Effects of semaglutide-loaded lipid nanocapsules on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease that can progress to end-stage conditions with life-threatening complications, but no pharmacologic therapy has been approved. Drug delivery systems such as lipid nanocapsules (LNC) are very versatile platforms that are easy to produce and can induce the secretion of the native glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) when orally administered. GLP-1 analogs are currently being studied in clinical trials in the context of MASLD. Our nanosystem provides with increased levels of the native GLP-1 and increased plasmatic absorption of the encapsulated GLP-1 analog (semaglutide). Our goal was to use our strategy to demonstrate a better outcome and a greater impact on the metabolic syndrome associated with MASLD and on liver disease progression with our strategy compared with the oral marketed version of semaglutide, Rybelsus®. Therefore, we studied the effect of our nanocarriers on a dietary mouse model of MASLD, the Western diet model, during a daily chronic treatment of 4 weeks. Overall, the results showed a positive impact of semaglutide-loaded lipid nanocapsules towards the normalization of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. In the liver, there were no significant changes in lipid accumulation, but an improvement in markers related to inflammation was observed. Overall, our strategy had a positive trend on the metabolic syndrome and at reducing inflammation, mitigating the progression of the disease. Oral administration of the nanosystem was more efficient at preventing the progression of the disease to more severe states when compared to the administration of Rybelsus®, as a suspension.

Cdk5-dependent rapid formation and stabilization of dendritic spines by corticotropin-releasing factor

The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) exerts a pivotal role in modulating neuronal activity in the mammalian brain. The effects of CRF exhibit notable variations, depending on factors such as duration of exposure, concentration, and anatomical location. In the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the impact of CRF is dichotomous: chronic exposure to CRF impairs synapse formation and dendritic integrity, whereas brief exposure enhances synapse formation and plasticity. In the current study, we demonstrate long-term effects of acute CRF on the density and stability of mature mushroom spines ex vivo. We establish that both CRF receptors are present in this hippocampal region, and we pinpoint their precise subcellular localization within synapses by electron microscopy. Furthermore, both in vivo and ex vivo data collectively demonstrate that a transient surge of CRF in the CA1 activates the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-pathway. This activation leads to a notable augmentation in CRF-dependent spine formation. Overall, these data suggest that upon acute release of CRF in the CA1-SR synapse, both CRF-Rs can be activated and promote synaptic plasticity via activating different downstream signaling pathways, such as the Cdk5-pathway.

Heterozygous mutations in the C-terminal domain of COPA underlie a complex autoinflammatory syndrome

Mutations in the N-terminal WD40 domain of coatomer protein complex subunit α (COPA) cause a type I interferonopathy, typically characterized by alveolar hemorrhage, arthritis, and nephritis. We described 3 heterozygous mutations in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of COPA (p.C1013S, p.R1058C, and p.R1142X) in 6 children from 3 unrelated families with a similar syndrome of autoinflammation and autoimmunity. We showed that these CTD COPA mutations disrupt the integrity and the function of coat protein complex I (COPI). In COPAR1142X and COPAR1058C fibroblasts, we demonstrated that COPI dysfunction causes both an anterograde ER-to-Golgi and a retrograde Golgi-to-ER trafficking defect. The disturbed intracellular trafficking resulted in a cGAS/STING-dependent upregulation of the type I IFN signaling in patients and patient-derived cell lines, albeit through a distinct molecular mechanism in comparison with mutations in the WD40 domain of COPA. We showed that CTD COPA mutations induce an activation of ER stress and NF-κB signaling in patient-derived primary cell lines. These results demonstrate the importance of the integrity of the CTD of COPA for COPI function and homeostatic intracellular trafficking, essential to ER homeostasis. CTD COPA mutations result in disease by increased ER stress, disturbed intracellular transport, and increased proinflammatory signaling.

