entry into the bipolar transition of pyramidal neurons within the intermediate zone and radial migration into cortical layers. Moreover, WDR5 deficiency disrupted apical and basal polarity of cortical dendrites. Aberrant dendritic spines and synapses accompanied the dendrite polarity phenotype. WDR5 deficiency reduced expression of reelin signaling receptors, ApoER and VdldR, which were associated with abnormal H3K4 methylation and H4 acetylation on their promoter regions. Finally, an lncRNA, HOTTIP, was found to be a partner of WDR5 to regulate dendritic polarity and reelin signaling via histone modification. Our results demonstrate a novel role for WDR5 in neuronal development and provide mechanistic insights into the neuropathology associated with histone methyltransferase dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minhan Ka
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamid Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Woo-Yang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ueda Y, Sugimoto N, Ozawa T. Increased spine PIP3 is sequestered from dendritic shafts. Mol Brain 2022; 15:59. [PMID: 35787719 PMCID: PMC9254409 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) is a lipid second messenger that is crucial for the synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory in pyramidal neurons in the brain. Our previous study uncovered PIP3 enrichment in the dendritic spines of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the static state using a fluorescence lifetime-based PIP3 probe. However, the extent to which PIP3 enrichment is preserved in different states has not been fully investigated. Here, we revealed that PIP3 accumulation in dendritic spines is strictly controlled even in an active state in which PIP3 is increased by glutamate stimulation and high potassium-induced membrane depolarization. Time-course PIP3 analysis clarified the gradual PIP3 accumulation in dendritic spines over days during neuronal development. Collectively, these results deepen our understanding of PIP3 dynamics in dendritic spines, and the dysregulation of the PIP3 gradient between dendritic spines and shafts could cause neuronal diseases and mental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshibumi Ueda
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Naotoshi Sugimoto
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hyun SA, Ko MY, Jang S, Lee BS, Rho J, Kim KK, Kim WY, Ka M. Bisphenol-A impairs synaptic formation and function by RGS4-mediated negative regulation of BDNF/NTRK2 signaling in the cerebral cortex. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276081. [PMID: 35781563 PMCID: PMC9346518 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a representative endocrine disruptor, widely used in a variety of products including plastics, medical equipment and receipts. Hence, most people are exposed to BPA via the skin, digestive system or inhalation in everyday life. Furthermore, BPA crosses the blood–brain barrier and is linked to multiple neurological dysfunctions found in neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying BPA-associated neurological dysfunctions remain poorly understood. Here, we report that BPA exposure alters synapse morphology and function in the cerebral cortex. Cortical pyramidal neurons treated with BPA showed reduced size and number of dendrites and spines. The density of excitatory synapses was also decreased by BPA treatment. More importantly, we found that BPA disrupted normal synaptic transmission and cognitive behavior. RGS4 and its downstream BDNF/NTRK2 pathway appeared to mediate the effect of BPA on synaptic and neurological function. Our findings provide molecular mechanistic insights into anatomical and physiological neurotoxic consequences related to a potent endocrine modifier. Summary: Bisphenol-A (BPA) disrupts normal synaptic transmission and cognitive behavior in mice. Rgs4 transcription factor and its downstream BDNF/NTRK2 pathway appear to mediate the effect of BPA on synaptic and neurological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ae Hyun
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Yi Ko
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Sumi Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Seok Lee
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaerang Rho
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee K Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Yang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Minhan Ka
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tu X, Li X, Zhu H, Kuang X, Si X, Zou S, Hao S, Huang Y, Xiao J. Unilateral cerebral ischemia induces morphological changes in the layer V projection neurons of the contralateral hemisphere. Neurosci Res 2022; 182:41-51. [PMID: 35777459 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Decreased blood flow to the brain causes stroke and damage to neuronal networks. Neuronal damage occurs not only in the infarct core but also in areas away from the infarcts. This study was aimed to assess alterations of the cortical projection neurons that were distantly connected with the infarcts. Unilateral cortical ischemia was generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion in the right somatosensory cortex. Pre-labeled thalamocortical neurons disappeared, whereas contralateral callosal projection neurons survived 48 h post-ischemia. The unilateral ischemia increased the total length, segment length and the spine volume of dendrites from layer V callosal neurons in the homotopic cortex of the contralateral hemisphere. The morphological remolding of the contralateral cortical neurons cannot be reproduced by the spinal cord hemisection that cuts axons of corticospinal projection neurons of layer V. The data suggest that the retrograde degeneration of axons may not account for the early morphological changes in the contralateral cortex. We hypothesize that the loss of innervations from the ischemic cortex may bring in adaptive changes to the connected neurons, and adult cortical neurons can adjust their morphology to meet the reduction of synaptic inputs. This study may improve our understanding of the re-organization of cortical circuits following focal cerebral ischemia and help the development of new treatments designed to minimize the disability associated with stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- XiaoMeng Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Hao Zhu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiuli Kuang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiang Si
- Department of Ophthalmology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Shimin Zou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shishuai Hao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, PRChina.
