scholarly journals A multicellular rosette-mediated collective dendrite extension

eLife ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Fan ◽  
Ismar Kovacevic ◽  
Maxwell G Heiman ◽  
Zhirong Bao
Keyword(s):  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Sensory Organ ◽  
Neurite Extension ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies

Coordination of neurite morphogenesis with surrounding tissues is crucial to the establishment of neural circuits, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We show that neurons in a C. elegans sensory organ, called the amphid, undergo a collective dendrite extension to form the sensory nerve. The amphid neurons first assemble into a multicellular rosette. The vertex of the rosette, which becomes the dendrite tips, is attached to the anteriorly migrating epidermis and carried to the sensory depression, extruding the dendrites away from the neuronal cell bodies. Multiple adhesion molecules including DYF-7, SAX-7, HMR-1 and DLG-1 function redundantly in rosette-to-epidermis attachment. PAR-6 is localized to the rosette vertex and dendrite tips, and promotes DYF-7 localization and dendrite extension. Our results suggest a collective mechanism of neurite extension that is distinct from the classical pioneer-follower model and highlight the role of mechanical cues from surrounding tissues in shaping neurites.

scholarly journals A multicellular rosette-mediated collective dendrite extension

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Fan ◽  
Ismar Kovacevic ◽  
Maxwell Heiman ◽  
Zhirong Bao
Keyword(s):  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Sensory Organ ◽  
Neurite Extension ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies

Coordination of neurite morphogenesis with surrounding tissues is crucial to the establishment of neural circuits, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We show that neurons in a C. elegans sensory organ, called the amphid, undergo a collective dendrite extension to initiate formation of the sensory nerve. The amphid neurons first assemble into a multicellular rosette. The vertex of the rosette, which becomes the dendrite tips, is attached to the anteriorly migrating epidermis and carried to the sensory depression, extruding the dendrites away from the neuronal cell bodies. Multiple adhesion molecules including DYF-7, SAX-7, HMR-1 and DLG-1 function redundantly in rosette-to-epidermis attachment. PAR-6 is localized to the rosette vertex and dendrite tips, and promotes DYF-7 localization and dendrite extension. Our results suggest a collective mechanism of neurite extension that is distinct from the classical pioneer-follower model and highlight the role of mechanical cues from surrounding tissues in shaping neurites.

scholarly journals Defective cortex glia plasma membrane structure underlies light-induced epilepsy in cpes mutants

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (38) ◽  
pp. E8919-E8928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Govind Kunduri ◽  
Daniel Turner-Evans ◽  
Yutaka Konya ◽  
Yoshihiro Izumi ◽  
Kunio Nagashima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Structure ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Sphingomyelin Synthase ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Photosensitive Epilepsy

Seizures induced by visual stimulation (photosensitive epilepsy; PSE) represent a common type of epilepsy in humans, but the molecular mechanisms and genetic drivers underlying PSE remain unknown, and no good genetic animal models have been identified as yet. Here, we show an animal model of PSE, in Drosophila, owing to defective cortex glia. The cortex glial membranes are severely compromised in ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase (cpes)-null mutants and fail to encapsulate the neuronal cell bodies in the Drosophila neuronal cortex. Expression of human sphingomyelin synthase 1, which synthesizes the closely related ceramide phosphocholine (sphingomyelin), rescues the cortex glial abnormalities and PSE, underscoring the evolutionarily conserved role of these lipids in glial membranes. Further, we show the compromise in plasma membrane structure that underlies the glial cell membrane collapse in cpes mutants and leads to the PSE phenotype.

How do histone modifications contribute to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in C. elegans?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Woodhouse ◽  
Alyson Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Histone Methyltransferases ◽  
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Gene Regulatory

Gene regulatory information can be inherited between generations in a phenomenon termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). While examples of TEI in many animals accumulate, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven particularly useful in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In C. elegans and other animals, the modification of histone proteins has emerged as a potential carrier and effector of transgenerational epigenetic information. In this review, we explore the contribution of histone modifications to TEI in C. elegans. We describe the role of repressive histone marks, histone methyltransferases, and associated chromatin factors in heritable gene silencing, and discuss recent developments and unanswered questions in how these factors integrate with other known TEI mechanisms. We also review the transgenerational effects of the manipulation of histone modifications on germline health and longevity.

