scholarly journals RNA-based mechanisms underlying axon guidance

2013 ◽  
Vol 202 (7) ◽  
pp. 991-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiaki Shigeoka ◽  
Bo Lu ◽  
Christine E. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Neuronal Circuitry ◽  
Guidance Cues ◽  
Spatiotemporal Control

Axon guidance plays a key role in establishing neuronal circuitry. The motile tips of growing axons, the growth cones, navigate by responding directionally to guidance cues that pattern the embryonic neural pathways via receptor-mediated signaling. Evidence in vitro in the last decade supports the notion that RNA-based mechanisms contribute to cue-directed steering during axon guidance. Different cues trigger translation of distinct subsets of mRNAs and localized translation provides precise spatiotemporal control over the growth cone proteome in response to localized receptor activation. Recent evidence has now demonstrated a role for localized translational control in axon guidance decisions in vivo.

scholarly journals A requirement for filopodia extension toward Slit during Robo-mediated axon repulsion

2016 ◽  
Vol 213 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell E. McConnell ◽  
J. Edward van Veen ◽  
Marina Vidaki ◽  
Adam V. Kwiatkowski ◽  
Aaron S. Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Guidance Cues ◽  
Guidance Cue ◽  
3D Environments ◽  
Direct Binding ◽  
Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion ◽  
Axon Repulsion

Axons navigate long distances through complex 3D environments to interconnect the nervous system during development. Although the precise spatiotemporal effects of most axon guidance cues remain poorly characterized, a prevailing model posits that attractive guidance cues stimulate actin polymerization in neuronal growth cones whereas repulsive cues induce actin disassembly. Contrary to this model, we find that the repulsive guidance cue Slit stimulates the formation and elongation of actin-based filopodia from mouse dorsal root ganglion growth cones. Surprisingly, filopodia form and elongate toward sources of Slit, a response that we find is required for subsequent axonal repulsion away from Slit. Mechanistically, Slit evokes changes in filopodium dynamics by increasing direct binding of its receptor, Robo, to members of the actin-regulatory Ena/VASP family. Perturbing filopodium dynamics pharmacologically or genetically disrupts Slit-mediated repulsion and produces severe axon guidance defects in vivo. Thus, Slit locally stimulates directional filopodial extension, a process that is required for subsequent axonal repulsion downstream of the Robo receptor.

scholarly journals A mathematical model explains saturating axon guidance responses to molecular gradients

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huyen Nguyen ◽  
Peter Dayan ◽  
Zac Pujic ◽  
Justin Cooper-White ◽  
Geoffrey J Goodhill
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Growth Cone ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Mathematical Explanation ◽  
In Vitro Growth

Correct wiring is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Molecular gradients provide critical signals to guide growth cones, which are the motile tips of developing axons, to their targets. However, in vitro, growth cones trace highly stochastic trajectories, and exactly how molecular gradients bias their movement is unclear. Here, we introduce a mathematical model based on persistence, bias, and noise to describe this behaviour, constrained directly by measurements of the detailed statistics of growth cone movements in both attractive and repulsive gradients in a microfluidic device. This model provides a mathematical explanation for why average axon turning angles in gradients in vitro saturate very rapidly with time at relatively small values. This work introduces the most accurate predictive model of growth cone trajectories to date, and deepens our understanding of axon guidance events both in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals CRMP2 and CRMP4 Are Differentially Required for Axon Guidance and Growth in Zebrafish Retinal Neurons

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Zhi Liu ◽  
Jian Zhu ◽  
Chang-Ling Wang ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Ying-Ying Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Guidance Cues ◽  
Retinal Axons ◽  
Neuropilin 1 ◽  
Axon Development ◽  
Intracellular Proteins ◽  
Retinal Axon

Axons are directed to their correct targets by guidance cues during neurodevelopment. Many axon guidance cues have been discovered; however, much less known is about how the growth cones transduce the extracellular guidance cues to intracellular responses. Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are a family of intracellular proteins that have been found to mediate growth cone behavior in vitro; however, their roles in vivo in axon development are much less explored. In zebrafish embryos, we find that CRMP2 and CRMP4 are expressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer when retinal axons are crossing the midline. Knocking down CRMP2 causes reduced elongation and premature termination of the retinal axons, while knocking down CRMP4 results in ipsilateral misprojections of retinal axons that would normally project to the contralateral brain. Furthermore, CRMP4 synchronizes with neuropilin 1 in retinal axon guidance, suggesting that CRMP4 might mediate the semaphorin/neuropilin signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that CRMP2 and CRMP4 function differentially in axon development in vivo.

