@article {70357, title = {Time-resolved cryo-EM reveals conformational trajectory of allosteric activation in isocitrate lyase}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2026}, month = {2026 Apr 09}, abstract = {

Isocitrate lyase 2 (ICL2) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis undergoes dramatic conformational rearrangements upon binding to the allosteric effector acetyl-CoA. Time-resolved cryo-EM captured conformational states along the ICL2 activation trajectory, revealing how acetyl-CoA binding at the allosteric sites leads to asymmetric, half-of-site activity at the catalytic centres. These findings support a conformational selection model of allostery, whereby acetyl-CoA binding shifts the pre-existing equilibrium towards an active state of the enzyme.

}, doi = {10.64898/2026.04.08.716820}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2026/04/09/2026.04.08.716820}, author = {Taka, Jamie and Jung, James and Guo, Shuning and Jiao, Wanting and Kwai, Brooke X. C. and de Carvalho, Luiz Pedro S and McNeil, Matthew and Huang, Evelyn Yu-Wen and Yu, Zhiheng and Leung, Ivanhoe K. H. and Bashiri, Ghader} } @article {70356, title = {Transformation-tolerant object recognition in tree shrews despite lacking a fovea}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2026}, month = {2026 Apr 14}, abstract = {

Object recognition depends on the ability to extract stable representations across changes in how they are viewed, yet it remains unclear how this capacity depends on visual acuity and cortical hierarchy. We combined behavioral testing and computational modeling to determine whether tree shrews, close relatives of primates with lower spatial acuity, can perform transformation-tolerant object recognition. Front-end modeling incorporating species-specific optics and photoreceptor sampling showed that, when scaled for acuity, tree shrew retinal filtering preserves the similarity structure of natural image categories relevant for object recognition. Behaviorally, tree shrews reliably discriminated complex objects across variations in position, scale, and viewpoint, including when embedded within natural scenes, and generalized to novel exemplars. Their recognition behavior was best explained by visual features emphasizing differences in global shape and size between objects and by representations from intermediate and deep layers of hierarchical neural network models. These results demonstrate that visual processing supporting object-level generalization can arise within visual systems lacking high-acuity front-end optics and establish the tree shrew as a key model for understanding the computational and evolutionary origins of high-level vision.

}, doi = {10.64898/2026.04.10.717715}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2026/04/14/2026.04.10.717715}, author = {Meyer, Emily E and Ong, Wei Song and Song, Chenjie and Cottaris, Nicolas P and Zhang, Ling-Qi and Collina, Jared and Brainard, David H and Arcaro, Michael J} } @article {70092, title = {Taking down the primary cilium: Pathways for disassembly in differentiating cells.}, journal = {Bioessays}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Sep 01}, pages = {e70060}, abstract = {

Primary cilia are customized subcellular signaling compartments leveraged to detect signals in diverse physiological contexts. Although prevalent throughout mammalian tissues, primary cilia are not universal. Many non-ciliated cells derive from developmental lineages that include ciliated progenitors; however, little is known about how primary cilia are lost as cells differentiate. Here, we examine how ciliated and non-ciliated states emerge during development and are actively maintained. We highlight several pathways for primary cilia loss, including cilia resorption in pre-mitotic cells, cilia deconstruction in post-mitotic cells, cilia shortening via remodeling, and cilia disassembly preceding multiciliogenesis. Lack of ciliogenesis is known to decrease primary cilia frequency and cause ciliopathies. Failure to maintain cilia can also cause primary cilia to be absent. Conversely, defects in primary cilia suppression or disassembly can lead to the presence of primary cilia in non-ciliated cells. We examine how changes in ciliation states could contribute to tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration.

}, issn = {1521-1878}, doi = {10.1002/bies.70060}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.70060}, author = {Ott, Carolyn M and Mukhopadhyay, Saikat} } @article {69764, title = {Targets of circadian clock neurons influence core clock parameters}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Jan 31}, abstract = {

Neuronal connectivity in the circadian clock network is essential for robust endogenous timekeeping. In the\ Drosophila\ circadian clock network, the four pairs of small ventral lateral neurons (sLNvs) serve as main pacemakers. Peptidergic communication via sLNv, which release the key output neuropeptide,\ Pigment Dispersing Factor\ (PDF), has been well characterized. In the absence of PDF, flies become largely arrhythmic, similar to the phenotype associated with the loss of the mammalian circadian peptide, VIP. In contrast, little is known about the role of the synaptic connections that sLNvs form with downstream neurons. Connectomic analyses revealed that despite their role as key pacemaker neurons within the clock network, the sLNvs form few connections with other clock neurons. However, they form strong synaptic connections with a small group of previously uncharacterized neurons, SLP316, which in turn synapse onto dorsal clock neurons. Here, we show that silencing SLP316 neurons via tetanus toxin (TNT) expression shortens the free-running period, whereas hyper-exciting them by expressing the constitutively open Na[+] channel, NaChBac, results in period lengthening. Under light-dark cycles, silencing SLP316 neurons also causes lower daytime activity and higher daytime sleep. Our results revealed that the main postsynaptic partners of the\ Drosophila\ pacemaker neurons are a non-clock neuronal cell type that regulates the timing of sleep and activity.

}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.30.635801v1}, author = {Scholz-Carson, E. and Iyer, A. R. and Ewer, J. and Fernandez, Maria P.} } @article {69803, title = {TEMI: Tissue Expansion Mass Spectrometry Imaging}, journal = {Nat Methods}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Apr 22}, abstract = {

The spatial distribution of diverse biomolecules in multicellular organisms is essential for their physiological functions. High-throughput in situ mapping of biomolecules is crucial for both basic and medical research, and requires high scanning speed, spatial resolution, and chemical sensitivity. Here, we developed a Tissue Expansion method compatible with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Mass spectrometry Imaging (TEMI). TEMI reaches single-cell spatial resolution without sacrificing voxel throughput and enables the profiling of hundreds of biomolecules, including lipids, metabolites, peptides (proteins), and N-glycans. Using TEMI, we mapped the spatial distribution of biomolecules across various mammalian tissues and uncovered metabolic heterogeneity in tumors. TEMI can be easily adapted and broadly applied in biological and medical research, to advance spatial multi-omics profiling.

Preprint:\ 10.1101/2025.02.22.639343

}, doi = {10.1101/2025.02.22.639343}, url = {https://doi.org/ 10.1038/s41592-025-02664-9.}, author = {Zhang, Hua and Ding, Lang and Hu, Amy and Shi, Xudong and Huang, Penghsuan and Lu, Haiyan and Tillberg, Paul W. and Wang, Meng C. and Li, Lingjun} } @article {69802, title = {A theory of rapid behavioral inferences under the pressure of time}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Mar 03}, abstract = {

To survive, animals must be able quickly infer the state of their surroundings. For example, to successfully escape an approaching predator, prey must quickly estimate the direction of approach from incoming sensory stimuli and guide their behavior accordingly. Such rapid inferences are particularly challenging because the animal has only a brief window of time to gather sensory stimuli, and yet the accuracy of inference is critical for survival. Due to evolutionary pressures, nervous systems have likely evolved effective computational strategies that enable accurate inferences under strong time limitations. Traditionally, the relationship between the speed and accuracy of inference has been described by the {\textquotedblleft}speed-accuracy tradeoff{\textquotedblright} (SAT), which quantifies how the average performance of an ideal observer improves as the observer has more time to collect incoming stimuli. While this trial-averaged description can reasonably account for individual inferences made over long timescales, it does not capture individual inferences on short timescales, when trial-to-trial variability gives rise to diverse patterns of error dynamics. We show that an ideal observer can exploit this single-trial structure by adaptively tracking the dynamics of its belief about the state of the environment, which enables it to speed its own inferences and more reliably track its own error, but also causes it to violate the SAT. We show that these features can be used to improve overall performance during rapid escape. The resulting behavior qualitatively reproduces features of escape behavior in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, whose escapes have presumably been highly optimized by natural selection.

}, doi = {10.1101/2024.08.26.609738}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2025/03/03/2024.08.26.609738}, author = {Hermundstad, Ann M. and M{\l}ynarski, Wiktor F.} } @article {69616, title = {The tilt illusion arises from an efficient reallocation of neural coding resources at the contextual boundary}, journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Apr 29}, abstract = {

The tilt illusion-a bias in the perceived orientation of a center stimulus induced by an oriented surround-illustrates how context shapes visual perception. Although extensively studied for decades, we still lack a comprehensive account of the illusion that connects its behavioral and neural characteristics. Here, we demonstrate that the tilt illusion originates from dynamic changes in neural coding precision induced by the surround context. We simultaneously obtained psychophysical and functional MRI responses from human subjects while they viewed gratings in the absence and presence of an oriented surround and independently extracted sensory encoding precision from their behavioral and neural data. Both measures show that in the absence of an oriented surround, encoding reflects the natural scene statistics of orientation. However, with an oriented surround, encoding precision is significantly increased for stimuli similar to the surround orientation. This local change in encoding is sufficient to predict the behavioral characteristics of the tilt illusion using a Bayesian observer model. The effect of surround modulation increases along the ventral stream and is localized to the portion of the visual cortex with receptive fields at the center-surround boundary. The pattern of change in coding accuracy reflects the surround-conditioned orientation statistics in natural scenes, but cannot be explained by local stimulus configuration. Our results suggest that the tilt illusion naturally emerges from an adaptive coding strategy that efficiently reallocates neural coding resources based on the current stimulus context.

Preprint:\ http://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.17.613538

}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.2421565122}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421565122}, author = {Zhang, Ling-Qi and Mao, Jiang and Aguirre, Geoffrey Karl and Stocker, Alan A} } @article {70220, title = {Time or distance encoding by hippocampal neurons via heterogeneous ramping rates.}, journal = {Nat Commun}, volume = {16}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Dec 17}, pages = {11083}, abstract = {

To navigate their environments effectively, animals frequently track time elapsed or distance traveled while seeking food and avoiding threats. The hippocampus is implicated in this process, but the neural mechanisms remain unclear. Using virtual reality tasks that require mice to integrate time or distance to collect a reward, we identified two previously unknown functional subpopulations of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Both subpopulations encode time or distance via distinct ramping dynamics. The first subpopulation exhibits a rapid, synchronous rise in activity upon movement-initiated integration. Subsequently, individual neurons ramp down at heterogeneous rates, creating progressively diverging firing rates that encode elapsed time or distance. Closed-loop optogenetic inactivation of somatostatin-positive (SST) interneurons counterintuitively reduced the ramping activity, leading mice to prematurely attempt reward collection, suggesting impaired time/distance estimation. Conversely, the second CA1 subpopulation shows opposite dynamics - an initial rapid suppression followed by a gradual ramp-up. Inactivating parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons diminished this initial suppression, resulting in transient attempts to collect reward near integration onset. These findings reveal parallel hippocampal circuits that initiate and maintain time or distance encoding, controlled by PV and SST interneurons, respectively, and provide insights into the neural computations supporting goal-directed navigation.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, CA1 Region, Hippocampal, Hippocampus, Interneurons, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Neurons, Optogenetics, Parvalbumins, Pyramidal Cells, Reward, Somatostatin, Virtual Reality}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-025-67038-3}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67038-3}, author = {Heldman, Raphael and Pang, Dongyan and Zhao, Xiaoliang and Mensh, Brett and Wang, Yingxue} } @article {70085, title = {Time-deterministic cryo-optical microscopy.}, journal = {Light Sci Appl}, volume = {14}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Aug 23}, pages = {275}, abstract = {

Fluorescence microscopy enables the visualization of cellular morphology, molecular distribution, ion distribution, and their dynamic behaviors during biological processes. Enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in fluorescence imaging improves the quantification accuracy and spatial resolution; however, achieving high SNR at fast image acquisition rates, which is often required to observe cellular dynamics, still remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a technique to rapidly freeze biological cells in milliseconds during optical microscopy observation. Compared to chemical fixation, rapid freezing provides rapid immobilization of samples while more effectively preserving the morphology and conditions of cells. This technique combines the advantages of both live-cell and cryofixation microscopy, i.e., temporal dynamics and high SNR snapshots of selected moments, and is demonstrated by fluorescence and Raman microscopy with high spatial resolution and quantification under low temperature conditions. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that intracellular calcium dynamics can be frozen rapidly and visualized using fluorescent ion indicators, suggesting that ion distribution and conformation of the probe molecules can be fixed both spatially and temporally. These results confirmed that our technique can time-deterministically suspend and visualize cellular dynamics while preserving molecular and ionic states, indicating the potential to provide detailed insights into sample dynamics with improved spatial resolution and temporal accuracy in observations.

