scholarly journals Restraint of presynaptic protein levels by Wnd/DLK signaling mediates synaptic defects associated with the kinesin-3 motor Unc-104

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxing Li ◽  
Yao V Zhang ◽  
Elham Asghari Adib ◽  
Doychin T Stanchev ◽  
Xin Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axonal Transport ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Transport Capacity ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
And Function ◽  
Presynaptic Protein ◽  
Adaptive Role

The kinesin-3 family member Unc-104/KIF1A is required for axonal transport of many presynaptic components to synapses, and mutation of this gene results in synaptic dysfunction in mice, flies and worms. Our studies at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction indicate that many synaptic defects in unc-104-null mutants are mediated independently of Unc-104’s transport function, via the Wallenda (Wnd)/DLK MAP kinase axonal damage signaling pathway. Wnd signaling becomes activated when Unc-104’s function is disrupted, and leads to impairment of synaptic structure and function by restraining the expression level of active zone (AZ) and synaptic vesicle (SV) components. This action concomitantly suppresses the buildup of synaptic proteins in neuronal cell bodies, hence may play an adaptive role to stresses that impair axonal transport. Wnd signaling also becomes activated when pre-synaptic proteins are over-expressed, suggesting the existence of a feedback circuit to match synaptic protein levels to the transport capacity of the axon.

Expression of a lacZ transgene reveals floor plate cell morphology and macromolecular transfer to commissural axons

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 1217-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M. Campbell ◽  
A.C. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Floor Plate ◽  
Ventral Midline ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Commissural Axons ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
Lateral Branches ◽  
And Function ◽  
Beta Galactosidase

The floor plate is situated at the ventral midline of the neural tube and is an important intermediate target for commissural axons. During elongation, these axons converge bilaterally on the ventral midline neural tube and after crossing the floor plate make an abrupt rostral turn. Ample evidence indicates that the initial projection of commissural axons to the floor plate is guided by a chemotropic factor secreted by floor plate cells. However, the way in which the subsequent interaction of these axons with the floor plate leads them to make further trajectory changes remains undefined. In an effort to gain further understanding of the structure and function of floor plate cells, we have taken advantage of a line of transgenic mice in which these cells express beta-galactosidase and thus can be stained by histochemical means. In this line, a genomic imprinting mechanism restricts the expression of the lacZ transgene to only a proportion of the floor plate cells, allowing their morphology to be appreciated with particular clarity. Our analysis revealed that the basal processes of floor plate cells are flattened in their rostrocaudal dimension and possess fine lateral branches which are aligned with commissural axons. Unexpectedly, beta-galactosidase activity was also detected within longer transverse linear profiles traversing the floor plate whose ultrastructural appearance was not that of floor plate cells but instead corresponded to that of commissural axons. Enzyme activity was not detected in more proximal axonal segments or in the neuronal cell bodies from which these axons originated. Therefore, we propose that the transgene product, and potentially other proteins synthesized by floor plate cells, can be transferred to decussating axons.

Form and Function in Cells of the Brain

The Neuron ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 23-38
Author(s):  
Irwin B. Levitan ◽  
Leonard K. Kaczmarek
Keyword(s):  
Axonal Transport ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Neuronal Cell Body ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

This chapter examines unique mechanisms that the neuron has evolved to establish and maintain the form required for its specialized signaling functions. Unlike some other organs, the brain contains a variety of cell types including several classes of glial cells, which play a critical role in the formation of the myelin sheath around axons and may be involved in immune responses, synaptic transmission, and long-distance calcium signaling in the brain. Neurons share many features in common with other cells (including glia), but they are distinguished by their highly asymmetrical shapes. The neuronal cytoskeleton is essential for establishing this cell shape during development and for maintaining it in adulthood. The process of axonal transport moves vesicles and other organelles to regions remote from the neuronal cell body. Proteins such as kinesin and dynein, called molecular motors, make use of the energy released by hydrolysis of ATP to drive axonal transport.

scholarly journals Cerebral Ischemia Causes Dysregulation of Synaptic Adhesion in Mouse Synaptosomes

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willard J Costain ◽  
Ingrid Rasquinha ◽  
Jagdeep K Sandhu ◽  
Peter Rippstein ◽  
Bogdan Zurakowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Neuronal Cell Death ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Neuronal Nuclei ◽  
Protein Levels

