scholarly journals CNTNAP2 ectodomain, detected in neuronal and CSF sheddomes, modulates Ca2+ dynamics and network synchrony

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dolores Martin-de-Saavedra ◽  
Marc dos Santos ◽  
Olga Varea ◽  
Benjamin P. Spielman ◽  
Ruoqi Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Neuronal Network ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Ectodomain Shedding ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Network Synchrony

SUMMARYWhile many neuronal membrane-anchored proteins undergo proteolytic cleavage, little is known about the biological significance of neuronal ectodomain shedding. Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, we showed that the neuronal sheddome mirrors human cerebrospinal fluid (hCSF). Among shed synaptic proteins in hCSF was the ectodomain of CNTNAP2 (CNTNAP2-ecto), a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Using structured-illumination microscopy (SIM), we mapped the spatial organization of neuronal CNTNAP2-ecto shedding. Using affinity chromatography followed by MS, we identified the ATP2B/PMCA Ca2+ extrusion pumps as novel CNTNAP2-ecto binding partners. CNTNAP2-ecto coimmunoprecipitates with PMCA2, a known autism risk factor, and enhances its activity, thereby modulating neuronal Ca2+ levels. Finally, we showed that CNTNAP2-ecto regulates neuronal network synchrony in primary cultures and brain slices. These data provide new insights into the biology of synaptic ectodomain shedding and reveal a novel mechanism of regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and neuronal network synchrony.

scholarly journals Impaired Kv7 channel activity in the central amygdala contributes to elevated sympathetic outflow in hypertension

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao-Fu Sheng ◽  
Hua Zhang ◽  
PeiRu Zheng ◽  
Shanyan Chen ◽  
Zezong Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Primary Hypertension ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Sympathetic Outflow ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Central Amygdala ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Wky Rats ◽  
Arterial Blood

Abstract Aims Elevated sympathetic outflow is associated with primary hypertension. However, the mechanisms involved in heightened sympathetic outflow in hypertension are unclear. The central amygdala (CeA) regulates autonomic components of emotions through projections to the brainstem. The neuronal Kv7 channel is a non-inactivating voltage-dependent K+ channel encoded by KCNQ2/3 genes involved in stabilizing the neuronal membrane potential and regulating neuronal excitability. In this study, we investigated if altered Kv7 channel activity in the CeA contributes to heightened sympathetic outflow in hypertension. Methods and results The mRNA and protein expression levels of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 in the CeA were significantly reduced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. Lowering blood pressure with coeliac ganglionectomy in SHRs did not alter Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channel expression levels in the CeA. Fluospheres were injected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) to retrogradely label CeA neurons projecting to the RVLM (CeA–RVLM neurons). Kv7 channel currents recorded from CeA–RVLM neurons in brain slices were much smaller in SHRs than in WKY rats. Furthermore, the basal firing activity of CeA–RVLM neurons was significantly greater in SHRs than in WKY rats. Bath application of specific Kv7 channel blocker 10, 10-bis (4-pyridinylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracnose (XE-991) increased the excitability of CeA–RVLM neurons in WKY rats, but not in SHRs. Microinjection of XE-991 into the CeA increased arterial blood pressure (ABP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), while microinjection of Kv7 channel opener QO-58 decreased ABP and RSNA, in anaesthetized WKY rats but not SHRs. Conclusions Our findings suggest that diminished Kv7 channel activity in the CeA contributes to elevated sympathetic outflow in primary hypertension. This novel information provides new mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of neurogenic hypertension.

scholarly journals Super-Resolution Imaging by Dual Iterative Structured Illumination Microscopy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Loeschberger ◽  
Yauheni Novikau ◽  
Ralf Netz ◽  
Marie-Christin Spindler ◽  
Ricardo Benavente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithm ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Structured Illumination ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Coated Pits ◽  
Resolution Imaging

