Regulation of NMDA receptors by the tyrosine kinase Fyn

The phosphorylation and trafficking of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are tightly regulated by the Src family tyrosine kinase Fyn, through dynamic interactions with various scaffolding proteins in the NMDA receptor complex. Fyn acts as a point of convergence for many signaling pathways that upregulate GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. In the following review, we focus on Fyn signaling downstream of different G-protein-coupled receptors: the dopamine D1 receptor, and receptors cognate to the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. The net result of activation of each of these signaling pathways is upregulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. The NMDA receptor is a major target of ethanol in the brain, and accumulating evidence suggests that Fyn mediates the effects of ethanol by regulating the phosphorylation of GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits. Furthermore, Fyn has been shown to regulate alcohol withdrawal and acute tolerance to ethanol through a GluN2B-dependent mechanism. In addition to its effects on NMDA receptor function, Fyn also modifies the threshold for synaptic plasticity at CA1 synapses, an effect that probably contributes to the effects of Fyn on spatial and contextual fear learning.     

Activity-dependent dendritic spine structural plasticity is regulated by small GTPase Rap1 and its target AF-6

Activity-dependent remodeling of dendritic spines is essential for neural circuit development and synaptic plasticity, but the mechanisms that coordinate synaptic structural and functional plasticity are not well understood. Here we investigate the signaling pathways that enable excitatory synapses to undergo activity-dependent structural modifications. We report that activation of NMDA receptors in cultured cortical neurons induces spine morphogenesis and activation of the small GTPase Rap1. Rap1 bimodally regulates spine morphology: activated Rap1 recruits the PDZ domain-containing protein AF-6 to the plasma membrane and induces spine neck elongation, while inactive Rap1 dissociates AF-6 from the membrane and induces spine enlargement. Rap1 also regulates spine content of AMPA receptors: thin spines induced by Rap1 activation have reduced GluR1-containing AMPA receptor content, while large spines induced by Rap1 inactivation are rich in AMPA receptors. These results identify a signaling pathway that regulates activity-dependent synaptic structural plasticity and coordinates it with functional plasticity.     

Conserved estrogen binding and signaling functions of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) in mammals and fish

Recent studies by several research groups have shown that G protein estrogen receptor-1 (GPER) formerly known as GPR30, mediates 17β-estradiol (E2) activation of signal transduction pathways in a variety of human cancer cells and displays E2 binding typical of a membrane estrogen receptor. However, the importance of GPER as an estrogen receptor has been questioned by Otto and co-workers. Some of the pitfalls in investigating the functions of recombinant steroid membrane receptors that may explain the negative results of these investigators are discussed. The characteristics of GPER have also been investigated in a teleost fish, Atlantic croaker, where it has been shown to mediate E2 inhibition of oocyte maturation. Investigations on newly discovered homologous proteins from distantly related vertebrate groups are valuable for determining their fundamental, evolutionarily conserved functions. Therefore, the functions of croaker and human GPERs were compared. The comparisons show that croaker and human GPER have very similar estrogen binding characteristics, typical of estrogen membrane receptors, and activate the same estrogen signaling pathways via stimulatory G proteins (Gs) resulting in increased cAMP production. These results suggest that the estrogen binding and estrogen signaling functions of GPER arose early in vertebrate evolution, prior to the divergence of the teleosts from the tetrapods, more than 200 million years ago. The finding that estrogen membrane signaling through GPER has been conserved for such a long period in two distantly related vertebrate groups, mammals and fish, suggests that this is a fundamental function of GPER in vertebrates, and likely its major physiological role.     

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors activate the p70S6 kinase via both mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) signaling pathways in rat striatal and hippocampal synaptoneurosomes

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been demonstrated to play a role in synaptic plasticity via a rapamycin-sensitive mRNA translation signaling pathway. Various growth factors can stimulate this pathway, leading to the phosphorylation and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase that modulates the activity of several translation regulatory factors, such as p70S6 kinase. However, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that bring the plastic changes of synaptic transmission after stimulation of group I mGluRs. Here, we investigated the role of the mTOR-p70S6K and the ERK1/2-p70S6K pathways in rat striatal and hippocampal synaptoneurosomes after group I mGluR stimulation. Our findings show that (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increases significantly the activation of mTOR and p70S6K (Thr389, controlled by mTOR) in both brain areas. The mTOR activation is dose-dependent and requires the stimulation of mGluR1 subtype receptors as for the p70S6K activation observed in striatum and hippocampus. In addition, the p70S6K (Thr421/Ser424) activation via the ERK1/2 activation is increased and involved also mGluR1 receptors. These results demonstrate that group I mGluRs are coupled to mTOR-p70S6K and ERK1/2-p70S6K pathways in striatal and hippocampal synaptoneurosomes. The translational factor p70S6K could be involved in the group I mGluRs-modulated synaptic efficacy.     

