scholarly journals Dendritic Spine Initiation in Brain Development, Learning and Diseases and Impact of BAR-Domain Proteins

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pushpa Khanal ◽  
Pirta Hotulainen
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Bar Domain ◽  
Neuronal Dendrites ◽  
Bar Domain Proteins ◽  
Before And After

Dendritic spines are small, bulbous protrusions along neuronal dendrites where most of the excitatory synapses are located. Dendritic spine density in normal human brain increases rapidly before and after birth achieving the highest density around 2–8 years. Density decreases during adolescence, reaching a stable level in adulthood. The changes in dendritic spines are considered structural correlates for synaptic plasticity as well as the basis of experience-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits. Alterations in spine density correspond to aberrant brain function observed in various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Dendritic spine initiation affects spine density. In this review, we discuss the importance of spine initiation in brain development, learning, and potential complications resulting from altered spine initiation in neurological diseases. Current literature shows that two Bin Amphiphysin Rvs (BAR) domain-containing proteins, MIM/Mtss1 and SrGAP3, are involved in spine initiation. We review existing literature and open databases to discuss whether other BAR-domain proteins could also take part in spine initiation. Finally, we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms on how BAR-domain proteins could regulate spine initiation.

scholarly journals Impact of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Modulators on Dendritic Spines Structure and Functions in Brain

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3405
Author(s):  
Arehally M. Mahalakshmi ◽  
Bipul Ray ◽  
Sunanda Tuladhar ◽  
Tousif Ahmed Hediyal ◽  
Praveen Raj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Spine Length ◽  
Spine Structure ◽  
Structure And Functions ◽  
Pharmacological Modulators

Dendritic spines are small, thin, hair-like protrusions found on the dendritic processes of neurons. They serve as independent compartments providing large amplitudes of Ca2+ signals to achieve synaptic plasticity, provide sites for newer synapses, facilitate learning and memory. One of the common and severe complication of neurodegenerative disease is cognitive impairment, which is said to be closely associated with spine pathologies viz., decreased in spine density, spine length, spine volume, spine size etc. Many treatments targeting neurological diseases have shown to improve the spine structure and distribution. However, concise data on the various modulators of dendritic spines are imperative and a need of the hour. Hence, in this review we made an attempt to consolidate the effects of various pharmacological (cholinergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, serotonergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic agents) and non-pharmacological modulators (dietary interventions, enriched environment, yoga and meditation) on dendritic spines structure and functions. These data suggest that both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulators produced significant improvement in dendritic spine structure and functions and in turn reversing the pathologies underlying neurodegeneration. Intriguingly, the non-pharmacological approaches have shown to improve intellectual performances both in preclinical and clinical platforms, but still more technology-based evidence needs to be studied. Thus, we conclude that a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention may restore cognitive performance synergistically via improving dendritic spine number and functions in various neurological disorders.

scholarly journals FAM92A1 is a BAR domain protein required for mitochondrial ultrastructure and function

2018 ◽  
Vol 218 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Wang ◽  
Ziyi Yan ◽  
Helena Vihinen ◽  
Ove Eriksson ◽  
Weihuan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Membrane Curvature ◽  
Mitochondrial Morphology ◽  
Membrane Remodeling ◽  
Mitochondrial Ultrastructure ◽  
Bar Domain ◽  
Bar Domain Proteins ◽  
Domain Protein

Mitochondrial function is closely linked to its dynamic membrane ultrastructure. The mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM) can form extensive membrane invaginations known as cristae, which contain the respiratory chain and ATP synthase for oxidative phosphorylation. The molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial ultrastructure remain poorly understood. The Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain proteins are central regulators of diverse cellular processes related to membrane remodeling and dynamics. Whether BAR domain proteins are involved in sculpting membranes in specific submitochondrial compartments is largely unknown. In this study, we report FAM92A1 as a novel BAR domain protein localizes to the matrix side of the MIM. Loss of FAM92A1 caused a severe disruption to mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure, impairing organelle bioenergetics. Furthermore, FAM92A1 displayed a membrane-remodeling activity in vitro, inducing a high degree of membrane curvature. Collectively, our findings uncover a role for a BAR domain protein as a critical organizer of the mitochondrial ultrastructure that is indispensable for mitochondrial function.

scholarly journals Distal axotomy enhances retrograde presynaptic excitability onto injured pyramidal neurons via trans-synaptic signaling

