Inna Slutsky

Amyloid-beta as a positive endogenous regulator of release probability at hippocampal synapses.

Accumulation of cerebral amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is essential for developing synaptic and cognitive deficits in Alzheimers disease. However, the physiological functions of Aβ, as well as the primary mechanisms that initiate early Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunctions, remain largely unknown. Here we examine the acute effects of endogenously released Aβ peptides on synaptic transfer at single presynaptic terminals and synaptic connections in rodent hippocampal cultures and slices. Increasing extracellular Aβ by inhibiting its degradation enhanced release probability, boosting ongoing activity in the hippocampal network. Presynaptic enhancement mediated by Aβ was found to depend on the history of synaptic activation, with lower impact at higher firing rates. Notably, both elevation and reduction in Aβ levels attenuated short-term synaptic facilitation during bursts in excitatory synaptic connections. These observations suggest that endogenous Aβ peptides have a crucial role in activity-dependent regulation of synaptic vesicle release and might point to the primary pathological events that lead to compensatory synapse loss in Alzheimers disease.

Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity through Chronically Reduced Ca2+ Flux during Uncorrelated Activity

The plasticity of synapses within neural circuits is regulated by activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Using the dye FM1-43 to directly image presynaptic function, we found that large numbers of presynaptic terminals in hippocampal cultures have a low release probability. While these terminals were not readily modifiable, a transient but not permanent long-term reduction of network activity or Ca2+ influx could increase their modifiability. This modulation of plasticity was mediated by Ca2+ flux through NMDA and voltage-gated calcium channels and was lost within 48 hr. A more permanent enhancement of synaptic plasticity was achieved by selectively reducing the Ca2+ flux associated with uncorrelated activity via adjustment of the voltage-dependent Mg2+ block of the NMDAR. Upregulation of NR2B-containing NMDARs induced by this treatment is an important but not sole contributor to the enhancement of plasticity. Thus, quantity and quality of activity have differential effects on the intrinsic plasticity of neurons.

Carvacrol is a novel inhibitor of Drosophila TRPL and mammalian TRPM7 channels.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are essential components of biological sensors that detect changes in the environment in response to a myriad of stimuli. A major difficulty in the study of TRP channels is the lack of pharmacological agents that modulate most members of the TRP superfamily. Notable exceptions are the thermoTRPs, which respond to either cold or hot temperatures and are modulated by a relatively large number of chemical agents. In the present study we demonstrate by patch clamp whole cell recordings from Schneider 2 and Drosophila photoreceptor cells that carvacrol, a known activator of the thermoTRPs, TRPV3 and TRPA1 is an inhibitor of the Drosophila TRPL channels, which belongs to the TRPC subfamily. We also show that additional activators of TRPV3, thymol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and menthol are all inhibitors of the TRPL channel. Furthermore, carvacrol also inhibits the mammalian TRPM7 heterologously expressed in HEK cells and ectopically expressed in a primary culture of CA3-CA1 hippocampal brain neurons. This study, thus, identifies a novel inhibitor of TRPC and TRPM channels. Our finding that the activity of the non-thermoTRPs, TRPL and TRPM7 channels is modulated by the same compound as thermoTRPs, suggests that common mechanisms of channel modulation characterize TRP channels.

Spike bursts increase amyloid-β 40/42 ratio by inducing a presenilin-1 conformational change

Accumulated genetic evidence suggests that attenuation of the ratio between cerebral amyloid-β Aβ40 and Aβ42 isoforms is central to familial Alzheimers disease (FAD) pathogenesis. However, FAD mutations account for only 1–2% of Alzheimers disease cases, leaving the experience-dependent mechanisms regulating Aβ40/42 an enigma. Here we explored regulation of Aβ40/42 ratio by temporal spiking patterns in the rodent hippocampus. Spike bursts boosted Aβ40/42 through a conformational change in presenilin1 (PS1), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, and subsequent increase in Aβ40 production. Conversely, single spikes did not alter basal PS1 conformation and Aβ40/42. Burst-induced PS1 conformational shift was mediated by means of Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Presynaptic inhibition in vitro and visual deprivation in vivo augmented synaptic and Aβ40/42 facilitation by bursts in the hippocampus. Thus, burst probability and transfer properties of synapses represent fundamental features regulating Aβ40/42 by experience and may contribute to the initiation of the common, sporadic Alzheimers disease.