}, issn = {2047-7538}, doi = {10.1038/s41377-025-01941-8}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-025-01941-8}, author = {Tsuji, Kosuke and Yamanaka, Masahito and Kumamoto, Yasuaki and Tamura, Shoko and Miyamura, Wakana and Kubo, Toshiki and Mizushima, Kenta and Kono, Kakeru and Hirano, Hanae and Shiozaki, Momoko and Zhao, Xiaowei and Xi, Heqi and Sugiura, Kazunori and Fukushima, Shun-Ichi and Kunimoto, Takumi and Tanabe, Yoshino and Nishida, Kentaro and Mochizuki, Kentaro and Harada, Yoshinori and Smith, Nicholas I and Heintzmann, Rainer and Yu, Zhiheng and Wang, Meng C and Nagai, Takeharu and Tanaka, Hideo and Fujita, Katsumasa} } @article {70192, title = {Tissue expansion-enhanced mass-spectrometry imaging decodes biomolecular landscapes.}, journal = {Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Nov 17}, issn = {1471-0080}, doi = {10.1038/s41580-025-00931-3}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-025-00931-3}, author = {Ding, Lang} } @article {70135, title = {Towards a unified framework for the function of endoplasmic reticulum exit sites.}, journal = {Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Sep 29}, abstract = {

Endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES) are specialized, ribosome-free ER subdomains that serve as dynamic portals for COPII-mediated export of proteins from the ER. Beyond their role in the secretory pathway, ERES are implicated in diverse processes, including autophagy and the maturation of lipid droplets, highlighting their functional plasticity. ERES integrate cargo load, membrane tension and spatial cues to remodel their architecture and function in real time. This Roadmap synthesizes our current knowledge on the biogenesis, structural diversity and regulatory logic of ERES. We highlight key unanswered questions in the field, particularly concerning how ERES integrate signals to coordinate protein trafficking under varying cellular states. Finally, we propose a multidisciplinary framework - leveraging advances in high-resolution imaging, synthetic reconstitution and computational modelling - to delineate the principles governing the function and plasticity of ERES. Understanding these mechanisms holds significant potential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies in diseases linked to trafficking dysfunction.

}, issn = {1471-0080}, doi = {10.1038/s41580-025-00899-0}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-025-00899-0}, author = {Farhan, Hesso and Raote, Ishier and Campelo, Felix and Ge, Liang and Hirschberg, Koret and Forrester, Alison and Zanetti, Giulia and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer and Pastor-Pareja, Jos{\'e} Carlos and Perez, Franck and Saito, Kota and Malhotra, Vivek} } @article {70030, title = {Transforming descending input into motor output: An analysis of the Drosophila Male Adult Nerve Cord connectome}, journal = {eLife}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Jul 21}, abstract = {

In most animals, a relatively small number of descending neurons (DNs) connect higher brain centers in the animal{\textquoteright}s head to circuits and motor neurons (MNs) in the nerve cord of the animal{\textquoteright}s body that effect movement of the limbs. To understand how brain signals generate behavior, it is critical to understand how these descending pathways are organized onto the body MNs. In the fly,\ Drosophila melanogaster, MNs controlling muscles in the leg, wing, and other motor systems reside in a ventral nerve cord (VNC), analogous to the mammalian spinal cord. In companion papers, we introduced a densely-reconstructed connectome of the\ Drosophila\ Male Adult Nerve Cord (MANC, (Takemura et al., 2024)), including cell type and developmental lineage annotation (Marin et al., 2024), which provides complete VNC connectivity at synaptic resolution. Here, we present a first look at the organization of the VNC networks connecting DNs to MNs based on this new connectome information. We proofread and curated all DNs and MNs to ensure accuracy and reliability, then systematically matched DN axon terminals and MN dendrites with light microscopy data to link their VNC morphology with their brain inputs or muscle targets. We report both broad organizational patterns of the entire network and fine-scale analysis of selected circuits of interest. We discover that direct DN-MN connections are infrequent and identify communities of intrinsic neurons linked to control of different motor systems, including putative ventral circuits for walking, dorsal circuits for flight steering and power generation, and intermediate circuits in the lower tectulum for coordinated action of wings and legs. Our analysis generates hypotheses for future functional experiments and, together with the MANC connectome, empowers others to investigate these and other circuits of the\ Drosophila\ ventral nerve cord in richer mechanistic detail.

}, doi = {10.7554/elife.96084.2}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.96084.2}, author = {Cheong, Han Sj and Eichler, Katharina and St{\"u}rner, Tomke and Asinof, Samuel K and Champion, Andrew S and Marin, Elizabeth C and Oram, Tess B and Sumathipala, Marissa and Venkatasubramanian, Lalanti and Namiki, Shigehiro and Siwanowicz, Igor and Costa, Marta and Berg, Stuart and Jefferis, Gregory Sxe and Card, Gwyneth M} } @article {70053, title = {Transgene-free generation of mouse post-gastrulation whole embryo models solely from naive ESCs and iPSCs.}, journal = {Cell Stem Cell}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Aug 06}, abstract = {

The generation of post-gastrulation stem cell-derived mouse embryo models (SEMs) exclusively from naive embryonic stem cells (nESCs) has underscored their ability to give rise to embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. However, existing protocols for mouse SEMs rely on the separate induction of extra-embryonic lineages and on ectopic expression of transcription factors to induce nESC differentiation into trophectoderm (TE) or primitive endoderm (PrE). Here, we demonstrate that mouse nESCs and naive induced pluripotent stem cells (niPSCs) can be simultaneously co-induced, via signaling pathway modulation, to generate PrE and TE extra-embryonic cells that self-organize into embryonic day (E) 8.5-E8.75 transgene-free (TF) SEMs. We also devised an alternative condition (AC) naive media that in vitro stabilizes TF-SEM-competent OCT4+/NANOG+ nESC colonies that co-express antagonistic CDX2 and/or GATA6 extra-embryonic fate master regulators and self-renew while remaining poised for TE and PrE differentiation, respectively. These findings improve mouse SEM strategies and shed light on amplifying an inherent and dormant extra-embryonic plasticity of mouse naive pluripotent cells in vitro.

}, issn = {1875-9777}, doi = {10.1016/j.stem.2025.07.005}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2025.07.005}, author = {Yilmaz, Alperen and Gurhan, Gulben and Comar, Mehmet-Yunus and Viukov, Sergey and Serfaty, Inbal and Gayretli, Mert and Golenchenko, Sergey and Lokshtanov, Dmitry and Ashouokhi, Shahd and Polanco, Angel and Berlad, Idan and Ha, Tae-Won and Aguilera-Castrejon, Alejandro and Tarazi, Shadi and Cohen, Marina and Livnat, Nir and Kumar, Komal and Cholakkal, Hisham and Levy, Nathan and Yosef, Nir and Khatib, Nizar and Kakun, Reli Rachel and Kedmi, Merav and Nachman, Inbal Bolocan and Keren-Shaul, Hadas and Addadi, Yoseph and Orenbuch, Ayelet-Hashahar and Korovin, Karina and Molchadsky, Alina and Hochedlinger, Konrad and Gafni, Ohad and Maza, Itay and Novershtern, Noa and Oldak, Bernardo and Hanna, Jacob H} } @article {69347, title = {A tunable and versatile chemogenetic near infrared fluorescent reporter}, journal = {Nat Commun}, year = {2025}, month = {2025 Mar 16}, abstract = {

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent reporters open interesting perspectives for multiplexed imaging with higher contrast and depth using less toxic light. Here, we propose nirFAST, a small (14 kDa) chemogenetic NIR fluorescent reporter, displaying higher cellular brightness compared to top-performing NIR fluorescent proteins. nirFAST binds and stabilizes the fluorescent state of synthetic cell permeant fluorogenic chromophores (so-called fluorogens), otherwise dark when free. nirFAST displays tunable NIR, far-red or red emission through change of fluorogen. nirFAST allows imaging and spectral multiplexing in live cultured mammalian cells, chicken embryo tissues and zebrafish larvae. Its suitability for stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy enabled protein imaging with subdiffraction resolution in live cells. nirFAST enabled the design of a two-color cell cycle indicator for monitoring the different phases of the cell cycle. Finally, bisection of nirFAST allowed the design of a chemically induced dimerization technology with NIR fluorescence readout, enabling the control and visualization of protein proximity.

bioRxiv preprint:\ https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.05.588310

}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-025-58017-9}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58017-9}, author = {Lina El Hajji and Benjamin Bunel and Octave Joliot and Chenge Li and Alison G. Tebo and Christine Rampon and Michel Volovitch and Evelyne Fischer and Nicolas Pietrancosta and Franck Perez and Xavier Morin and Sophie Vriz and Arnaud Gautier} } @article {69698, title = {Temporal BMP4 effects on mouse embryonic and extraembryonic developmentAbstract}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {634}, year = {2024}, month = {09-2024}, pages = {652 - 661}, abstract = {

The developing placenta, which in mice originates through the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE), is essential for mammalian embryonic development. Yet unbiased characterization of the differentiation dynamics\ of the ExE and its interactions with the embryo proper remains incomplete. Here we develop a temporal single-cell model of mouse gastrulation that maps continuous and parallel differentiation in embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. This is matched with a three-way perturbation approach to target signalling from the embryo proper, the ExE alone, or both. We show that ExE specification involves early spatial and transcriptional bifurcation of uncommitted ectoplacental cone cells and chorion progenitors. Early BMP4 signalling from chorion progenitors is required for proper differentiation of uncommitted ectoplacental cone cells and later for their specification towards trophoblast giant cells. We also find biphasic regulation by BMP4 in the embryo. The early ExE-originating BMP4 signal is necessary for proper mesoendoderm bifurcation and for\ allantois and primordial germ cell specification. However, commencing at embryonic day 7.5, embryo-derived BMP4 restricts the primordial germ cell pool size by favouring differentiation of their extraembryonic mesoderm precursors towards an allantois fate. ExE and embryonic tissues are therefore entangled in time, space and signalling axes, highlighting the importance of their integrated understanding and modelling in vivo and in vitro.

}, issn = {0028-0836}, doi = {10.1038/s41586-024-07937-5}, url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07937-5https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07937-5.pdfhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07937-5.pdfhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07937-5}, author = {Hadas, Ron and Rubinstein, Hernan and Mittnenzweig, Markus and Mayshar, Yoav and Ben-Yair, Raz and Cheng, Saifeng and Aguilera-Castrejon, Alejandro and Reines, Netta and Orenbuch, Ayelet-Hashahar and Lifshitz, Aviezer and Chen, Dong-Yuan and Elowitz, Michael B. and Zernicka-Goetz, Magdalena and Hanna, Jacob H. and Tanay, Amos and Stelzer, Yonatan} } @article {69589, title = {A theory of rapid behavioral inferences under the pressure of time}, journal = {PRX Life}, volume = {4}, year = {2024}, month = {2026 Mar 05}, abstract = {

To survive, animals must be able to quickly infer the state of their surroundings. For example, to successfully escape an approaching predator, prey must quickly estimate the direction of approach from incoming sensory stimuli and guide their behavior accordingly. Such rapid inferences are particularly challenging because the animal has only a brief window of time to gather sensory stimuli, and yet the accuracy of inference is critical for survival. Due to evolutionary pressures, nervous systems have likely evolved effective computational strategies that enable accurate inferences under strong time limitations. Traditionally, the relationship between the speed and accuracy of inference has been described by the {\textquotedblleft}speed-accuracy tradeoff{\textquotedblright} (SAT), which quantifies how the average performance of an ideal observer improves as the observer has more time to collect incoming stimuli. While this trial-averaged description can reasonably account for individual inferences made over long timescales, it does not capture individual inferences on short timescales, when trial-to-trial variability gives rise to diverse patterns of error dynamics. We show that an ideal observer can exploit this single-trial structure by adaptively tracking the dynamics of its belief about the state of the environment, which enables it to speed its own inferences and more reliably track its own error, but also causes it to violate the SAT. We show that these features can be used to improve overall performance during rapid escape. The resulting behavior qualitatively reproduces features of escape behavior in the fruit fly\ Drosophila melanogaster, whose escapes have presumably been highly optimized by natural selection.

Preprint:\ https://www.doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.26.609738

}, doi = {10.1103/8m59-vf2m}, url = { https://doi.org/10.1103/8m59-vf2m}, author = {Hermundstad, Ann M and M{\l}ynarski, Wiktor F} } @article {69282, title = {Three-dimensional spatio-angular fluorescence microscopy with a polarized dual-view inverted selective-plane illumination microscope (pol-diSPIM)}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Mar 12}, abstract = {

Polarized fluorescence microscopy is a valuable tool for measuring molecular orientations, but techniques for recovering three-dimensional orientations and positions of fluorescent ensembles are limited. We report a polarized dual-view light-sheet system for determining the three-dimensional orientations and diffraction-limited positions of ensembles of fluorescent dipoles that label biological structures, and we share a set of visualization, histogram, and profiling tools for interpreting these positions and orientations. We model our samples, their excitation, and their detection using coarse-grained representations we call orientation distribution functions (ODFs). We apply ODFs to create physics-informed models of image formation with spatio-angular point-spread and transfer functions. We use theory and experiment to conclude that light-sheet tilting is a necessary part of our design for recovering all three-dimensional orientations. We use our system to extend known two-dimensional results to three dimensions in FM1-43-labelled giant unilamellar vesicles, fast-scarlet-labelled cellulose in xylem cells, and phalloidin-labelled actin in U2OS cells. Additionally, we observe phalloidin-labelled actin in mouse fibroblasts grown on grids of labelled nanowires and identify correlations between local actin alignment and global cell-scale orientation, indicating cellular coordination across length scales.Competing Interest StatementH.S., A.K., S.M., P.L.R., R.O., Y.W., and T.C. hold US Patent $\#$11428632.