EndophilinA-dependent coupling between activity-induced calcium influx and synaptic autophagy is disrupted by a Parkinson-risk mutation

Neuronal activity causes use-dependent decline in protein function. However, it is unclear how this is coupled to local quality control mechanisms. We show in Drosophila that the endocytic protein Endophilin-A (EndoA) connects activity-induced calcium influx to synaptic autophagy and neuronal survival in a Parkinson disease-relevant fashion. Mutations in the disordered loop, including a Parkinson disease-risk mutation, render EndoA insensitive to neuronal stimulation and affect protein dynamics: when EndoA is more flexible, its mobility in membrane nanodomains increases, making it available for autophagosome formation. Conversely, when EndoA is more rigid, its mobility reduces, blocking stimulation-induced autophagy. Balanced stimulation-induced autophagy is required for dopagminergic neuron survival, and a variant in the human ENDOA1 disordered loop conferring risk to Parkinson disease also blocks nanodomain protein mobility and autophagy both in vivo and in human-induced dopaminergic neurons. Thus, we reveal a mechanism that neurons use to connect neuronal activity to local autophagy and that is critical for neuronal survival.

Mitochondria metabolism sets the species-specific tempo of neuronal development

Neuronal development in the human cerebral cortex is considerably prolonged compared with that of other mammals. We explored whether mitochondria influence the species-specific timing of cortical neuron maturation. By comparing human and mouse cortical neuronal maturation at high temporal and cell resolution, we found a slower mitochondria development in human cortical neurons compared with that in the mouse, together with lower mitochondria metabolic activity, particularly that of oxidative phosphorylation. Stimulation of mitochondria metabolism in human neurons resulted in accelerated development in vitro and in vivo, leading to maturation of cells weeks ahead of time, whereas its inhibition in mouse neurons led to decreased rates of maturation. Mitochondria are thus important regulators of the pace of neuronal development underlying human-specific brain neoteny.

HDAC3 Inhibition Stimulates Myelination in a CMT1A Mouse Model

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, with currently no effective treatment or cure. CMT1A is caused by a duplication of the PMP22 gene, which leads to Schwann cell differentiation defects and dysmyelination of the peripheral nerves. The epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has been shown to negatively regulate myelination as well as its associated signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT and MAPK-ERK. We showed that these signaling pathways are indeed downregulated in the C3-PMP22 mouse model, similar to what has been shown in the CMT1A rat model. We confirmed that early postnatal defects are present in the peripheral nerves of the C3-PMP22 mouse model, which led to a progressive reduction in axon caliber size and myelination. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pharmacological HDAC3 inhibition could be a valuable therapeutic approach for this CMT1A mouse model. We demonstrated that early treatment of CMT1A mice with the selective HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966 increased myelination and myelin g-ratios, which was associated with improved electrophysiological recordings. However, a high dose of RGFP966 caused a decline in rotarod performance and a decline in overall grip strength. Additionally, macrophage presence in peripheral nerves was increased in RGFP966 treated CMT1A mice. We conclude that HDAC3 does not only play a role in regulating myelination but is also important in the neuroimmune modulation. Overall, our results indicate that correct dosing of HDAC3 inhibitors is of crucial importance if translated to a clinical setting for demyelinating forms of CMT or other neurological disorders.

Preservation of Fluorescence Signal and Imaging Optimization for Integrated Light and Electron Microscopy

Life science research often needs to define where molecules are located within the complex environment of a cell or tissue. Genetically encoded fluorescent proteins and or fluorescence affinity-labeling are the go-to methods. Although recent fluorescent microscopy methods can provide localization of fluorescent molecules with relatively high resolution, an ultrastructural context is missing. This is solved by imaging a region of interest with correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). We have adopted a protocol that preserves both genetically-encoded and antibody-derived fluorescent signals in resin-embedded cell and tissue samples and provides high-resolution electron microscopy imaging of the same thin section. This method is particularly suitable for dedicated CLEM instruments that combine fluorescence and electron microscopy optics. In addition, we optimized scanning EM imaging parameters for samples of varying thicknesses. These protocols will enable rapid acquisition of CLEM information from samples and can be adapted for three-dimensional EM.