Membrane initiated estrogen signaling in breast cancer

Recent research has focused on effects of the estrogen receptor acting at the level of the cell membrane in breast cancer. In this review we describe 17beta-estradiol (E2)-initiated membrane signaling pathways involving the activation of several kinases that contribute to the regulation of cell proliferation and prevention of apoptosis. Although classical concepts had assigned priority to the nuclear actions of estrogen receptor, recent studies document the additional importance of estrogen receptor residing in or near the plasma membrane. A small fraction of estrogen receptor is associated with the cell membrane and mediates the rapid effects of E2. Unlike classical growth factor receptors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor has no transmembrane and kinase domains and is known to initiate E2 rapid signals by forming a protein complex with many signaling molecules. The formation of the protein complex is a critical step, leading to the activation of the MAPK1/3 (also known as MAP kinase) and AKT1 (also known as Akt) pathways. A full understanding of the mechanisms underlying these relationships, with the ultimate aim of abrogating specific steps, should lead to more-targeted strategies for treatment of hormone dependent-breast cancer.     

Integrin signaling cascades are operational in adult hippocampal synapses and modulate NMDA receptor physiology

Integrin class adhesion proteins are concentrated at adult brain synapses. Whether synaptic integrins engage kinase signaling cascades has not been determined, but is a question of importance to ideas about integrin involvement in functional synaptic plasticity. Accordingly, synaptoneurosomes from adult rat brain were used to test if matrix ligands activate integrin-associated tyrosine kinases, and if integrin signaling targets include NMDA-class glutamate neurotransmitter receptors. The integrin ligand peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP) induced rapid (within 5 min) and robust increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 and Src family kinases. Increases were similarly induced by the native ligand fibronectin, blocked with neutralizing antibodies to beta1 integrin, and not obtained with control peptides, indicating that kinase activation was integrin-mediated. Both GRGDSP and fibronectin caused rapid Src kinase-dependent increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in synaptoneurosomes and acute hippocampal slices. Tests of the physiological significance of the latter result showed that ligand treatment caused a rapid and beta1 integrin-dependent increase in NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. These results provide the first evidence that, in adult brain, synaptic integrins activate local kinase cascades with potent effects on the operation of nearby neurotransmitter receptors implicated in synaptic plasticity.     

Functional roles of plasma membrane localized estrogen receptors

A series of emerging data supports the existence and importance of plasma membrane localized estrogen receptors in a variety of cells that are targets for the steroid hormone action. When estradiol (E2) binds to the cell surface protein, the ensuing signal transduction event triggers downstream signaling cascades that contribute to important biological functions. Aside from the classical signaling through nuclear estrogen receptors, we have provided evidence for the functional roles of an estrogen receptor localized in the plasma membrane. This review highlights some of the recent advances made in the understanding of the genomic/non-genomic actions of plasma membrane localized estrogen receptors.     

Mechanisms of ovarian steroid regulation of norepinephrine receptor-mediated signal transduction in the hypothalamus: implications for female reproductive physiology

In many mammalian species, the ovarian steroid hormones estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P) act in the hypothalamus and preoptic area to coordinate the timing of female sexual receptivity with ovulation. We study lordosis behavior, an important component of sexual receptivity in rats, and its regulation by E(2) and P as a model system for understanding how hormonal modulation of synaptic neurotransmission influences reproductive physiology and behavior. Our findings suggest that E(2) and P extensively regulate synaptic communication involving the catecholamine norepinephrine (NE) in the hypothalamus. Estrogen priming shifts the balance of postsynaptic NE receptor signaling in the hypothalamus and preoptic area away from beta-adrenergic activation of cAMP synthesis toward alpha(1)-adrenergic signaling pathways. Attenuation of beta-adrenergic signal transduction is achieved by receptor-G-protein uncoupling, apparently due to stable receptor phosphorylation. E(2) modification of alpha(1)-adrenergic signaling includes both increased expression of the alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype and a dramatic, P-induced reconfiguration of the biochemical responses initiated by agonist activation of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Among these is the emergence of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor coupling to cGMP synthesis. We also present evidence that estrogen promotes novel, functional interactions between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor signaling in the hypothalamus and preoptic area. Thus, estrogen amplification of signaling mediated by alpha(1)-adrenoceptors is multifaceted, involving changes in gene expression (of the alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor), switching of receptor linkage to previously inactive intracellular pathways, and the promotion of cross talk between IGF-1 and NE receptors. We propose that this hormone-dependent remodeling of hypothalamic responses to NE maximizes reproductive success by coordinating the timing of the preovulatory release of gonadotropins with the period of behavioral receptivity in female rodents.     