Role of vasopressin in sympathetic response to paraventricular nucleus stimulation in anesthetized rats

1994 ◽  
Vol 266 (1) ◽  
pp. R228-R236 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Malpas ◽  
J. H. Coote
Keyword(s):  
Paraventricular Nucleus ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Homocysteic Acid ◽  
Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity ◽  
Anesthetized Rats ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
Peak Detection Algorithm ◽  
Glass Micropipette

Vasopressin may play an extrahypothalamic role in the central control of the cardiovascular system, specifically acting as a spinal neurotransmitter in the pathway where the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) alters sympathetic outflow. In this study, the effect of stimulating neuronal cell bodies in the PVN on renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and the possible involvement of vasopressin in the pathway was investigated in anesthetized rats. The PVN was stimulated by microinjection with 0.2 M D,L-homocysteic acid via a glass micropipette, and the hemodynamic and sympathetic responses were recorded. A computerized sympathetic peak-detection algorithm was applied to recordings of sympathetic discharges to retrieve information about the characteristics of RSNA during PVN stimulation. The algorithm scanned the series of RSNA voltages for significant increases followed by significant decreases in a small cluster of voltage values. Once each synchronized RSNA peak had been detected, its corresponding amplitude and peak-to-peak interval were calculated. PVN stimulation consistently increased the amplitude of RSNA (mean 30 +/- 5.6% over control), arterial pressure, and the peak-to-peak interval of discharges. A V1 vasopressin antagonist intrathecally administered as a 500-pmol dose was subsequently able to completely block the hemodynamic response (blood pressure increase of 14 +/- 5%) and a 35 +/- 6% increase in RSNA in response to PVN stimulation and intrathecal vasopressin. Thus spinal vasopressin is likely to be a neurotransmitter involved in the cardiovascular regulation involving the PVN.

scholarly journals Novel Technological Advances in Functional Connectomics in C. elegans

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
DiLoreto ◽  
Chute ◽  
Bryce ◽  
Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Computational Modeling ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Connectivity Matrix ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Technological Advances

The complete structure and connectivity of the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system (“mind of a worm”) was first published in 1986, representing a critical milestone in the field of connectomics. The reconstruction of the nervous system (connectome) at the level of synapses provided a unique perspective of understanding how behavior can be coded within the nervous system. The following decades have seen the development of technologies that help understand how neural activity patterns are connected to behavior and modulated by sensory input. Investigations on the developmental origins of the connectome highlight the importance of role of neuronal cell lineages in the final connectivity matrix of the nervous system. Computational modeling of neuronal dynamics not only helps reconstruct the biophysical properties of individual neurons but also allows for subsequent reconstruction of whole-organism neuronal network models. Hence, combining experimental datasets with theoretical modeling of neurons generates a better understanding of organismal behavior. This review discusses some recent technological advances used to analyze and perturb whole-organism neuronal function along with developments in computational modeling, which allows for interrogation of both local and global neural circuits, leading to different behaviors. Combining these approaches will shed light into how neural networks process sensory information to generate the appropriate behavioral output, providing a complete understanding of the worm nervous system.

scholarly journals The central role of mitochondria in axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1806-1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham R Campbell ◽  
Joseph T Worrall ◽  
Don J Mahad
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Axonal Degeneration ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain ◽  
Respiratory Chain Complexes ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Mitochondrial Abnormalities ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies ◽  
Chain Complexes

Neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to inflammation and demyelination. In acute MS lesions and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis focal immune attacks damage axons by injuring axonal mitochondria. In progressive MS, however, axonal damage occurs in chronically demyelinated regions, myelinated regions and also at the active edge of slowly expanding chronic lesions. How axonal energy failure occurs in progressive MS is incompletely understood. Recent studies show that oligodendrocytes supply lactate to myelinated axons as a metabolic substrate for mitochondria to generate ATP, a process which will be altered upon demyelination. In addition, a number of studies have identified mitochondrial abnormalities within neuronal cell bodies in progressive MS, leading to a deficiency of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes or enzymes. Here, we summarise the mitochondrial abnormalities evident within neurons and discuss how these grey matter mitochondrial abnormalities may increase the vulnerability of axons to degeneration in progressive MS. Although neuronal mitochondrial abnormalities will culminate in axonal degeneration, understanding the different contributions of mitochondria to the degeneration of myelinated and demyelinated axons is an important step towards identifying potential therapeutic targets for progressive MS.