}, doi = {10.1101/2024.03.09.584243}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/03/12/2024.03.09.584243}, author = {Talon Chandler and Min Guo and Yijun Su and Jiji Chen and Yicong Wu and Junyu Liu and Atharva Agashe and Robert S. Fischer and Shalin B. Mehta and Abhishek Kumar and Tobias I. Baskin and Valentin Jamouille and Huafeng Liu and Vinay Swaminathan and Amrinder Nain and Rudolf Oldenbourg and Patrick La Riviere and Hari Shroff} } @article {69674, title = {Tracking fructose 1,6-bisphosphate dynamics in liver cancer cells using a fluorescent biosensor}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {27}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Nov 20}, pages = {111336}, abstract = {

Summary HYlight is a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor that ratiometrically monitors fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), a key glycolytic metabolite. Given the role of glucose in liver cancer metabolism, we expressed HYlight in human liver cancer cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. Through in\ vitro, in silico, and in cellulo experiments, we showed HYlight{\textquoteright}s ability to monitor FBP changes linked to glycolysis, not gluconeogenesis. HYlight{\textquoteright}s affinity for FBP was \~{}1\ μM and stable within physiological pH range. HYlight demonstrated weak binding to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, and its ratiometric response was influenced by both ionic strength and phosphate. Therefore, simulating cytosolic conditions in\ vitro was necessary to establish a reliable correlation between HYlight{\textquoteright}s cellular responses and FBP concentrations. FBP concentrations were found to be in the lower micromolar range, far lower than previous millimolar estimates. Altogether, this biosensor approach offers real-time monitoring of FBP concentrations at single-cell resolution, making it an invaluable tool for the understanding of cancer metabolism.

}, keywords = {biochemistry methods, cancer, metabolomics}, issn = {2589-0042}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.111336}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004224025616}, author = {Israel P{\'e}rez-Ch{\'a}vez and John N. Koberstein and Julia Malo Pueyo and Eduardo H. Gilglioni and Didier Vertommen and Nicolas Baeyens and Daria Ezerina and Esteban N. Gurzov and Joris Messens} } @article {69349, title = {Transformers do not outperform Cellpose}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Apr 7}, abstract = {

In a recent publication, Ma et al [1] claim that a transformer-based cellular segmentation method called Mediar [2] {\textemdash} which won a Neurips challenge {\textemdash} outperforms Cellpose [3] (0.897 vs 0.543 median F1 score). Here we show that this result was obtained by artificially impairing Cellpose in multiple ways. When we removed these impairments, Cellpose outperformed Mediar (0.861 vs 0.826 median F1 score on the updated test set). To further investigate the performance of transformers for cellular segmentation, we replaced the Cellpose backbone with a transformer. The transformer-Cellpose model also did not outperform the standard Cellpose (0.848 median F1 test score). Our results suggest that transformers do not advance the state-of-the-art in cellular segmentation.

}, doi = {10.1101/2024.04.06.587952}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/04/07/2024.04.06.587952}, author = {Carsen Stringer and Marius Pachitariu} } @article {69144, title = {Transforming chemigenetic bimolecular fluorescence complementation systems into chemical dimerizers using chemistry.}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Jan 01}, abstract = {

Chemigenetic tags are versatile labels for fluorescence microscopy that combine some of the advantages of genetically encoded tags with small molecule fluorophores. The Fluorescence Activating and absorbance Shifting Tags (FASTs) bind a series of highly fluorogenic and cell-permeable chromophores. Furthermore, FASTs can be used in complementation-based systems for detecting or inducing protein-protein interactions, depending on the exact FAST protein variant chosen. In this study, we systematically explore substitution patterns on FAST fluorogens and generate a series of fluorogens that bind to FAST variants, thereby activating their fluorescence. This effort led to the discovery of a novel fluorogen with superior properties, as well as a fluorogen that transforms splitFAST systems into a fluorogenic dimerizer, eliminating the need for additional protein engineering.

}, doi = {10.1101/2023.12.30.573644}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.30.573644}, author = {Pratik Kumar and Alina Gutu and Amelia Waring and Timothy A. Brown and Luke D. Lavis and Alison G. Tebo} } @article {69491, title = {Transport and Organization of Individual Vimentin Filaments Within Dense Networks Revealed by Single Particle Tracking and 3D FIB-SEM}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Jun 10}, abstract = {

Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) form complex, tight-packed networks; due to this density, traditional ensemble labeling and imaging approaches cannot accurately discern single filament behavior. To address this, we introduce a sparse vimentin-SunTag labeling strategy to unambiguously visualize individual filament dynamics. This technique confirmed known long-range dynein and kinesin transport of peripheral VIFs and uncovered extensive bidirectional VIF motion within the perinuclear vimentin network, a region we had thought too densely bundled to permit such motility. To examine the nanoscale organization of perinuclear vimentin, we acquired high-resolution electron microscopy volumes of a vitreously frozen cell and reconstructed VIFs and microtubules within a 50 um3 window. Of 583 VIFs identified, most were integrated into long, semi-coherent bundles that fluctuated in width and filament packing density. Unexpectedly, VIFs displayed minimal local co-alignment with microtubules, save for sporadic cross-over sites that we predict facilitate cytoskeletal crosstalk. Overall, this work demonstrates single VIF dynamics and organization in the cellular milieu for the first time.

}, doi = {10.1101/2024.06.10.598346}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/06/10/2024.06.10.598346}, author = {Renganathan, Bhuvanasundar and Moore, Andrew S. and Yeo, Wei-Hong and Petruncio, Alyson and Ackerman, David and Wiegel, Aubrey and CellMap Team and Pasolli, H. Amalia and Xu, C. Shan and Hess, Harald F and Serpinskaya, Anna S. and Zhang, Hao F. and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer and Gelfand, Vladimir I.} } @article {69673, title = {TUDCA modulates drug bioavailability to regulate resistance to acute ER stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae}, journal = {Mol Biol Cell}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Dec 11}, pages = {mbcE24040147}, abstract = {

Cells counter accumulation of misfolded secretory proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Small molecules termed chemical chaperones can promote protein folding to alleviate ER stress. The bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), has been described as a chemical chaperone. While promising in models of protein folding diseases, TUDCA{\textquoteright}s mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we found TUDCA can rescue growth of yeast treated with the ER stressor tunicamycin (Tm), even in the absence of a functional UPR. In contrast, TUDCA failed to rescue growth on other ER stressors. Nor could TUDCA attenuate chronic UPR associated with specific gene deletions or over-expression of a misfolded mutant secretory protein. Neither pretreatment with or delayed addition of TUDCA conferred protection against Tm. Importantly, attenuation of Tm-induced toxicity required TUDCA{\textquoteright}s critical micelle forming concentration, suggesting a mechanism where TUDCA directly sequesters drugs. Indeed, in several assays, TUDCA treated cells closely resembled cells treated with lower doses of Tm. In addition, we found TUDCA can inhibit dyes from labeling intracellular compartments. Thus, our study challenges the model of TUDCA as a chemical chaperone and suggests that TUDCA decreases drug bioavailability, allowing cells to adapt to ER stress.

}, doi = {10.1091/mbc.E24-04-0147}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E24-04-0147}, author = {Chadwick, Sarah R. and Stack-Couture, Samuel and Berg, Matthew D. and Gregorio, Sonja Di and Lung, Bryan and Genereaux, Julie and Moir, Robyn D. and Brandl, Christopher J. and Willis, Ian M. and Snapp, Erik L. and Lajoie, Patrick} } @article {69662, title = {Type IV pili-associated secretion of a biofilm matrix protein from Clostridium perfringens that forms intermolecular isopeptide bonds}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2024}, month = {2024 Nov 04}, abstract = {

Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive anaerobic spore-forming bacterial pathogen of humans and animals. C. perfringens also produces type IV pili (T4P) and has two complete sets of T4P-associated genes, one of which has been shown to produce surface pili needed for cell adherence. One hypothesis about the role of the other set of T4P genes is that they could comprise a system analogous to the type II secretion systems (TTSS) found in Gram-negative bacteria, which is used to export folded proteins from the periplasm through the outer membrane to the extracellular environment. Gram-positive bacteria have a similar secretion barrier in the thick peptidoglycan (PG) layer, which blocks secretion of folded proteins \>25 kD. To determine if the T4P-associated genes comprise a Gram-positive TTSS, the secretome of mutants lacking type IV pilins were examined and a single protein, a von Willebrand A domain containing protein BsaC (CPE0517) was identified as being dependent on PilA3 for secretion. BsaC is in an operon with a signal peptidase and two putative biofilm matrix proteins with homology to Bacillus subtilis TasA. One of these proteins, BsaA, was shown by another group to produce high mol wt oligomers. We analyzed BsaA monomer interactions with de novo modeling, which projected that the monomers formed isopeptide bonds as part of a donor strand exchange process. Mutations in residues predicted to form the isopeptide bonds led to loss of oligomerization, supporting the predicted bond formation process. Phylogenetic analysis showed the BsaA family of proteins are widespread among bacteria and archaea but only a subset are predicted to form isopeptide bonds.

}, doi = {10.1101/2024.11.04.621531}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.04.621531}, author = {Kivimaki, Sarah E. and Dempsey, Samantha and Tani, Julia M. and Camper, Colette and Hicklin, Ian K. and Blaby-Haas, Crysten E. and Brown, Anne M and Melville, Stephen} } @article {68606, title = {TEMPO enables sequential genetic labeling and manipulation of vertebrate cell lineages.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {111}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Feb 01}, pages = {345-361.e10}, abstract = {

During development, regulatory factors appear in a precise order to determine cell fates over time. Consequently, to investigate complex tissue development, it is necessary to visualize and manipulate cell lineages with temporal control. Current strategies for tracing vertebrate cell lineages lack genetic access to sequentially produced cells. Here, we present TEMPO (Temporal Encoding and Manipulation in a Predefined Order), an imaging-readable genetic tool allowing differential labeling and manipulation of consecutive cell generations in vertebrates. TEMPO is based on CRISPR and powered by a cascade of gRNAs that drive orderly activation and inactivation of reporters and/or effectors. Using TEMPO to visualize zebrafish and mouse neurogenesis, we recapitulated birth-order-dependent neuronal fates. Temporally manipulating cell-cycle regulators in mouse cortex progenitors altered the proportion and distribution of neurons and glia, revealing the effects of temporal gene perturbation on serial cell fates. Thus, TEMPO enables sequential manipulation of molecular factors, crucial to study cell-type specification.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Differentiation, Cell Lineage, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Mice, Neurogenesis, Neuroglia, Neurons, Zebrafish}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.035}, author = {Espinosa-Medina, Isabel and Feliciano, Daniel and Belmonte-Mateos, Carla and Linda Miyares, Rosa and Garcia-Marques, Jorge and Foster, Benjamin and Lindo, Sarah and Pujades, Cristina and Koyama, Minoru and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {68884, title = {Ten-fold Robust Expansion Microscopy.}, journal = {Bio-Protocol}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Jun 20}, pages = {e4698}, abstract = {

Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a powerful technique to overcome the diffraction limit of light microscopy that can be applied in both tissues and cells. In ExM, samples are embedded in a swellable polymer gel to physically expand the sample and isotropically increase resolution in x, y, and z. By systematic exploration of the ExM recipe space, we developed a novel ExM method termed Ten-fold Robust Expansion Microscopy (TREx) that, as the original ExM method, requires no specialized equipment or procedures. TREx enables ten-fold expansion of both thick mouse brain tissue sections and cultured human cells, can be handled easily, and enables high-resolution subcellular imaging with a single expansion step. Furthermore, TREx can provide ultrastructural context to subcellular protein localization by combining antibody-stained samples with off-the-shelf small molecule stains for both total protein and membranes.

}, issn = {2331-8325}, doi = {10.21769/BioProtoc.4698}, author = {Damstra, Hugo G J and Mohar, Boaz and Eddison, Mark and Akhmanova, Anna and Kapitein, Lukas C and Tillberg, Paul W} } @article {69077, title = {Tensor formalism for predicting synaptic connections with ensemble modeling or optimization.}, journal = {arXiv}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Oct 31}, abstract = {

Theoretical neuroscientists often try to understand how the structure of a neural network relates to its function by focusing on structural features that would either follow from optimization or occur consistently across possible implementations. Both optimization theories and ensemble modeling approaches have repeatedly proven their worth, and it would simplify theory building considerably if predictions from both theory types could be derived and tested simultaneously. Here we show how tensor formalism from theoretical physics can be used to unify and solve many optimization and ensemble modeling approaches to predicting synaptic connectivity from neuronal responses. We specifically focus on analyzing the solution space of synaptic weights that allow a thresholdlinear neural network to respond in a prescribed way to a limited number of input conditions. For optimization purposes, we compute the synaptic weight vector that minimizes an arbitrary quadratic loss function. For ensemble modeling, we identify synaptic weight features that occur consistently across all solutions bounded by an arbitrary quadratic function. We derive a common solution to this suite of nonlinear problems by showing how each of them reduces to an equivalent linear problem that can be solved analytically. Although identifying the equivalent linear problem is nontrivial, our tensor formalism provides an elegant geometrical perspective that allows us to solve the problem numerically. The final algorithm is applicable to a wide range of interesting neuroscience problems, and the associated geometric insights may carry over to other scientific problems that require constrained optimization.

}, doi = {10.48550/arXiv.2310.20309}, url = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2310.20309}, author = {Tirthabir Biswas and Tianzhi Lambus Li and James E. Fitzgerald} } @article {68999, title = {Theta oscillations as a substrate for medial prefrontal-hippocampal assembly interactions.}, journal = {Cell Reports}, volume = {42}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Aug 24}, pages = {113015}, abstract = {

The execution of cognitive functions requires coordinated circuit activity across different brain areas that involves the associated firing of neuronal assemblies. Here, we tested the circuit mechanism behind assembly interactions between the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult rats by recording neuronal populations during a rule-switching task. We identified functionally coupled CA1-mPFC cells that synchronized their activity beyond that expected from common spatial coding or oscillatory firing. When such cell pairs fired together, the mPFC cell strongly phase locked to CA1 theta oscillations and maintained consistent theta firing phases, independent of the theta timing of their CA1 counterpart. These functionally connected CA1-mPFC cells formed interconnected assemblies. While firing together with their CA1 assembly partners, mPFC cells fired along specific theta sequences. Our results suggest that upregulated theta oscillatory firing of mPFC cells can signal transient interactions with specific CA1 assemblies, thus enabling distributed computations.