Basal GABA Regulates GABABR Conformation and Release Probability at Single Hippocampal Synapses

Presynaptic GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R) heterodimers are composed of GB(1a)/GB(2) subunits and critically influence synaptic and cognitive functions. Here, we explored local GABA(B)R activation by integrating optical tools for monitoring receptor conformation and synaptic vesicle release at individual presynaptic boutons of hippocampal neurons. Utilizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy, we detected a wide range of FRET values for CFP/YFP-tagged GB(1a)/GB(2) receptors that negatively correlated with release probabilities at single synapses. High FRET of GABA(B)Rs associated with low release probability. Notably, pharmacological manipulations that either reduced or increased basal receptor activation decreased intersynapse variability of GB(1a)/GB(2) receptor conformation. Despite variability along axons, presynaptic GABA(B)R tone was dendrite specific, having a greater impact on synapses at highly innervated proximal branches. Prolonged neuronal inactivity reduced basal receptor activation, leading to homeostatic augmentation of release probability. Our findings suggest that local variations in basal GABA concentration are a major determinant of GB(1a)/GB(2) conformational variability, which contributes to heterogeneity of neurotransmitter release at hippocampal synapses.

APP Homodimers Transduce an Amyloid-β-Mediated Increase in Release Probability at Excitatory Synapses

Accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), the proteolytic products of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), induces a variety of synaptic dysfunctions ranging from hyperactivity to depression that are thought to cause cognitive decline in Alzheimers disease. While depression of synaptic transmission has been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying synaptic hyperactivity remain unknown. Here, we show that Aβ40 monomers and dimers augment release probability through local fine-tuning of APP-APP interactions at excitatory hippocampal boutons. Aβ40 binds to the APP, increases the APP homodimer fraction at the plasma membrane, and promotes APP-APP interactions. The APP activation induces structural rearrangements in the APP/Gi/o-protein complex, boosting presynaptic calcium flux and vesicle release. The APP growth-factor-like domain (GFLD) mediates APP-APP conformational changes and presynaptic enhancement. Thus, the APP homodimer constitutes a presynaptic receptor that transduces signal from Aβ40 to glutamate release. Excessive APP activation may initiate a positive feedback loop, contributing to hippocampal hyperactivity in Alzheimers disease.

IGF-1 Receptor Differentially Regulates Spontaneous and Evoked Transmission via Mitochondria at Hippocampal Synapses

Summary The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is a key regulator of lifespan, growth, and development. While reduced IGF-1R signaling delays aging and Alzheimer’s disease progression, whether and how it regulates information processing at central synapses remains elusive. Here, we show that presynaptic IGF-1Rs are basally active, regulating synaptic vesicle release and short-term plasticity in excitatory hippocampal neurons. Acute IGF-1R blockade or transient knockdown suppresses spike-evoked synaptic transmission and presynaptic cytosolic Ca2+ transients, while promoting spontaneous transmission and resting Ca2+ level. This dual effect on transmitter release is mediated by mitochondria that attenuate Ca2+ buffering in the absence of spikes and decrease ATP production during spiking activity. We conclude that the mitochondria, activated by IGF-1R signaling, constitute a critical regulator of information processing in hippocampal neurons by maintaining evoked-to-spontaneous transmission ratio, while constraining synaptic facilitation at high frequencies. Excessive IGF-1R tone may contribute to hippocampal hyperactivity associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Video Abstract

Compartmentalization of the GABAB Receptor Signaling Complex Is Required for Presynaptic Inhibition at Hippocampal Synapses

