scholarly journals Synaptic m6A Epitranscriptome Reveals Functional Partitioning of Localized Transcripts for Dynamic Tripartite Synapse Modulation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Merkurjev ◽  
Wan-Ting Hong ◽  
Kei lida ◽  
Belinda J Goldie ◽  
Hitoshi Yamaguti ◽  
...  

AbstractA localized transcriptome at the synapse facilitates synapse-, stimulus-, and transcript-specific synthesis of the local proteome in response to neuronal activity. While enzyme-mediated mRNA modifications have been shown to regulate cellular mRNA turnover and translation, the role of these modifications in regulating synaptic RNA has not been studied. We established low-input m6A-seq of synaptosomal RNA to determine the chemically modified local transcriptome in healthy adult mouse forebrain and identified 4,329 selectively enriched m6A RNA peaks in 2,987 genes, which we refer to as the synaptic m6A epitranscriptome (SME). SME is functionally enriched in synthesis and modulation of tripartite synapses, and in pathways implicated in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Interrupting m6A-mediated regulation via knockdown of reader YTHDF1 in hippocampal neurons alters expression of SME member Apc, and causes synaptic malfunctions manifesting immature spine morphology and dampened excitatory synaptic transmission concomitant with decreased PSD-95 clustering and GluA1 surface expression. Our findings indicate that chemical modifications of synaptic mRNAs critically contribute to synaptic function.

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 2866-2877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Hoffpauir ◽  
Emily McMains ◽  
Evanna Gleason

Nitric oxide (NO) is generated by multiple cell types in the vertebrate retina, including amacrine cells. We investigate the role of NO in the modulation of synaptic function using a culture system containing identified retinal amacrine cells. We find that moderate concentrations of NO alter GABAA receptor function to produce an enhancement of the GABA-gated current. Higher concentrations of NO also enhance GABA-gated currents, but this enhancement is primarily due to a substantial positive shift in the reversal potential of the current. Several pieces of evidence, including a similar effect on glycine-gated currents, indicate that the positive shift is due to an increase in cytosolic Cl−. This change in the chloride distribution is especially significant because it can invert the sign of GABA- and glycine-gated voltage responses. Furthermore, current- and voltage-clamp recordings from synaptic pairs of GABAergic amacrine cells demonstrate that NO transiently converts signaling at GABAergic synapses from inhibition to excitation. Persistence of the NO-induced shift in ECl− in the absence of extracellular Cl− indicates that the increase in cytosolic Cl− is due to release of Cl− from an internal store. An NO-dependent release of Cl− from an internal store is also demonstrated for rat hippocampal neurons indicating that this mechanism is not restricted to the avian retina. Thus signaling in the CNS can be fundamentally altered by an NO-dependent mobilization of an internal Cl− store.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 388-403
Author(s):  
Mathieu Di Miceli ◽  
Clémentine Bosch-Bouju ◽  
Sophie Layé

PUFA of the n-3 and n-6 families are present in high concentration in the brain where they are major components of cell membranes. The main forms found in the brain are DHA (22 :6, n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6). In the past century, several studies pinpointed that modifications of n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels in the brain through dietary supply or genetic means are linked to the alterations of synaptic function. Yet, synaptopathies emerge as a common characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric diseases and some neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of action underlying the activity of PUFA at the level of synapses is thus of high interest. In this frame, dietary supplementation in PUFA aiming at restoring or promoting the optimal function of synapses appears as a promising strategy to treat synaptopathies. This paper reviews the link between dietary PUFA, synapse formation and the role of PUFA and their metabolites in synaptic functions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1076-1091
Author(s):  
Rodrigo A. Quntanilla ◽  
Carola Tapia-Monsalves