| | - Jian Xiao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xiao H, He H, Wu T, Ni X, Liu F, Yin F, Peng J. Functional Investigation of TUBB4A Variants Associated with Different Clinical Phenotypes. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5056-5069. [PMID: 35668344 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dominant TUBB4A variants result in different phenotypes, including hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC), dystonia type 4 (DYT4), and isolated hypomyelination. Here, we report four new patients with a novel TUBB4A variant (p.K324T) and three new patients with previously reported variants (p.Q292K, p.V255I, p.E410K). The individual carrying the novel p.K324T variant exhibits epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), while the other three have isolated hypomyelination phenotype. We also present a study of the cellular effects of TUBB4A variants responsible for H-ABC (p.D249N), DYT4 (p.R2G), a severe combined phenotype with combination of hypomyelination and EIMFS (p.K324T), and isolated hypomyelination (p.Q292K and p.E410K) on microtubule stability and dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine development, and kinesin binding. Cellular-based assays reveal that all variants except p.R2G increase microtubule stability, decrease microtubule polymerization rates, reduce axonal outgrowth, and alter the density and shape of dendritic spines. We also find that the p.K324T and p.E410K variants perturb the binding of TUBB4A to KIF1A, a neuron-specific kinesin required for transport of synaptic vesicle precursors. Taken together, our data suggest that impaired microtubule stability and dynamics, defected axonal growth, and dendritic spine development form the common molecular basis of TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy. Impairment of TUBB4A binding to KIF1A is more likely to be involved in the isolated hypomyelination phenotype, which suggests that alterations in kinesin binding may cause different phenotypes. In conclusion, our study extends the spectrum of TUBB4A mutations and related phenotypes and provides insight into why different TUBB4A variants cause distinct clinical phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Hailan He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Tenghui Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Fangyun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, 410005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wu M, Funahashi Y, Takano T, Hossen E, Ahammad RU, Tsuboi D, Amano M, Yamada K, Kaibuchi K. Rho-Rho-Kinase Regulates Ras-ERK Signaling Through SynGAP1 for Dendritic Spine Morphology. Neurochem Res 2022. [PMID: 35624196 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The structural plasticity of dendritic spines plays a critical role in NMDA-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the brain. The small GTPases RhoA and Ras are considered key regulators of spine morphology and enlargement. However, the regulatory interaction between RhoA and Ras underlying NMDA-induced spine enlargement is largely unknown. In this study, we found that Rho-kinase/ROCK, an effector of RhoA, phosphorylated SynGAP1 (a synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein) at Ser842 and increased its interaction with 14-3-3ζ, thereby activating Ras-ERK signaling in a reconstitution system in HeLa cells. We also found that the stimulation of NMDA receptor by glycine treatment for LTP induction stimulated SynGAP1 phosphorylation, Ras-ERK activation, spine enlargement and SynGAP1 delocalization from the spines in striatal neurons, and these effects were prevented by Rho-kinase inhibition. Rho-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of SynGAP1 appeared to increase its dissociation from PSD95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein located at postsynaptic density, by forming a complex with 14-3-3ζ. These results suggest that Rho-kinase phosphorylates SynGAP1 at Ser842, thereby activating the Ras-ERK pathway for NMDA-induced morphological changes in dendritic spines.