}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113015}, author = {Nardin, Michele and Kaefer, Karola and Stella, Federico and Csicsvari, Jozsef} } @article {68667, title = {Three-dimensional reconstructions of mechanosensory end organs suggest a unifying mechanism underlying dynamic, light touch}, journal = {Neuron}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Oct 18}, abstract = {

Specialized mechanosensory end organs within mammalian skin{\textemdash}hair follicle-associated lanceolate complexes, Meissner corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles{\textemdash}enable our perception of light, dynamic touch1. In each of these end organs, fast-conducting mechanically sensitive neurons, called Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors (Aβ LTMRs), associate with resident glial cells, known as terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) or lamellar cells, to form complex axon ending structures. Lanceolate-forming and corpuscle-innervating Aβ LTMRs share a low threshold for mechanical activation, a rapidly adapting (RA) response to force indentation, and high sensitivity to dynamic stimuli1{\textendash}6. How mechanical stimuli lead to activation of the requisite mechanotransduction channel Piezo27{\textendash}15\ and Aβ RA-LTMR excitation across the morphologically dissimilar mechanosensory end organ structures is not understood. Here, we report the precise subcellular distribution of Piezo2 and high-resolution, isotropic 3D reconstructions of all three end organs formed by Aβ RA-LTMRs determined by large volume enhanced Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) imaging. We found that within each end organ, Piezo2 is enriched along the sensory axon membrane and is minimally or not expressed in TSCs and lamellar cells. We also observed a large number of small cytoplasmic protrusions enriched along the Aβ RA-LTMR axon terminals associated with hair follicles, Meissner corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles. These axon protrusions reside within close proximity to axonal Piezo2, occasionally contain the channel, and often form adherens junctions with nearby non-neuronal cells. Our findings support a unified model for Aβ RA-LTMR activation in which axon protrusions anchor Aβ RA-LTMR axon terminals to specialized end organ cells, enabling mechanical stimuli to stretch the axon in hundreds to thousands of sites across an individual end organ and leading to activation of proximal Piezo2 channels and excitation of the neuron.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.023}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.023}, author = {Annie Handler and Qiyu Zhang and Song Pang and Tri M. Nguyen and Michael Iskols and Michael Nolan-Tamariz and Stuart Cattel and Rebecca Plumb and Brianna Sanchez and Karyl Ashjian and Aria Shotland and Bartianna Brown and Madiha Kabeer and Josef Turecek and Genelle Rankin and Wangchu Xiang and Elisa C. Pavarino and Nusrat Africawala and Celine Santiago and Wei-Chung Allen Lee and C. Shan Xu and David D. Ginty} } @article {68674, title = {Time-resolved correlation of distributed brain activity tracks E-I balance and accounts for diverse scale-free phenomena.}, journal = {Cell Reports}, volume = {42}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Mar 24}, pages = {112254}, abstract = {

Much of systems neuroscience posits the functional importance of brain activity patterns that lack natural scales of sizes, durations, or frequencies. The field has developed prominent, and sometimes competing, explanations for the nature of this scale-free activity. Here, we reconcile these explanations across species and modalities. First, we link estimates of excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance with time-resolved correlation of distributed brain activity. Second, we develop an unbiased method for sampling time series constrained by this time-resolved correlation. Third, we use this method to show that estimates of E-I balance account for diverse scale-free phenomena without need to attribute additional function or importance to these phenomena. Collectively, our results simplify existing explanations of scale-free brain activity and provide stringent tests on future theories that seek to transcend these explanations.

}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112254}, author = {Nanda, Aditya and Johnson, Graham W and Mu, Yu and Ahrens, Misha B and Chang, Catie and Englot, Dario J and Breakspear, Michael and Rubinov, Mikail} } @article {68561, title = {Time-tagged ticker tapes for intracellular recordings.}, journal = {Nature Biotechnology}, volume = {41}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 May 01}, pages = {631-9}, abstract = {

Recording transcriptional histories of a cell would enable deeper understanding of cellular developmental trajectories and responses to external perturbations. Here we describe an engineered protein fiber that incorporates diverse fluorescent marks during its growth to store a ticker tape-like history. An embedded HaloTag reporter incorporates user-supplied dyes, leading to colored stripes that map the growth of each individual fiber to wall clock time. A co-expressed eGFP tag driven by a promoter of interest records a history of transcriptional activation. High-resolution multi-spectral imaging on fixed samples reads the cellular histories, and interpolation of eGFP marks relative to HaloTag timestamps provides accurate absolute timing. We demonstrate recordings of doxycycline-induced transcription in HEK cells and cFos promoter activation in cultured neurons, with a single-cell absolute accuracy of 30-40 minutes over a 12-hour recording. The protein-based ticker tape design we present here could be generalized to achieve massively parallel single-cell recordings of diverse physiological modalities.

}, issn = {1546-1696}, doi = {10.1038/s41587-022-01524-7}, author = {Lin, Dingchang and Li, Xiuyuan and Moult, Eric and Park, Pojeong and Tang, Benjamin and Shen, Hao and Grimm, Jonathan B and Falco, Natalie and Jia, Bill Z and Baker, David and Lavis, Luke D and Cohen, Adam E} } @article {68827, title = {Tissue Morphogenesis Through Dynamic Cell and Matrix Interactions.}, journal = {Annual Reviews Cell Developmental Biology}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Jun 14}, abstract = {

Multicellular organisms generate tissues of diverse shapes and functions from cells and extracellular matrices. Their adhesion molecules mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which not only play crucial roles in maintaining tissue integrity but also serve as key regulators of tissue morphogenesis. Cells constantly probe their environment to make decisions: They integrate chemical and mechanical information from the environment via diffusible ligand- or adhesion-based signaling to decide whether to release specific signaling molecules or enzymes, to divide or differentiate, to move away or stay, or even whether to live or die. These decisions in turn modify their environment, including the chemical nature and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. Tissue morphology is the physical manifestation of the remodeling of cells and matrices by their historical biochemical and biophysical landscapes. We review our understanding of matrix and adhesion molecules in tissue morphogenesis, with an emphasis on key physical interactions that drive morphogenesis. Expected final online publication date for the , Volume 39 is October 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

}, issn = {1530-8995}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-cellbio-020223-031019}, author = {Wu, Di and Yamada, Kenneth M and Wang, Shaohe} } @article {68788, title = {Tissue-specific transcriptome analyses in Drosophila provide novel insights into the mode of action of the insecticide spinosad and the function of its target, nAChRα6.}, journal = {Pest Management Science}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 May 29}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: The insecticides spinosad and imidacloprid are neurotoxins with distinct modes of action. Both target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), albeit different subunits. Spinosad is an allosteric modulator, that upon binding initiates endocytosis of its target, nAChRα6. Imidacloprid binding triggers excessive neuronal ion influx. Despite these differences, low-dose effects converge downstream in the precipitation of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.

RESULTS: Using RNA-Seq, we compared the transcriptional signatures of spinosad and imidacloprid, at low-dose exposures. Both insecticides cause upregulation of Glutathione S-transferase and Cytochrome P450 genes in the brain and downregulation in the fat body, whereas reduced expression of immune-related genes is observed in both tissues. Spinosad shows unique impacts on genes involved in lysosomal function, protein folding, and reproduction. Co-expression analyses revealed little to no correlation between genes affected by spinosad and nAChRα6 expressing neurons, but a positive correlation with glial cell markers. We also detected and experimentally confirmed nAChRα6 expression in fat body cells and male germline cells. This led us to uncover lysosomal dysfunction in the fat body following spinosad exposure, and a fitness cost in spinosad-resistant (nAChRα6 null) males - oxidative stress in testes, and reduced fertility.

CONCLUSION: Spinosad and imidacloprid share transcriptional perturbations in immunity-, energy homeostasis-, and oxidative stress-related genes. Low doses of other neurotoxic insecticides should be investigated for similar impacts. While target-site spinosad resistance mutation has evolved in the field, this may have a fitness cost. Our findings demonstrate the power of tissue-specific transcriptomics approach and the use of single-cell transcriptome data. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {1526-4998}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7585}, author = {Martelli, Felipe and Ravenscroft, Thomas A and Hutchison, William and Batterham, Philip} } @article {68897, title = {Toward scalable reuse of vEM data: OME-Zarr to the rescue.}, journal = {Methods in Cell Biology}, volume = {177}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Jul 20}, pages = {359-387}, abstract = {

The growing size of EM volumes is a significant barrier to findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) sharing. Storage, sharing, visualization and processing are challenging for large datasets. Here we discuss a recent development toward the standardized storage of volume electron microscopy (vEM) data which addresses many of the issues that researchers face. The OME-Zarr format splits data into more manageable, performant chunks enabling streaming-based access, and unifies important metadata such as multiresolution pyramid descriptions. The file format is designed for centralized and remote storage (e.g., cloud storage or file system) and is therefore ideal for sharing large data. By coalescing on a common, community-wide format, these benefits will expand as ever more data is made available to the scientific community.

}, keywords = {Information Storage and Retrieval, Volume Electron Microscopy}, issn = {0091-679X}, doi = {10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.01.016}, author = {Rzepka, Norman and Bogovic, John A and Moore, Joshua A} } @article {68958, title = {Towards Generalizable Organelle Segmentation in Volume Electron Microscopy.}, journal = {Microscopy and Microanalysis}, volume = {29}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Jul 22}, pages = {975}, keywords = {Organelles, Volume Electron Microscopy}, issn = {1435-8115}, doi = {10.1093/micmic/ozad067.487}, author = {Heinrich, Larissa and Patton, Will and Bennett, Davis and Ackerman, David and Park, Grace and Bogovic, John A and Eckstein, Nils and Petruncio, Alyson and Clements, Jody and Pang, Song and Shan Xu, C and Funke, Jan and Korff, Wyatt and Hess, Harald and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer and Saalfeld, Stephan and Weigel, Aubrey} } @article {68809, title = {Transforming descending input into behavior: The organization of premotor circuits in the Drosophila Male Adult Nerve Cord connectome}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2023}, month = {2023 Jun 07}, abstract = {

In most animals, a relatively small number of descending neurons (DNs) connect higher brain centers in the animal{\textquoteright}s head to motor neurons (MNs) in the nerve cord of the animal{\textquoteright}s body that effect movement of the limbs. To understand how brain signals generate behavior, it is critical to understand how these descending pathways are organized onto the body MNs. In the fly, Drosophila melanogaster, MNs controlling muscles in the leg, wing, and other motor systems reside in a ventral nerve cord (VNC), analogous to the mammalian spinal cord. In companion papers, we introduced a densely-reconstructed connectome of the Drosophila Male Adult Nerve Cord (MANC,\ Takemura et al., 2023), including cell type and developmental lineage annotation (Marin et al., 2023), which provides complete VNC connectivity at synaptic resolution. Here, we present a first look at the organization of the VNC networks connecting DNs to MNs based on this new connectome information. We proofread and curated all DNs and MNs to ensure accuracy and reliability, then systematically matched DN axon terminals and MN dendrites with light microscopy data to link their VNC morphology with their brain inputs or muscle targets. We report both broad organizational patterns of the entire network and fine-scale analysis of selected circuits of interest. We discover that direct DN-MN connections are infrequent and identify communities of intrinsic neurons linked to control of different motor systems, including putative ventral circuits for walking, dorsal circuits for flight steering and power generation, and intermediate circuits in the lower tectulum for coordinated action of wings and legs. Our analysis generates hypotheses for future functional experiments and, together with the MANC connectome, empowers others to investigate these and other circuits of the Drosophila ventral nerve cord in richer mechanistic detail.

}, doi = {10.1101/2023.06.07.543976}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.07.543976}, author = {H. S. J. Cheong and K. Eichler and T. Stuerner and S. K. Asinof and A. S. Champion and E. C. Marin and T. B. Oram and M. Sumathipala and L. Venkatasubramanian and S. Namiki and I. Siwanowicz and M. Costa and S. Berg and Janelia FlyEM Project Team and G. S. X. E. Jefferis and G. M. Card} } @article {68145, title = {Targeting LIPA independent of its lipase activity is a therapeutic strategy in solid tumors via induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress.}, journal = {Nature Cancer}, volume = {3}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Jun 02}, pages = {866-884}, abstract = {

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor clinical outcome, due to a lack of actionable therapeutic targets. Herein we define lysosomal acid lipase A (LIPA) as a viable molecular target in TNBC and identify a stereospecific small molecule (ERX-41) that binds LIPA. ERX-41 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress resulting in cell death, and this effect is on target as evidenced by specific LIPA mutations providing resistance. Importantly, we demonstrate that ERX-41 activity is independent of LIPA lipase function but dependent on its ER localization. Mechanistically, ERX-41 binding of LIPA decreases expression of multiple ER-resident proteins involved in protein folding. This targeted vulnerability has a large therapeutic window, with no adverse effects either on normal mammary epithelial cells or in mice. Our study implicates a targeted strategy for solid tumors, including breast, brain, pancreatic and ovarian, whereby small, orally bioavailable molecules targeting LIPA block protein folding, induce ER stress and result in tumor cell death.

