-
The European Journal of Neuroscience Jun 2024The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a collection of specialized proteins assembled beneath the postsynaptic membrane of dendritic spines. The PSD proteome comprises ~1000... (Review)
Review
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a collection of specialized proteins assembled beneath the postsynaptic membrane of dendritic spines. The PSD proteome comprises ~1000 proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors, scaffolding proteins and signalling enzymes. Many of these proteins have essential roles in synaptic function and plasticity. During brain development, changes are observed in synapse density and in the stability and shape of spines, reflecting the underlying molecular maturation of synapses. Synaptic protein composition changes in terms of protein abundance and the assembly of protein complexes, supercomplexes and the physical organization of the PSD. Here, we summarize the developmental alterations of postsynaptic protein composition during synapse maturation. We describe major PSD proteins involved in postsynaptic signalling that regulates synaptic plasticity and discuss the effect of altered expression of these proteins during development. We consider the abnormality of synaptic profiles and synaptic protein composition in the brain in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. We also explain differences in synapse development between rodents and primates in terms of synaptic profiles and protein composition. Finally, we introduce recent findings related to synaptic diversity and nanoarchitecture and discuss their impact on future research. Synaptic protein composition can be considered a major determinant and marker of synapse maturation in normality and disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Synapses; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuronal Plasticity; Post-Synaptic Density; Brain
PubMed: 38571321
DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16304 -
The Journal of Physiology Aug 2023The modification of neural circuits depends on the strengthening and weakening of synaptic connections. Synaptic strength is often correlated to the density of the...
The modification of neural circuits depends on the strengthening and weakening of synaptic connections. Synaptic strength is often correlated to the density of the ionotropic, glutamatergic receptors, AMPARs, (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors) at the postsynaptic density (PSD). While AMPAR density is known to change based on complex biological signalling cascades, the effect of geometric factors such as dendritic spine shape, size and curvature remain poorly understood. In this work, we developed a deterministic, spatiotemporal model to study the dynamics of AMPARs during long-term potentiation (LTP). This model includes a minimal set of biochemical events that represent the upstream signalling events, trafficking of AMPARs to and from the PSD, lateral diffusion in the plane of the spine membrane, and the presence of an extrasynaptic AMPAR pool. Using idealized and realistic spine geometries, we show that the dynamics and increase of bound AMPARs at the PSD depends on a combination of endo- and exocytosis, membrane diffusion, the availability of free AMPARs and intracellular signalling interactions. We also found non-monotonic relationships between spine volume and the change in AMPARs at the PSD, suggesting that spines restrict changes in AMPARs to optimize resources and prevent runaway potentiation. KEY POINTS: Synaptic plasticity involves dynamic biochemical and physical remodelling of small protrusions called dendritic spines along the dendrites of neurons. Proper synaptic functionality within these spines requires changes in receptor number at the synapse, which has implications for downstream neural functions, such as learning and memory formation. In addition to being signalling subcompartments, spines also have unique morphological features that can play a role in regulating receptor dynamics on the synaptic surface. We have developed a spatiotemporal model that couples biochemical signalling and receptor trafficking modalities in idealized and realistic spine geometries to investigate the role of biochemical and biophysical factors in synaptic plasticity. Using this model, we highlight the importance of spine size and shape in regulating bound AMPA receptor dynamics that govern synaptic plasticity, and predict how spine shape might act to reset synaptic plasticity as a built-in resource optimization and regulation tool.