Mu-opioid receptor activation promotes in vitro and in vivo tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Life Sciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 278 ◽  
pp. 119541
Author(s):  
Aysegul Gorur ◽  
Miguel Patiño ◽  
Hideaki Takahashi ◽  
German Corrales ◽  
Curtis R. Pickering ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Opioid Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Mu Opioid Receptor ◽  
Mu Opioid

Physiology, Pharmacology, and Topography of Cholinergic Neocortical Oscillations In Vitro

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 2427-2445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heath S. Lukatch ◽  
M. Bruce Maciver
Keyword(s):  
Current Source ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Oscillatory Activity ◽  
Cortical Layers ◽  
Eeg Activity ◽  
Layer 2

Lukatch, Heath S. and M. Bruce MacIver. Physiology, pharmacology, and topography of cholinergic neocortical oscillations in vitro. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2427–2445, 1997. Rat neocortical brain slices generated rhythmic extracellular field [microelectroencephalogram (micro-EEG)] oscillations at theta frequencies (3–12 Hz) when exposed to pharmacological conditions that mimicked endogenous ascending cholinergic and GABAergic inputs. Use of the specific receptor agonist and antagonist carbachol and bicuculline revealed that simultaneous muscarinic receptor activation and γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA)-mediated disinhibition werenecessary to elicit neocortical oscillations. Rhythmic activity was independent of GABAB receptor activation, but required intact glutamatergic transmission, evidenced by blockade or disruption of oscillations by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione and (±)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, respectively. Multisite mapping studies showed that oscillations were localized to areas 29d and 18b (Oc2MM) and parts of areas 18a and 17. Peak oscillation amplitudes occurred in layer 2/3, and phase reversals were observed in layers 1 and 5. Current source density analysis revealed large-amplitude current sinks and sources in layers 2/3 and 5, respectively. An initial shift in peak inward current density from layer 1 to layer 2/3 indicated that two processes underlie an initial depolarization followed by oscillatory activity. Laminar transections localized oscillation-generating circuitry to superficial cortical layers and sharp-spike-generating circuitry to deep cortical layers. Whole cell recordings identified three distinct cell types based on response properties during rhythmic micro-EEG activity: oscillation-on (theta-on) and -off (theta-off) neurons, and transiently depolarizing glial cells. Theta-on neurons displayed membrane potential oscillations that increased in amplitude with hyperpolarization (from −30 to −90 mV). This, taken together with a glutamate antagonist-induced depression of rhythmic micro-EEG activity, indicated that cholinergically driven neocortical oscillations require excitatory synaptic transmission. We conclude that under the appropriate pharmacological conditions, neocortical brain slices were capable of producing localized theta frequency oscillations. Experiments examining oscillation physiology, pharmacology, and topography demonstrated that neocortical brain slice oscillations share many similarities with the in vivo and in vitro theta EEG activity recorded in other brain regions.

scholarly journals Transcript and protein profiling identifies signaling, growth arrest, apoptosis, and NF-κB survival signatures following GNRH receptor activation

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colette Meyer ◽  
Andrew H Sims ◽  
Kevin Morgan ◽  
Beth Harrison ◽  
Morwenna Muir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Gnrh Receptor ◽  
Phase Changes ◽  
Protein Profiling ◽  
Proteomic Profiling ◽  
Pathway Gene

GNRH significantly inhibits proliferation of a proportion of cancer cell lines by activating GNRH receptor (GNRHR)-G protein signaling. Therefore, manipulation of GNRHR signaling may have an under-utilized role in treating certain breast and ovarian cancers. However, the precise signaling pathways necessary for the effect and the features of cellular responses remain poorly defined. We used transcriptomic and proteomic profiling approaches to characterize the effects of GNRHR activation in sensitive cells (HEK293-GNRHR, SCL60)in vitroandin vivo, compared to unresponsive HEK293. Analyses of gene expression demonstrated a dynamic response to the GNRH superagonist Triptorelin. Early and mid-phase changes (0.5–1.0 h) comprised mainly transcription factors. Later changes (8–24 h) included a GNRH target gene,CGA, and up- or downregulation of transcripts encoding signaling and cell division machinery. Pathway analysis identified altered MAPK and cell cycle pathways, consistent with occurrence of G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway gene transcripts were differentially expressed between control and Triptorelin-treated SCL60 cultures. Reverse-phase protein and phospho-proteomic array analyses profiled responses in cultured cells and SCL60 xenograftsin vivoduring Triptorelin anti-proliferation. Increased phosphorylated NF-κB (p65) occurred in SCL60in vitro, and p-NF-κB and IκBε were higher in treated xenografts than controls after 4 days Triptorelin. NF-κB inhibition enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of Triptorelin in SCL60 cultures. This study reveals details of pathways interacting with intense GNRHR signaling, identifies potential anti-proliferative target genes, and implicates the NF-κB survival pathway as a node for enhancing GNRH agonist-induced anti-proliferation.