}, issn = {2662-1347}, doi = {10.1038/s43018-022-00389-8}, author = {Liu, Xihui and Viswanadhapalli, Suryavathi and Kumar, Shourya and Lee, Tae-Kyung and Moore, Andrew and Ma, Shihong and Chen, Liping and Hsieh, Michael and Li, Mengxing and Sareddy, Gangadhara R and Parra, Karla and Blatt, Eliot B and Reese, Tanner C and Zhao, Yuting and Chang, Annabel and Yan, Hui and Xu, Zhenming and Pratap, Uday P and Liu, Zexuan and Roggero, Carlos M and Tan, Zhenqiu and Weintraub, Susan T and Peng, Yan and Tekmal, Rajeshwar R and Arteaga, Carlos L and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer and Vadlamudi, Ratna K and Ahn, Jung-Mo and Raj, Ganesh V} } @article {67948, title = {Taste quality interactions and transformations in a sensorimotor circuit}, journal = {eLife}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Jul 06}, abstract = {

Taste detection and hunger state dynamically regulate the decision to initiate feeding. To study how context-appropriate feeding decisions are generated, we combined synaptic resolution circuit reconstruction with targeted genetic access to specific neurons to elucidate a gustatory sensorimotor circuit for feeding initiation in\ Drosophila melanogaster. This circuit connects gustatory sensory neurons to proboscis motor neurons through three intermediate layers. Most of the neurons in this pathway are necessary and sufficient for proboscis extension, a feeding initiation behavior, and respond selectively to sugar taste detection. Hunger signals act at select second-order neurons to increase feeding initiation in food-deprived animals. In contrast, a bitter taste pathway inhibits premotor neurons, illuminating a central mechanism that weighs sugar and bitter tastes to promote or inhibit feeding. Together, these studies reveal the neural circuit basis for the integration of external taste detection and internal nutritive state to flexibly execute a critical feeding decision.

}, doi = {10.1101/2022.03.06.483180}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.06.483180}, author = {Philip K. Shiu and Gabriella R. Sterne and Stefanie Engert and Barry J. Dickson and Kristin Scott} } @article {68518, title = {TEMPO enables sequential genetic labeling and manipulation of vertebrate cell lineages.}, journal = {Neuron}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Nov 18}, abstract = {

During development, regulatory factors appear in a precise order to determine cell fates over time. Consequently, to investigate complex tissue development, it is necessary to visualize and manipulate cell lineages with temporal control. Current strategies for tracing vertebrate cell lineages lack genetic access to sequentially produced cells. Here, we present TEMPO (Temporal Encoding and Manipulation in a Predefined Order), an imaging-readable genetic tool allowing differential labeling and manipulation of consecutive cell generations in vertebrates. TEMPO is based on CRISPR and powered by a cascade of gRNAs that drive orderly activation and inactivation of reporters and/or effectors. Using TEMPO to visualize zebrafish and mouse neurogenesis, we recapitulated birth-order-dependent neuronal fates. Temporally manipulating cell-cycle regulators in mouse cortex progenitors altered the proportion and distribution of neurons and glia, revealing the effects of temporal gene perturbation on serial cell fates. Thus, TEMPO enables sequential manipulation of molecular factors, crucial to study cell-type specification.

}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.035}, author = {Espinosa-Medina, Isabel and Feliciano, Daniel and Belmonte-Mateos, Carla and Linda Miyares, Rosa and Garcia-Marques, Jorge and Foster, Benjamin and Lindo, Sarah and Pujades, Cristina and Koyama, Minoru and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {67928, title = {Three Mutations Convert the Selectivity of a Protein Sensor From Nicotinic Agonists to S-Methadone For Use in Cells, Organelles, and Biofluids.}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {144}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 May 18}, abstract = {

We report a reagentless, intensity-based S-methadone fluorescent sensor, iS-methadoneSnFR, consisting of a circularly permuted GFP inserted within the sequence of a mutated bacterial periplasmic binding protein (PBP). We used directed evolution to convert a previously reported nicotine-binding PBP to a selective S-methadone-binding sensor, via three mutations in the PBP{\textquoteright}s second shell and hinge regions. iS-methadoneSnFR displays sensitivity across the pharmacologically relevant range and selectivity against endogenous analytes and other opioids. Robust iS-methadoneSnFR responses in human sweat and saliva and mouse serum enable diagnostic uses. Genetic encoding and imaging in mammalian demonstrated the acid trapping of S-methadone in the Golgi apparatus where opioid receptors can signal. This work shows a straightforward strategy in adapting existing PBPs to serve real-time applications ranging from subcellular to personal pharmacokinetics.

}, doi = {10.1101/2022.02.24.481226}, author = {Anand K. Muthusamy and Charlene H. Kim and Scott C. Virgil and Hailey J. Knox and Jonathan S. Marvin and Aaron L. Nichols and Bruce N. Cohen and Dennis A. Dougherty and Loren L. Looger and Henry A. Lester} } @article {67859, title = {Toroidal topology of population activity in grid cells.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {602}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Jan 12}, pages = {123-128}, abstract = {

The medial entorhinal cortex is part of a neural system for mapping the position of an individual within a physical environment. Grid cells, a key component of this system, fire in a characteristic hexagonal pattern of locations, and are organized in modules that collectively form a population code for the animal{\textquoteright}s allocentric position. The invariance of the correlation structure of this population code across environments and behavioural states, independent of specific sensory inputs, has pointed to intrinsic, recurrently connected continuous attractor networks (CANs) as a possible substrate of the grid pattern. However, whether grid cell networks show continuous attractor dynamics, and how they interface with inputs from the environment, has remained unclear owing to the small samples of cells obtained so far. Here, using simultaneous recordings from many hundreds of grid cells and subsequent topological data analysis, we show that the joint activity of grid cells from an individual module resides on a toroidal manifold, as expected in a two-dimensional CAN. Positions on the torus correspond to positions of the moving animal in the environment. Individual cells are preferentially active at singular positions on the torus. Their positions are maintained between environments and from wakefulness to sleep, as predicted by CAN models for grid cells but not by alternative feedforward models. This demonstration of network dynamics on a toroidal manifold provides a population-level visualization of CAN dynamics in grid cells.

}, issn = {1476-4687}, doi = {10.1038/s41586-021-04268-7}, author = {Gardner, Richard J and Hermansen, Erik and Pachitariu, Marius and Burak, Yoram and Baas, Nils A and Dunn, Benjamin A and Moser, May-Britt and Moser, Edvard I} } @article {68295, title = {Tracing and Manipulating Drosophila Cell Lineages Based on CRISPR: CaSSA and CLADES.}, journal = {Methods in Molecular Biology}, volume = {2540}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Sep 02}, pages = {201-217}, abstract = {

Cell lineage defines the mitotic connection between cells that make up an organism. Mapping these connections in relation to cell identity offers an extraordinary insight into the mechanisms underlying normal and pathological development. The analysis of molecular determinants involved in the acquisition of cell identity requires gaining experimental access to precise parts of cell lineages. Recently, we have developed CaSSA and CLADES, a new technology based on CRISPR that allows targeting and labeling specific lineage branches. Here we discuss how to better exploit this technology for lineage studies in Drosophila, with an emphasis on neuronal specification.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Lineage, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, Drosophila, Neurons}, issn = {1940-6029}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-0716-2541-5_9}, author = {Garcia-Marques, Jorge and Lee, Tzumin} } @conference {68367, title = {Tracking by Weakly-Supervised Learning and Graph Optimization for Whole-Embryo C. elegans lineages}, booktitle = {International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Sep 16}, publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland}, organization = {Springer Nature Switzerland}, address = {Cham}, abstract = {

Tracking all nuclei of an embryo in noisy and dense fluorescence microscopy data is a challenging task. We build upon a recent method for nuclei tracking that combines weakly-supervised learning from a small set of nuclei center point annotations with an integer linear program (ILP) for optimal cell lineage extraction. Our work specifically addresses the following challenging properties of\ C. elegans\ embryo recordings: (1) Many cell divisions as compared to benchmark recordings of other organisms, and (2) the presence of polar bodies that are easily mistaken as cell nuclei. To cope with (1), we devise and incorporate a learnt cell division detector. To cope with (2), we employ a learnt polar body detector. We further propose automated ILP weights tuning via a structured SVM, alleviating the need for tedious manual set-up of a respective grid search.

}, isbn = {978-3-031-16439-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-16440-8}, url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-031-16440-8}, editor = {Wang, Linwei and Dou, Qi and Fletcher, P. Thomas and Speidel, Stefanie and Li, Shuo} } @article {68419, title = {Transcription factor Acj6 controls dendrite targeting via a combinatorial cell-surface code.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {110}, year = {2022}, month = {07/2022}, pages = {2299-2314.e8}, abstract = {

Transcription factors specify the fate and connectivity of developing neurons. We investigate how a lineage-specific transcription factor, Acj6, controls the precise dendrite targeting of Drosophila olfactory projection neurons (PNs) by regulating the expression of cell-surface proteins. Quantitative cell-surface proteomic profiling of wild-type and acj6 mutant PNs in intact developing brains, and a proteome-informed genetic screen identified PN surface proteins that execute Acj6-regulated wiring decisions. These include canonical cell adhesion molecules and proteins previously not associated with wiring, such as Piezo, whose mechanosensitive ion channel activity is dispensable for its function in PN dendrite targeting. Comprehensive genetic analyses revealed that Acj6 employs unique sets of cell-surface proteins in different PN types for dendrite targeting. Combined expression of Acj6 wiring executors rescued acj6 mutant phenotypes with higher efficacy and breadth than expression of individual executors. Thus, Acj6 controls wiring specificity of different neuron types by specifying distinct combinatorial expression of cell-surface executors.

}, keywords = {Animals, Dendrites, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Ion Channels, Membrane Proteins, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Olfactory Pathways, Olfactory Receptor Neurons, POU Domain Factors, Proteomics, Transcription Factors}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2022.04.026}, author = {Xie, Qijing and Li, Jiefu and Li, Hongjie and Udeshi, Namrata D and Svinkina, Tanya and Orlin, Daniel and Kohani, Sayeh and Guajardo, Ricardo and Mani, D R and Xu, Chuanyun and Li, Tongchao and Han, Shuo and Wei, Wei and Shuster, S Andrew and Luginbuhl, David J and Quake, Stephen R and Murthy, Swetha E and Ting, Alice Y and Carr, Steven A and Luo, Liqun} } @article {67906, title = {Transgenic tools for targeted chromosome rearrangements allow construction of balancer chromosomes in non-melanogaster Drosophila species.}, journal = {G3 (Bethesda)}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Feb 10}, abstract = {

Perhaps the most valuable single set of resources for genetic studies of Drosophila melanogaster is the collection of multiply-inverted chromosomes commonly known as balancer chromosomes. Balancers prevent the recovery of recombination exchange products within genomic regions included in inversions and allow perpetual maintenance of deleterious alleles in living stocks and the execution of complex genetic crosses. Balancer chromosomes have been generated traditionally by exposing animals to ionizing radiation and screening for altered chromosome structure or for unusual marker segregation patterns. These approaches are tedious and unpredictable, and have failed to produce the desired products in some species. Here I describe transgenic tools that allow targeted chromosome rearrangements in Drosophila species. The key new resources are engineered reporter genes containing introns with yeast recombination sites and enhancers that drive fluorescent reporter genes in multiple body regions. These tools were used to generate a doubly-inverted chromosome 3R in D. simulans that serves as an effective balancer chromosome.

}, issn = {2160-1836}, doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkac030}, author = {Stern, David L} } @article {68298, title = {Transverse endoplasmic reticulum expansion in hereditary spastic paraplegia corticospinal axons.}, journal = {Human Molecular Genetics}, volume = {31}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Aug 23}, pages = {2779-2795}, abstract = {

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) comprise a large group of inherited neurologic disorders affecting the longest corticospinal axons (SPG1-86 plus others), with shared manifestations of lower extremity spasticity and gait impairment. Common autosomal dominant HSPs are caused by mutations in genes encoding the microtubule-severing ATPase spastin (SPAST; SPG4), the membrane-bound GTPase atlastin-1 (ATL1; SPG3A) and the reticulon-like, microtubule-binding protein REEP1 (REEP1; SPG31). These proteins bind one another and function in shaping the tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. Typically, mouse models of HSPs have mild, later onset phenotypes, possibly reflecting far shorter lengths of their corticospinal axons relative to humans. Here, we have generated a robust, double mutant mouse model of HSP in which atlastin-1 is genetically modified with a K80A knock-in (KI) missense change that abolishes its GTPase activity, whereas its binding partner Reep1 is knocked out. Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- mice exhibit early onset and rapidly progressive declines in several motor function tests. Also, ER in mutant corticospinal axons dramatically expands transversely and periodically in a mutation dosage-dependent manner to create a ladder-like appearance, on the basis of reconstructions of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy datasets using machine learning-based auto-segmentation. In lockstep with changes in ER morphology, axonal mitochondria are fragmented and proportions of hypophosphorylated neurofilament H and M subunits are dramatically increased in Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- spinal cord. Co-occurrence of these findings links ER morphology changes to alterations in mitochondrial morphology and cytoskeletal organization. Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- mice represent an early onset rodent HSP model with robust behavioral and cellular readouts for testing novel therapies.