Topics: Dendritic Spines; Neurons; Synapses; Neuronal Plasticity; Long-Term Potentiation; Hippocampus
PubMed: 36326020
DOI: 10.1113/JP283407 -
Journal of Neuroscience Research Feb 2024Synapses serve as the points of communication between neurons, consisting primarily of three components: the presynaptic membrane, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic... (Review)
Review
Synapses serve as the points of communication between neurons, consisting primarily of three components: the presynaptic membrane, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. They transmit signals through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural and functional changes, is influenced by proteins such as growth-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, postsynaptic density proteins, and neurotrophic growth factors. Furthermore, maintaining synaptic plasticity consumes more than half of the brain's energy, with a significant portion of this energy originating from ATP generated through mitochondrial energy metabolism. Consequently, the quantity, distribution, transport, and function of mitochondria impact the stability of brain energy metabolism, thereby participating in the regulation of fundamental processes in synaptic plasticity, including neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter release. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the proteins associated with presynaptic plasticity, postsynaptic plasticity, and common factors between the two, as well as the relationship between mitochondrial energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
Topics: Synapses; Synaptic Transmission; Mitochondria; Neuronal Plasticity; Autophagy
PubMed: 38400573
DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25309 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2024In elderly people, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It has been shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on phytomedicines...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
In elderly people, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It has been shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on phytomedicines enhances the therapeutic effects of modern medicine when taken in conjunction with them. Modern medicine N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) antagonist memantine (Mm) are mainly used in the clinical treatment of AD. TCM Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) has long been an effective treatment for headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. In this study, we employ a blend of CG and Mm to address Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms and explore their impacts and underlying mechanisms.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The objective of our study was to observe the effects of CG combined with Memantine (Mm) on learning and memory impairment of AD mice induced by D-galactose and to explore the mechanism at work.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
CG and Mm were combined to target multiple pathological processes involved in AD. For a thorough analysis, we performed various experiments such as behavioral detection, pathological detection, proteomic detection, and other experimental methods of detection.
RESULTS
It was found that the combination of CG and Mm was significantly effective for improving learning and memory in AD mice as well as brain pathology. The serum and hippocampal tissue of AD mice were significantly enhanced with catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased with this treatment. In AD mice, a combination of Mm and CG (CG + Mm) significantly increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), improved synaptic plasticity by restoring synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) expression in the hippocampus, enhanced Aβ phagocytosis of microglia in AD mice, and increased mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexes I, II, III, and IV, lead to an increase in the number of functionally active NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. Proteomic analysis GO analysis showed that the positive regulation gene H3BIV5 of G protein coupled receptor signal pathway and synaptic transmission was up-regulated, while the transsynaptic signal of postsynaptic membrane potential and regulation-related gene Q5NCT9 were down-regulated. Most proteins showed significant enriched signal transduction pathway profiles after CG + Mm treatment, based on the KEGG pathway database.
CONCLUSION
The data supported the idea that CG and Mm could be more effective in treating AD mice induced by D-galactose than Mm alone. We provided a basis for the clinical use of CG with Mm.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Memantine; Galactose; Proteomics; Hippocampus; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38142875
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117609 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Oct 2023To investigate astrocyte-related phagocytosis of synapses in the ipsilateral hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
AIMS
To investigate astrocyte-related phagocytosis of synapses in the ipsilateral hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
METHODS
We performed controlled cortical impact to simulate TBI in mice. Seven days postinjury, we performed cognitive tests, synapse quantification, and examination of astrocytic phagocytosis in association with Megf10 expression.
RESULTS
During the subacute stage post-TBI, we found a reduction in excitatory postsynaptic materials in the ipsilateral hippocampus, which was consistent with poor performance in the cognitive test. The transcriptome data suggested that robust phagocytosis was responsible for this process. Coincidently, we identified phagocytic astrocytes containing secondary lysosomes that were wrapped around the synapses in the ipsilateral hippocampus. Moreover, a significant increase in the co-location of GFAP and PSD-95 in the CA1 region suggested astrocytic engulfment of excitatory postsynaptic proteins. After examining the reported phagocytic pathways, we found that both the transcription level and protein expression of Megf10 were elevated. Co-immunofluorescence of GFAP and Megf10 demonstrated that the expression of Megf10 was spatially upregulated in astrocytes, exclusively in the CA1 region, and was related to the astrocytic engulfment of PSD-95.