Synaptic pathology is observed during hypoxic events in the central nervous system in the form of altered dendrite structure and conductance changes. These alterations are rapidly reversible, on the return of normoxia, but are thought to initiate subsequent neuronal cell death. To characterize the effects of hypoxia on regulators of synaptic stability, we examined the temporal expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in synaptosomes after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice. We focused on events preceding the onset of ischemic neuronal cell death (< 48 h). Synaptosome preparations were enriched in synaptically localized proteins and were free of endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear contamination. Electron microscopy showed that the synaptosome preparation was enriched in spheres (≈650 nm in diameter) containing secretory vesicles and postsynaptic densities. Forebrain mRNA levels of synaptically located CAMs was unaffected at 3 h after MCAO. This is contrasted by the observation of consistent downregulation of synaptic CAMs at 20 h after MCAO. Examination of synaptosomal CAM protein content indicated that certain adhesion molecules were decreased as early as 3 h after MCAO. For comparison, synaptosomal Agrn protein levels were unaffected by cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, a marked increase in the levels of p-Ctnnb1 in ischemic synaptosomes was observed. p-Ctnnb1 was detected in hippocampal fiber tracts and in cornu ammonis 1 neuronal nuclei. These results indicate that ischemia induces a dysregulation of a subset of synaptic proteins that are important regulators of synaptic plasticity before the onset of ischemic neuronal cell death.

scholarly journals Graphene Oxide and Reduced Derivatives, as Powder or Film Scaffolds, Differentially Promote Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation and Survival

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noela Rodriguez-Losada ◽  
Rune Wendelbob ◽  
M. Carmen Ocaña ◽  
Amelia Diaz Casares ◽  
Roberto Guzman de Villoría ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Carbon Nanomaterials ◽  
Cell Loss ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Neural Regeneration ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
And Function

Emerging scaffold structures made of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) have shown efficient bioconjugation with common biomolecules. Previous studies described that GO promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells and may be useful for neural regeneration. In this study, we examined the capacity of GO, full reduced (FRGO), and partially reduced (PRGO) powder and film to support survival, proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and bioenergetic function of a dopaminergic (DA) cell line derived from the mouse substantia nigra (SN4741). Our results show that the morphology of the film and the species of graphene (GO, PRGO, or FRGO) influences the behavior and function of these neurons. In general, we found better biocompatibility of the film species than that of the powder. Analysis of cell viability and cytotoxicity showed good cell survival, a lack of cell death in all GO forms and its derivatives, a decreased proliferation, and increased differentiation over time. Neuronal maturation of SN4741 in all GO forms, and its derivatives were assessed by increased protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), the glutamate inward rectifying potassium channel 2 (GIRK2), and of synaptic proteins, such as synaptobrevin and synaptophysin. Notably, PRGO-film increased the levels of Tuj1 and the expression of transcription factors specific for midbrain DA neurons, such as Pitx3, Lmx1a, and Lmx1b. Bioenergetics and mitochondrial dysfunction were evaluated by measuring oxygen consumption modified by distinct GO species and were different between powder and film for the same GO species. Our results indicate that PRGO-film was the best GO species at maintaining mitochondrial function compared to control. Finally, different GO forms, and particularly PRGO-film was also found to prevent the loss of DA cells and the decrease of the α-synuclein (α-syn) in a molecular environment where oxidative stress has been induced to model Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, PRGO-film is the most efficient graphene species at promoting DA differentiation and preventing DA cell loss, thus becoming a suitable scaffold to test new drugs or develop constructs for Parkinson's disease cell replacement therapy.

scholarly journals microRNA-15b contributes to depression-like behavior in mice by affecting synaptic protein levels and function in the nucleus accumbens

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (20) ◽  
pp. 6831-6848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Guo ◽  
Zhaoming Zhu ◽  
Guangyan Wang ◽  
Shan Cui ◽  
Meng Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Molecular Networks ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Neuronal Progenitor ◽  
Synaptic Functions ◽  
And Function

