-
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Jun 2024Recessive mutations in the Parkin gene (PRKN) are the most common cause of young-onset inherited parkinsonism. Parkin is a multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays...
Recessive mutations in the Parkin gene (PRKN) are the most common cause of young-onset inherited parkinsonism. Parkin is a multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a variety of roles in the cell including the degradation of proteins and the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, integrity, and biogenesis. In 2001, the R275W mutation in the PRKN gene was identified in two unrelated families with a multigenerational history of postural tremor, dystonia and parkinsonism. Drosophila models of Parkin R275W showed selective and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal clusters, mitochondrial abnormalities, and prominent climbing defects. In the Prkn mouse orthologue, the amino acid R274 corresponds to human R275. Here we described an age-related motor impairment and a muscle phenotype in R274W +/+ mice. In vitro, Parkin R274W mutation correlates with abnormal myoblast differentiation, mitochondrial defects, and alteration in mitochondrial mRNA and protein levels. Our data suggest that the Parkin R274W mutation may impact mitochondrial physiology and eventually myoblast proliferation and differentiation.
PubMed: 38878834
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167302 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Jun 2024Blood ultrafiltration in nephrons critically depends on specialized intercellular junctions between podocytes, named slit diaphragms (SDs). Here, by studying a...
Blood ultrafiltration in nephrons critically depends on specialized intercellular junctions between podocytes, named slit diaphragms (SDs). Here, by studying a homologous structure found in Drosophila nephrocytes, we identify the phospholipid scramblase Scramb1 as an essential component of the SD, uncovering a novel link between membrane dynamics and SD formation. In scramb1 mutants, SDs fail to form. Instead, the SD components Sticks and stones/nephrin, Polychaetoid/ZO-1, and the Src-kinase Src64B/Fyn associate in cortical foci lacking the key SD protein Dumbfounded/NEPH1. Scramb1 interaction with Polychaetoid/ZO-1 and Flotillin2, the presence of essential putative palmitoylation sites and its capacity to oligomerize, suggest a function in promoting SD assembly within lipid raft microdomains. Furthermore, Scramb1 interactors as well as its functional sensitivity to temperature, suggest an active involvement in membrane remodeling processes during SD assembly. Remarkably, putative Ca-binding sites in Scramb1 are essential for its activity raising the possibility that Ca signaling may control the assembly of SDs by impacting on Scramb1 activity.
Topics: Animals; Podocytes; Drosophila Proteins; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins; Membrane Proteins; Drosophila melanogaster; Membrane Microdomains; Intercellular Junctions
PubMed: 38878170
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05287-z -
FASEB Journal : Official Publication of... Jul 2024Oxidative stress is proposed as a regulatory element in various neurological disorders, which is involved in the progress of several neurodegenerative diseases such as...
Oxidative stress is proposed as a regulatory element in various neurological disorders, which is involved in the progress of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Antioxidant drugs are widely used to alleviate neurodegenerative disorders. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, AM) is a commonly used medicinal herb with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Here, the protective effect and mechanism of AM extract (AME) and its bioactive compounds against neurodegenerative disorders via alleviating oxidative stress were detected using adult Drosophila melanogaster. The drug safety was measured by development analysis; oxidative stress resistance ability was detected by survival rate under HO environment; ROS level was detected by DHE staining and gstD1-GFP fluoresence assay; antioxidative abilitiy was represent by measuring antioxidant enzyme activity, antioxidative-related gene expression, and ATP and MFN2 levels. The neuroprotective effect was evaluated by lifespan and locomotion analysis in Aβ42 transgenic and Pink1 mutants. AME dramatically increased the survival rates, improved the CAT activity, restored the decreased mRNA expressions of Sod1, Cat, and CncC under HO stimulation, and ameliorated the neurobehavioral defects of the AD and PD. Thirteen small molecules in AM had antioxidant function, in which vanillic acid and daidzein had the most potent antioxidant effect. Vanillic acid and daidzein could increase the activities of SOD and CAT, GSH level, and the expressions of antioxidant genes. Vanillic acid could improve the levels of ATP and MFN2, and mRNA expressions of ND42 and SDHC to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, vanillic acid ameliorated neurobehavioral defects of PD. Daidzein ameliorated neurobehavioral defect of Aβ-induced AD mode. Taken together, AM plays a protective role in oxidative damage, thereby as a potential natural drug to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
Topics: Animals; Oxidative Stress; Astragalus propinquus; Drosophila melanogaster; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Antioxidants; Neuroprotective Agents; Drosophila Proteins; Plant Extracts; Animals, Genetically Modified; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Hydrogen Peroxide; Amyloid beta-Peptides
PubMed: 38877845
DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400390R -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Genome organization is thought to underlie cell type specific gene expression, yet how it is regulated in progenitors to produce cellular diversity is unknown. In...
