scholarly journals Conserved properties of Drosophila Insomniac link sleep regulation and synaptic function

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuling Li ◽  
David A. Kellner ◽  
Hayden A. M. Hatch ◽  
Tomohiro Yumita ◽  
Sandrine Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Sleep Regulation ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Ubiquitination Pathway ◽  
Molecular Functions

AbstractSleep is an ancient animal behavior that is regulated similarly in species ranging from flies to mammals. Various genes that regulate sleep have been identified in invertebrates, but whether the functions of these genes are conserved in mammals remains poorly explored. Drosophila insomniac (inc) mutants exhibit severely shortened and fragmented sleep. Inc protein physically associates with the Cullin-3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase, and neuronal depletion of Inc or Cul3 strongly curtails sleep, suggesting that Inc is a Cul3 adaptor that directs the ubiquitination of neuronal substrates that regulate sleep. Three proteins similar to Inc exist in vertebrates—KCTD2, KCTD5, and KCTD17—but are uncharacterized within the nervous system and their functional conservation with Inc has not been addressed. Here we show that Inc and its mouse orthologs exhibit striking biochemical and functional interchangeability within Cul3 complexes. Remarkably, KCTD2 and KCTD5 restore sleep to inc mutants, indicating that they can substitute for Inc in vivo and engage its neuronal targets that impact sleep. Inc and its orthologs traffic similarly within fly and mammalian neurons and are present at synapses, suggesting that their substrates include synaptic proteins. Consistent with such a mechanism, inc mutants exhibit defects in synaptic structure and physiology, indicating that Inc is vital for both synaptic function and sleep. Our findings reveal that molecular functions of Inc are conserved through ~600 million years of evolution and support the hypothesis that Inc and its orthologs participate in an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitination pathway that links synaptic function and sleep regulation.Author summarySleep is ubiquitous among animals and is regulated in a similar manner across phylogeny, but whether conserved molecular mechanisms govern sleep is poorly defined. The Insomniac protein is vital for sleep in Drosophila and is a putative adaptor for the Cul3 ubiquitin ligase. We show that two mammalian orthologs of Insomniac can restore sleep to flies lacking Insomniac, indicating that the molecular functions of these proteins are conserved through evolution. Our comparative analysis reveals that Insomniac and its mammalian orthologs localize to neuronal synapses and that Insomniac impacts synaptic structure and physiology. Our findings suggest that Insomniac and its mammalian orthologs are components of an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitination pathway that links synaptic function and the regulation of sleep.

Abstract 241: MDM2 E3 Ligase-mediated Ubiquitination and Degradation of HDAC1 in Vascular Calcification

2016 ◽  
Vol 119 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Kook ◽  
Duk-Hwa Kwon ◽  
Gwang Hyeon Eom ◽  
Hyun-Ki Min ◽  
Somy Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Histone Deacetylase 1 ◽  
Ubiquitination Pathway ◽  
Mdm2 Inhibitor

Vascular calcification (VC) is often associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms linking VC to these diseases have yet to be elucidated. Here we report that MDM2-induced ubiquitination of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) mediates VC. Loss of HDAC1 activity via either chemical inhibitor or genetic ablation enhances VC. HDAC1 protein, but not mRNA, is reduced in cell and animal calcification models and in human calcified coronary artery. Under calcification-inducing conditions, proteasomal degradation of HDAC1 precedes VC and it is mediated by MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase that initiates HDAC1 K74 ubiquitination. Overexpression of MDM2 enhances VC, whereas loss of MDM2 blunts it. Decoy peptide spanning HDAC1 K74 and RG 7112, an MDM2 inhibitor, prevent VC in vivo and in vitro. These results uncover a previously unappreciated ubiquitination pathway and suggest MDM2-mediated HDAC1 ubiquitination as a new therapeutic target in VC.

scholarly journals The Cullin3 Ubiquitin Ligase Functions as a Nedd8-bound Heterodimer