Major depression is a prevalent affective disorder characterized by recurrent low mood. It presumably results from stress-induced deteriorations of molecular networks and synaptic functions in brain reward circuits of genetically-susceptible individuals through epigenetic processes. Epigenetic regulator microRNA-15b inhibits neuronal progenitor proliferation and is up-regulated in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice that demonstrate depression-like behavior, indicating the contribution of microRNA-15 to major depression. Using a mouse model of major depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), here we examined the effects of microRNA-15b on synapses and synaptic proteins in the nucleus accumbens of these mice. The application of a microRNA-15b antagomir into the nucleus accumbens significantly reduced the incidence of CUMS-induced depression and reversed the attenuations of excitatory synapse and syntaxin-binding protein 3 (STXBP3A)/vesicle-associated protein 1 (VAMP1) expression. In contrast, the injection of a microRNA-15b analog into the nucleus accumbens induced depression-like behavior as well as attenuated excitatory synapses and STXBP3A/VAMP1 expression similar to the down-regulation of these processes induced by the CUMS. We conclude that microRNA-15b-5p may play a critical role in chronic stress-induced depression by decreasing synaptic proteins, innervations, and activities in the nucleus accumbens. We propose that the treatment of anti-microRNA-15b-5p may convert stress-induced depression into resilience.

scholarly journals Drosophila MIC60/mitofilin conducts dual roles in mitochondrial motility and crista structure

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (24) ◽  
pp. 3471-3479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Amanda M. Papakyrikos ◽  
Chung-Han Hsieh ◽  
Xinnan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Junctions ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
Microtubule Motors ◽  
Mitochondrial Motility ◽  
And Function

MIC60/mitofilin constitutes a hetero-oligomeric complex on the inner mitochondrial membranes to maintain crista structure. However, little is known about its physiological functions. Here, by characterizing Drosophila MIC60 mutants, we define its roles in vivo. We discover that MIC60 performs dual functions to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. In addition to its canonical role in crista membrane structure, MIC60 regulates mitochondrial motility, likely by influencing protein levels of the outer mitochondrial membrane protein Miro that anchors mitochondria to the microtubule motors. Loss of MIC60 causes loss of Miro and mitochondrial arrest. At a cellular level, loss of MIC60 disrupts synaptic structure and function at the neuromuscular junctions. The dual roles of MIC60 in both mitochondrial crista structure and motility position it as a crucial player for cellular integrity and survival.

scholarly journals Identification of long-lived synaptic proteins by proteomic analysis of synaptosome protein turnover

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (16) ◽  
pp. E3827-E3836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seok Heo ◽  
Graham H. Diering ◽  
Chan Hyun Na ◽  
Raja Sekhar Nirujogi ◽  
Julia L. Bachman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Quantitative Proteomics ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pharmacological Manipulations

Memory formation is believed to result from changes in synapse strength and structure. While memories may persist for the lifetime of an organism, the proteins and lipids that make up synapses undergo constant turnover with lifetimes from minutes to days. The molecular basis for memory maintenance may rely on a subset of long-lived proteins (LLPs). While it is known that LLPs exist, whether such proteins are present at synapses is unknown. We performed an unbiased screen using metabolic pulse-chase labeling in vivo in mice and in vitro in cultured neurons combined with quantitative proteomics. We identified synaptic LLPs with half-lives of several months or longer. Proteins in synaptic fractions generally exhibited longer lifetimes than proteins in cytosolic fractions. Protein turnover was sensitive to pharmacological manipulations of activity in neuronal cultures or in mice exposed to an enriched environment. We show that synapses contain LLPs that may underlie stabile long-lasting changes in synaptic structure and function.

Ovine PrP transgenic Drosophila show reduced locomotor activity and decreased survival

2012 ◽  
Vol 444 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alana M. Thackray ◽  
Farooq Muhammad ◽  
Chang Zhang ◽  
Ying Di ◽  
Thomas R. Jahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
Transgenic Drosophila

Drosophila have emerged as a model system to study mammalian neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study we have generated Drosophila transgenic for ovine PrP (prion protein) to begin to establish an invertebrate model of ovine prion disease. We generated Drosophila transgenic for polymorphic variants of ovine PrP by PhiC31 site-specific germ-line transformation under expression control by the bi-partite GAL4/UAS (upstream activating sequence) system. Site-specific transgene insertion in the fly genome allowed us to test the hypothesis that single amino acid codon changes in ovine PrP modulate prion protein levels and the phenotype of the fly when expressed in the Drosophila nervous system. The Arg154 ovine PrP variants showed higher levels of PrP expression in neuronal cell bodies and insoluble PrP conformer than did His154 variants. High levels of ovine PrP expression in Drosophila were associated with phenotypic effects, including reduced locomotor activity and decreased survival. Significantly, the present study highlights a critical role for helix-1 in the formation of distinct conformers of ovine PrP, since expression of His154 variants were associated with decreased survival in the absence of high levels of PrP accumulation. Collectively, the present study shows that variants of the ovine PrP are associated with different spontaneous detrimental effects in ovine PrP transgenic Drosophila.