Genome organization is thought to underlie cell type specific gene expression, yet how it is regulated in progenitors to produce cellular diversity is unknown. In Drosophila, a developmentally-timed genome reorganization in neural progenitors terminates competence to produce early-born neurons. These events require downregulation of Distal antenna (Dan), part of the conserved pipsqueak DNA-binding superfamily. Here we find that Dan forms liquid-like condensates with high protein mobility, and whose size and subnuclear distribution are balanced with its DNA-binding. Further, we identify a LARKS domain, a structural motif associated with condensate-forming proteins. Deleting just 13 amino acids from LARKS abrogates Dan's ability to retain the early-born neural fate gene, hunchback, in the neuroblast nuclear interior and maintain competence in vivo. Conversely, domain-swapping with LARKS from known phase-separating proteins rescues Dan's effects on competence. Together, we provide in vivo evidence for condensate formation and the regulation of progenitor nuclear architecture underlying neuronal diversification.
Topics: Animals; Cell Nucleus; DNA-Binding Proteins; Drosophila melanogaster; Drosophila Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Neural Stem Cells; Neurons; Protein Domains; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 38877037
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49326-6 -
Genetics Jun 2024To survive daily damage, the formation of actomyosin ring at the wound edge is required to rapidly close cell wounds. Calcium influx is one of the start signals for...
To survive daily damage, the formation of actomyosin ring at the wound edge is required to rapidly close cell wounds. Calcium influx is one of the start signals for these cell wound repair events. Here, we find that rapid recruitment of all three Drosophila calcium responding and phospholipid binding Annexin proteins (AnxB9, AnxB10, AnxB11) to distinct regions around the wound is regulated by the quantity of calcium influx rather than their binding to specific phospholipids. The distinct recruitment patterns of these Annexins regulate the subsequent recruitment of RhoGEF2 and RhoGEF3 through actin stabilization to form a robust actomyosin ring. Surprisingly, while the wound does not close in the absence of calcium influx, we find that reduced calcium influx can still initiate repair processes, albeit leading to severe repair phenotypes. Thus, our results suggest that, in addition to initiating repair events, the quantity of calcium influx is important for precise Annexin spatiotemporal protein recruitment to cell wounds and efficient wound repair.
PubMed: 38874345
DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae101 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024The sensitivity of the eye at night would lead to complete saturation of the eye during the day. Therefore, the sensitivity of the eye must be down-regulated during the...
The sensitivity of the eye at night would lead to complete saturation of the eye during the day. Therefore, the sensitivity of the eye must be down-regulated during the day to maintain visual acuity. In the Drosophila eye, the opening of TRP and TRPL channels leads to an influx of Ca that triggers down-regulation of further responses to light, including the movement of the TRPL channel and Gα proteins out of signaling complexes found in actin-mediated microvillar extensions of the photoreceptor cells (the rhabdomere). The eye also exhibits a light entrained-circadian rhythm, and we have recently observed that one component of this rhythm (BDBT) becomes undetectable by antibodies after exposure to light even though immunoblot analyses still detect it in the eye. BDBT is necessary for normal circadian rhythms, and in several circadian and visual mutants this eye-specific oscillation of detection is lost. Many phototransduction signaling proteins (e.g., Rhodopsin, TRP channels and Gα) also become undetectable shortly after light exposure, most likely due to a light-induced compaction of the rhabdomeric microvilli. The circadian protein BDBT might be involved in light-induced changes in the rhabdomere, and if so this could indicate that circadian clocks contribute to the daily adaptations of the eye to light. Likewise, circadian oscillations of clock proteins are observed in photoreceptors of the mammalian eye and produce a circadian oscillation in the ERG. Disruption of circadian rhythms in the eyes of mammals causes neurodegeneration in the eye, demonstrating the importance of the rhythms for normal eye function.
PubMed: 38872947
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1401721 -
MicroPublication Biology 2024Wnt signalling coordinates growth and cell fate decisions during development and mis-regulation of Wnt signalling in adults is associated with a range of conditions,...
Wnt signalling coordinates growth and cell fate decisions during development and mis-regulation of Wnt signalling in adults is associated with a range of conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, means of modulating Wnt proteins and/or cofactors could have significant therapeutic potential. As a first step towards enumerating the Wnt interactome, we devised an proximity labelling strategy to identify proteins that interact with Wingless (Wg), the main Wnt. We engineered the locus to express a functional TurboID-Wg fusion at endogenous levels and identified interactors by streptavidin pull-down from embryos, followed by mass spectrometry. Further analysis may in future extend the screen coverage and deliver functional validation of the newly identified interactors.