Three-dimensional (3D) multicolor super-resolution imaging in the 50-100 nm range in fixed and living cells remains challenging. We extend the resolution of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) by an improved nonlinear iterative reconstruction algorithm that enables 3D multicolor imaging with improved spatiotemporal resolution at low illumination intensities. We demonstrate the performance of dual iterative SIM (diSIM) imaging cellular structures in fixed cells including synaptonemal complexes, clathrin coated pits and the actin cytoskeleton with lateral resolutions of 60-100 nm with standard fluorophores. Furthermore, we visualize dendritic spines in 70 micrometer thick brain slices with an axial resolution < 200 nm. Finally, we image dynamics of the endoplasmatic reticulum and microtubules in living cells with up to 255 frames/s.

scholarly journals The Impact of Oxytocin on Neurite Outgrowth and Synaptic Proteins in Magel2-Deficient Mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Reichova ◽  
Fabienne Schaller ◽  
Stanislava Bukatova ◽  
Zuzana Bacova ◽  
Françoise Muscatelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurite Outgrowth ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Neuronal Maturation ◽  
Glutamatergic Synapses ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Deficient Mice

AbstractOxytocin contributes to the regulation of cytoskeletal and synaptic proteins and could therefore affect the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Both the Prader-Willi syndrome and Schaaf-Yang syndrome exhibit autistic symptoms involving the MAGEL2 gene. Magel2-deficient mice show a deficit in social behavior that is rescued following postnatal administration of oxytocin. Here, in Magel2-deficient mice, we showed that the neurite outgrowth of primary cultures of immature hippocampal neurons is reduced. Treatment with oxytocin, but not retinoic acid, reversed this abnormality. In the hippocampus of Magel2-deficient pups, we further demonstrated that several transcripts of neurite outgrowth-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, and cell-adhesion molecules are decreased. In the juvenile stage, when neurons are mature, normalization or even overexpression of most of these markers was observed, suggesting a delay in the neuronal maturation of Magel2-deficient pups. Moreover, we found reduced transcripts of the excitatory postsynaptic marker, Psd95 in the hippocampus and we observed a decrease of PSD95/VGLUT2 colocalization in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in Magel2-deficient mice, indicating a defect in glutamatergic synapses. Postnatal administration of oxytocin upregulated postsynaptic transcripts in pups; however, it did not restore the level of markers of glutamatergic synapses in Magel2-deficient mice. Overall, Magel2 deficiency leads to abnormal neurite outgrowth and reduced glutamatergic synapses during development, suggesting abnormal neuronal maturation. Oxytocin stimulates the expression of numerous genes involved in neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in early development stages. Postnatal oxytocin administration has a strong effect in development that should be considered for certain neuropsychiatric conditions in infancy.

scholarly journals N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and cannabinoid CB2 receptors form functional complexes in cells of the central nervous system: insights into the therapeutic potential of neuronal and microglial NMDA receptors

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Rivas-Santisteban ◽  
Alejandro Lillo ◽  
Jaume Lillo ◽  
Joan-Biel Rebassa ◽  
Joan S. Contestí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Nmda Receptor ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Nmda Receptors ◽  
Mapk Pathway ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Receptor Heteromers

Abstract Background The cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R), which is a target to afford neuroprotection, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are key in mediating excitatory neurotransmission, are expressed in both neurons and glia. As NMDA receptors are the target of current medication in Alzheimer’s disease patients and with the aim of finding neuromodulators of their actions that could provide benefits in dementia, we hypothesized that cannabinoids could modulate NMDA function. Methods Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze the colocalization between CB2 and NMDA receptors; bioluminescence resonance energy transfer was used to detect CB2-NMDA receptor complexes. Calcium and cAMP determination, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and label-free assays were performed to characterize signaling in homologous and heterologous systems. Proximity ligation assays were used to quantify CB2-NMDA heteromer expression in mouse primary cultures and in the brain of APPSw/Ind transgenic mice, an Alzheimer’s disease model expressing the Indiana and Swedish mutated version of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Results In a heterologous system, we identified CB2-NMDA complexes with a particular heteromer print consisting of impairment by cannabinoids of NMDA receptor function. The print was detected in activated primary microglia treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ. CB2R activation blunted NMDA receptor-mediated signaling in primary hippocampal neurons from APPSw/Ind mice. Furthermore, imaging studies showed that in brain slices and in primary cells (microglia or neurons) from APPSw/Ind mice, there was a marked overexpression of macromolecular CB2-NMDA receptor complexes thus becoming a tool to modulate excessive glutamate input by cannabinoids. Conclusions The results indicate a negative cross-talk in CB2-NMDA complexes signaling. The expression of the CB2-NMDA receptor heteromers increases in both microglia and neurons from the APPSw/Ind transgenic mice, compared with levels in samples from age-matched control mice.

