scholarly journals Functional interdependence of the actin regulators CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of dendritic spine morphology

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Heinze ◽  
Cara Schuldt ◽  
Sharof Khudayberdiev ◽  
Bas van Bommel ◽  
Daniela Hacker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Actin Organization ◽  
Major Structural Component ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract The vast majority of excitatory synapses are formed on small dendritic protrusions termed dendritic spines. Dendritic spines vary in size and density that are both crucial determinants of excitatory synaptic transmission. Aberrations in spine morphogenesis can compromise brain function and have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Because actin filaments (F-actin) are the major structural component in spines, actin-binding proteins (ABP) that control F-actin dis-/assembly moved into the focus as critical regulators of brain function. Indeed, mouse studies identified the ABP cofilin1 as a key regulator of spine morphology, synaptic transmission and behavior. These studies emphasized the necessity for a tight control of cofilin1 to ensure proper brain function. We report spine enrichment of cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), a conserved multidomain protein with largely unknown physiological functions. Super-resolution microscopy and live cell imaging of CAP1-deficient hippocampal neurons revealed impaired synaptic F-actin organization and dynamics associated with alterations in spine morphology. Mechanistically, we found that CAP1 cooperated with cofilin1 in spines and that its helical folded domain mediated this interaction. Moreover, our data proved functional interdependence of CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of spine morphology. In summary, we identified CAP1 as a novel regulator of the postsynaptic actin cytoskeleton that was essential for synaptic cofilin1 activity.

scholarly journals Overexpression of Tropomyosin Isoform Tpm3.1 Does Not Alter Synaptic Function in Hippocampal Neurons

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9303
Author(s):  
Chanchanok Chaichim ◽  
Tamara Tomanic ◽  
Holly Stefen ◽  
Esmeralda Paric ◽  
Lucy Gamaroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Dendritic Spine Morphology ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Tropomyosin (Tpm) has been regarded as the master regulator of actin dynamics. Tpms regulate the binding of the various proteins involved in restructuring actin. The actin cytoskeleton is the predominant cytoskeletal structure in dendritic spines. Its regulation is critical for spine formation and long-term activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength. The Tpm isoform Tpm3.1 is enriched in dendritic spines, but its role in regulating the synapse structure and function is not known. To determine the role of Tpm3.1, we studied the synapse structure and function of cultured hippocampal neurons from transgenic mice overexpressing Tpm3.1. We recorded hippocampal field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) from brain slices to examine if Tpm3.1 overexpression alters long-term synaptic plasticity. Tpm3.1-overexpressing cultured neurons did not show a significantly altered dendritic spine morphology or synaptic activity. Similarly, we did not observe altered synaptic transmission or plasticity in brain slices. Furthermore, expression of Tpm3.1 at the postsynaptic compartment does not increase the local F-actin levels. The results suggest that although Tpm3.1 localises to dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons, it does not have any apparent impact on dendritic spine morphology or function. This is contrary to the functional role of Tpm3.1 previously observed at the tip of growing neurites, where it increases the F-actin levels and impacts growth cone dynamics.

Impaired actin dynamics and suppression of Shank2-mediated spine enlargement in cortactin knockout mice

Microscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
Shinji Tanaka ◽  
Yasutaka Masuda ◽  
Akihiro Harada ◽  
Shigeo Okabe
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Postsynaptic Density ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Suppressive Effect ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Actin Organization ◽  
Actin Turnover ◽  
Time Lapse Imaging

Abstract Cortactin regulates actin polymerization and stabilizes branched actin network. In neurons, cortactin is enriched in dendritic spines that contain abundant actin polymers. To explore the function of cortactin in dendritic spines, we examined spine morphology and dynamics in cultured neurons taken from cortactin knockout (KO) mice. Histological analysis revealed that the density and morphology of dendritic spines were not significantly different between wild-type (WT) and cortactin KO neurons. Time-lapse imaging of hippocampal slice cultures showed that the extent of spine volume change was similar between WT and cortactin KO neurons. Despite little effect of cortactin deletion on spine morphology and dynamics, actin turnover in dendritic spines was accelerated in cortactin KO neurons. Furthermore, we detected a suppressive effect of cortactin KO on spine head size under the condition of excessive spine enlargement induced by overexpression of a prominent postsynaptic density protein Shank2. These results suggest that cortactin may have a role in maintaining actin organization by stabilizing actin filaments near the postsynaptic density.

scholarly journals Altered synaptic connectivity and brain function in mice lacking microglial adapter protein Iba1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo J. Lituma ◽  
Evan Woo ◽  
Bruce F. O’Hara ◽  
Pablo E. Castillo ◽  
Nicholas E. S. Sibinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Excitatory Synapse ◽  
Adapter Protein ◽  
Acute Hippocampal Slices ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Synaptic Pruning