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 899-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wananit Wimuttisuk ◽  
Jeffrey D. Singer
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Covalent Attachment ◽  
Winged Helix ◽  
Btb Domain ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme ◽  
Ubiquitination Pathway ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Ligase Function

Cullins are members of a family of scaffold proteins that assemble multisubunit ubiquitin ligase complexes to confer substrate specificity for the ubiquitination pathway. Cullin3 (Cul3) forms a catalytically inactive BTB-Cul3-Rbx1 (BCR) ubiquitin ligase, which becomes functional upon covalent attachment of the ubiquitin homologue neural-precursor-cell-expressed and developmentally down regulated 8 (Nedd8) near the C terminus of Cul3. Current models suggest that Nedd8 activates cullin complexes by providing a recognition site for a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. Based on the following evidence, we propose that Nedd8 activates the BCR ubiquitin ligase by mediating the dimerization of Cul3. First, Cul3 is found as a neddylated heterodimer bound to a BTB domain-containing protein in vivo. Second, the formation of a Cul3 heterodimer is mediated by a Nedd8 molecule, which covalently attaches itself to one Cul3 molecule and binds to the winged-helix B domain at the C terminus of the second Cul3 molecule. Third, complementation experiments revealed that coexpression of two distinct nonfunctional Cul3 mutants can rescue the ubiquitin ligase function of the BCR complex. Likewise, a substrate of the BCR complex binds heterodimeric Cul3, suggesting that the Cul3 complex is active as a dimer. These findings not only provide insight into the architecture of the active BCR complex but also suggest assembly as a regulatory mechanism for activation of all cullin-based ubiquitin ligases.

scholarly journals Neurexin–Neuroligin 1 regulates synaptic morphology and functions via the WAVE regulatory complex in Drosophila neuromuscular junction

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanglin Xing ◽  
Moyi Li ◽  
Yichen Sun ◽  
Menglong Rui ◽  
Yan Zhuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Postsynaptic Membrane ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Actin Assembly ◽  
Actin Reorganization ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
Structural And Functional Properties ◽  
Regulatory Complex ◽  
And Function

Neuroligins are postsynaptic adhesion molecules that are essential for postsynaptic specialization and synaptic function. But the underlying molecular mechanisms of neuroligin functions remain unclear. We found that Drosophila Neuroligin 1 (DNlg1) regulates synaptic structure and function through WAVE regulatory complex (WRC)-mediated postsynaptic actin reorganization. The disruption of DNlg1, DNlg2, or their presynaptic partner neurexin (DNrx) led to a dramatic decrease in the amount of F-actin. Further study showed that DNlg1, but not DNlg2 or DNlg3, directly interacts with the WRC via its C-terminal interacting receptor sequence. That interaction is required to recruit WRC to the postsynaptic membrane to promote F-actin assembly. Furthermore, the interaction between DNlg1 and the WRC is essential for DNlg1 to rescue the morphological and electrophysiological defects in dnlg1 mutants. Our results reveal a novel mechanism by which the DNrx-DNlg1 trans-synaptic interaction coordinates structural and functional properties at the neuromuscular junction.

scholarly journals OSCA/TMEM63 are an evolutionarily conserved family of mechanically activated ion channels

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swetha E Murthy ◽  
Adrienne E Dubin ◽  
Tess Whitwam ◽  
Sebastian Jojoa-Cruz ◽  
Stuart M Cahalan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽  
Ion Channels ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Deep Insight ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Bona Fide ◽  
Physical Forces ◽  
Insight Into

Mechanically activated (MA) ion channels convert physical forces into electrical signals, and are essential for eukaryotic physiology. Despite their importance, few bona-fide MA channels have been described in plants and animals. Here, we show that various members of the OSCA and TMEM63 family of proteins from plants, flies, and mammals confer mechanosensitivity to naïve cells. We conclusively demonstrate that OSCA1.2, one of the Arabidopsis thaliana OSCA proteins, is an inherently mechanosensitive, pore-forming ion channel. Our results suggest that OSCA/TMEM63 proteins are the largest family of MA ion channels identified, and are conserved across eukaryotes. Our findings will enable studies to gain deep insight into molecular mechanisms of MA channel gating, and will facilitate a better understanding of mechanosensory processes in vivo across plants and animals.