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharkika Nagendran ◽  
Rylan S. Larsen ◽  
Rebecca L. Bigler ◽  
Shawn B. Frost ◽  
Benjamin D. Philpot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Axon Injury ◽  
Synaptic Remodeling ◽  
Nerve Tracts ◽  
Specific Increase ◽  
Microfluidic Chambers

AbstractInjury of CNS nerve tracts remodels circuitry through dendritic spine loss and hyper-excitability, thus influencing recovery. Due to the complexity of the CNS, a mechanistic understanding of injury-induced synaptic remodeling remains unclear. Using microfluidic chambers to separate and injure distal axons, we show that axotomy causes retrograde dendritic spine loss at directly injured pyramidal neurons followed by retrograde presynaptic hyper-excitability. These remodeling events require activity at the site of injury, axon-to-soma signaling, and transcription. Similarly, directly injured corticospinal neurons in vivo also exhibit a specific increase in spiking following axon injury. Axotomy-induced hyper-excitability of cultured neurons coincides with elimination of inhibitory inputs onto injured neurons, including those formed onto dendritic spines. Netrin-1 downregulation occurs following axon injury and exogenous netrin-1 applied after injury normalizes spine density, presynaptic excitability, and inhibitory inputs at injured neurons. Our findings show that intrinsic signaling within damaged neurons regulates synaptic remodeling and involves netrin-1 signaling.

scholarly journals Bergmann glial ensheathment of dendritic spines regulates synapse number without affecting spine motility

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jocelyn J. Lippman Bell ◽  
Tamar Lordkipanidze ◽  
Natalie Cobb ◽  
Anna Dunaevsky
Keyword(s):  
Purkinje Cell ◽  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Adenoviral Vector ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Dendritic Spine Density ◽  
Spine Dynamics

In the cerebellum, lamellar Bergmann glial (BG) appendages wrap tightly around almost every Purkinje cell dendritic spine. The function of this glial ensheathment of spines is not entirely understood. The development of ensheathment begins near the onset of synaptogenesis, when motility of both BG processes and dendritic spines are high. By the end of the synaptogenic period, ensheathment is complete and motility of the BG processes decreases, correlating with the decreased motility of dendritic spines. We therefore have hypothesized that ensheathment is intimately involved in capping synaptogenesis, possibly by stabilizing synapses. To test this hypothesis, we misexpressed GluR2 in an adenoviral vector in BG towards the end of the synaptogenic period, rendering the BG α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) Ca2+-impermeable and causing glial sheath retraction. We then measured the resulting spine motility, spine density and synapse number. Although we found that decreasing ensheathment at this time does not alter spine motility, we did find a significant increase in both synaptic pucta and dendritic spine density. These results indicate that consistent spine coverage by BG in the cerebellum is not necessary for stabilization of spine dynamics, but is very important in the regulation of synapse number.

scholarly journals Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons ofMecp2Mutant Mice Show a Dendritic Spine Phenotype Only in the Presymptomatic Stage

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Chapleau ◽  
Elena Maria Boggio ◽  
Gaston Calfa ◽  
Alan K. Percy ◽  
Maurizio Giustetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Dendritic Spine Density ◽  
Presymptomatic Stage ◽  
Deficient Mice

Alterations in dendritic spines have been documented in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett Syndrome (RTT). RTT, an X chromosome-linked disorder associated with mutations inMECP2, is the leading cause of intellectual disabilities in women. Neurons inMecp2-deficient mice show lower dendritic spine density in several brain regions. To better understand the role of MeCP2 on excitatory spine synapses, we analyzed dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus ofMecp2tm1.1Jaemale mutant mice by either confocal microscopy or electron microscopy (EM). At postnatal-day 7 (P7), well before the onset of RTT-like symptoms, CA1 pyramidal neurons from mutant mice showed lower dendritic spine density than those from wildtype littermates. On the other hand, at P15 or later showing characteristic RTT-like symptoms, dendritic spine density did not differ between mutant and wildtype neurons. Consistently, stereological analyses at the EM level revealed similar densities of asymmetric spine synapses in CA1stratum radiatumof symptomatic mutant and wildtype littermates. These results raise caution regarding the use of dendritic spine density in hippocampal neurons as a phenotypic endpoint for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in symptomaticMecp2-deficient mice. However, they underscore the potential role of MeCP2 in the maintenance of excitatory spine synapses.