: Accumulative evidence has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial impairment actively contributes to the synaptic and cognitive failure that characterizes AD. The presence of soluble pathological forms of tau like hyperphosphorylated at Ser396 and Ser404 and cleaved at Asp421 by caspase 3, negatively impacts mitochondrial bioenergetics, transport, and morphology in neurons. These adverse effects against mitochondria health will contribute to the synaptic impairment and cognitive decline in AD. Current studies suggest that mitochondrial failure induced by pathological tau forms is likely the result of the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). mPTP is a mitochondrial mega-channel that is activated by increases in calcium and is associated with mitochondrial stress and apoptosis. This structure is composed of different proteins, where Ciclophilin D (CypD) is considered to be the primary mediator of mPTP activation. Also, new studies suggest that mPTP contributes to Aβ pathology and oxidative stress in AD. : Further, inhibition of mPTP through the reduction of CypD expression prevents cognitive and synaptic impairment in AD mouse models. More importantly, tau protein contributes to the physiological regulation of mitochondria through the opening/interaction with mPTP in hippocampal neurons. Therefore, in this paper, we will discuss evidence that suggests an important role of pathological forms of tau against mitochondrial health. Also, we will discuss the possible role of mPTP in the mitochondrial impairment produced by the presence of tau pathology and its impact on synaptic function present in AD.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunwei Wu ◽  
Ryan David Shepard ◽  
David Castellano ◽  
Qingjun Tian ◽  
Lijin Dong ◽  
...  

GABA-A receptors (GABAARs) are crucial for development and regulation of the central nervous system. Altered GABAergic signaling is hypothesized to be involved in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Nevertheless, how aberrant cellular and molecular mechanisms affect GABAARs in these diseases remain elusive. Recently, we identified Shisa7 as a GABAAR auxiliary subunit that modulates GABAAR trafficking, kinetics, and pharmacology, and discovered a phosphorylation site in Shisa7 (S405) critical for extrasynaptic a5-GABAAR trafficking and tonic inhibition. However, the role of S405 phosphorylation in the regulation of synaptic inhibition, plasticity, and behavior remains unknown. Here, we found that expression of a phospho-null mutant (Shisa7 S405A) in heterologous cells and neurons diminishes a2-GABAAR trafficking. Subsequently, we generate a Shisa7 S405A knock-in (KI) mouse line that displays reduced surface expression of GABAARs in hippocampal neurons. Importantly, both synaptic and tonic inhibition are decreased in KI mice. Moreover, chemically induced inhibitory long-term potentiation is impaired, highlighting a critical role of Shisa7 S405 in GABAergic plasticity. Lastly, KI mice exhibit enhanced locomotor activity and grooming associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Collectively, our study reveals a phosphorylation site critical for Shisa7-dependent trafficking of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAARs which contributes to behavioral endophenotypes displayed in neurodevelopmental disorders.


2002 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Mizoguchi ◽  
Hiroyuki Nakanishi ◽  
Kazushi Kimura ◽  
Kaho Matsubara ◽  
Kumi Ozaki-Kuroda ◽  
...  

The nectin–afadin system is a novel cell–cell adhesion system that organizes adherens junctions cooperatively with the cadherin–catenin system in epithelial cells. Nectin is an immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecule, and afadin is an actin filament–binding protein that connects nectin to the actin cytoskeleton. Nectin has four isoforms (-1, -2, -3, and -4). Each nectin forms a homo-cis-dimer followed by formation of a homo-trans-dimer, but nectin-3 furthermore forms a hetero-trans-dimer with nectin-1 or -2, and the formation of each hetero-trans-dimer is stronger than that of each homo-trans-dimer. We show here that at the synapses between the mossy fiber terminals and dendrites of pyramidal cells in the CA3 area of adult mouse hippocampus, the nectin–afadin system colocalizes with the cadherin–catenin system, and nectin-1 and -3 asymmetrically localize at the pre- and postsynaptic sides of puncta adherentia junctions, respectively. During development, nectin-1 and -3 asymmetrically localize not only at puncta adherentia junctions but also at synaptic junctions. Inhibition of the nectin-based adhesion by an inhibitor of nectin-1 in cultured rat hippocampal neurons results in a decrease in synapse size and a concomitant increase in synapse number. These results indicate an important role of the nectin–afadin system in the formation of synapses.