scholarly journals Anthocyanins Promote Learning through Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity Related Proteins in an Animal Model of Ageing

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1235
Author(s):  
David Vauzour ◽  
Catarina Rendeiro ◽  
Alfonsina D’Amato ◽  
Pierre Waffo-Téguo ◽  
Tristan Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Age Related

Anthocyanin-rich foods, such as berries, reportedly ameliorate age-related cognitive deficits in both animals and humans. Despite this, investigation into the mechanisms which underpin anthocyanin-mediated learning and memory benefits remains relatively limited. The present study investigates the effects of anthocyanin intake on a spatial working memory paradigm, assessed via the cross-maze apparatus, and relates behavioural test performance to underlying molecular mechanisms. Six-week supplementation with pure anthocyanins (2% w/w), administered throughout the learning phase of the task, improved both spatial and psychomotor performances in aged rats. Behavioural outputs were accompanied by changes in the expression profile of key proteins integral to synaptic function/maintenance, with upregulation of dystrophin, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and tyrosine hydroxylase, and downregulation of apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) and the phosphorylated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (p-Raf). Separate immunoblot analysis supported these observations, indicating increased activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1), Akt Ser473, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) Ser2448, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc/Arg 3.1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in response to anthocyanin treatment, whilst α-E-catenin, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1) and p38 protein levels decreased. Together, these findings suggest that purified anthocyanin consumption enhances spatial learning and motor coordination in aged animals and can be attributed to the modulation of key synaptic proteins, which support integrity and maintenance of synaptic function.

scholarly journals Neuronal hibernation following hippocampal demyelination

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selva Baltan ◽  
Safdar S. Jawaid ◽  
Anthony M. Chomyk ◽  
Grahame J. Kidd ◽  
Jacqueline Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Gene Transcript ◽  
Ca1 Neurons

AbstractCognitive dysfunction occurs in greater than 50% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Hippocampal demyelination is a prominent feature of postmortem MS brains and hippocampal atrophy correlates with cognitive decline in MS patients. Cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for neuronal dysfunction in demyelinated hippocampi are not fully understood. Here we investigate a mouse model of hippocampal demyelination where twelve weeks of treatment with the oligodendrocyte toxin, cuprizone, demyelinates over 90% of the hippocampus and causes decreased memory/learning. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is considered to be a major cellular readout of learning and memory in the mammalian brain. In acute slices, we establish that hippocampal demyelination abolishes LTP and excitatory post-synaptic potentials of CA1 neurons, while pre-synaptic function of Schaeffer collateral fibers is preserved. Demyelination also reduced Ca2+-mediated firing of hippocampal neurons in vivo. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we investigated the number, shape (mushroom, stubby, thin), and post-synaptic densities (PSDs) of dendritic spines that facilitate LTP. Hippocampal demyelination did not alter the number of dendritic spines. Surprisingly, dendritic spines appeared to be more mature in demyelinated hippocampi, with a significant increase in mushroom-shaped spines, more perforated PSDs, and more astrocyte participation in the tripartite synapse. RNA sequencing experiments identified 400 altered transcripts in demyelinated hippocampi. Gene transcripts that regulate myelination, synaptic signaling, astrocyte function, and innate immunity were altered in demyelinated hippocampi. Hippocampal remyelination rescued synaptic transmission, LTP, and the majority of gene transcript changes. We establish that CA1 neurons projecting demyelinated axons silence their dendritic spines and hibernate in a state that may protect the demyelinated axon and facilitates functional recovery following remyelination.