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
NMDA receptors play vital roles in a broad array of essential brain functions, from synaptic transmission and plasticity to learning and memory. Historically, the fundamental roles of NMDARs were attributed to their specialized properties of ion flux. More recently, it has become clear that NMDARs also signal in an ion flux-independent manner. Here, we review these non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling mechanisms that have been reported to contribute to a broad array of neuronal functions and dysfunctions including synaptic transmission and plasticity, cell death and survival, and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K Park
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Ivar S Stein
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Verma B, Sinha P, Ganesh S. Ayurvedic formulations amalaki rasayana and rasa sindoor improve age-associated memory deficits in mice by modulating dendritic spine densities. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2022; 13:100636. [PMID: 36436297 PMCID: PMC9700303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging reports indicate that age-associated cognitive decline begins with the transition from young to middle-aged, and this neurological condition manifests mainly due to the progressive impairment in the adaptive homeostasis process. Moreover, cognitive decline is associated with neurodegenerative changes in older adults. OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown that the administration of Ayurvedic formulations restores the homeostatic pathways and ameliorates neurodegeneration in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we wanted to check whether Ayurvedic formulations can rescue or delay the age-associated cognitive decline in middle-aged mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS We fed two-month-old mice with amalaki aasayana (AR, 1025 mg/kg per day) or rasa sindoor (RS, 41 mg/kg per day) mixed in a gelatin-based jelly for six months. Mice eating regular chow or blank jelly served as control. Subsequently, we looked at the improvements in the cognitive and behavioural traits of the treated animals. We have also analysed the effect of these formulations on the dendritic processes of neurons, glial activation, and the formation of corpora amylacea. RESULTS We found a significant improvement in episodic, working- and reference-spatiotemporal memory in animals fed on AR or RS. Microscopic analyses revealed a significant increase in the dendritic spine density in the apical dendrites of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons. The treatment, however, did not significantly affect gliosis and corpora amylacea in the brains. CONCLUSIONS Both AR and RS showed beneficial effects on memory functions of the middle-aged mice, possibly due to their effect on the dendritic spine densities. Our findings provide strong evidence to conclude that formulations AR and RS can prevent or delay the onset of age-associated cognitive decline.
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu J, Deng Z, Yu Z, Zhou W, Yuan Q. The circRNA circ-Nbea participates in regulating diabetic encephalopathy. Brain Res 2022; 1774:147702. [PMID: 34695392 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in various pathogenic and biological processes in human disease. However, the effect of circRNAs on the development of diabetic encephalopathy (DE) remains largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in the expression of circRNAs and their potential mechanism in DE formation. Compared with db/m mice, spatial learning/memory, dendritic spines, and synaptic plasticity were all impaired in the hippocampus of the db/db mice. In addition, the dendritic spine density of neurons was significantly decreased after treatment with advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We used high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to detect circRNA expression in DE, and the results revealed that 183 circRNAs were significantly altered in primary hippocampal neurons treated with AGEs. Three circRNAs were chosen for detection using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), including circ-Smox (chr2: 131511984-131516443), circ-Nbea (mmu-chr3: 56079859-56091120), and circ-Setbp1 (chr18: 79086551-79087180), and circ-Nbea expression was significantly decreased. According to the bioinformatics prediction and detection using qRT-PCR and double luciferase assays, circ-Nbea sponges miR-128-3p. Based on these results, we speculated that a newly identified circRNA, circ-Nbea, may play an important role in the development of DE, and the mechanism is mediated by sponging miR-128-3p. This study provides new insight into the treatment of DE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jue Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science&Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhifang Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science&Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Huangjiahu Road 2(#), Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weipin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Huangjiahu Road 2(#), Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiong Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Huangjiahu Road 2(#), Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang X, Huang J, Zheng G, Liang J, Hu B, Lou Z, Li A, Ding Y. Prenatal exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate causes autism-like behavior through inducing Nischarin expression in the mouse offspring. