Presynaptic α2δ subunits are key organizers of glutamatergic synapses

In nerve cells the genes encoding for α2δ subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels have been linked to synaptic functions and neurological disease. Here we show that α2δ subunits are essential for the formation and organization of glutamatergic synapses. Using a cellular α2δ subunit triple-knockout/knockdown model, we demonstrate a failure in presynaptic differentiation evidenced by defective presynaptic calcium channel clustering and calcium influx, smaller presynaptic active zones, and a strongly reduced accumulation of presynaptic vesicle-associated proteins (synapsin and vGLUT). The presynaptic defect is associated with the downscaling of postsynaptic AMPA receptors and the postsynaptic density. The role of α2δ isoforms as synaptic organizers is highly redundant, as each individual α2δ isoform can rescue presynaptic calcium channel trafficking and expression of synaptic proteins. Moreover, α2δ-2 and α2δ-3 with mutated metal ion-dependent adhesion sites can fully rescue presynaptic synapsin expression but only partially calcium channel trafficking, suggesting that the regulatory role of α2δ subunits is independent from its role as a calcium channel subunit. Our findings influence the current view on excitatory synapse formation. First, our study suggests that postsynaptic differentiation is secondary to presynaptic differentiation. Second, the dependence of presynaptic differentiation on α2δ implicates α2δ subunits as potential nucleation points for the organization of synapses. Finally, our results suggest that α2δ subunits act as transsynaptic organizers of glutamatergic synapses, thereby aligning the synaptic active zone with the postsynaptic density

Modulation of enhancer looping and differential gene targeting by Epstein-Barr virus transcription factors directs cellular reprogramming

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) epigenetically reprogrammes B-lymphocytes to drive immortalization and facilitate viral persistence. Host-cell transcription is perturbed principally through the actions of EBV EBNA 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, with cellular genes deregulated by specific combinations of these EBNAs through unknown mechanisms. Comparing human genome binding by these viral transcription factors, we discovered that 25% of binding sites were shared by EBNA 2 and the EBNA 3s and were located predominantly in enhancers. Moreover, 80% of potential EBNA 3A, 3B or 3C target genes were also targeted by EBNA 2, implicating extensive interplay between EBNA 2 and 3 proteins in cellular reprogramming. Investigating shared enhancer sites neighbouring two new targets (WEE1 and CTBP2) we discovered that EBNA 3 proteins repress transcription by modulating enhancer-promoter loop formation to establish repressive chromatin hubs or prevent assembly of active hubs. Re-ChIP analysis revealed that EBNA 2 and 3 proteins do not bind simultaneously at shared sites but compete for binding thereby modulating enhancer-promoter interactions. At an EBNA 3-only intergenic enhancer site between ADAM28 and ADAMDEC1 EBNA 3C was also able to independently direct epigenetic repression of both genes through enhancer-promoter looping. Significantly, studying shared or unique EBNA 3 binding sites at WEE1, CTBP2, ITGAL (LFA-1 alpha chain), BCL2L11 (Bim) and the ADAMs, we also discovered that different sets of EBNA 3 proteins bind regulatory elements in a gene and cell-type specific manner. Binding profiles correlated with the effects of individual EBNA 3 proteins on the expression of these genes, providing a molecular basis for the targeting of different sets of cellular genes by the EBNA 3s. Our results therefore highlight the influence of the genomic and cellular context in determining the specificity of gene deregulation by EBV and provide a paradigm for host-cell reprogramming through modulation of enhancer-promoter interactions by viral transcription factors

OCT-angiography: Regional reduced macula microcirculation in ocular hypertensive and pre-perimetric glaucoma patients.

PurposeOCT-angiography (OCT-A) offers a non-invasive method to visualize retinochoroidal microvasculature. As glaucoma disease affects retinal ganglion cells in the macula, macular microcirculation is of interest. The purpose of the study was to investigate regional macular vascular characteristics in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT), pre-perimetric primary open-angle glaucoma (pre-POAG) and controls by OCT-A in three microvascular layers.Material and methods180 subjects were recruited from the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry, the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen and residents: 38 OHT, 20 pre-POAG, 122 controls. All subjects received an ophthalmological examination including measurements of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), retinal ganglion cell layer (RGC), inner nuclear layer (INL), and Bruch's Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW). Macular vascular characteristics (vessel density, VD, foveal avascular zone, FAZ) were measured by OCT-A (Spectralis OCT II) in superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP).ResultsWith age correction of VD data, type 3 tests on fixed effects showed a significant interaction between diagnosis and sectorial VD in SVP (p = 0.0004), ICP (p = 0.0073), and DCP (p = 0.0003). Moreover, a significance in sectorial VD was observed within each layer (pConclusionRegional reduced macula VD was observed in all three retinal vascular layers of eyes with OHT and pre-POAG compared to controls, indicating localized microvascular changes as early marker in glaucoma pathogenesis