scholarly journals CREB mediates the C. elegans dauer polyphenism through direct and cell-autonomous regulation of TGF-β expression

PLoS Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. e1009678
Author(s):  
JiSoo Park ◽  
Hyekyoung Oh ◽  
Do-Young Kim ◽  
YongJin Cheon ◽  
Yeon-Ji Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Marker Gene ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Developmental Programs ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Element Binding Protein

Animals can adapt to dynamic environmental conditions by modulating their developmental programs. Understanding the genetic architecture and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental plasticity in response to changing environments is an important and emerging area of research. Here, we show a novel role of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-encoding crh-1 gene in developmental polyphenism of C. elegans. Under conditions that promote normal development in wild-type animals, crh-1 mutants inappropriately form transient pre-dauer (L2d) larva and express the L2d marker gene. L2d formation in crh-1 mutants is specifically induced by the ascaroside pheromone ascr#5 (asc-ωC3; C3), and crh-1 functions autonomously in the ascr#5-sensing ASI neurons to inhibit L2d formation. Moreover, we find that CRH-1 directly binds upstream of the daf-7 TGF-β locus and promotes its expression in the ASI neurons. Taken together, these results provide new insight into how animals alter their developmental programs in response to environmental changes.

scholarly journals Neurexin directs partner-specific synaptic connectivity in C. elegans

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Philbrook ◽  
Shankar Ramachandran ◽  
Christopher M Lambert ◽  
Devyn Oliver ◽  
Jeremy Florman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Cholinergic Receptor ◽  
Gabaergic Neurons ◽  
Synaptic Connectivity ◽  
Receptor Clustering ◽  
Molecular Control ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Excitatory Transmission

In neural circuits, individual neurons often make projections onto multiple postsynaptic partners. Here, we investigate molecular mechanisms by which these divergent connections are generated, using dyadic synapses in C. elegans as a model. We report that C. elegans nrx-1/neurexin directs divergent connectivity through differential actions at synapses with partnering neurons and muscles. We show that cholinergic outputs onto neurons are, unexpectedly, located at previously undefined spine-like protrusions from GABAergic dendrites. Both these spine-like features and cholinergic receptor clustering are strikingly disrupted in the absence of nrx-1. Excitatory transmission onto GABAergic neurons, but not neuromuscular transmission, is also disrupted. Our data indicate that NRX-1 located at presynaptic sites specifically directs postsynaptic development in GABAergic neurons. Our findings provide evidence that individual neurons can direct differential patterns of connectivity with their post-synaptic partners through partner-specific utilization of synaptic organizers, offering a novel view into molecular control of divergent connectivity.

scholarly journals Ischemic Cerebral Endothelial Cell–Derived Exosomes Promote Axonal Growth

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 3701-3712
Author(s):  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Yi Qin ◽  
Michael Chopp ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Amy Kemper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Axonal Growth ◽  
Mature Mirnas ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Axonal Outgrowth ◽  
Ischemic Brain ◽  
Neuronal Homeostasis ◽  
Neuronal Cell Bodies

Background and Purpose: Cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) and axons of neurons interact to maintain vascular and neuronal homeostasis and axonal remodeling in normal and ischemic brain, respectively. However, the role of exosomes in the interaction of CECs and axons in brain under normal conditions and after stroke is unknown. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from CECs of nonischemic rats and is chemic rats (nCEC-exos and isCEC-exos), respectively. A multicompartmental cell culture system was used to separate axons from neuronal cell bodies. Results: Axonal application of nCEC-exos promotes axonal growth of cortical neurons, whereas isCEC-exos further enhance axonal growth than nCEC-exos. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that CEC-exos applied into distal axons were internalized by axons and reached to their parent somata. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that both nCEC-exos and isCEC-exos contain abundant mature miRNAs; however, isCEC-exos exhibit more robust elevation of select miRNAs than nCEC-exos. Mechanistically, axonal application of nCEC-exos and isCEC-exos significantly elevated miRNAs and reduced proteins in distal axons and their parent somata that are involved in inhibiting axonal outgrowth. Blockage of axonal transport suppressed isCEC-exo–altered miRNAs and proteins in somata but not in distal axons. Conclusions: nCEC-exos and isCEC-exos facilitate axonal growth by altering miRNAs and their target protein profiles in recipient neurons.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document