Epidermal growth factor directs sex-specific steroid signaling through Src activation

Estrogens and androgens exert many biological effects that do not require interactions of their receptors with chromosomal DNA. However, it has been a long-standing question how the sex steroid receptors provoke signal transduction outside the nucleus. Here we have shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) directs sex-specific steroid signaling through Src activation. We have revealed that estrogen (E2)-induced Src activation takes place in, not only plasma, but also endomembranes. This was found ascribed to the existence of EGF and the occurrence of EGF receptor (EGFR)-involved endocytosis of estrogen receptor together with Src. EGFR, estrogen receptor, and Src were found to form a complex upon E2 stimulation. The cell growth of breast cancer-derived MCF-7 cells was found to remarkably increase through the above EGF-involved estrogen-signaling process. In contrast, the androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-induced Src activation occurs only in the plasma membrane free from the interaction of EGFR with androgen receptor, irrespective of EGF. The cell growth occurred only moderately as a result. The spatial difference in Src activation between E2 and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone may be responsible for the different extent of observed cell growth.     

Kinase-independent requirement of EphB2 receptors in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

During development, Eph receptors mediate the repulsive axon guidance function of ephrins, a family of membrane attached ligands with their own receptor-like signaling potential. In cultured glutamatergic neurons, EphB2 receptors were recently shown to associate with NMDA receptors at synaptic sites and were suggested to play a role in synaptogenesis. Here we show that Eph receptor stimulation in cultured neurons modulates signaling pathways implicated in synaptic plasticity, suggesting cross-talk with NMDA receptor-activated pathways. Mice lacking EphB2 have normal hippocampal synapse morphology, but display defects in synaptic plasticity. In EphB2(-/-) hippocampal slices, protein synthesis-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) was impaired, and two forms of synaptic depression were completely extinguished. Interestingly, targeted expression of a carboxy-terminally truncated form of EphB2 rescued the EphB2 null phenotype, indicating that EphB2 kinase signaling is not required for these EphB2-mediated functions.     

Glutamate receptor dynamics in dendritic microdomains

Among diverse factors regulating excitatory synaptic transmission, the abundance of postsynaptic glutamate receptors figures prominently in molecular memory and learning-related synaptic plasticity. To allow for both long-term maintenance of synaptic transmission and acute changes in synaptic strength, the relative rates of glutamate receptor insertion and removal must be tightly regulated. Interactions with scaffolding proteins control the targeting and signaling properties of glutamate receptors within the postsynaptic membrane. In addition, extrasynaptic receptor populations control the equilibrium of receptor exchange at synapses and activate distinct signaling pathways involved in plasticity. Here, we review recent findings that have shaped our current understanding of receptor mobility between synaptic and extrasynaptic compartments at glutamatergic synapses, focusing on AMPA and NMDA receptors. We also examine the cooperative relationship between intracellular trafficking and surface diffusion of glutamate receptors that underlies the expression of learning-related synaptic plasticity.     

Estrogen Facilitates Spinal Cord Synaptic Transmission via Membrane-bound Estrogen Receptors: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAIN HYPERSENSITIVITY*

Recent evidence suggests that estrogen is synthesized in the spinal dorsal horn and plays a role in nociceptive processes. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Using electrophysiological, biochemical, and morphological techniques, we here demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (E2), a major form of estrogen, can directly modulate spinal cord synaptic transmission by 1) enhancing NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in dorsal horn neurons, 2) increasing glutamate release from primary afferent terminals, 3) increasing dendritic spine density in cultured spinal cord dorsal horn neurons, and 4) potentiating spinal cord long term potentiation (LTP) evoked by high frequency stimulation (HFS) of Lissauer''s tract. Notably, E2-BSA, a ligand that acts only on membrane estrogen receptors, can mimic E2-induced facilitation of HFS-LTP, suggesting a nongenomic action of this neurosteroid. Consistently, cell surface biotinylation demonstrated that three types of ERs (ERα, ERβ, and GPER1) are localized on the plasma membrane of dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, the ERα and ERβ antagonist ICI 182,780 completely abrogates the E2-induced facilitation of LTP. ERβ (but not ERα) activation can recapitulate E2-induced persistent increases in synaptic transmission (NMDA-dependent) and dendritic spine density, indicating a critical role of ERβ in spinal synaptic plasticity. E2 also increases the phosphorylation of ERK, PKA, and NR2B, and spinal HFS-LTP is prevented by blockade of PKA, ERK, or NR2B activation. Finally, HFS increases E2 release in spinal cord slices, which can be prevented by aromatase inhibitor androstatrienedione, suggesting activity-dependent local synthesis and release of endogenous E2.     