Putative Prostate Cancer Risk SNP in an Androgen Receptor-Binding Site of the Melanophilin Gene Illustrates Enrichment of Risk SNPs in Androgen Receptor Target Sites

Genome-wide association studies have identified genomic loci, whose single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) predispose to prostate cancer (PCa). However, the mechanisms of most of these variants are largely unknown. We integrated chromatin-immunoprecipitation-coupled sequencing and microarray expression profiling in TMPRSS2-ERG gene rearrangement positive DUCaP cells with the GWAS PCa risk SNPs catalog to identify disease susceptibility SNPs localized within functional androgen receptor-binding sites (ARBSs). Among the 48 GWAS index risk SNPs and 3,917 linked SNPs, 80 were found located in ARBSs. Of these, rs11891426:T>G in an intron of the melanophilin gene (MLPH) was within a novel putative auxiliary AR-binding motif, which is enriched in the neighborhood of canonical androgen-responsive elements. TG exchange attenuated the transcriptional activity of the ARBS in an AR reporter gene assay. The expression of MLPH in primary prostate tumors was significantly lower in those with the G compared with the T allele and correlated significantly with AR protein. Higher melanophilin level in prostate tissue of patients with a favorable PCa risk profile points out a tumor-suppressive effect. These results unravel a hidden link between AR and a functional putative PCa risk SNP, whose allele alteration affects androgen regulation of its host gene MLPH

miR-22 and miR-29a Are Members of the Androgen Receptor Cistrome Modulating LAMC1 and Mcl-1 in Prostate Cancer

The normal prostate as well as early stages and advanced prostate cancer (PCa) require a functional androgen receptor (AR) for growth and survival. The recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel effector molecules of AR disclosed the existence of an intricate network between AR, miRNAs and downstream target genes. In this study DUCaP cells, characterized by high content of wild-type AR and robust AR transcriptional activity, were chosen as the main experimental model. By integrative analysis of chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) and microarray expression profiling data, miRNAs putatively bound and significantly regulated by AR were identified. A direct AR regulation of miR-22, miR-29a, and miR-17-92 cluster along with their host genes was confirmed. Interestingly, endogenous levels of miR-22 and miR-29a were found to be reduced in PCa cells expressing AR. In primary tumor samples, miR-22 and miR-29a were less abundant in the cancerous tissue compared with the benign counterpart. This specific expression pattern was associated with a differential DNA methylation of the genomic AR binding sites. The identification of laminin gamma 1 (LAMC1) and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) as direct targets of miR-22 and miR-29a, respectively, suggested a tumor-suppressive role of these miRNAs. Indeed, transfection of miRNA mimics in PCa cells induced apoptosis and diminished cell migration and viability. Collectively, these data provide additional information regarding the complex regulatory machinery that guides miRNAs activity in PCa, highlighting an important contribution of miRNAs in the AR signaling

Serum Autoantibodies in Chronic Prostate Inflammation in Prostate Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND:Chronic inflammation is frequently observed on histological analysis of malignant and non-malignant prostate specimens. It is a suspected supporting factor for prostate diseases and their progression and a main cause of false positive PSA tests in cancer screening. We hypothesized that inflammation induces autoantibodies, which may be useful biomarkers. We aimed to identify and validate prostate inflammation associated serum autoantibodies in prostate cancer patients and evaluate the expression of corresponding autoantigens. METHODS:Radical prostatectomy specimens of prostate cancer patients (N = 70) were classified into high and low inflammation groups according to the amount of tissue infiltrating lymphocytes. The corresponding pre-surgery blood serum samples were scrutinized for autoantibodies using a low-density protein array. Selected autoantigens were identified in prostate tissue and their expression pattern analyzed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The identified autoantibody profile was cross-checked in an independent sample set (N = 63) using the Luminex-bead protein array technology. RESULTS:Protein array screening identified 165 autoantibodies differentially abundant in the serum of high compared to low inflammation patients. The expression pattern of three corresponding antigens were established in benign and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry and qPCR: SPAST (Spastin), STX18 (Syntaxin 18) and SPOP (speckle-type POZ protein). Of these, SPAST was significantly increased in prostate tissue with high inflammation. All three autoantigens were differentially expressed in primary and/or castration resistant prostate tumors when analyzed in an inflammation-independent tissue microarray. Cross-validation of the inflammation autoantibody profile on an independent sample set using a Luminex-bead protein array, retrieved 51 of the significantly discriminating autoantibodies. Three autoantibodies were significantly upregulated in both screens, MUT, RAB11B and CSRP2 (p>0.05), two, SPOP and ZNF671, close to statistical significance (p = 0.051 and 0.076). CONCLUSIONS:We provide evidence of an inflammation-specific autoantibody profile and confirm the expression of corresponding autoantigens in prostate tissue. This supports evaluation of autoantibodies as non-invasive markers for prostate inflammation