CONCLUSION
Our study elaborated that the Megf10-related astrocytic engulfment of PSD-95 in the CA1 region of the ipsilateral hippocampus aggravated cognitive dysfunction following severe TBI.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Astrocytes; Hippocampus; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein; Synapses; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 37081759
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14223 -
Biophysical Reviews Apr 2024This Commentary presents a brief discussion of the action of glutamate calcium permeable receptors present with neurons on the release of the neurotransmitter... (Review)
Review
This Commentary presents a brief discussion of the action of glutamate calcium permeable receptors present with neurons on the release of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In particular, Glutamate sensitive Kainic Acid Receptors (KARs) and α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazole Propionic Acid Receptor (AMPARs) are Na channels that typically cause neuronal cells to depolarize and release GABA. Some of these receptors are also permeable to Ca and are hence involved in the calcium-dependent release of GABA neurotransmitters. Calcium-permeable kainate and AMPA receptors (CP-KARs and CP-AMPARs) are predominantly located in GABAergic neurons in the mature brain and their primary role is to regulate GABA release. AMPARs which do not contain the GluA2 subunit are mainly localized in the postsynaptic membrane. CP-KAR receptors are located mainly in the presynapse. GABAergic neurons expressing CP-KARs and CP-AMPARs respond to excitation earlier and faster, suppressing hyperexcitation of other neurons by the advanced GABA release due to an early rapid [Ca] increase. CP-AMPARs have demonstrated a more pronounced impact on plasticity compared to NMDARs because of their capacity to elevate intracellular Ca levels independently of voltage. GABAergic neurons that express CP-AMPARs contribute to the disinhibition of glutamatergic neurons by suppressing GABAergic neurons that express CP-KARs. Hence, the presence of glutamate CP-KARs and CP-AMPARs is crucial in governing hyperexcitation and synaptic plasticity in GABAergic neurons.
PubMed: 38737208
DOI: 10.1007/s12551-024-01184-8 -
The Journal of Neuroscience : the... Jul 2023The rod photoreceptor synapse is the first synapse of dim-light vision and one of the most complex in the mammalian CNS. The components of its unique structure, a...
The rod photoreceptor synapse is the first synapse of dim-light vision and one of the most complex in the mammalian CNS. The components of its unique structure, a presynaptic ribbon and a single synaptic invagination enclosing several postsynaptic processes, have been identified, but disagreements about their organization remain. Here, we have used EM tomography to generate high-resolution images of 3-D volumes of the rod synapse from the female domestic cat. We have resolved the synaptic ribbon as a single structure, with a single arciform density, indicating the presence of one long site of transmitter release. The organization of the postsynaptic processes, which has been difficult to resolve with past methods, appears as a tetrad arrangement of two horizontal cell and two rod bipolar cell processes. Retinal detachment severely disrupts this organization. After 7 d, EM tomography reveals withdrawal of rod bipolar dendrites from most spherules; fragmentation of synaptic ribbons, which lose their tight association with the presynaptic membrane; and loss of the highly branched telodendria of the horizontal cell axon terminals. After detachment, the hilus, the opening through which postsynaptic processes enter the invagination, enlarges, exposing the normally sequestered environment within the invagination to the extracellular space of the outer plexiform layer. Our use of EM tomography provides the most accurate description to date of the complex rod synapse and details changes it undergoes during outer segment degeneration. These changes would be expected to disrupt the flow of information in the rod pathway. Ribbon-type synapses transmit the first electrical signals of vision and hearing. Despite their crucial role in sensory physiology, the three-dimensional ultrastructure of these synapses, especially the complex organization of the rod photoreceptor synapse, is not well understood. We used EM tomography to obtain 3-D imaging at nanoscale resolution to help resolve the organization of rod synapses in normal and detached retinas. This approach has enabled us to show that in the normal retina a single ribbon and arciform density oppose a tetrad of postsynaptic processes. In addition, it enabled us to provide a 3-D perspective of the ultrastructural changes that occur in response to retinal detachment.
Topics: Female; Animals; Cats; Retinal Detachment; Microscopy, Electron; Synapses; Retina; Retinal Bipolar Cells; Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells; Mammals
PubMed: 37414561
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2267-22.2023 -
Neuroscience Nov 2023During the critical period of postnatal development, brain maturation is extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Newborn rodents already have functional somatosensory...
