scholarly journals Specific Neuroligin3–αNeurexin1 signaling regulates GABAergic synaptic function in mouse hippocampus

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motokazu Uchigashima ◽  
Kohtarou Konno ◽  
Emily Demchak ◽  
Amy Cheung ◽  
Takuya Watanabe ◽  
...  

Synapse formation and regulation require signaling interactions between pre- and postsynaptic proteins, notably cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). It has been proposed that the functions of neuroligins (Nlgns), postsynaptic CAMs, rely on the formation of trans-synaptic complexes with neurexins (Nrxns), presynaptic CAMs. Nlgn3 is a unique Nlgn isoform that localizes at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. However, Nlgn3 function mediated via Nrxn interactions is unknown. Here we demonstrate that Nlgn3 localizes at postsynaptic sites apposing vesicular glutamate transporter 3-expressing (VGT3+) inhibitory terminals and regulates VGT3+ inhibitory interneuron-mediated synaptic transmission in mouse organotypic slice cultures. Gene expression analysis of interneurons revealed that the αNrxn1+AS4 splice isoform is highly expressed in VGT3+ interneurons as compared with other interneurons. Most importantly, postsynaptic Nlgn3 requires presynaptic αNrxn1+AS4 expressed in VGT3+ interneurons to regulate inhibitory synaptic transmission. Our results indicate that specific Nlgn–Nrxn signaling generates distinct functional properties at synapses.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motokazu Uchigashima ◽  
Kohtarou Konno ◽  
Emily Demchak ◽  
Amy Cheung ◽  
Takuya Watanabe ◽  
...  

AbstractSynapse formation and regulation require interactions between pre- and postsynaptic proteins, notably cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). It has been proposed that the functions of neuroligins (Nlgns), postsynaptic CAMs, rely on the formation of trans-synaptic complexes with neurexins (Nrxns), presynaptic CAMs. Nlgn3 is a unique Nlgn isoform that localizes at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. However, Nlgn3 function mediated via Nrxn interactions is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Nlgn3 localizes at postsynaptic sites apposing vesicular glutamate transporter 3-expressing (VGT3+) inhibitory terminals and regulates VGT3+ inhibitory interneuron-mediated synaptic transmission in mouse organotypic slice cultures. Gene expression analysis of interneurons revealed that the αNrxn1+AS4 splice isoform is highly expressed in VGT3+ interneurons as compared with other interneurons. Most importantly, postsynaptic Nlgn3 requires presynaptic αNrxn1+AS4 expressed in VGT3+ interneurons to regulate inhibitory synaptic transmission. Our results indicate that specific Nlgn-Nrxn interactions generate distinct functional properties at synapses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (663) ◽  
pp. eabd8379
Author(s):  
Heba Ali ◽  
Lena Marth ◽  
Dilja Krueger-Burg

Postsynaptic organizational protein complexes play central roles both in orchestrating synapse formation and in defining the functional properties of synaptic transmission that together shape the flow of information through neuronal networks. A key component of these organizational protein complexes is the family of synaptic adhesion proteins called neuroligins. Neuroligins form transsynaptic bridges with presynaptic neurexins to regulate various aspects of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is the only member that acts exclusively at GABAergic inhibitory synapses. Altered expression and mutations in NLGN2 and several of its interacting partners are linked to cognitive and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety. Research on NLGN2 has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the molecular architecture of inhibitory synapses. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular functions of mammalian NLGN2 and its role in the neuronal circuitry that regulates behavior in rodents and humans.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kotomi Takeda ◽  
Takuya Watanabe ◽  
Kohei Oyabu ◽  
Shuntaro Tsukamoto ◽  
Yuki Oba ◽  
...  

AbstractValproic acid (VPA) is widely prescribed to treat epilepsy. Maternal VPA use is, however, clinically restricted because of the severe risk that VPA may cause neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism spectrum disorder. Understanding the negative action of VPA may help to prevent VPA-induced neurodevelopmental disorders. Astrocytes play a vital role in neurodevelopment and synapse function; however, the impact of VPA on astrocyte involvement in neurodevelopment and synapse function has not been examined. In this study, we examined whether exposure of cultured astrocytes to VPA alters neuronal morphology and synapse function of co-cultured neurons. We show that synaptic transmission by inhibitory neurons was small because VPA-exposed astrocytes reduced the number of inhibitory synapses. However, synaptic transmission by excitatory neurons and the number of excitatory synapses were normal with VPA-exposed astrocytes. VPA-exposed astrocytes did not affect the morphology of inhibitory neurons. These data indicate that VPA-exposed astrocytes impair synaptogenesis specifically of inhibitory neurons. Our results indicate that maternal use of VPA would affect not only neurons but also astrocytes and would result in perturbed astrocyte-mediated neurodevelopment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5524
Author(s):  
Kazuma Sakamoto ◽  
Tomoya Ozaki ◽  
Yuji Suzuki ◽  
Kenji Kadomatsu