A CaV1.1 Ca2+ Channel Splice Variant with High Conductance and Voltage-Sensitivity Alters EC Coupling in Developing Skeletal Muscle

The Ca2+ channel α1S subunit (CaV1.1) is the voltage sensor in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. Upon membrane depolarization, this sensor rapidly triggers Ca2+ release from internal stores and conducts a slowly activating Ca2+ current. However, this Ca2+ current is not essential for skeletal muscle EC coupling. Here, we identified a CaV1.1 splice variant with greatly distinct current properties. The variant of the CACNA1S gene lacking exon 29 was expressed at low levels in differentiated human and mouse muscle, and up to 80% in myotubes. To test its biophysical properties, we deleted exon 29 in a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged α1S subunit and expressed it in dysgenic (α1S-null) myotubes. GFP-α1SΔ29 was correctly targeted into triads and supported skeletal muscle EC coupling. However, the Ca2+ currents through GFP-α1SΔ29 showed a 30-mV left-shifted voltage dependence of activation and a substantially increased open probability, giving rise to an eightfold increased current density. This robust Ca2+ influx contributed substantially to the depolarization-induced Ca2+ transient that triggers contraction. Moreover, deletion of exon 29 accelerated current kinetics independent of the auxiliary α2δ-1 subunit. Thus, characterizing the CaV1.1Δ29 splice variant revealed the structural bases underlying the specific gating properties of skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels, and it suggests the existence of a distinct mode of EC coupling in developing muscle

Quantification of corresponding autoantigen levels in prostate tissue.

<p><b>A</b> Immunohistochemical stainings of representative tissue microarray spots from high and low inflammation patient cohorts. SPAST, STX18 and SPOP are expressed in the epithelium of benign (BE) and cancer (CA) areas of both cohorts. Quantitative analysis was performed using the HistoQuest immunohistochemistry analysis software (TissueGnostics). A score was calculated by multiplying staining intensity and percentage of positively stained cells. n = 25 per group. *P<0.05, Mann-Whitney Test. Bar, 100μm. <b>B</b> Quantification of the pan-lymphocyte marker CD45 (PTPRC) and autoantigen mRNA levels in high and low inflammation patient groups. n = 25 per group. ***P<0.001, Mann-Whitney Test. <b>C</b> Electropherograms of transcriptome (5’-3’) and exome (3’-5’) sequencing results depicting wild-type and D130H SPOP mutation sequences. High resolution melting curves for mutated and wild-type DNA: The purple melting curve of the sample consists of 50% mutant and 50% wild-type DNA.</p

Chronic prostatic inflammation induces elevated autoantibody levels.

<p><b>A</b> Flow chart of the strategy used for the detection and cross-validation of autoantibody (AAB) signatures associated with chronic prostatic inflammation. Radical prostatectomy specimens were classified into two (high/low inflammation) groups based on the extent of immune cell infiltrations in the whole prostate. The corresponding pre-surgery blood serum samples were analyzed for autoantibodies (AAB) using a planar protein array (screening, n = 70). A cross-validation study testing the robustness of the identified AAB panel was based on the Luminex-bead protein array technology (cross-validation, n = 63). Statistical comparison of the serum autoantibody profiles in the low and high inflammation groups was used to identify and validate differentially abundant AABs. The prostate tissue expression patterns and the expression in different prostate cancer progression stages were established for three selected corresponding autoantigens (AAGs). <b>B</b> Bar chart for positively classified observations of the 15 most differentially detected autoantibodies in the high inflammation group compared to the low inflammation group. Data are expressed as percentage of total number of positive samples in each group. <b>C</b> Calculation of the fold change for each autoantibody revealed a significant increase of 165 antigens in high inflammation prostate cancer (upper right panel, p<0.05, fold change>2, Mann-Whitney Test) and a decrease of only one (upper left panel). <b>D</b> Graphical representation of the ten top ranked functional clusters assigned for inflammation associated autoantibodies using the DAVID functional annotation tool. The bar size corresponds to the percentage of identified corresponding genes related to a specific functional category (P<0.05).</p

Candidate autoantigens selected for analysis of their tissue expression pattern.

<p>Candidate autoantigens selected for analysis of their tissue expression pattern.</p