Prolyl endopeptidase-like is a (thio)esterase involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain function

Deficiency of the serine hydrolase prolyl endopeptidase-like (PREPL) causes a recessive metabolic disorder characterized by neonatal hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and growth hormone deficiency. The pathophysiology of PREPL deficiency and the physiological substrates of PREPL remain largely unknown. In this study, we connect PREPL with mitochondrial gene expression and oxidative phosphorylation by analyzing its protein interactors. We demonstrate that the long PREPLL isoform localizes to mitochondria, whereas PREPLS remains cytosolic. Prepl KO mice showed reduced mitochondrial complex activities and disrupted mitochondrial gene expression. Furthermore, mitochondrial ultrastructure was abnormal in a PREPL-deficient patient and Prepl KO mice. In addition, we reveal that PREPL has (thio)esterase activity and inhibition of PREPL by Palmostatin M suggests a depalmitoylating function. We subsequently determined the crystal structure of PREPL, thereby providing insight into the mechanism of action. Taken together, PREPL is a (thio)esterase rather than a peptidase and PREPLL is involved in mitochondrial homeostasis.

A prion-like protein regulator of seed germination undergoes hydration-dependent phase separation

Many organisms evolved strategies to survive desiccation. Plant seeds protect dehydrated embryos from various stressors and can lay dormant for millennia. Hydration is the key trigger to initiate germination, but the mechanism by which seeds sense water remains unresolved. We identified an uncharacterized Arabidopsis thaliana prion-like protein we named FLOE1, which phase separates upon hydration and allows the embryo to sense water stress. We demonstrate that biophysical states of FLOE1 condensates modulate its biological function in vivo in suppressing seed germination under unfavorable environments. We find intragenic, intraspecific, and interspecific natural variation in FLOE1 expression and phase separation and show that intragenic variation is associated with adaptive germination strategies in natural populations. This combination of molecular, organismal, and ecological studies uncovers FLOE1 as a tunable environmental sensor with direct implications for the design of drought-resistant crops, in the face of climate change.

A workflow for streamlined acquisition and correlation of serial regions of interest in array tomography

Background

Array tomography (AT) is a high-resolution imaging method to resolve fine details at the organelle level and has the advantage that it can provide 3D volumes to show the tissue context. AT can be carried out in a correlative way, combing light and electron microscopy (LM, EM) techniques. However, the correlation between modalities can be a challenge and delineating specific regions of interest in consecutive sections can be time-consuming. Integrated light and electron microscopes (iLEMs) offer the possibility to provide well-correlated images and may pose an ideal solution for correlative AT. Here, we report a workflow to automate navigation between regions of interest.

Results

We use a targeted approach that allows imaging specific tissue features, like organelles, cell processes, and nuclei at different scales to enable fast, directly correlated in situ AT using an integrated light and electron microscope (iLEM-AT). Our workflow is based on the detection of section boundaries on an initial transmitted light acquisition that serves as a reference space to compensate for changes in shape between sections, and we apply a stepwise refinement of localizations as the magnification increases from LM to EM. With minimal user interaction, this enables autonomous and speedy acquisition of regions containing cells and cellular organelles of interest correlated across different magnifications for LM and EM modalities, providing a more efficient way to obtain 3D images. We provide a proof of concept of our approach and the developed software tools using both Golgi neuronal impregnation staining and fluorescently labeled protein condensates in cells.

Conclusions

Our method facilitates tracing and reconstructing cellular structures over multiple sections, is targeted at high resolution ILEMs, and can be integrated into existing devices, both commercial and custom-built systems.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01072-7.

Torsin and NEP1R1-CTDNEP1 phosphatase affect interphase nuclear pore complex insertion by lipid-dependent and lipid-independent mechanisms

The interphase nuclear envelope (NE) is extensively remodeled during nuclear pore complex (NPC) insertion. How this remodeling occurs and why it requires Torsin ATPases, which also regulate lipid metabolism, remains poorly understood. Here, we show that Drosophila Torsin (dTorsin) affects lipid metabolism via the NEP1R1‐CTDNEP1 phosphatase and the Lipin phosphatidic acid (PA) phosphatase. This includes that Torsins remove NEP1R1‐CTDNEP1 from the NE in fly and mouse cells, leading to subsequent Lipin exclusion from the nucleus. NEP1R1‐CTDNEP1 downregulation also restores nuclear pore membrane fusion in post‐mitotic dTorsin^KO fat body cells. However, dTorsin‐associated nuclear pore defects do not correlate with lipidomic abnormalities and are not resolved by silencing of Lipin. Further testing confirmed that membrane fusion continues in cells with hyperactivated Lipin. It also led to the surprising finding that excessive PA metabolism inhibits recruitment of the inner ring complex Nup35 subunit, resulting in elongated channel‐like structures in place of mature nuclear pores. We conclude that the NEP1R1‐CTDNEP1 phosphatase affects interphase NPC biogenesis by lipid‐dependent and lipid‐independent mechanisms, explaining some of the pleiotropic effects of Torsins.