Type IIa receptor tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) play pivotal roles in neuronal network formation. It is emerging that the interactions of RPTPs with glycans, i.e., chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS), are critical for their functions. We highlight here the significance of these interactions in axon regeneration and synaptogenesis. For example, PTPσ, a member of type IIa RPTPs, on axon terminals is monomerized and activated by the extracellular CS deposited in neural injuries, dephosphorylates cortactin, disrupts autophagy flux, and consequently inhibits axon regeneration. In contrast, HS induces PTPσ oligomerization, suppresses PTPσ phosphatase activity, and promotes axon regeneration. PTPσ also serves as an organizer of excitatory synapses. PTPσ and neurexin bind one another on presynapses and further bind to postsynaptic leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein 4 (LRRTM4). Neurexin is now known as a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), and its HS is essential for the binding between these three molecules. Another HSPG, glypican 4, binds to presynaptic PTPσ and postsynaptic LRRTM4 in an HS-dependent manner. Type IIa RPTPs are also involved in the formation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses by heterophilic binding to a variety of postsynaptic partners. We also discuss the important issue of possible mechanisms coordinating axon extension and synapse formation.


1996 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. S29
Author(s):  
Takashi Shibata ◽  
Masahiko Watanabe ◽  
Keiko Yamada ◽  
Kohichi Tanaka ◽  
Keiji Wada ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Hwan Choi ◽  
Lauren Bayer Horowitz ◽  
Niels Ringstad

At chemical synapses, neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles that release their contents in response to depolarization. Despite its central role in synaptic function, regulation of the machinery that loads vesicles with neurotransmitters remains poorly understood. We find that synaptic glutamate signaling in a C. elegans chemosensory circuit is regulated by antagonistic interactions between the canonical vesicular glutamate transporter EAT-4/VGLUT and another vesicular transporter, VST-1. Loss of VST-1 strongly potentiates glutamate release from chemosensory BAG neurons and disrupts chemotaxis behavior. Analysis of the circuitry downstream of BAG neurons shows that excess glutamate release disrupts behavior by inappropriately recruiting RIA interneurons to the BAG-associated chemotaxis circuit. Our data indicate that in vivo the strength of glutamatergic synapses is controlled by regulation of neurotransmitter packaging into synaptic vesicles via functional coupling of VGLUT and VST-1.


1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Walz ◽  
Diane E. Harold

Measurements of the presynaptic fiber volley (PSFV), the population excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), and the extracellular pH in the dendritic CA1 layer of rat hippocampal slices were used to evaluate the effects of lactacidosis on central synaptic transmission. Replacement of NaCl with sodium lactate (up to 30 mM) was found not to affect the PSFV; however, the EPSP was reversibly suppressed. Sodium citrate, with added CaCl2 to adjust for Ca2+ chelation, had the same effect as sodium lactate. Addition of lactic acid influenced the PSFV only when, at a concentration of 30 mM, the extracellular pH dropped to 6.6 or lower. With lactic acid concentrations of up to 20 mM, which produced pH levels of 6.8 in the slice, effects on the EPSP were reversible. However, 30 mM lactic acid suppressed both the PSFV and EPSP irreversibly. These results show that synaptic transmission is much more susceptible to lactacidosis than presynaptic axonal transmission. They also show that high levels of lactate, albeit causing suppression of synaptic transmission, do not cause irreversible damage. However, acidosis associated with lactic acid release may damage synaptic transmission irreversibly.Key words: acidosis, hippocampal slice, ischemia, lactate, lactic acid, neuronal transmission, synapse.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Hwan Choi ◽  
Lauren Bayer Horowitz ◽  
Niels Ringstad

AbstractAt chemical synapses, neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles that release their contents in response to depolarization. Despite its central role in synaptic function, regulation of the machinery that loads vesicles with neurotransmitters remains poorly understood. We find that synaptic glutamate signaling in a C. elegans chemosensory circuit is regulated by antagonistic interactions between the canonical vesicular glutamate transporter EAT-4/VGLUT and another vesicular transporter, VST-1. Loss of VST-1 strongly potentiates glutamate release from chemosensory BAG neurons and disrupts chemotaxis behavior. Analysis of the circuitry downstream of BAG neurons shows that excess glutamate release disrupts behavior by inappropriately recruiting RIA interneurons to the BAG-associated chemotaxis circuit. Our data indicate that in vivo the strength of glutamatergic synapses is controlled by regulation of neurotransmitter packaging into synaptic vesicles via functional coupling of VGLUT and VST-1.


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