}, keywords = {Animals, Axons, Disease Models, Animal, Endoplasmic Reticulum, GTP Phosphohydrolases, Humans, Membrane Proteins, Membrane Transport Proteins, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Mutation, Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary, Spastin}, issn = {1460-2083}, doi = {10.1093/hmg/ddac072}, author = {Zhu, Peng-Peng and Hung, Hui-Fang and Batchenkova, Natalia and Nixon-Abell, Jonathon and Henderson, James and Zheng, Pengli and Renvois{\'e}, Benoit and Pang, Song and Xu, C Shan and Saalfeld, Stephan and Funke, Jan and Xie, Yuxiang and Svara, Fabian and Hess, Harald F and Blackstone, Craig} } @article {67988, title = {Transverse endoplasmic reticulum expansion in hereditary spastic paraplegia corticospinal axons.}, journal = {Human Molecular Genetics}, year = {2022}, month = {2022 Mar 26}, abstract = {

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) comprise a large group of inherited neurologic disorders affecting the longest corticospinal axons (SPG1-86 plus others), with shared manifestations of lower extremity spasticity and gait impairment. Common autosomal dominant HSPs are caused by mutations in genes encoding the microtubule-severing ATPase spastin (SPAST; SPG4), the membrane-bound GTPase atlastin-1 (ATL1; SPG3A), and the reticulon-like, microtubule-binding protein REEP1 (REEP1; SPG31). These proteins bind one another and function in shaping the tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. Typically, mouse models of HSPs have mild, later-onset phenotypes, possibly reflecting far shorter lengths of their corticospinal axons relative to humans. Here, we have generated a robust, double mutant mouse model of HSP in which atlastin-1 is genetically modified with a K80A knock-in (KI) missense change that abolishes its GTPase activity, while its binding partner Reep1 is knocked out. Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- mice exhibit early-onset and rapidly progressive declines in several motor function tests. Also, ER in mutant corticospinal axons dramatically expands transversely and periodically in a mutation dosage-dependent manner to create a ladder-like appearance, based on reconstructions of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy datasets using machine learning-based auto-segmentation. In lockstep with changes in ER morphology, axonal mitochondria are fragmented and proportions of hypophosphorylated neurofilament H and M subunits are dramatically increased in Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- spinal cord. Co-occurrence of these findings links ER morphology changes to alterations in mitochondrial morphology and cytoskeletal organization. Atl1KI/KI/Reep1-/- mice represent an early-onset rodent HSP model with robust behavioral and cellular readouts for testing novel therapies.

}, issn = {1460-2083}, doi = {10.1093/hmg/ddac072}, author = {Zhu, Peng-Peng and Hung, Hui-Fang and Batchenkova, Natalia and Nixon-Abell, Jonathon and Henderson, James and Zheng, Pengli and Renvois{\'e}, Benoit and Pang, Song and Xu, C Shan and Saalfeld, Stephan and Funke, Jan and Xie, Yuxiang and Svara, Fabian and Hess, Harald F and Blackstone, Craig} } @article {66007, title = {Targeted photostimulation uncovers circuit motifs supporting short-term memory.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {24}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Jan 25}, pages = {259-265}, abstract = {

Short-term memory is associated with persistent neural activity that is maintained by positive feedback between neurons. To explore the neural circuit motifs that produce memory-related persistent activity, we measured coupling between functionally characterized motor cortex neurons in mice performing a memory-guided response task. Targeted two-photon photostimulation of small (\<10) groups of neurons produced sparse calcium responses in coupled neurons over approximately 100 μm. Neurons with similar task-related selectivity were preferentially coupled. Photostimulation of different groups of neurons modulated activity in different subpopulations of coupled neurons. Responses of stimulated and coupled neurons persisted for seconds, far outlasting the duration of the photostimuli. Photostimuli produced behavioral biases that were predictable based on the selectivity of the perturbed neuronal population, even though photostimulation preceded the behavioral response by seconds. Our results suggest that memory-related neural circuits contain intercalated, recurrently connected modules, which can independently maintain selective persistent activity.

}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/s41593-020-00776-3}, author = {Daie, Kayvon and Svoboda, Karel and Druckmann, Shaul} } @article {68342, title = {TEMPO: A system to sequentially label and genetically manipulate vertebrate cell lineages}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2021}, month = {10/2021}, abstract = {

During development, regulatory factors appear in a precise order to determine cell fates over time. To investigate complex tissue development, one should not just label cell lineages but further visualize and manipulate cells with temporal control. Current strategies for tracing vertebrate cell lineages lack genetic access to sequentially produced cells. Here we present TEMPO (Temporal Encoding and Manipulation in a Predefined Order), an imaging-readable genetic tool allowing differential labelling and manipulation of consecutive cell generations in vertebrates. TEMPO is based on CRISPR and powered by a cascade of gRNAs that drive orderly activation/inactivation of reporters/effectors. Using TEMPO to visualize zebrafish and mouse neurogenesis, we recapitulated birth-order-dependent neuronal fates. Temporally manipulating cell-cycle regulators in mouse cortex progenitors altered the proportion and distribution of neurons and glia, revealing the effects of temporal gene perturbation on serial cell fates. Thus, TEMPO enables sequential manipulation of molecular factors, crucial to study cell-type specification.One-Sentence Summary Gaining sequential genetic access to vertebrate cell lineages.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

}, doi = {10.1101/2021.10.27.466134}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/10/28/2021.10.27.466134}, author = {Espinosa-Medina, Isabel and Feliciano, Daniel and Belmonte-Mateos, Carla and Garcia-Marques, Jorge and Foster, Benjamin and Miyares, Rosa Linda and Pujades, Cristina and Koyama, Minoru and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {68426, title = {Temporal evolution of single-cell transcriptomes of olfactory projection neurons.}, journal = {Elife}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {01/2021}, abstract = {

Neurons undergo substantial morphological and functional changes during development to form precise synaptic connections and acquire specific physiological properties. What are the underlying transcriptomic bases? Here, we obtained the single-cell transcriptomes of olfactory projection neurons (PNs) at four developmental stages. We decoded the identity of 21 transcriptomic clusters corresponding to 20 PN types and developed methods to match transcriptomic clusters representing the same PN type across development. We discovered that PN transcriptomes reflect unique biological processes unfolding at each stage-neurite growth and pruning during metamorphosis at an early pupal stage; peaked transcriptomic diversity during olfactory circuit assembly at mid-pupal stages; and neuronal signaling in adults. At early developmental stages, PN types with adjacent birth order share similar transcriptomes. Together, our work reveals principles of cellular diversity during brain development and provides a resource for future studies of neural development in PNs and other neuronal types.

}, keywords = {Animals, Drosophila melanogaster, Neurites, Olfactory Nerve, Single-Cell Analysis, Time Factors, Transcriptome}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.63450}, author = {Xie, Qijing and Brbi{\'c}, Maria and Horns, Felix and Kolluru, Sai Saroja and Jones, Robert C and Li, Jiefu and Reddy, Anay R and Xie, Anthony and Kohani, Sayeh and Li, Zhuoran and McLaughlin, Colleen N and Li, Tongchao and Xu, Chuanyun and Vacek, David and Luginbuhl, David J and Leskovec, Jure and Quake, Stephen R and Luo, Liqun and Li, Hongjie} } @article {67812, title = {Towards community-driven metadata standards for light microscopy: tiered specifications extending the OME model.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {18}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Dec 03}, pages = {1427-1440}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/s41592-021-01327-9}, author = {Hammer, Mathias and Huisman, Maximiliaan and Rigano, Alessandro and Boehm, Ulrike and Chambers, James J and Gaudreault, Nathalie and North, Alison J and Pimentel, Jaime A and Sudar, Damir and Bajcsy, Peter and Brown, Claire M and Corbett, Alexander D and Faklaris, Orestis and Lacoste, Judith and Laude, Alex and Nelson, Glyn and Nitschke, Roland and Farzam, Farzin and Smith, Carlas S and Grunwald, David and Strambio-De-Castillia, Caterina} } @article {67242, title = {Towards community-driven metadata standards for light microscopy: tiered specifications extending the OME model.}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Apr 28}, abstract = {

Digital light microscopy provides powerful tools for quantitatively probing the real-time dynamics of subcellular structures. While the power of modern microscopy techniques is undeniable, rigorous record-keeping and quality control are required to ensure that imaging data may be properly interpreted\ (quality),\ reproduced\ (reproducibility),\ and used to extract reliable information and scientific knowledge which can be shared for further analysis (value). Keeping notes on microscopy experiments and quality control procedures ought to be straightforward, as the microscope is a machine whose components are defined and the performance measurable. Nevertheless, to this date, no universally adopted community-driven specifications exist that delineate the required information about the microscope hardware and acquisition settings (i.e., microscopy {\textquotedblleft}data provenance{\textquotedblright} metadata) and the minimally accepted calibration metrics (i.e., microscopy quality control metadata) that should be automatically recorded by both commercial microscope manufacturers and customized microscope developers. In the absence of agreed guidelines, it is inherently difficult for scientists to create comprehensive records of imaging experiments and ensure the quality of resulting image data or for manufacturers to incorporate standardized reporting and performance metrics. To add to the confusion, microscopy experiments vary greatly in aim and complexity, ranging from purely descriptive work to complex, quantitative and even sub-resolution studies that require more detailed reporting and quality control measures.

}, doi = {10.1101/2021.04.25.441198v1}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.25.441198v1}, author = {Mathias Hammer and Maximiliaan Huisman and Alex Rigano and Ulrike Boehm and James J. Chambers and Nathalie Gaudreault and Alison J. North and Jaime A. Pimentel and Damir Sudar and Peter Bajcsy and Claire M. Brown and Alexander D. Corbett and Orestis Faklaris and Judith Lacoste and Alex Laude and Glyn Nelson and Roland Nitschke and Farzin Farzam and Carlas S. Smith and David Grunwald and Caterina Strambio-De-Castillia} } @article {65998, title = {A transcriptomic taxonomy of circadian neurons around the clock.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Jan 13}, abstract = {

Many different functions are regulated by circadian rhythms, including those orchestrated by discrete clock neurons within animal brains. To comprehensively characterize and assign cell identity to the 75 pairs of circadian neurons, we optimized a single cell RNA sequencing method and assayed clock neuron gene expression at different times of day. The data identify at least 17 clock neuron categories with striking spatial regulation of gene expression. Transcription factor regulation is prominent and likely contributes to the robust circadian oscillation of many transcripts, including those that encode cell-surface proteins previously shown to be important for cell recognition and synapse formation during development. The many other clock-regulated genes also constitute an important resource for future mechanistic and functional studies between clock neurons and/or for temporal signaling to circuits elsewhere in the fly brain.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.63056}, author = {Ma, Dingbang and Przybylski, Dariusz and Abruzzi, Katharine C and Schlichting, Matthias and Li, Qunlong and Long, Xi and Rosbash, Michael} } @booklet {67224, title = {Teaching deep neural networks to localize single molecules for super-resolution microscopy}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Single-molecule localization fluorescence microscopy constructs super-resolution images by sequential imaging and computational localization of sparsely activated fluorophores. Accurate and efficient fluorophore localization algorithms are key to the success of this computational microscopy method. We present a novel localization algorithm based on deep learning which significantly improves upon the state of the art. Our contributions are a novel network architecture for simultaneous detection and localization, and new loss function which phrases detection and localization as a Bayesian inference problem, and thus allows the network to provide uncertainty-estimates. In contrast to standard methods which independently process imaging frames, our network architecture uses temporal context from multiple sequentially imaged frames to detect and localize molecules. We demonstrate the power of our method across a variety of datasets, imaging modalities, signal to noise ratios, and fluorophore densities. While existing localization algorithms can achieve optimal localization accuracy at low fluorophore densities, they are confounded by high densities. Our method is the first deep-learning based approach which achieves state-of-the-art on the SMLM2016 challenge. It achieves the best scores on 12 out of 12 data-sets when comparing both detection accuracy and precision, and excels at high densities. Finally, we investigate how unsupervised learning can be used to make the network robust against mismatch between simulated and real data. The lessons learned here are more generally relevant for the training of deep networks to solve challenging Bayesian inverse problems on spatially extended domains in biology and physics.

}, url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.00770}, author = {Artur Speiser and Lucas-Raphael M{\"u}ller and Ulf Matti and Christopher J. Obara and Wesley R. Legant and Jonas Ries and Jakob H. Macke and Srinivas C. Turaga} } @article {65390, title = {Temperature-dependent sex determination is mediated by pSTAT3 repression of Kdm6b..}, journal = {Science}, volume = {368}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Apr 17}, pages = {303-306}, abstract = {

In many reptiles, including the red-eared slider turtle (), sex is determined by ambient temperature during embryogenesis. We previously showed that the epigenetic regulator is elevated at the male-producing temperature and essential to activate the male pathway. In this work, we established a causal link between temperature and transcriptional regulation of We show that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is phosphorylated at the warmer, female-producing temperature, binds the locus, and represses transcription, blocking the male pathway. Influx of Ca, a mediator of STAT3 phosphorylation, is elevated at the female temperature and acts as a temperature-sensitive regulator of STAT3 activation.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaz4165}, author = {Weber, Ceri and Zhou, Yingjie and Lee, Jong Gwan and Looger, Loren L and Qian, Guoying and Ge, Chutian and Capel, Blanche} } @article {65856, title = {Theoretical principles for illuminating sensorimotor processing with brain-wide neuronal recordings.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Neurobiology}, volume = {65}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Nov 25}, pages = {138-145}, abstract = {

Modern recording techniques now permit brain-wide sensorimotor circuits to be observed at single neuron resolution in small animals. Extracting theoretical understanding from these recordings requires principles that organize findings and guide future experiments. Here we review theoretical principles that shed light onto brain-wide sensorimotor processing. We begin with an analogy that conceptualizes principles as streetlamps that illuminate the empirical terrain, and we illustrate the analogy by showing how two familiar principles apply in new ways to brain-wide phenomena. We then focus the bulk of the review on describing three more principles that have wide utility for mapping brain-wide neural activity, making testable predictions from highly parameterized mechanistic models, and investigating the computational determinants of neuronal response patterns across the brain.