scholarly journals PV-specific loss of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α slows down the evolution of epileptic activity in an acute ictogenic model.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connie Anne Mackenzie-Gray Scott ◽  
Robert Ryley Parrish ◽  
Darren A Walsh ◽  
Claudia Racca ◽  
Rita M Cowell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Epileptic Activity ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Transcriptional Coactivator ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Knock Out

The transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α), plays a key role coordinating energy requirement within cells. Its importance is reflected in the growing number of psychiatric and neurological conditions that have been associated with reduced PGC-1α levels. In cortical networks, PGC-1α is required for the induction of parvalbumin (PV) expression in interneurons, and PGC-1a deficiency affects synchronous GABAergic release. It is unknown, however, how this affects cortical excitability. We show here that knocking down PGC-1α specifically in the PV-expressing cells (PGC-1αPV-/-) blocks the activity-dependent regulation of the synaptic proteins, SYT2 and CPLX1. More surprisingly, this cell-class specific knock-out of PGC-1α appears to have a novel anti-epileptic effect, as assayed in brain slices bathed in 0 Mg2+ media. The rate of occurrence of pre-ictal discharges developed approximately equivalently in wild-type and PGC-1αPV-/- brain slices, but the intensity of these discharges was lower in PGC-1αPV-/- slices, as evident from the reduced power in the gamma range and reduced firing rates in both PV interneurons and pyramidal cells during these discharges. Reflecting this reduced intensity in the pre-ictal discharges, the PGC-1αPV-/- brain slices experienced many more discharges before transitioning into a seizure-like event. Consequently, there was a large increase in the latency to the first seizure-like event in brain slices lacking PGC-1α in PV interneurons. We conclude that knocking down PGC-1α limits the range of PV interneuron firing, and this slows the pathophysiological escalation during ictogenesis.

scholarly journals PV-specific loss of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α slows down the evolution of epileptic activity in an acute ictogenic model.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ryley Parrish ◽  
Connie Mackenzie-Gray-Scott ◽  
Darren Walsh ◽  
Claudia Racca ◽  
Rita M Cowell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Epileptic Activity ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Transcriptional Coactivator ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Knock Out

The transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α), plays a key role coordinating energy requirement within cells. Its importance is reflected in the growing number of psychiatric and neurological conditions that have been associated with reduced PGC-1α levels. In cortical networks, PGC-1α is required for the induction of parvalbumin (PV) expression in interneurons, and PGC-1α deficiency affects synchronous GABAergic release. It is unknown, however, how this affects cortical excitability. We show here that knocking down PGC-1α specifically in the PV-expressing cells (PGC-1αPV-/-), blocks the activity-dependent regulation of the synaptic proteins, SYT2 and CPLX1. More surprisingly, this cell-class specific knock-out of PGC-1α appears to have a novel anti-epileptic effect, as assayed in brain slices bathed in 0 Mg2+ media. The rate of pre-ictal discharges developed approximately equivalently in wild-type and PGC-1αPV-/- brain slices, but the intensity of these discharges was lower in PGC-1αPV-/- slices, as evident from the reduced power in the gamma range and reduced firing rates in both PV interneurons and pyramidal cells during these discharges. Reflecting this reduced intensity in the pre-ictal discharges, the PGC-1αPV-/- brain slices experienced many more discharges before transitioning into a seizure-like event. Consequently, there was a large increase in the latency to the first seizure-like event in brain slices lacking PGC-1α in PV interneurons. We conclude that knocking down PGC-1α limits the range of PV interneuron firing, and this slows the pathophysiological escalation during ictogenesis.