In vitro and in vivo GABAA Receptor Interaction of the Propanidid Metabolite 4-(2-[Diethylamino]-2-Oxoethoxy)-3-Methoxy-Benzeneacetic Acid

Pharmacology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Cenani ◽  
Robert J. Brosnan ◽  
Heather K. Knych
Keyword(s):  
Gabaa Receptor ◽  
Gabaa Receptors ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Receptor Interaction ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Benzeneacetic Acid

Background: Propanidid is a γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist general anesthetic and its primary metabolite is 4-(2-[diethylamino]-2-oxoethoxy)-3-methoxy-benzeneacetic acid (DOMBA). Despite having a high water solubility at physiologic pH that might predict low-affinity GABAA receptor interactions, DOMBA is reported to have no effect on GABAA receptor currents, possibly because the DOMBA concentrations studied were simply insufficient to modulate GABAA receptors. Our objectives were to measure the propanidid and DOMBA concentration responses on ­GABAA receptors and to measure the behavioral responses of DOMBA in mice at concentrations that affect GABAA receptor currents in vitro. Methods: GABAA receptors were expressed in oocytes using clones for the human GABAA α1, β2 and γ2s subunits. The effects of DOMBA (0.2–10 mmol/L) and propanidid (0.001–1 mmol/L) on oocyte GABAA currents were studied using standard 2-electrode voltage clamp techniques. Based on in vitro results, 6 mice received ­DOMBA 32 mg intraperitoneal and were observed for occurrence of neurologic effects and DOMBA plasma concentration was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: DOMBA both directly activates GABAA receptors and antagonizes its GABA-mediated opening in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations between 5–10 and 0.5–10 mmol/L respectively. In vivo, DOMBA produced rapid onset sedation at plasma concentrations that correlate with direct GABAA receptor activation. Conclusion: DOMBA modulation of GABAA receptors is associated with sedation in mice. Metabolites of propanidid analogues currently in development may similarly modulate GABAA, and impaired elimination of these metabolites could produce clinically relevant neurophysiologic effects.

scholarly journals Staufen1 reads out structure and sequence features in ARF1 dsRNA for target recognition

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 2091-2106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Kumar Yadav ◽  
Dagmar Zigáčková ◽  
Maria Zlobina ◽  
Tomáš Klumpler ◽  
Christelle Beaumont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Target Recognition ◽  
Target Selection ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Minor Groove ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Mrna Targets ◽  
Dsrna Binding

Abstract Staufen1 (STAU1) is a dsRNA binding protein mediating mRNA transport and localization, translational control and STAU1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD). The STAU1 binding site (SBS) within human ADP-ribosylation factor1 (ARF1) 3′UTR binds STAU1 and this downregulates ARF1 cytoplasmic mRNA levels by SMD. However, how STAU1 recognizes specific mRNA targets is still under debate. Our structure of the ARF1 SBS–STAU1 complex uncovers target recognition by STAU1. STAU1 dsRNA binding domain (dsRBD) 4 interacts with two pyrimidines and one purine from the minor groove side via helix α1, the β1–β2 loop anchors the dsRBD at the end of the dsRNA and lysines in helix α2 bind to the phosphodiester backbone from the major groove side. STAU1 dsRBD3 displays the same binding mode with specific recognition of one guanine base. Mutants disrupting minor groove recognition of ARF1 SBS affect in vitro binding and reduce SMD in vivo. Our data thus reveal how STAU1 recognizes minor groove features in dsRNA relevant for target selection.

Zebrafish semaphorin Z1a collapses specific growth cones and alters their pathway in vivo

Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (7) ◽  
pp. 1275-1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Shoji ◽  
C.S. Yee ◽  
J.Y. Kuwada
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Lateral Line ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Specific Growth ◽  
Transmembrane Proteins ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
In Vitro Activity ◽  
Different Strains

The semaphorin/collapsin gene family encodes secreted and transmembrane proteins several of which can repulse growth cones. Although the in vitro activity of Semaphorin III/D/Collapsin 1 is clear, recent analyses of two different strains of semaphorin III/D/collapsin 1 knockout mice have generated conflicting findings. In order to clarify the in vivo action of this molecule, we analyzed sema Z1a, a zebrafish homolog of semaphorin III/D/collapsin 1. The expression pattern of sema Z1a suggested that it delimited the pathway of the growth cones of a specific set of sensory neurons, the posterior ganglion of the lateral line, in zebrafish. To examine the in vivo action of this molecule, we analyzed (1) the pathways followed by lateral line growth cones in mutants in which the expression of sema Z1a is altered in an interesting way, (2) response of lateral line growth cones to exogenous Sema Z1a in living embryos, and (3) the pathway followed by lateral line growth cones when Sema Z1a is misexpressed by cells along their normal route. The results suggest that a repulsive action of Sema Z1a helps guide the growth cones of the lateral line along their normal pathway.

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