scholarly journals HOXB8 counteracts MAPK/ERK oncogenic signaling in a chicken embryo model of neoplasia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axelle WILMERDING ◽  
Lauranne BOUTEILLE ◽  
Lucrezia RINALDI ◽  
Nathalie CARUSO ◽  
Yacine Graba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Chicken Embryo ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Genes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Function ◽  
Oncogenic Signaling ◽  
Hox Proteins ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

HOX transcription factors are members of an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins required for the establishment of the anteroposterior body axis during bilaterian development. Although they are often deregulated in cancers, the molecular mechanisms by which they act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes are only partially understood. Since the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is deregulated in most cancers, we aimed at apprehending if and how Hox proteins interact with ERK oncogenicity. Using an in vivo neoplasia model in the chicken embryo that we have developed, consisting in the overactivation of the ERK1/2 kinases in the trunk neural tube, we analyzed the consequences of HOXB8 gain of function at morphological and transcriptional level in this model. We found that HOXB8 acts as a tumor suppressor, counteracting ERK-induced neoplasia. HOXB8 tumor suppressor function in this model relies on a large reversion of the oncogenic transcriptome induced by ERK. In addition to showing that HOXB8 protein controls the transcriptional responsiveness to ERK oncogenic signaling, our study identified new downstream targets of ERK oncogenic activation in an in vivo context that could provide clues for therapeutic strategies.

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.

Abstract 418: Mdm2 E3 Ligase-mediated Ubiquitination of Histone Deacetylase 1 in Vascular Calcification

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Kook ◽  
Duk-Hwa Kwon ◽  
Gwang Hyeon Eom ◽  
Sera Shin ◽  
Hosouk Joung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Deacetylase ◽  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
E3 Ligase ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Histone Deacetylase 1 ◽  
Ubiquitination Pathway

Vascular calcification (VC) often associates with many cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although VC is the cause of high morbidity and mortality, molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Here we report that MDM2-induced ubiquitination of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) mediates VC. Loss of HDAC1 activity enhanced VC in vivo and in vitro . HDAC1 protein was reduced in cell and animal calcification models and in human calcified coronary artery and this reduction preceded VC. Calcification stresses induced MDM2 E3 ligase, which resulted in HDAC1 K74 ubiquitination. Forced expression of MDM2 enhanced VC, whereas loss of MDM2 blunted it. A decoy peptide spanning HDAC1 K74 prevented VC. These results demonstrate a previously unknown ubiquitination pathway as well as the involvement of HDAC1 in VC. Our results suggest MDM2-mediated HDAC1 ubiquitination as a new therapeutic target in VC.

scholarly journals Np95 Is a Histone-Binding Protein Endowed with Ubiquitin Ligase Activity

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 2526-2535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Citterio ◽  
Roberto Papait ◽  
Francesco Nicassio ◽  
Manuela Vecchi ◽  
Paola Gomiero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Protein Domain ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity

ABSTRACT Np95 is an important determinant in cell cycle progression. Its expression is tightly regulated and becomes detectable shortly before the entry of cells into S phase. Accordingly, Np95 is absolutely required for the G1/S transition. Its continued expression throughout the S/G2/M phases further suggests additional roles. Indeed, Np95 has been implicated in DNA damage response. Here, we show that Np95 is tightly bound to chromatin in vivo and that it binds to histones in vivo and in vitro. The binding to histones is direct and shows a remarkable preference for histone H3 and its N-terminal tail. A novel protein domain, the SRA-YDG domain, contained in Np95 is indispensable both for the interaction with histones and for chromatin binding in vivo. Np95 contains a RING finger. We show that this domain confers E3 ubiquitin ligase activity on Np95, which is specific for core histones, in vitro. Finally, Np95 shows specific E3 activity for histone H3 when the endogenous core octamer, coimmunoprecipitating with Np95, is used as a substrate. Histone ubiquitination is an important determinant in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene transcription. Thus, the demonstration that Np95 is a chromatin-associated ubiquitin ligase suggests possible molecular mechanisms for its action as a cell cycle regulator.

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