A molecular description of synaptogenesis remains a key research goal in understanding the development and function of the nervous system. By characterizing C. elegans genes that function in synapse formation, our work has contributed to the discovery of several signaling pathways instructing different aspects of presynaptic differentiation. Central to this application is the rpm-1 gene (for regulator of presynaptic morphology). Loss of function in rpm-1 causes disorganized presynaptic architecture and disrupts axonal patterning in a neuron-type specific manner. RPM-1 is a member of the conserved PHR protein family that includes mammalian Pam and Phr1, and Drosophila Highwire. PHR proteins are large molecules containing multiple functional domains, including an RCC1 guanine exchange factor homology domain and a Ring-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase domain. During the current funding period, we demonstrated that RPM-1 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for the conserved MAP kinase kinase kinase DLK-1. DLK-1 activates two downstream kinases, a MAPKK MKK-4 and a p38 MAPK PMK-3. Down-regulation of this MAP kinase cascade by RPM-1 is essential for normal synapse formation. In parallel to the genetic approaches, we used biochemical methods to identify RPM-1 associated proteins, and discovered that RPM-1 positively regulates late endo-lysosomal trafficking via the RabGEF GLO-4. The overall goals of the present application are to define the targets of the RPM-1/MAPK cascade, and to understand how the cascade is regulated. We have identified two new genes, mak-2, the C. elegans ortholog of MAP kinase activated kinase 2, and uev-3, a protein containing an inactive ubiquitin conjugating enzyme domain. Loss of function in either gene behaves in a manner similar to that of inactivating the MAPK cascade. Our preliminary studies suggest that MAK-2 and UEV-3 act downstream of DLK-1 and MKK-4.
In aim -1, we will examine the regulation of MAK-2 by the MAP kinases and identify the targets of MAK-2.
In aim - 2, we will analyze the interaction between UEV-3 and the MAP kinases.
In aim -3, we will explore a novel pathway in synapse development. Loss of function in individual synaptogenic pathways has mild effects on synaptic development and function, indicating a high degree of functional redundancy in synaptic signaling. Using genetic modifier screens to search for other synapse development genes, we have identified the gene sydn-1 (for syd enhancer), which appears to define a nuclear pathway that may regulate axonal pruning in a synaptogenesis dependent manner. We will investigate the cellular and molecular functions of SYDN-1 and its candidate interacting genes. Successful completion of our aims will elucidate how the PHR/MAPK pathway functions. Regulation of synapse stability is one of the major pathogenesis events associated with dementia and ageing. This study will contribute to the understanding of the basic mechanisms that build and maintain synapses, and may also provide insights into the pathogenesis of synapse dysfunction.

Public Health Relevance

This application investigates the signal transduction pathway of a p38 MAP kinase in synapse development. It will determine the molecular, biochemical, and cellular interactions of a MAPKAP protein and a UEV-domain containing protein with the MAP kinase cascade. It will provide insights into the basic mechanisms controlling synapse stability and into the pathogenesis process underlying synapse dysfunction in diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01NS035546-15S1
Application #
8138068
Study Section
Synapses, Cytoskeleton and Trafficking Study Section (SYN)
Program Officer
Talley, Edmund M
Project Start
1996-07-18
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-01
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
15
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$69,525
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Diego
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
804355790
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093
Jin, Yishi; Qi, Yingchuan B (2018) Building stereotypic connectivity: mechanistic insights into structural plasticity from C. elegans. Curr Opin Neurobiol 48:97-105
Zhou, Keming; Cherra 3rd, Salvatore J; Goncharov, Alexandr et al. (2017) Asynchronous Cholinergic Drive Correlates with Excitation-Inhibition Imbalance via a Neuronal Ca2+ Sensor Protein. Cell Rep 19:1117-1129
Chen, Fei; Chisholm, Andrew D; Jin, Yishi (2017) Tissue-specific regulation of alternative polyadenylation represses expression of a neuronal ankyrin isoform in C. elegans epidermal development. Development 144:698-707
Meng, Jun; Ma, Xiaoxia; Tao, Huaping et al. (2017) Myrf ER-Bound Transcription Factors Drive C. elegans Synaptic Plasticity via Cleavage-Dependent Nuclear Translocation. Dev Cell 41:180-194.e7
Sharifnia, Panid; Kim, Kyung Won; Wu, Zilu et al. (2017) Distinct cis elements in the 3' UTR of the C. elegans cebp-1 mRNA mediate its regulation in neuronal development. Dev Biol 429:240-248
McCulloch, Katherine A; Qi, Yingchuan B; Takayanagi-Kiya, Seika et al. (2017) Novel Mutations in Synaptic Transmission Genes Suppress Neuronal Hyperexcitation in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 (Bethesda) 7:2055-2063
Takayanagi-Kiya, Seika; Zhou, Keming; Jin, Yishi (2016) Release-dependent feedback inhibition by a presynaptically localized ligand-gated anion channel. Elife 5:
Andrusiak, Matthew G; Jin, Yishi (2016) Context Specificity of Stress-activated Mitogen-activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Signaling: The Story as Told by Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 291:7796-804
Takayanagi-Kiya, Seika; Jin, Yishi (2016) Altered Function of the DnaJ Family Cochaperone DNJ-17 Modulates Locomotor Circuit Activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Seizure Model. G3 (Bethesda) 6:2165-71
Cherra 3rd, Salvatore J; Jin, Yishi (2016) A Two-Immunoglobulin-Domain Transmembrane Protein Mediates an Epidermal-Neuronal Interaction to Maintain Synapse Density. Neuron 89:325-36

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