Corticotropin-releasing factor induces functional and structural synaptic remodelling in acute stress

Biological responses to stress are complex and highly conserved. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in regulating these lifesaving physiological responses to stress. We show that, in mice, CRF rapidly changes Schaffer Collateral (SC) input into hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells (PC) by modulating both functional and structural aspects of these synapses. Host exposure to acute stress, in vivo CRF injection, and ex vivo CRF application all result in fast de novo formation and remodeling of existing dendritic spines. Functionally, CRF leads to a rapid increase in synaptic strength of SC input into CA1 neurons, e.g., increase in spontaneous neurotransmitter release, paired-pulse facilitation, and repetitive excitability and improves synaptic plasticity: long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). In line with the changes in synaptic function, CRF increases the number of presynaptic vesicles, induces redistribution of vesicles towards the active zone, increases active zone size, and improves the alignment of the pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Therefore, CRF rapidly enhances synaptic communication in the hippocampus, potentially playing a crucial role in the enhanced memory consolidation in acute stress.

Loss of Furin in β-Cells Induces an mTORC1-ATF4 Anabolic Pathway That Leads to β-Cell Dysfunction

FURIN is a proprotein convertase (PC) responsible for proteolytic activation of a wide array of precursor proteins within the secretory pathway. It maps to the PRC1 locus, a type 2 diabetes susceptibility locus, but its specific role in pancreatic β-cells is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of FURIN in glucose homeostasis. We show that FURIN is highly expressed in human islets, whereas PCs that potentially could provide redundancy are expressed at considerably lower levels. β-cell-specific Furin knockout (βFurKO) mice are glucose intolerant as a result of smaller islets with lower insulin content and abnormal dense-core secretory granule morphology. mRNA expression analysis and differential proteomics on βFurKO islets revealed activation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), which was mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1). βFurKO cells show impaired cleavage or shedding of vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) subunits Ac45 and prorenin receptor, respectively, and impaired lysosomal acidification. Blocking V-ATPase pharmacologically in β-cells increased mTORC1 activity, suggesting involvement of the V-ATPase proton pump in the phenotype. Taken together, these results suggest a model of mTORC1-ATF4 hyperactivation and impaired lysosomal acidification in β-cells lacking Furin, causing β-cell dysfunction.

Mechanisms of stretch-mediated skin expansion at single-cell resolution

The ability of the skin to grow in response to stretching has been exploited in reconstructive surgery¹. Although the response of epidermal cells to stretching has been studied in vitro^2,3, it remains unclear how mechanical forces affect their behaviour in vivo. Here we develop a mouse model in which the consequences of stretching on skin epidermis can be studied at single-cell resolution. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines clonal analysis with quantitative modelling and single-cell RNA sequencing, we show that stretching induces skin expansion by creating a transient bias in the renewal activity of epidermal stem cells, while a second subpopulation of basal progenitors remains committed to differentiation. Transcriptional and chromatin profiling identifies how cell states and gene-regulatory networks are modulated by stretching. Using pharmacological inhibitors and mouse mutants, we define the step-by-step mechanisms that control stretch-mediated tissue expansion at single-cell resolution in vivo.

Differentiation but not ALS mutations in FUS rewires motor neuron metabolism

Energy metabolism has been repeatedly linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Yet, motor neuron (MN) metabolism remains poorly studied and it is unknown if ALS MNs differ metabolically from healthy MNs. To address this question, we first performed a metabolic characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) versus iPSC-derived MNs and subsequently compared MNs from ALS patients carrying FUS mutations to their CRISPR/Cas9-corrected counterparts. We discovered that human iPSCs undergo a lactate oxidation-fuelled prooxidative metabolic switch when they differentiate into functional MNs. Simultaneously, they rewire metabolic routes to import pyruvate into the TCA cycle in an energy substrate specific way. By comparing patient-derived MNs and their isogenic controls, we show that ALS-causing mutations in FUS did not affect glycolytic or mitochondrial energy metabolism of human MNs in vitro. These data show that metabolic dysfunction is not the underlying cause of the ALS-related phenotypes previously observed in these MNs.