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that microglia impact brain function by regulating synaptic pruning and formation, as well as synaptic transmission and plasticity. Iba1 (Ionized Ca+2-binding adapter protein 1), encoded by the Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Aif1) gene, is an actin-interacting protein in microglia. Although Iba1 has long been used as a cellular marker for microglia, its functional role remains unknown. Here, we used global Iba1-deficient (Aif1-/-) mice to characterize microglial activity, synaptic function and behavior. Microglial imaging in acute hippocampal slices and fixed tissues from juvenile mice revealed that Aif1-/- microglia display reductions in ATP-induced motility and ramification, respectively. Biochemical assays further demonstrated that Aif1-/- brain tissues exhibit an altered expression of microglial-enriched proteins associated with synaptic pruning. Consistent with these changes, juvenile Aif1-/- mice displayed deficits in excitatory synapse number and synaptic transmission assessed by neuronal labeling and whole-cell patch-clamp recording in acute hippocampal slices. Unexpectedly, microglial synaptic engulfment capacity was diminished in juvenile Aif1-/- mice. During early postnatal development when synapse formation is a predominant event in the hippocampus, excitatory synapse number was still reduced in Aif1-/- mice. Together these findings support an overall role of Iba1 in excitatory synaptic growth in juvenile mice. Lastly, postnatal synaptic deficits persisted in the adulthood and correlated with significant behavioral changes in adult Aif1-/- mice, which exhibited impairments in object recognition memory and social interaction. These results suggest that Iba1 critically contributes to microglial activity underlying essential neuro-glia developmental processes that may deeply influence behavior.SignificanceAbnormal microglia-neuron interaction is increasingly implicated in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, as well as in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study demonstrates that deletion of the microglia-specific protein Iba1, which has long been utilized as a selective microglial marker but whose role has remained unidentified, results in microglial structural and functional impairments that significantly impact synaptic development and behavior. These findings not only highlight the importance of microglia in brain function but may also suggest that modifying microglial function could provide a therapeutic strategy for treatment of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals KLHL17/Actinfilin, a brain-specific gene associated with infantile spasms and autism, regulates dendritic spine enlargement

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-Tang Hu ◽  
Tzyy-Nan Huang ◽  
Yi-Ping Hsueh
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Infantile Spasms ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Behavioral Impairment ◽  
Actin Remodeling ◽  
Spine Formation ◽  
Behavioral Assays

Abstract Background Dendritic spines, the actin-rich protrusions emerging from dendrites, are the subcellular locations of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain. Many actin-regulating molecules modulate dendritic spine morphology. Since dendritic spines are neuron-specific structures, it is reasonable to speculate that neuron-specific or -predominant factors are involved in dendritic spine formation. KLHL17 (Kelch-like 17, also known as Actinfilin), an actin-binding protein, is predominantly expressed in brain. Human genetic study has indicated an association of KLHL17/Actinfilin with infantile spasms, a rare form of childhood epilepsy also resulting in autism and mental retardation, indicating that KLHL17/Actinfilin plays a role in neuronal function. However, it remains elusive if and how KLHL17/Actinfilin regulates neuronal development and brain function. Methods Fluorescent immunostaining and electrophysiological recording were performed to evaluate dendritic spine formation and activity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Knockdown and knockout of KLHL17/Actinfilin and expression of truncated fragments of KLHL17/Actinfilin were conducted to investigate the function of KLHL17/Actinfilin in neurons. Mouse behavioral assays were used to evaluate the role of KLHL17/Actinfilin in brain function. Results We found that KLHL17/Actinfilin tends to form circular puncta in dendritic spines and are surrounded by or adjacent to F-actin. Klhl17 deficiency impairs F-actin enrichment at dendritic spines. Knockdown and knockout of KLHL17/Actinfilin specifically impair dendritic spine enlargement, but not the density or length of dendritic spines. Both N-terminal Broad-Complex, Tramtrack and Bric-a-brac (BTB) domain and C-terminal Kelch domains of KLHL17/Actinfilin are required for F-actin remodeling and enrichment at dendritic spines, as well as dendritic spine enlargement. A reduction of postsynaptic and presynsptic markers at dendritic spines and altered mEPSC profiles due to Klhl17 deficiency evidence impaired synaptic activity in Klhl17-deficient neurons. Our behavioral assays further indicate that Klhl17 deficiency results in hyperactivity and reduced social interaction, strengthening evidence for the physiological role of KLHL17/Actinfilin. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence that KLHL17/Actinfilin modulates F-actin remodeling and contributes to regulation of neuronal morphogenesis, maturation and activity, which is likely relevant to behavioral impairment in Klhl17-deficient mice. Trial registration Non-applicable.