}, issn = {1873-6882}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2020.10.021}, author = {Biswas, Tirthabir and Bishop, William E and Fitzgerald, James E} } @article {65272, title = {Tiled reconstruction improves structured illumination microscopy.}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jan 11}, abstract = {

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is widely used for fast, long-term, live-cell super-resolution imaging. However, SIM images can contain substantial artifacts if the sample does not conform to the underlying assumptions of the reconstruction algorithm. Here we describe a simple, easy to implement, process that can be combined with any reconstruction algorithm to alleviate many common SIM reconstruction artifacts and briefly discuss possible extensions.

}, doi = {10.1101/2020.01.06.895318}, author = {Hoffman, David P. and Betzig, Eric} } @article {65264, title = {Tissue clearing and its applications in~neuroscience.}, journal = {Nature Reviews Neuroscience}, volume = {21}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jan 02}, pages = {61-79}, abstract = {

State-of-the-art tissue-clearing methods provide subcellular-level optical access to intact tissues from individual organs and even to some entire mammals. When combined with light-sheet microscopy and automated approaches to image analysis, existing tissue-clearing methods can speed up and may reduce the cost of conventional histology by several orders of magnitude. In addition, tissue-clearing chemistry allows whole-organ antibody labelling, which can be applied even to thick human tissues. By combining the most powerful labelling, clearing, imaging and data-analysis tools, scientists are extracting structural and functional cellular and subcellular information on complex mammalian bodies and large human specimens at an accelerated pace. The rapid generation of terabyte-scale imaging data furthermore creates a high demand for efficient computational approaches that tackle challenges in large-scale data analysis and management. In this Review, we discuss how tissue-clearing methods could provide an unbiased, system-level view of mammalian bodies and human specimens and discuss future opportunities for the use of these methods in human neuroscience.

}, issn = {1471-0048}, doi = {10.1038/s41583-019-0250-1}, author = {Ueda, Hiroki R and Ert{\"u}rk, Ali and Chung, Kwanghun and Gradinaru, Viviana and Ch{\'e}dotal, Alain and Tomancak, Pavel and Keller, Philipp J} } @article {65253, title = {Tissue clearing and its applications in neuroscience}, journal = {Nature Reviews Neuroscience}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Feb 1}, abstract = {

State-of-the-art tissue-clearing methods provide subcellular-level optical access to intact tissues from individual organs and even to some entire mammals. When combined with light-sheet microscopy and automated approaches to image analysis, existing tissue-clearing methods can speed up and may reduce the cost of conventional histology by several orders of magnitude. In addition, tissue-clearing chemistry allows whole-organ antibody labelling, which can be applied even to thick human tissues. By combining the most powerful labelling, clearing, imaging and data-analysis tools, scientists are extracting structural and functional cellular and subcellular information on complex mammalian bodies and large human specimens at an accelerated pace. The rapid generation of terabyte-scale imaging data furthermore creates a high demand for efficient computational approaches that tackle challenges in large-scale data analysis and management. In this Review, we discuss how tissue-clearing methods could provide an unbiased, system-level view of mammalian bodies and human specimens and discuss future opportunities for the use of these methods in human neuroscience.

}, issn = {1471-003X}, doi = {10.1038/s41583-019-0250-1}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/s41583-019-0250-1}, author = {Ueda, Hiroki R. and Ert{\"u}rk, Ali and Chung, Kwanghun and Gradinaru, Viviana and Ch{\'e}dotal, Alain and Tomancak, Pavel and Keller, Philipp J.} } @article {65284, title = {Toward nanoscale localization of memory engrams in Drosophila.}, journal = {Journal of Neurogenetics}, volume = {34}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Mar 01}, pages = {151-55}, abstract = {

The Mushroom Body (MB) is the primary location of stored associative memories in the Drosophila brain. We discuss recent advances in understanding the MB{\textquoteright}s neuronal circuits made using advanced light microscopic methods and cell-type-specific genetic tools. We also review how the compartmentalized nature of the MB{\textquoteright}s organization allows this brain area to form and store memories with widely different dynamics.

}, issn = {1563-5260}, doi = {10.1080/01677063.2020.1715973}, author = {Aso, Yoshinori and Rubin, Gerald M} } @article {65660, title = {Towards accurate and unbiased imaging-based differentiation of Parkinson{\textquoteright}s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome.}, journal = {Brain Communications}, volume = {2}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jul 1}, pages = {fcaa051}, abstract = {

The early and accurate differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders is still a significant challenge for clinicians. In recent years, a number of studies have used magnetic resonance imaging data combined with machine learning and statistical classifiers to successfully differentiate between different forms of Parkinsonism. However, several questions and methodological issues remain, to minimize bias and artefact-driven classification. In this study, we compared different approaches for feature selection, as well as different magnetic resonance imaging modalities, with well-matched patient groups and tightly controlling for data quality issues related to patient motion. Our sample was drawn from a cohort of 69 healthy controls, and patients with idiopathic Parkinson{\textquoteright}s disease (= 35), progressive supranuclear palsy Richardson{\textquoteright}s syndrome (= 52) and corticobasal syndrome (= 36). Participants underwent standardized T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Strict data quality control and group matching reduced the control and patient numbers to 43, 32, 33 and 26, respectively. We compared two different methods for feature selection and dimensionality reduction: whole-brain principal components analysis, and an anatomical region-of-interest based approach. In both cases, support vector machines were used to construct a statistical model for pairwise classification of healthy controls and patients. The accuracy of each model was estimated using a leave-two-out cross-validation approach, as well as an independent validation using a different set of subjects. Our cross-validation results suggest that using principal components analysis for feature extraction provides higher classification accuracies when compared to a region-of-interest based approach. However, the differences between the two feature extraction methods were significantly reduced when an independent sample was used for validation, suggesting that the principal components analysis approach may be more vulnerable to overfitting with cross-validation. Both T1-weighted and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data could be used to successfully differentiate between subject groups, with neither modality outperforming the other across all pairwise comparisons in the cross-validation analysis. However, features obtained from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data resulted in significantly higher classification accuracies when an independent validation cohort was used. Overall, our results support the use of statistical classification approaches for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders. However, classification accuracy can be affected by group size, age, sex and movement artefacts. With appropriate controls and out-of-sample cross validation, diagnostic biomarker evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging based classifiers may be an important adjunct to clinical evaluation.

}, issn = {2632-1297}, doi = {10.1093/braincomms/fcaa051}, author = {Correia, Marta M and Rittman, Timothy and Barnes, Christopher L and Coyle-Gilchrist, Ian T and Ghosh, Boyd and Hughes, Laura E and Rowe, James B} } @article {65320, title = {Transcriptional co-repressor Sin3a regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity via Homer1/mGluR5.}, journal = {JCI Insight}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Feb 18}, abstract = {

Long-term memory depends on the control of activity-dependent neuronal gene expression, which is regulated by epigenetic modifications. The epigenetic modification of histones is orchestrated by the opposing activities of two classes of regulatory complexes: permissive co-activators and silencing co-repressors. Much work has focused on co-activator complexes, but little is known about the co-repressor complexes that suppress the expression of plasticity-related genes. Here, we define a critical role for the co-repressor SIN3A in memory and synaptic plasticity, showing that postnatal neuronal deletion of Sin3a enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation and long-term contextual fear memory. SIN3A regulates the expression of genes encoding proteins in the post-synaptic density. Loss of SIN3A increases expression of the synaptic scaffold Homer1, alters the mGluR1α- and mGluR5-dependence of long-term potentiation, and increases activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in the hippocampus after learning. Our studies define a critical role for co-repressors in modulating neural plasticity and memory consolidation and reveal that Homer1/mGluR signaling pathways may be central molecular mechanisms for memory enhancement.

}, issn = {2379-3708}, doi = {10.1172/jci.insight.92385}, author = {Bridi, Morgan S and Schoch, Hannah and Florian, C{\'e}drick and Poplawski, Shane G and Banerjee, Anamika and Hawk, Joshua D and Banks, Giulia S and Lejards, Camille and Hahn, Chang-Gyu and Giese, Karl Peter and Havekes, Robbert and Spruston, Nelson and Abel, Ted} } @article {65256, title = {Trans-endocytosis of intact IL-15Rα-IL-15 complex from presenting cells into NK cells favors signaling for proliferation.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {117}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jan 07}, pages = {522-531}, abstract = {

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is an essential cytokine for the survival and proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells. IL-15 activates signaling by the β and common γ (γ) chain heterodimer of the IL-2 receptor through -presentation by cells expressing IL-15 bound to the α chain of the IL-15 receptor (IL-15Rα). We show here that membrane-associated IL-15Rα-IL-15 complexes are transferred from presenting cells to NK cells through -endocytosis and contribute to the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and NK cell proliferation. NK cell interaction with soluble or surface-bound IL-15Rα-IL-15 complex resulted in Stat5 phosphorylation and NK cell survival at a concentration or density of the complex much lower than required to stimulate S6 phosphorylation. Despite this efficient response, Stat5 phosphorylation was reduced after inhibition of metalloprotease-induced IL-15Rα-IL-15 shedding from -presenting cells, whereas S6 phosphorylation was unaffected. Conversely, inhibition of -endocytosis by silencing of the small GTPase TC21 or expression of a dominant-negative TC21 reduced S6 phosphorylation but not Stat5 phosphorylation. Thus, -endocytosis of membrane-associated IL-15Rα-IL-15 provides a mode of regulating NK cells that is not afforded to IL-2 and is distinct from activation by soluble IL-15. These results may explain the strict IL-15 dependence of NK cells and illustrate how the cellular compartment in which receptor-ligand interaction occurs can influence functional outcome.

}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1911678117}, author = {Anton, Olga M and Peterson, Mary E and Hollander, Michael J and Dorward, David W and Arora, Gunjan and Traba, Javier and Rajagopalan, Sumati and Snapp, Erik L and Garcia, K Christopher and Waldmann, Thomas A and Long, Eric O} } @article {65632, title = {Two-parameter mobility assessments discriminate diverse regulatory factor behaviors in chromatin.}, journal = {Molecular Cell}, volume = {79}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Aug 1}, pages = {677}, abstract = {

Enzymatic probes of chromatin structure reveal accessible versus inaccessible chromatin states, while super-resolution microscopy reveals a continuum of chromatin compaction states. Characterizing histone H2B movements by single-molecule tracking (SMT), we resolved chromatin domains ranging from low to high mobility and displaying different subnuclear localizations patterns. Heterochromatin constituents correlated with the lowest mobility chromatin, whereas transcription factors varied widely with regard to their respective mobility with low- or high-mobility chromatin. Pioneer transcription factors, which bind nucleosomes, can access the low-mobility chromatin domains, whereas weak or non-nucleosome binding factors are excluded from the domains and enriched in higher mobility domains. Nonspecific DNA and nucleosome binding accounted for most of the low mobility of strong nucleosome interactor FOXA1. Our analysis shows how the parameters of the mobility of chromatin-bound factors, but not their diffusion behaviors or SMT-residence times within chromatin, distinguish functional characteristics of different chromatin-interacting proteins.

}, issn = {1097-4164}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.036}, author = {Lerner, Jonathan and Gomez-Garcia, Pablo Aurelio and McCarthy, Ryan L and Liu, Zhe and Lakadamyali, Melike and Zaret, Kenneth S} } @article {65903, title = {Two-parameter single-molecule analysis for measurement of chromatin mobility.}, journal = {STAR Protocols}, volume = {1}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Dec 13}, pages = {100223}, abstract = {

This protocol provides a two-parameter analysis of single-molecule tracking (SMT) trajectories of Halo-tagged histones in living adherent cell lines and unveils a chromatin mobility landscape composed of five chromatin types, ranging from low to high mobility. When the analysis is applied to Halo-tagged, chromatin-binding proteins, it associates chromatin interaction properties with known functions in a way that previously used SMT parameters did not. For complete information on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lerner et\ al. (2020).