Patch Clamp Recording in Brain Slices

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Campagnola ◽  
Paul Manis
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Electrical Noise ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Neural Substrate ◽  
Hardware Configuration ◽  
Technical Issues

Patch clamp recording in brain slices allows unparalleled access to neuronal membrane signals in a system that approximates the in-vivo neural substrate while affording greater control of experimental conditions. In this chapter we discuss the theory, methodology, and practical considerations of such experiments including the initial setup, techniques for preparing and handling viable brain slices, and patching and recording signals. A number of practical and technical issues faced by electrophysiologists are also considered, including maintaining slice viability, visualizing and identifying healthy cells, acquiring reliable patch seals, amplifier compensation features, hardware configuration, sources of electrical noise and table vibration, as well as basic data analysis issues and some troubleshooting tips.

scholarly journals Hormetic-Like Effects of L-Homocysteine on Synaptic Structure, Function, and Aβ Aggregation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Montecinos-Oliva ◽  
Macarena S. Arrázola ◽  
Claudia Jara ◽  
Cheril Tapia-Rojas ◽  
Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
High Concentrations

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia among the elderly population. Elevated plasma levels of homocysteine (HCy), an amino acid derived from methionine metabolism, are considered a risk factor and biomarker of AD and other types of dementia. An increase in HCy is mostly a consequence of high methionine and/or low vitamin B intake in the diet. Here, we studied the effects of physiological and pathophysiological HCy concentrations on oxidative stress, synaptic protein levels, and synaptic activity in mice hippocampal slices. We also studied the in vitro effects of HCy on the aggregation kinetics of Aβ40. We found that physiological cerebrospinal concentrations of HCy (0.5 µM) induce an increase in synaptic proteins, whereas higher doses of HCy (30–100 µM) decrease their levels, thereby increasing oxidative stress and causing excitatory transmission hyperactivity, which are all considered to be neurotoxic effects. We also observed that normal cerebrospinal concentrations of HCy slow the aggregation kinetic of Aβ40, whereas high concentrations accelerate its aggregation. Finally, we studied the effects of HCy and HCy + Aβ42 over long-term potentiation. Altogether, by studying an ample range of effects under different HCy concentrations, we report, for the first time, that HCy can exert beneficial or toxic effects over neurons, evidencing a hormetic-like effect. Therefore, we further encourage the use of HCy as a biomarker and modifiable risk factor with therapeutic use against AD and other types of dementia.

scholarly journals The Nanoscopic Organization of Synapse Structures: A Common Basis for Cell Communication

Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Xiaojuan Yang ◽  
Wim Annaert
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Diffraction Limit ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

Synapse structures, including neuronal and immunological synapses, can be seen as the plasma membrane contact sites between two individual cells where information is transmitted from one cell to the other. The distance between the two plasma membranes is only a few tens of nanometers, but these areas are densely populated with functionally different proteins, including adhesion proteins, receptors, and transporters. The narrow space between the two plasma membranes has been a barrier for resolving the synaptic architecture due to the diffraction limit in conventional microscopy (~250 nm). Various advanced super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), bypass the diffraction limit and provide a sub-diffraction-limit resolving power, ranging from 10 to 100 nm. The studies using super-resolution microscopy have revealed unprecedented details of the nanoscopic organization and dynamics of synaptic molecules. In general, most synaptic proteins appear to be heterogeneously distributed and form nanodomains at the membranes. These nanodomains are dynamic functional units, playing important roles in mediating signal transmission through synapses. Herein, we discuss our current knowledge on the super-resolution nanoscopic architecture of synapses and their functional implications, with a particular focus on the neuronal synapses and immune synapses.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document