During the critical period of postnatal development, brain maturation is extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Newborn rodents already have functional somatosensory pathways and the thalamus, but the cortex is still forming. Immature thalamic synapses may produce large postsynaptic potentials in immature neurons, while non-synaptic membrane currents remain relatively weak and slow. The thalamocortical system generates spontaneous and evoked early gamma and spindle-burst oscillations in newborn rodents. How relatively strong synapses and weak intrinsic currents interact with each other and how they contribute to early thalamic activities remains largely unknown. Here, we performed local field potential (LFP), juxtacellular, and patch-clamp recordings in the somatosensory thalamus of urethane-anesthetized rat pups at postnatal days 6-7 with one whisker stimulation. We removed the overlying cortex and hippocampus to reach the thalamus with electrodes. Deflection of only one (the principal) whisker induced spikes in a particular thalamic cell. Whisker deflection evoked a group of large-amplitude excitatory events, likely originating from lemniscal synapses and multiple inhibitory postsynaptic events in thalamocortical cells. Large-amplitude excitatory events produced a group of spike bursts and could evoke a depolarization block. Juxtacellular recordings confirmed the partial inactivation of spikes. Inhibitory events prevented inactivation of action potentials and gamma-modulated neuronal firing. We conclude that the interplay of strong excitatory and inhibitory synapses and relatively weak intrinsic currents produces sensory-evoked early gamma oscillations in thalamocortical cells. We also propose that sensory-evoked large-amplitude excitatory events contribute to evoked spindle-bursts.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Thalamus; Neurons; Action Potentials; Synapses; Cerebral Cortex
PubMed: 37769898
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.09.005 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Mar 2024Synaptic plasticity changes in presynaptic terminals or postsynaptic membranes play a critical role in cognitive impairments and emotional disorders, but the underlying...
BACKGROUND
Synaptic plasticity changes in presynaptic terminals or postsynaptic membranes play a critical role in cognitive impairments and emotional disorders, but the underlying molecular mechanisms in depression remain largely unknown.
METHODS
The regulation effects of F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 20 (FBXL20), vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and vesicle-associated membrane protein 1 (VAMP1) on synaptic plasticity and depressive-like behaviors examined by proteomics analysis, viral stereotaxic injection, transmission electron microscope and biochemical methods. The glutamate release detected by fluorescent probe in cultured primary pyramidal neurons.
RESULTS
We found that chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced significant synaptic deficits within hippocampus of depressed rats, accompanied with the decreased expression of VGLUT1 and VAMP1. Moreover, knockdown of VGLUT1 or VAMP1 in hippocampal pyramidal neurons resulted in abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmitter release. In addition, we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXL20 was increased within hippocampus, which may promote ubiquitination and degradation of VGLUT1 and VAMP1, and thus resulted in the reduction of glutamatergic neurotransmitter release, the disruptions of synaptic transmission and the induction of depression-like behaviors in rats. In contrast, shRNA knockdown of FBXL20 within the hippocampus of depressed rats significantly ameliorated synaptic damage and depression-like behaviors.
LIMITATION
Only one type of depression model was used in the present study, while other animal models should be used in the future to confirm the underlying mechanisms reported here.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new insights that inhibiting FBXL20 pathway in depressed rats may be an effective strategy to rescue synaptic transmission and depression-like behaviors.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Depression; Hippocampus; Neurotransmitter Agents; Synaptic Transmission; Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 1
PubMed: 38211741
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.055 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) May 2024Excitatory and inhibitory synapses do not overlap even when formed on one submicron-sized dendritic protrusion. How excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic cytomatrices...
Excitatory and inhibitory synapses do not overlap even when formed on one submicron-sized dendritic protrusion. How excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic cytomatrices or densities (e/iPSDs) are segregated is not understood. Broadly, why membraneless organelles are naturally segregated in cellular subcompartments is unclear. Using biochemical reconstitutions in vitro and in cells, we demonstrate that ePSDs and iPSDs spontaneously segregate into distinct condensed molecular assemblies through phase separation. Tagging iPSD scaffold gephyrin with a PSD-95 intrabody (dissociation constant ~4 nM) leads to mistargeting of gephyrin to ePSD condensates. Unexpectedly, formation of iPSD condensates forces the intrabody-tagged gephyrin out of ePSD condensates. Thus, instead of diffusion-governed spontaneous mixing, demixing is a default process for biomolecules in condensates. Phase separation can generate biomolecular compartmentalization specificities that cannot occur in dilute solutions.
Topics: Humans; Biomolecular Condensates; Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein; Membrane Proteins; Phase Separation; Post-Synaptic Density; HeLa Cells
PubMed: 38781377
DOI: 10.1126/science.adj7066