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 585:29-35. [PMID: 34781058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence has suggested a relationship between di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) prenatal exposure and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the underlying mechanisms are still at large unknown. In this study, pregnant mice were intragastrically administered with DEHP once a day from GD 3 to GD 17 and the neurobehavioral changes of offspring were evaluated. In addition to the repetitive stereotyped behaviors, DEHP at the concentration of 50 mg/kg/day and above significantly impaired the sociability of the offspring (P < 0.05) and decreased the density of dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (P < 0.05). At the same time, the expression of Nischarin protein in prefrontal lobe increased (P < 0.05). Similarly, after 12-h incubation of DEHP at the concentration of 100 nM, the total spine density, especially the mushroom and stubby spine populations, significantly decreased in the primary cultured prefrontal cortical neurons (P < 0.05). However, the inhibitory effect of DEHP were reversed by knockdown of Nischarin expression. Collectively, these results suggest that prenatal DEHP exposure induces Nischarin expression, causes dendritic spine loss, and finally leads to autism-like behavior in mouse offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guofen Zheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Jianghong Liang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Boyang Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Zhangqi Lou
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Aiqing Li
- Gastroenterology Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuemin Ding
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Huber N, Hoffmann D, Giniatullina R, Rostalski H, Leskelä S, Takalo M, Natunen T, Solje E, Remes AM, Giniatullin R, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion leads to altered neuronal and dendritic spine morphology and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105584. [PMID: 34915153 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of progressive neurodegenerative syndromes. To date, no validated biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. The most common genetic cause underlying FTLD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene (C9-HRE). FTLD is accompanied by changes in several neurotransmitter systems, including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems and many clinical symptoms can be explained by disturbances in these systems. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the C9-HRE on synaptic function, molecular composition of synapses, and dendritic spine morphology. We overexpressed the pathological C9-HRE in cultured E18 mouse primary hippocampal neurons and characterized the pathological, morphological, and functional changes by biochemical methods, confocal microscopy, and live cell calcium imaging. The C9-HRE-expressing neurons were confirmed to display the pathological RNA foci and DPR proteins. C9-HRE expression led to significant changes in dendritic spine morphologies, as indicated by decreased number of mushroom-type spines and increased number of stubby and thin spines, as well as diminished neuronal branching. These morphological changes were accompanied by concomitantly enhanced susceptibility of the neurons to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity as well as augmented and prolonged responses to excitatory stimuli by glutamate and depolarizing potassium chloride as compared to control neurons. Mechanistically, the hyperexcitation phenotype in the C9-HRE-expressing neurons was found to be underlain by increased activity of extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Our results are in accordance with the idea suggesting that C9-HRE is associated with enhanced excitotoxicity and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, therapeutic interventions targeted to alleviate synaptic disturbances might offer efficient avenues for the treatment of patients with C9-HRE-associated FTLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Raisa Giniatullina
- Molecular Pain Research group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Stina Leskelä
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P. O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Finland.
| | - Anne M Remes
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland; Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- Molecular Pain Research group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- Molecular Neurodegeneration group, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Su X, Li W, Li Z, Liu K, Song M, Shao M, Lv L, Chang X. Chronic developmental exposure to low-dose ([C8mim][PF6]) induces neurotoxicity and behavioural abnormalities in rats. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 225:112806. [PMID: 34555716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely used for their physical and chemical properties. Toxicological assessments of ILs could help to avoid their threat to human health, but these are rarely reported, and no assessments of IL neurotoxicity in mammals have been performed. Here, we aimed to evaluate the neurotoxicity of chronic 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8mim][PF6]) (0, 1 mg/kg) exposure during development on rats. Our results indicated that chronic exposure to low-dose ([C8mim][PF6]) induces behavioural abnormalities, including cognitive deficits, social communication disorders, and sensory gating function impairment. Moreover, rats subjected to chronic ([C8mim][PF6]) exposure showed hypofunction of glutamatergic excitatory synapses, including increased expression of NMDA receptor subunits, increased density and immaturity of dendritic spines, and increased expression of PSD95. Additionally, ([C8mim][PF6]) exposure resulted in hippocampal-specific inflammatory activation, indicated by increased levels of proinflammatory factors, elevated nuclear localisation of NF-κB, and activation of microglia and astrocytes. In conclusion, chronic exposure to low-dose ([C8mim][PF6]) induced neurotoxicity, including damage to glutamatergic excitatory synapses and inflammatory activation, which may illuminate the associated behavioural abnormalities. The results presented here may be helpful for the safe use of ILs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Su
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Zhen Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Kang Liu
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Meng Song
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Minglong Shao
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, PR China