PubMed: 38872844
DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001210 -
PLoS Genetics Jun 2024Although introns are typically tens to thousands of nucleotides, there are notable exceptions. In flies as well as humans, a small number of genes contain introns that...
Although introns are typically tens to thousands of nucleotides, there are notable exceptions. In flies as well as humans, a small number of genes contain introns that are more than 1000 times larger than typical introns, exceeding hundreds of kilobases (kb) to megabases (Mb). It remains unknown why gigantic introns exist and how cells overcome the challenges associated with their transcription and RNA processing. The Drosophila Y chromosome contains some of the largest genes identified to date: multiple genes exceed 4Mb, with introns accounting for over 99% of the gene span. Here we demonstrate that co-transcriptional splicing of these gigantic Y-linked genes is important to ensure successful transcription: perturbation of splicing led to the attenuation of transcription, leading to a failure to produce mature mRNA. Cytologically, defective splicing of the Y-linked gigantic genes resulted in disorganization of transcripts within the nucleus suggestive of entanglement of transcripts, likely resulting from unspliced long RNAs. We propose that co-transcriptional splicing maintains the length of nascent transcripts of gigantic genes under a critical threshold, preventing their entanglement and ensuring proper gene expression. Our study reveals a novel biological significance of co-transcriptional splicing.
Topics: RNA Splicing; Animals; Transcription, Genetic; Introns; Drosophila melanogaster; Y Chromosome; RNA, Messenger; Drosophila Proteins; Drosophila; Male; Humans
PubMed: 38870220
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011241 -
ELife Jun 2024Movement is a key feature of animal systems, yet its embryonic origins are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the genetic basis underlying the embryonic onset of...
Movement is a key feature of animal systems, yet its embryonic origins are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the genetic basis underlying the embryonic onset of movement in focusing on the role played by small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, miRNAs). To this end, we first develop a quantitative behavioural pipeline capable of tracking embryonic movement in large populations of fly embryos, and using this system, discover that the miRNA plays a role in the emergence of movement. Through the combination of spectral analysis of embryonic motor patterns, cell sorting and RNA in situs, genetic reconstitution tests, and neural optical imaging we define that miR-2b-1 influences the emergence of embryonic movement by exerting actions in the developing nervous system. Furthermore, through the combination of bioinformatics coupled to genetic manipulation of miRNA expression and phenocopy tests we identify a previously uncharacterised (but evolutionarily conserved) chloride channel encoding gene - which we term () - as a genetic target that mechanistically links to the onset of movement. Cell-specific genetic reconstitution of expression in a null miRNA mutant background, followed by behavioural assays and target gene analyses, suggest that affects the emergence of movement through effects in sensory elements of the embryonic circuitry, rather than in the motor domain. Our work thus reports the first miRNA system capable of regulating embryonic movement, suggesting that other miRNAs are likely to play a role in this key developmental process in as well as in other species.
Topics: Animals; MicroRNAs; Drosophila melanogaster; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Movement; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Drosophila; Drosophila Proteins
PubMed: 38869942
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.95209 -
Genes & Development Jun 2024Monomethylation of lysine 20 of histone H4 (H4K20me1) is catalyzed by Set8 and thought to play important roles in many aspects of genome function that are mediated by...
Monomethylation of lysine 20 of histone H4 (H4K20me1) is catalyzed by Set8 and thought to play important roles in many aspects of genome function that are mediated by H4K20me binding proteins. We interrogated this model in a developing animal by comparing in parallel the transcriptomes of , , and mutant We found that the gene expression profiles of and larvae are markedly different than larvae despite similar reductions in H4K20me1. mutant cells have a severely disrupted transcriptome and fail to proliferate in vivo, but these phenotypes are not recapitulated by mutation of , indicating that the developmental defects of animals are largely due to H4K20me1-independent effects on gene expression. Furthermore, the H4K20me1 binding protein L(3)mbt is recruited to the transcription start sites of most genes independently of H4K20me even though genes bound by L(3)mbt have high levels of H4K20me1. Moreover, both Set8 and L(3)mbt bind to purified H4K20R nucleosomes in vitro. We conclude that gene expression changes in and mutants cannot be explained by loss of H4K20me1 or L(3)mbt binding to chromatin and therefore that H4K20me1 does not play a large role in gene expression.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Histones; Drosophila Proteins; Methylation; Lysine; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Mutation; Transcriptome; Larva
PubMed: 38866557
DOI: 10.1101/gad.351698.124