Gold-substituted Silver-intensified Peroxidase Immunolabeling for FIB-SEM Imaging

Modern electron microscopy offers a wide variety of tools to investigate the ultrastructural organization of cells and tissues and to accurately pinpoint intracellular localizations of macromolecules of interest. New volumetric electron microscopy techniques and new instrumentation provide unique opportunities for high-throughput analysis of comparatively large volumes of tissue and their complete reconstitution in three-dimensional (3D) electron microscopy. However, due to a variety of technical issues such as the limited penetration of label into the tissue, low antigen preservation, substantial electron density of secondary detection reagents, and many others, the adaptation of immuno-detection techniques for use with such 3D imaging methods as focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) has been challenging. Here, we describe a sample preparation method for 3D FIB-SEM, which results in an optimal preservation and staining of ultrastructural details at a resolution necessary for tracing immunolabeled neuronal structures and detailed reconstruction of synapses. This technique is applicable to neuronal and non-neuronal cells, tissues, and a wide variety of antigens.

A Modular Organization of LRR Protein-Mediated Synaptic Adhesion Defines Synapse Identity

Pyramidal neurons express rich repertoires of leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing adhesion molecules with similar synaptogenic activity in culture. The in vivo relevance of this molecular diversity is unclear. We show that hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons express multiple synaptogenic LRR proteins that differentially distribute to the major excitatory inputs on their apical dendrites. At Schaffer collateral (SC) inputs, FLRT2, LRRTM1, and Slitrk1 are postsynaptically localized and differentially regulate synaptic structure and function. FLRT2 controls spine density, whereas LRRTM1 and Slitrk1 exert opposing effects on synaptic vesicle distribution at the active zone. All LRR proteins differentially affect synaptic transmission, and their combinatorial loss results in a cumulative phenotype. At temporoammonic (TA) inputs, LRRTM1 is absent; FLRT2 similarly controls functional synapse number, whereas Slitrk1 function diverges to regulate postsynaptic AMPA receptor density. Thus, LRR proteins differentially control synaptic architecture and function and act in input-specific combinations and a context-dependent manner to specify synaptic properties.

Deficiency of parkin and PINK1 impairs age-dependent mitophagy in Drosophila

Mutations in the genes for PINK1 and parkin cause Parkinson's disease. PINK1 and parkin cooperate in the selective autophagic degradation of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) in cultured cells. However, evidence for their role in mitophagy in vivo is still scarce. Here, we generated a Drosophila model expressing the mitophagy probe mt-Keima. Using live mt-Keima imaging and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), we show that mitophagy occurs in muscle cells and dopaminergic neurons in vivo, even in the absence of exogenous mitochondrial toxins. Mitophagy increases with aging, and this age-dependent rise is abrogated by PINK1 or parkin deficiency. Knockdown of the Drosophila homologues of the deubiquitinases USP15 and, to a lesser extent, USP30, rescues mitophagy in the parkin-deficient flies. These data demonstrate a crucial role for parkin and PINK1 in age-dependent mitophagy in Drosophila in vivo.

A LRRK2-Dependent EndophilinA Phosphoswitch Is Critical for Macroautophagy at Presynaptic Terminals

Synapses are often far from the soma and independently cope with proteopathic stress induced by intense neuronal activity. However, how presynaptic compartments turn over proteins is poorly understood. We show that the synapse-enriched protein EndophilinA, thus far studied for its role in endocytosis, induces macroautophagy at presynaptic terminals. We find that EndophilinA executes this unexpected function at least partly independent of its role in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. EndophilinA-induced macroautophagy is activated when the kinase LRRK2 phosphorylates the EndophilinA-BAR domain and is blocked in animals where EndophilinA cannot be phosphorylated. EndophilinA-phosphorylation promotes the formation of highly curved membranes, and reconstitution experiments show these curved membranes serve as docking stations for autophagic factors, including Atg3. Functionally, deregulation of the EndophilinA phosphorylation state accelerates activity-induced neurodegeneration. Given that EndophilinA is connected to at least three Parkinson's disease genes (LRRK2, Parkin and Synaptojanin), dysfunction of EndophilinA-dependent synaptic macroautophagy may be common in this disorder.