Presynaptic inhibition via G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels constitutes a widespread regulatory mechanism of synaptic strength. Yet, the mechanism of intermolecular coupling underlying GPCR-mediated signaling at central synapses remains unresolved. Using FRET spectroscopy, we provide evidence for formation of spatially restricted (<100 Å) complexes between GABAB receptors composed of GB1a/GB2 subunits, Gαoβ1γ2 G-protein heterotrimer, and CaV2.2 channels in hippocampal boutons. GABA release was not required for the assembly but for structural reorganization of the precoupled complex. Unexpectedly, GB1a deletion disrupted intermolecular associations within the complex. The GB1a proximal C-terminal domain was essential for association of the receptor, CaV2.2 and Gβγ, but was dispensable for agonist-induced receptor activation and cAMP inhibition. Functionally, boutons lacking this complex-formation domain displayed impaired presynaptic inhibition of Ca2+ transients and synaptic vesicle release. Thus, compartmentalization of the GABAB1a receptor, Gβγ, and CaV2.2 channel in a signaling complex is required for presynaptic inhibition at hippocampal synapses.

Spatially resolved recording of transient fluorescence‐lifetime effects by line‐scanning TCSPC

We present a technique that records transient changes in the fluorescence lifetime of a sample with spatial resolution along a one‐dimensional scan. The technique is based on scanning the sample with a high‐frequency pulsed laser beam, detecting single photons of the fluorescence light, and building up a photon distribution over the distance along the scan, the arrival times of the photons after the excitation pulses and the time after a stimulation of the sample. The maximum resolution at which lifetime changes can be recorded is given by the line scan period. Transient lifetime effects can thus be resolved at a resolution of about one millisecond. We demonstrate the technique for recording photochemical and nonphotochemical chlorophyll transients in plants and transient changes in free Ca2+ in cultured neurons. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:216–224, 2014.

GABAB receptor deficiency causes failure of neuronal homeostasis in hippocampal networks

Significance How neuronal circuits maintain stable activity despite continuous environmental changes is one of the most intriguing questions in neuroscience. Previous studies proposed that deficits in homeostatic control systems may underlie common neurological symptoms in a variety of brain disorders. However, the key regulatory molecules that control homeostasis of central neural circuits remain obscure. We show here that basal activity of GABAB receptors is required for firing rate homeostasis in hippocampal networks. We identified the principal mechanisms by which GABAB receptors control homeostatic augmentation of synaptic strength to chronic neuronal silencing. We propose that deficits in GABAB receptor signaling, associated with epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, may lead to aberrant brain activity by erasing homeostatic plasticity. Stabilization of neuronal activity by homeostatic control systems is fundamental for proper functioning of neural circuits. Failure in neuronal homeostasis has been hypothesized to underlie common pathophysiological mechanisms in a variety of brain disorders. However, the key molecules regulating homeostasis in central mammalian neural circuits remain obscure. Here, we show that selective inactivation of GABAB, but not GABAA, receptors impairs firing rate homeostasis by disrupting synaptic homeostatic plasticity in hippocampal networks. Pharmacological GABAB receptor (GABABR) blockade or genetic deletion of the GB1a receptor subunit disrupts homeostatic regulation of synaptic vesicle release. GABABRs mediate adaptive presynaptic enhancement to neuronal inactivity by two principle mechanisms: First, neuronal silencing promotes syntaxin-1 switch from a closed to an open conformation to accelerate soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex assembly, and second, it boosts spike-evoked presynaptic calcium flux. In both cases, neuronal inactivity removes tonic block imposed by the presynaptic, GB1a-containing receptors on syntaxin-1 opening and calcium entry to enhance probability of vesicle fusion. We identified the GB1a intracellular domain essential for the presynaptic homeostatic response by tuning intermolecular interactions among the receptor, syntaxin-1, and the CaV2.2 channel. The presynaptic adaptations were accompanied by scaling of excitatory quantal amplitude via the postsynaptic, GB1b-containing receptors. Thus, GABABRs sense chronic perturbations in GABA levels and transduce it to homeostatic changes in synaptic strength. Our results reveal a novel role for GABABR as a key regulator of population firing stability and propose that disruption of homeostatic synaptic plasticity may underlie seizures persistence in the absence of functional GABABRs.