scholarly journals MAP2 is differentially phosphorylated in schizophrenia, altering its function

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Grubisha ◽  
X. Sun ◽  
M. L. MacDonald ◽  
M. Garver ◽  
Z. Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Synaptic Protein ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
And Function

AbstractSchizophrenia (Sz) is a highly polygenic disorder, with common, rare, and structural variants each contributing only a small fraction of overall disease risk. Thus, there is a need to identify downstream points of convergence that can be targeted with therapeutics. Reduction of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunoreactivity (MAP2-IR) is present in individuals with Sz, despite no change in MAP2 protein levels. MAP2 is phosphorylated downstream of multiple receptors and kinases identified as Sz risk genes, altering its immunoreactivity and function. Using an unbiased phosphoproteomics approach, we quantified 18 MAP2 phosphopeptides, 9 of which were significantly altered in Sz subjects. Network analysis grouped MAP2 phosphopeptides into three modules, each with a distinct relationship to dendritic spine loss, synaptic protein levels, and clinical function in Sz subjects. We then investigated the most hyperphosphorylated site in Sz, phosphoserine1782 (pS1782). Computational modeling predicted phosphorylation of S1782 reduces binding of MAP2 to microtubules, which was confirmed experimentally. We generated a transgenic mouse containing a phosphomimetic mutation at S1782 (S1782E) and found reductions in basilar dendritic length and complexity along with reduced spine density. Because only a limited number of MAP2 interacting proteins have been previously identified, we combined co-immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry to characterize the MAP2 interactome in mouse brain. The MAP2 interactome was enriched for proteins involved in protein translation. These associations were shown to be functional as overexpression of wild type and phosphomimetic MAP2 reduced protein synthesis in vitro. Finally, we found that Sz subjects with low MAP2-IR had reductions in the levels of synaptic proteins relative to nonpsychiatric control (NPC) subjects and to Sz subjects with normal and MAP2-IR, and this same pattern was recapitulated in S1782E mice. These findings suggest a new conceptual framework for Sz—that a large proportion of individuals have a “MAP2opathy”—in which MAP function is altered by phosphorylation, leading to impairments of neuronal structure, synaptic protein synthesis, and function.

scholarly journals MAP2 is Differentially Phosphorylated in Schizophrenia, Altering its Function

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJ Grubisha ◽  
X Sun ◽  
ML MacDonald ◽  
M Garver ◽  
Z Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Synaptic Protein ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
And Function

AbstractSchizophrenia (Sz) is a highly polygenic disorder, with common, rare, and structural variants each contributing only a small fraction of overall disease risk. Thus, there is a need to identify downstream points of convergence that can be targeted with therapeutics. Reduction of Microtubule-associated Protein 2 (MAP2) immunoreactivity (MAP2-IR) is present in individuals with Sz, despite no change in MAP2 protein levels. MAP2 is phosphorylated downstream of multiple receptors and kinases identified as Sz risk genes, altering its immunoreactivity and function. Using an unbiased phosphoproteomics approach we quantified 18 MAP2 phosphopeptides, 9 of which were significantly altered in Sz subjects. Network analysis grouped MAP2 phosphopeptides into 3 modules, each with a distinct relationship to dendritic spine loss, synaptic protein levels, and clinical function in Sz subjects. We then investigated the most hyperphosphorylated site in Sz, phosphoserine1782 (pS1782). Computational modeling predicted phosphorylation of S1782 reduces binding of MAP2 to microtubules, which was confirmed experimentally. We generated a transgenic mouse containing a phosphomimetic mutation at S1782 (S1782E) and found reductions in basilar dendritic length and complexity along with reduced spine density. Because only a limited number of MAP2 interacting proteins have been previously identified, we combined co-immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry to characterize the MAP2 interactome in mouse brain. The MAP2 interactome was enriched for proteins involved in protein translation. These associations were shown to be functional as overexpression of wildtype and phosphomimetic MAP2 reduced protein synthesis in vitro. Finally, we found that Sz subjects with low MAP2-IR had reductions in the levels of synaptic proteins relative to nonpsychiatric control (NPC) subjects and to Sz subjects with normal and MAP2-IR, and this same pattern was recapitulated in S1782E mice. These findings suggest a new conceptual framework for Sz - that a large proportion of individuals have a “MAP2opathy” - in which MAP function is altered by phosphorylation, leading to impairments of neuronal structure, synaptic protein synthesis, and function.

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