CAP1 and cofilin1 cooperate in neuronal actin dynamics, growth cone function and neuron connectivity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Schneider ◽  
Thuy-An Duong ◽  
Isabell Metz ◽  
Jannik Winkelmeier ◽  
Christian A. Hübner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Cone ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Control Growth ◽  
Cone Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

AbstractNeuron connectivity depends on growth cones that navigate axons through the developing brain. Growth cones protrude and retract actin-rich structures to sense guidance cues. These cues control local actin dynamics and steer growth cones towards attractants and away from repellents, thereby directing axon outgrowth. Hence, actin binding proteins (ABPs) moved into the focus as critical regulators of neuron connectivity. We found cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), an ABP with unknown brain function, abundant in growth cones. Super-resolution microscopy and live cell imaging combined with pharmacological approaches on hippocampal neurons from gene-targeted mice revealed a crucial role for CAP1 in actin dynamics that is critical for growth cone morphology and function. Growth cone defects in mutant neurons compromised neuron differentiation and was associated with impaired neuron connectivity in CAP1 mutant brains. Mechanistically, we found that CAP1 and cofilin1 synergistically control growth cone actin dynamic and morphology. Together, we identified CAP1 as a novel actin regulator in growth cone that is relevant for neuron connectivity.

scholarly journals Neurabin/Protein Phosphatase-1 Complex Regulates Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis and Maturation

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 2349-2362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan T. Terry-Lorenzo ◽  
David W. Roadcap ◽  
Takeshi Otsuka ◽  
Thomas A. Blanpied ◽  
Pedro L. Zamorano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Protein Phosphatase 1 ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Synaptic Targeting ◽  
Transmission Reduction

The majority of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain form on filopodia and spines, actin-rich membrane protrusions present on neuronal dendrites. The biochemical events that induce filopodia and remodel these structures into dendritic spines remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the neuronal actin- and protein phosphatase-1–binding protein, neurabin-I, promotes filopodia in neurons and nonneuronal cells. Neurabin-I actin–binding domain bundled F-actin, promoted filopodia, and delayed the maturation of dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons. In contrast, dimerization of neurabin-I via C-terminal coiled-coil domains and association of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) with neurabin-I through a canonical KIXF motif inhibited filopodia. Furthermore, the expression of a neurabin-I polypeptide unable to bind PP1 delayed the maturation of neuronal filopodia into spines, reduced the synaptic targeting of AMPA-type glutamate (GluR1) receptors, and decreased AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission. Reduction of endogenous neurabin levels by interference RNA (RNAi)-mediated knockdown also inhibited the surface expression of GluR1 receptors. Together, our studies suggested that disrupting the functions of a cytoskeletal neurabin/PP1 complex enhanced filopodia and impaired surface GluR1 expression in hippocampal neurons, thereby hindering the morphological and functional maturation of dendritic spines.

scholarly journals Synapse formation is regulated by the signaling adaptor GIT1

2003 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaye Zhang ◽  
Donna J. Webb ◽  
Hannelore Asmussen ◽  
Alan F. Horwitz
Keyword(s):  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutant ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Synaptic Localization ◽  
Actin Organization ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Dendritic spines in the central nervous system undergo rapid actin-based shape changes, making actin regulators potential modulators of spine morphology and synapse formation. Although several potential regulators and effectors for actin organization have been identified, the mechanisms by which these molecules assemble and localize are not understood. Here we show that the G protein–coupled receptor kinase–interacting protein (GIT)1 serves such a function by targeting actin regulators and locally modulating Rac activity at synapses. In cultured hippocampal neurons, GIT1 is enriched in both pre- and postsynaptic terminals and targeted to these sites by a novel domain. Disruption of the synaptic localization of GIT1 by a dominant-negative mutant results in numerous dendritic protrusions and a significant decrease in the number of synapses and normal mushroom-shaped spines. The phenotype results from mislocalized GIT1 and its binding partner PIX, an exchange factor for Rac. In addition, constitutively active Rac shows a phenotype similar to the GIT1 mutant, whereas dominant-negative Rac inhibits the dendritic protrusion formation induced by mislocalized GIT1. These results demonstrate a novel function for GIT1 as a key regulator of spine morphology and synapse formation and point to a potential mechanism by which mutations in Rho family signaling leads to decreased neuronal connectivity and cognitive defects in nonsyndromic mental retardation.

scholarly journals Simultaneous spatiotemporal super-resolution and multi-parametric fluorescence microscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagadish Sankaran ◽  
Harikrushnan Balasubramanian ◽  
Wai Hoh Tang ◽  
Xue Wen Ng ◽  
Adrian Röllin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Biological Knowledge ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Molecular Brightness ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

AbstractSuper-resolution microscopy and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy require mutually exclusive experimental strategies optimizing either temporal or spatial resolution. To achieve both, we implement a GPU-supported, camera-based measurement strategy that highly resolves spatial structures (~100 nm), temporal dynamics (~2 ms), and molecular brightness from the exact same data set. Simultaneous super-resolution of spatial and temporal details leads to an improved precision in estimating the diffusion coefficient of the actin binding polypeptide Lifeact and corrects structural artefacts. Multi-parametric analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Lifeact suggests that the domain partitioning of EGFR is primarily determined by EGFR-membrane interactions, possibly sub-resolution clustering and inter-EGFR interactions but is largely independent of EGFR-actin interactions. These results demonstrate that pixel-wise cross-correlation of parameters obtained from different techniques on the same data set enables robust physicochemical parameter estimation and provides biological knowledge that cannot be obtained from sequential measurements.

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