Development and Regulation of Dendritic Spine Synapses

Physiology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Calabrese ◽  
Margaret S. Wilson ◽  
Shelley Halpain
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Excitatory Synapses ◽  
Dense Array ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Neuronal Dendrites ◽  
Spine Abnormalities ◽  
Dynamic Structures ◽  
The Brain

Dendritic spines are small protrusions from neuronal dendrites that form the postsynaptic component of most excitatory synapses in the brain. They play critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Recent advances in imaging and molecular technologies reveal that spines are complex, dynamic structures that contain a dense array of cytoskeletal, transmembrane, and scaffolding molecules. Several neurological and psychiatric disorders exhibit dendritic spine abnormalities.

Toward a Brain-Inspired Developmental Neural Network Based on Dendritic Spine Dynamics

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Feifei Zhao ◽  
Yi Zeng ◽  
Jun Bai
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Classification Performance ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Spine Dynamics

Abstract Neural networks with a large number of parameters are prone to overfitting problems when trained on a relatively small training set. Introducing weight penalties of regularization is a promising technique for solving this problem. Taking inspiration from the dynamic plasticity of dendritic spines, which plays an important role in the maintenance of memory, this letter proposes a brain-inspired developmental neural network based on dendritic spine dynamics (BDNN-dsd). The dynamic structure changes of dendritic spines include appearing, enlarging, shrinking, and disappearing. Such spine plasticity depends on synaptic activity and can be modulated by experiences—in particular, long-lasting synaptic enhancement/suppression (LTP/LTD), coupled with synapse formation (or enlargement)/elimination (or shrinkage), respectively. Subsequently, spine density characterizes an approximate estimate of the total number of synapses between neurons. Motivated by this, we constrain the weight to a tunable bound that can be adaptively modulated based on synaptic activity. Dynamic weight bound could limit the relatively redundant synapses and facilitate the contributing synapses. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on classification tasks of different complexity with the MNIST, Fashion MNIST, and CIFAR-10 data sets. Furthermore, compared to dropout and L2 regularization algorithms, our method can improve the network convergence rate and classification performance even for a compact network.

Rapid Effects of Estradiol on Dendritic Spines and Synaptic Plasticity in the Male and Female Hippocampus

2020 ◽  
pp. 38-47
Author(s):  
Asami Kato ◽  
Gen Murakami ◽  
Yasushi Hojo ◽  
Sigeo Horie ◽  
Suguru Kawato
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Dendritic Spine Density ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Rapid Modulation

Although the potent estrogen, 17β‎-estradiol (E2), has long been known to regulate the hippocampal dendritic spine density and synaptic plasticity, the molecular mechanisms through which it does so are less well understood. This chapter discusses the rapid modulation of hippocampal dendritic spine density and synaptic plasticity in male and female rats, with particular attention to studies in hippocampal slices from male rats. Among the mechanisms described are the roles of specific cell-signaling kinases and estrogen receptors in mediating the effects of E2 and progesterone on hippocampal neurons. In addition, dynamic changes of spine structures over time and sex differences in spine regulation are also considered. Finally, the chapter ends by discussing the importance of local hippocampal synthesis of E2 and androgens to hippocampal spine morphology and plasticity.

scholarly journals Rac GEF Dock4 interacts with cortactin to regulate dendritic spine formation

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1602-1613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuhei Ueda ◽  
Manabu Negishi ◽  
Hironori Katoh
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Spine Formation ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Important Interaction

In neuronal development, dendritic spine formation is important for the establishment of excitatory synaptic connectivity and functional neural circuits. Developmental deficiency in spine formation results in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Dock4, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac, has been reported as a candidate genetic risk factor for autism, dyslexia, and schizophrenia. We previously showed that Dock4 is expressed in hippocampal neurons. However, the functions of Dock4 in hippocampal neurons and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that Dock4 is highly concentrated in dendritic spines and implicated in spine formation via interaction with the actin-binding protein cortactin. In cultured neurons, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–mediated knockdown of Dock4 reduces dendritic spine density, which is rescued by coexpression of shRNA-resistant wild-type Dock4 but not by a GEF-deficient mutant of Dock4 or a truncated mutant lacking the cortactin-binding region. On the other hand, knockdown of cortactin suppresses Dock4-mediated spine formation. Taken together, the results show a novel and functionally important interaction between Dock4 and cortactin for regulating dendritic spine formation via activation of Rac.

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