| | - Xulu Chang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Weber AJ, Adamson AB, Greathouse KM, Andrade JP, Freeman CD, Seo JV, Rae RJ, Walker CK, Herskowitz JH. Conditional deletion of ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors and alters dendritic spine density and morphology on CA1 pyramidal neurons. Mol Brain 2021; 14:169. [PMID: 34794469 PMCID: PMC8600782 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinase isoform 2 (ROCK2) is an attractive drug target for several neurologic disorders. A critical barrier to ROCK2-based research and therapeutics is the lack of a mouse model that enables investigation of ROCK2 with spatial and temporal control of gene expression. To overcome this, we generated ROCK2fl/fl mice. Mice expressing Cre recombinase in forebrain excitatory neurons (CaMKII-Cre) were crossed with ROCK2fl/fl mice (Cre/ROCK2fl/fl), and the contribution of ROCK2 in behavior as well as dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) was examined. Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice spent reduced time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and increased time in the dark of the light-dark box test compared to littermate controls. These results indicated that Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors. To examine dendritic spine morphology, individual pyramidal neurons in CA1 hippocampus, mPFC, and the BLA were targeted for iontophoretic microinjection of fluorescent dye, followed by high-resolution confocal microscopy and neuronal 3D reconstructions for morphometry analysis. In dorsal CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice displayed significantly increased thin spine density on basal dendrites and reduced mean spine head volume across all spine types on apical dendrites. In ventral CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited significantly increased spine length on apical dendrites. Spine density and morphology were comparable in the mPFC and BLA between both genotypes. These findings suggest that neuronal ROCK2 mediates spine density and morphology in a compartmentalized manner among CA1 pyramidal cells, and that in the absence of ROCK2 these mechanisms may contribute to anxiety-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey J Weber
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ashley B Adamson
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kelsey M Greathouse
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Julia P Andrade
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Cameron D Freeman
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jung Vin Seo
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rosaria J Rae
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Courtney K Walker
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small protrusions stemming from the dendritic shaft that constitute the primary specialization for receiving and processing excitatory neurotransmission in brain synapses. The disruption of dendritic spine function in several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases leads to severe information-processing deficits with impairments in neuronal connectivity and plasticity. Spine dysregulation is usually accompanied by morphological alterations to spine shape, size and/or number that may occur at early pathophysiological stages and not necessarily be reflected in clinical manifestations. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one such group of diseases involving changes in neuronal connectivity and abnormal morphology of dendritic spines on postsynaptic neurons. These alterations at the subcellular level correlate with molecular changes in the spine proteome, with alterations in the copy number, topography, or in severe cases in the phenotype of the molecular components, predominantly of those proteins involved in spine recognition and adhesion, reflected in abnormally short lifetimes of the synapse and compensatory increases in synaptic connections. Since cholinergic neurotransmission participates in the regulation of cognitive function (attention, memory, learning processes, cognitive flexibility, social interactions) brain acetylcholine receptors are likely to play an important role in the dysfunctional synapses in ASD, either directly or indirectly via the modulatory functions exerted on other neurotransmitter receptor proteins and spine-resident proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ueda HH, Nagasawa Y, Murakoshi H. Imaging intracellular protein interactions/activity in neurons using 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Neurosci Res 2021:S0168-0102(21)00212-1. [PMID: 34666101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Through the decades, 2-photon fluorescence microscopy has allowed visualization of microstructures, such as synapses, with high spatial resolution in deep brain tissue. However, signal transduction, such as protein activity and protein-protein interaction in neurons in tissues and in vivo, has remained elusive because of the technical difficulty of observing biochemical reactions at the level of subcellular resolution in light-scattering tissues. Recently, 2-photon fluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (2pFLIM) has enabled visualization of various protein activities and protein-protein interactions at submicrometer resolution in tissue with a reasonable temporal resolution. Thus far, 2pFLIM has been extensively applied for imaging kinase and small GTPase activation in dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons in slice cultures. However, it has been recently applied to various subcellular structures, such as axon terminals and nuclei, and has increased our understanding of spatially organized molecular dynamics. One of the future directions of 2pFLIM utilization is to combine various optogenetic tools for manipulating protein activity. This combination allows the activation of specific proteins with light and visualization of its readout as the activation of downstream molecules. Here, we have introduced the recent application of 2pFLIM for neurons and present the utilization of a new optogenetic tool in combination with 2pFLIM.
Collapse
|