受体、突触和记忆

大脑中神经元突触间的信号传递是由许多神经递质受体介导的。在过去,Richard L．Huganir实验室一直致力于神经递质受体功能调节的分子机制。而最近,该实验室又聚焦到大脑中一种最主要的兴奋性受体的研究——谷氨酸受体。谷氨酸受体主要可以分为两大类：AMPA受体和NMDA受体。AMPA受体主要介导了快速的兴奋性突触传递;而NMDA受体则在神经可塑性和发育中起到重要作用。实验发现,AMPA受体和NMDA受体都可以被一系列的蛋白激酶磷酸化,而磷酸化的水平则直接影响了这些受体的功能特性,包括通道电导和受体膜定位等。AMPA受体磷酸化的水平同时还在学习和记忆的细胞模型中发生改变,如长时程增强（LTP）和长时程抑制（LTD）。此外,AMPA受体中GluR1亚单位的磷酸化对于各种形式的可塑性以及空间记忆的维持有重要的作用。实验室主要研究突触部位谷氨酸受体在亚细胞水平的定位和聚集的分子机制。最近,一系列可以直接或间接与AMPA和NMDA受体相互作用的蛋白质得以发现,其中包括一个新发现的蛋白家族GRIPs（glutamate receptor interacting proteins）。GRIPs可以直接和AMPA受体的GluR2／3亚单位的C端结合。GRIPs包含7个PDZ结构域,可以介导蛋白与蛋白直接的相互连接,从而把各个AMPA受体交互连接在一起并与其他蛋白相连。另外,GluR2亚单位的c端还可以和兴奋性突触中的蛋白激酶C结合蛋白（PICK1）的PDZ结构域相互作用。另外,GluR2亚单位的C端也可以与一种参与膜融合的蛋白NSF相互作用。这些与AMPA受体相互作用的蛋白质对于受体在膜上的运输以及定位有至关重要的作用。同时,受体与PICK1和GRIP的结合对于小脑运动学习中的LTD有重要作用。总体上说,该实验室发现了一系列可以调节神经递质受体功能的分子机制,这些工作提示受体功能的调节可能是?     

A Fragment of Adhesion Molecule L1 Binds to Nuclear Receptors to Regulate Synaptic Plasticity and Motor Coordination

Proteolytic cleavage of the neuronal isoform of the murine cell adhesion molecule L1, triggered by stimulation of the cognate L1-dependent signaling pathways, results in the generation and nuclear import of an L1 fragment that contains the intracellular domain, the transmembrane domain, and part of the extracellular domain. Here, we show that the LXXLL and FXXLF motifs in the extracellular and transmembrane domain of this L1 fragment mediate the interaction with the nuclear estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and retinoid X receptor β (RXRβ). Mutations of the LXXLL motif in the transmembrane domain and of the FXXLF motif in the extracellular domain disturb the interaction of the L1 fragment with these nuclear receptors and, when introduced by viral transduction into mouse embryos in utero, result in impaired motor coordination, learning and memory, as well as synaptic connectivity in the cerebellum, in adulthood. These impairments are similar to those observed in the L1-deficient mouse. Our findings suggest that the interplay of nuclear L1 and distinct nuclear receptors is associated with synaptic contact formation and plasticity.     

TRAF7的研究进展

TRAFs家族是一类多功能蛋白,最初是作为TNFR介导的信号通路中的转导分子而被发现的。TRAFs作为信号接头蛋白和调节分子,参与了TNFR、TLRs、NLRs和RLRs等多种受体介导的信号通路。TRAF7是最新发现的TRAF家族成员,因其保守的RING结构域,而具有E3泛素连接酶活性。此外,TRAF7还以其独特机制参与了MAP激酶、TNFR及TLR2介导的信号通路的转导,以及细胞应激、分化和凋亡等重要生理过程的调控,与乳腺癌、脑膜瘤等多种疾病的发生密切相关。结合最新研究进展对TRAF7的结构、功能及其参与的生物学过程进行综述。