2012 ◽  
pp. 141208072802005
Author(s):  
Fabiano Ribeiro Cirano ◽  
ADRIANE TOGASHI ◽  
MARCIA MARQUES ◽  
FRANCISCO PUSTIGLIONI ◽  
LUIZ LIMA

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Ana Checa-Ros ◽  
Antonio Jeréz-Calero ◽  
Antonio Molina-Carballo ◽  
Cristina Campoy ◽  
Antonio Muñoz-Hoyos

Studies suggest that the bidirectional relationship existent between the gut microbiome (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS), or so-called the microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA), is involved in diverse neuropsychiatric diseases in children and adults. In pediatric age, most studies have focused on patients with autism. However, evidence of the role played by the MGBA in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, is still scanty and heterogeneous. This review aims to provide the current evidence on the functioning of the MGBA in pediatric patients with ADHD and the specific role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in this interaction, as well as the potential of the GM as a therapeutic target for ADHD. We will explore: (1) the diverse communication pathways between the GM and the CNS; (2) changes in the GM composition in children and adolescents with ADHD and association with ADHD pathophysiology; (3) influence of the GM on the ω-3 PUFA imbalance characteristically found in ADHD; (4) interaction between the GM and circadian rhythm regulation, as sleep disorders are frequently comorbid with ADHD; (5) finally, we will evaluate the most recent studies on the use of probiotics in pediatric patients with ADHD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Liu ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Yanjie Ju ◽  
Lei Liu

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the role of miR-383 in the regulation of Wnt-2 signaling in the rat model of chronic stress. The male SD rats with depressive-like behaviors were stimulated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) including ice-water swimming for 5 min, food deprivation for 24 h, water deprivation for 24 h, stimulating tail for 1 min, turning night into day, shaking for 15 min (once/s), and wrap restraint (5 min/time) every day for 21 days. The expression levels of miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression levels of Wnt2, depression-impacted proteins (GFAP, BDNF, CREB), brain neurotransmitters (5-HT, NE, DA) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay were performed to determine the relationship between miR-383 and Wnt2. Ethological analysis was evaluated by sugar preference test, refuge island test and open field tests. Rescue experiments including knockdown of miR-383, overexpression and silencing of Wnt2 were performed to determine the role of miR-383. High expression levels of miR-383 were observed in the hippocampus of rats submitted to CUMS model. Downregulation of miR-383 significantly inhibited the apoptosis and inflammatory response of hippocampal neurons, and increased the expression levels of GFAP, BDNF and CREB which were impacted in depression, as well as neurotransmitters, then attenuated neural injury in rats induced by CUMS. Furthermore, Wnt family member 2 (Wnt2) was identified as a target of miR-383, and silencing of Wnt2 obviously attenuated the protective effect of miR-383 inhibitor on the apoptosis and inflammatory response in hippocampal neurons, as well as neural injury in CUMS-induced rats. Downregulation of miR-383 ameliorated the behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by chronic stress in rats by directly targeting Wnt2, indicating that the miR-383/Wnt2 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for MDD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Imbriani ◽  
Annalisa Tassone ◽  
Maria Meringolo ◽  
Giulia Ponterio ◽  
Graziella Madeo ◽  
...  

Caspases are a family of conserved cysteine proteases that play key roles in multiple cellular processes, including programmed cell death and inflammation. Recent evidence shows that caspases are also involved in crucial non-apoptotic functions, such as dendrite development, axon pruning, and synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes. The activated form of caspase-3, which is known to trigger widespread damage and degeneration, can also modulate synaptic function in the adult brain. Thus, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that caspase-3 modulates synaptic plasticity at corticostriatal synapses in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) induced kinase 1 (PINK1) mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Loss of PINK1 has been previously associated with an impairment of corticostriatal long-term depression (LTD), rescued by amphetamine-induced dopamine release. Here, we show that caspase-3 activity, measured after LTD induction, is significantly decreased in the PINK1 knockout model compared with wild-type mice. Accordingly, pretreatment of striatal slices with the caspase-3 activator α-(Trichloromethyl)-4-pyridineethanol (PETCM) rescues a physiological LTD in PINK1 knockout mice. Furthermore, the inhibition of caspase-3 prevents the amphetamine-induced rescue of LTD in the same model. Our data support a hormesis-based double role of caspase-3; when massively activated, it induces apoptosis, while at lower level of activation, it modulates physiological phenomena, like the expression of corticostriatal LTD. Exploring the non-apoptotic activation of caspase-3 may contribute to clarify the mechanisms involved in synaptic failure in PD, as well as in view of new potential pharmacological targets.


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