}, issn = {2666-1667}, doi = {10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100223}, author = {Lerner, Jonathan and Gomez-Garcia, Pablo Aurelio and McCarthy, Ryan L and Liu, Zhe and Lakadamyali, Melike and Zaret, Kenneth S} } @article {65109, title = {T3S injectisome needle complex structures in four distinct states reveal the basis of membrane coupling and assembly.}, journal = {Nature Microbiology}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Aug}, pages = {2010-19}, abstract = {

The bacterial injectisome is a syringe-shaped macromolecular nanomachine utilized by many pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, including the causative agents of plague, typhoid fever, whooping cough, sexually transmitted infections and major nosocomial infections. Bacterial proteins destined for self-assembly and host-cell targeting are translocated by the injectisome in a process known as type III secretion (T3S). The core structure is the ~4 MDa needle complex (NC), built on a foundation of three highly oligomerized ring-forming proteins that create a hollow scaffold spanning the bacterial inner membrane (IM) (24-mer ring-forming proteins PrgH and PrgK in the\ Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium\ Salmonella\ pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) type III secretion system (T3SS)) and outer membrane (OM) (15-mer InvG, a member of the broadly conserved secretin pore family). An internalized helical needle projects from the NC and bacterium, ultimately forming a continuous passage to the host, for delivery of virulence effectors. Here, we have captured snapshots of the entire prototypical SPI-1 NC in four distinct needle assembly states, including near-atomic resolution, and local reconstructions in the absence and presence of the needle. These structures reveal the precise localization and molecular interactions of the internalized SpaPQR {\textquoteleft}export apparatus{\textquoteright} complex, which is intimately encapsulated and stabilized within the IM rings in the manner of a nanodisc, and to which the PrgJ rod directly binds and functions as an initiator and anchor of needle polymerization. We also describe the molecular details of the extensive and continuous coupling interface between the OM secretin and IM rings, which is remarkably facilitated by a localized 16-mer stoichiometry in the periplasmic-most coupling domain of the otherwise 15-mer InvG oligomer.

}, doi = {10.1038/s41564-019-0545-z}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0545-zhttp://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0545-z.pdfhttp://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0545-z.pdfhttp://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0545-z}, author = {Hu, Jinhong and Worrall, Liam J. and Vuckovic, Marija and Hong, Chuan and Deng, Wanyin and Atkinson, Claire E. and Brett Finlay, B. and Yu, Zhiheng and Strynadka, Natalie C. J.} } @article {67222, title = {Teaching deep neural networks to localize single molecules for super-resolution microscopy}, journal = {arXiv e-prints}, year = {2019}, month = {06/2019}, pages = {arXiv:1907.00770}, abstract = {

Single-molecule localization fluorescence microscopy constructs super-resolution images by sequential imaging and computational localization of sparsely activated fluorophores. Accurate and efficient fluorophore localization algorithms are key to the success of this computational microscopy method. We present a novel localization algorithm based on deep learning which significantly improves upon the state of the art. Our contributions are a novel network architecture for simultaneous detection and localization, and new loss function which phrases detection and localization as a Bayesian inference problem, and thus allows the network to provide uncertainty-estimates. In contrast to standard methods which independently process imaging frames, our network architecture uses temporal context from multiple sequentially imaged frames to detect and localize molecules. We demonstrate the power of our method across a variety of datasets, imaging modalities, signal to noise ratios, and fluorophore densities. While existing localization algorithms can achieve optimal localization accuracy at low fluorophore densities, they are confounded by high densities. Our method is the first deep-learning based approach which achieves state-of-the-art on the SMLM2016 challenge. It achieves the best scores on 12 out of 12 data-sets when comparing both detection accuracy and precision, and excels at high densities. Finally, we investigate how unsupervised learning can be used to make the network robust against mismatch between simulated and real data. The lessons learned here are more generally relevant for the training of deep networks to solve challenging Bayesian inverse problems on spatially extended domains in biology and physics.

}, keywords = {Computer Science - Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering and Systems Science - Image and Video Processing, Statistics - Machine Learning}, url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.00770}, author = {Speiser, Artur and M{\"u}ller, Lucas-Raphael and Matti, Ulf and Obara, Christopher J. and Legant, Wesley R. and Ries, Jonas and Macke, Jakob H. and Turaga, Srinivas C.} } @article {68340, title = {Theoretical modeling on CRISPR-coded cell lineages: efficient encoding and optimal reconstruction}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2019}, month = {04/2019}, abstract = {

Delineating cell lineages is a prerequisite for interrogating the genesis of cell types. CRISPR/Cas9 can edit genomic sequence during development which enables to trace cell lineages. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of this idea. However, the optimality of the encoding or reconstruction processes has not been adequately addressed. Here, we surveyed a multitude of reconstruction algorithms and found hierarchical clustering, with a metric based on the number of shared Cas9 edits, delivers the best reconstruction. However, the trackable depth is ultimately limited by the number of available coding units that typically decrease exponentially across cell generations. To overcome this limit, we established two strategies that better sustain the coding capacity. One involves controlling target availability via use of parallel gRNA cascades, whereas the other strategy exploits adjustable Cas9/gRNA editing rates. In summary, we provide a theoretical basis in understanding, designing, and analyzing robust CRISPR barcodes for dense reconstruction of protracted cell lineages.

}, doi = {10.1101/538488}, url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/04/14/538488}, author = {Sugino, Ken and Garcia-Marques, Jorge and Espinosa-Medina, Isabel and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {64871, title = {Thirst regulates motivated behavior through modulation of brainwide neural population dynamics.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {364}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Apr 04}, pages = {253}, abstract = {

Physiological needs produce motivational drives, such as thirst and hunger, that regulate behaviors essential to survival. Hypothalamic neurons sense these needs and must coordinate relevant brainwide neuronal activity to produce the appropriate behavior. We studied dynamics from ~24,000 neurons in 34 brain regions during thirst-motivated choice behavior, as mice consumed water and became sated. Water-predicting sensory cues elicited activity that rapidly spread throughout the brain of thirsty animals. These dynamics were gated by a brainwide mode of population activity that encoded motivational state. Focal optogenetic activation of hypothalamic thirst-sensing neurons, after satiation, returned global activity to the pre-satiation state. Thus, motivational states specify initial conditions determining how a brainwide dynamical system transforms sensory input into behavioral output.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.aav3932}, author = {Allen, William E and Chen, Michael Z and Pichamoorthy, Nandini and Tien, Rebecca H and Pachitariu, Marius and Luo, Liqun and Deisseroth, Karl} } @article {56201, title = {Threshold-based ordering of sequential actions during Drosophila courtship.}, journal = {Current Biology : CB}, volume = {29}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Jan 07}, pages = {426-34}, abstract = {

Goal-directed animal behaviors are typically composed of sequences of motor actions whose order and timing are critical for a successful outcome. Although numerous theoretical models for sequential action generation have been proposed, few have been supported by the identification of control neurons sufficient to elicit a sequence. Here, we identify a pair of descending neurons that coordinate a stereotyped sequence of engagement actions during Drosophila melanogaster male courtship behavior. These actions are initiated sequentially but persist cumulatively, a feature not explained by existing models of sequential behaviors. We find evidence consistent with a ramp-to-threshold mechanism, in which increasing neuronal activity elicits each action independently at successively higher activity thresholds.

}, issn = {1879-0445}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.12.019}, author = {McKellar, Claire E and Lillvis, Joshua L and Bath, Daniel E and Fitzgerald, James E and Cannon, John G and Simpson, Julie H and Dickson, Barry J} } @article {64943, title = {Time-variant SRC kinase activation determines endothelial permeability response.}, journal = {Cell Chemical Biology}, volume = {26}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Aug 15}, pages = {1081-94}, abstract = {

In the current model of endothelial barrier regulation, the tyrosine kinase SRC is purported to induce disassembly of endothelial adherens junctions (AJs) via\ phosphorylation of VE cadherin, and thereby increase\ junctional permeability. Here, using a chemical biology approach to temporally control SRC activation,\ we show that SRC exerts distinct time-variant effects on the endothelial barrier. We discovered that the immediate effect of SRC activation was to transiently enhance endothelial barrier function as the result of accumulation of VE cadherin at AJs and formation of morphologically distinct reticular AJs. Endothelial barrier enhancement via SRC required phosphorylation of VE cadherin at Y731. In contrast, prolonged SRC activation induced VE cadherin phosphorylation at Y685, resulting in increased endothelial permeability. Thus, time-variant SRC activation differentially phosphorylates VE cadherin and shapes AJs to fine-tune endothelial barrier function. Our work demonstrates important advantages of synthetic biology tools in dissecting complex signaling systems.

}, issn = {2451-9448}, doi = {10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.04.007}, author = {Klomp, Jennifer E and Shaaya, Mark and Matsche, Jacob and Rebiai, Rima and Aaron, Jesse S and Collins, Kerrie B and Huyot, Vincent and Gonzalez, Annette M and Muller, William A and Chew, Teng-Leong and Malik, Asrar B and Karginov, Andrei V} } @article {68430, title = {Transsynaptic Fish-lips signaling prevents misconnections between nonsynaptic partner olfactory neurons.}, journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A}, volume = {116}, year = {2019}, month = {08/2019}, pages = {16068-16073}, abstract = {

Our understanding of the mechanisms of neural circuit assembly is far from complete. Identification of wiring molecules with novel mechanisms of action will provide insights into how complex and heterogeneous neural circuits assemble during development. In the olfactory system, 50 classes of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) make precise synaptic connections with 50 classes of partner projection neurons (PNs). Here, we performed an RNA interference screen for cell surface molecules and identified the leucine-rich repeat-containing transmembrane protein known as Fish-lips (Fili) as a novel wiring molecule in the assembly of the olfactory circuit. Fili contributes to the precise axon and dendrite targeting of a small subset of ORN and PN classes, respectively. Cell-type-specific expression and genetic analyses suggest that Fili sends a transsynaptic repulsive signal to neurites of nonpartner classes that prevents their targeting to inappropriate glomeruli in the antennal lobe.

}, keywords = {Animals, Axons, Dendrites, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins, Membrane Proteins, Mutation, Olfactory Receptor Neurons, Phenotype, Proteins, Signal Transduction, Synapses}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1905832116}, author = {Xie, Qijing and Wu, Bing and Li, Jiefu and Xu, Chuanyun and Li, Hongjie and Luginbuhl, David J and Wang, Xin and Ward, Alex and Luo, Liqun} } @article {65239, title = {TwoLumps ascending neurons mediate touch-evoked reversal of walking direction in Drosophila.}, journal = {Current Biology}, volume = {29}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Nov 22}, pages = {4337-44}, abstract = {

External cues, including touch, enable walking animals to flexibly maneuver around obstacles and extricate themselves from dead-ends (for reviews, see [1-3]). In a screen for neurons that enable Drosophila melanogaster to retreat when it encounters a dead-end, we identified a pair of ascending neurons, the TwoLumps Ascending (TLA) neurons. Silencing TLA activity impairs backward locomotion, whereas optogenetic activation triggers backward walking. TLA-induced reversal is mediated in part by the Moonwalker Descending Neurons (MDNs) [4], which receive excitatory input from the TLAs. Silencing the TLAs decreases the extent to which freely walking flies back up upon encountering a physical barrier in the dark, and TLAs show calcium responses to optogenetic activation of neurons expressing the mechanosensory channel NOMPC. We infer that TLAs convey feedforward mechanosensory stimuli to transiently activate MDNs in response to anterior body touch.

}, issn = {1879-0445}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.004}, author = {Sen, Rajyashree and Wang, Kaiyu and Dickson, Barry J} } @article {65254, title = {Two-photon imaging with silicon photomultipliers.}, journal = {Optics Express}, volume = {27}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Nov 25}, pages = {35830-35841}, abstract = {

We compared performance of recently developed silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to GaAsP photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for two-photon imaging of neural activity. Despite higher dark counts, SiPMs match or exceed the signal-to-noise ratio of PMTs at photon rates encountered in typical calcium imaging experiments due to their low pulse height variability. At higher photon rates encountered during high-speed voltage imaging, SiPMs substantially outperform PMTs.

}, issn = {1094-4087}, doi = {10.1364/OE.27.035830}, author = {Modi, Mehrab N and Daie, Kayvon and Turner, Glenn C and Podgorski, Kaspar} } @article {49547, title = {Temporal control of Drosophila central nervous system development.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Neurobiology}, volume = {56}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Nov 27}, pages = {24-32}, abstract = {

A complex nervous system requires precise numbers of various neuronal types produced with exquisite spatiotemporal control. This striking diversity is generated by a limited number of neural stem cells (NSC), where spatial and temporal patterning intersect. Drosophila is a genetically tractable model system that has significant advantages for studying stem cell biology and neuronal fate specification. Here we review the latest findings in the rich literature of temporal patterning of neuronal identity in the Drosophila central nervous system. Rapidly changing consecutive transcription factors expressed in NSCs specify short series of neurons with considerable differences. More slowly progressing changes are orchestrated by NSC intrinsic temporal factor gradients which integrate extrinsic signals to coordinate nervous system and organismal development.

}, issn = {1873-6882}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2018.10.016}, author = {Miyares, Rosa Linda and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {49181, title = {Three-photon fluorescence microscopy with an axially elongated Bessel focus.}, journal = {Optics Letters}, volume = {43}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Apr 15}, pages = {1914-1917}, abstract = {

Volumetric imaging tools that are simple to adopt, flexible, and robust are in high demand in the field of neuroscience, where the ability to image neurons and their networks with high spatiotemporal resolution is essential. Using an axially elongated focus approximating a Bessel beam, in combination with two-photon fluorescence microscopy, has proven successful at such an endeavor. Here, we demonstrate three-photon fluorescence imaging with an axially extended Bessel focus. We use an axicon-based module that allowed for the generation of Bessel foci of varying numerical apertures and axial lengths, and apply this volumetric imaging tool to image mouse brain slices and for in vivo imaging of the mouse brain.

}, issn = {1539-4794}, doi = {10.1364/OL.43.001914}, author = {Rodriguez, Cristina and Liang, Yajie and Lu, Rongwen and Ji, Na} } @article {49470, title = {Thy1 transgenic mice expressing the red fluorescent calcium indicator jRGECO1a for neuronal population imaging in vivo.}, journal = {PloS One}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {e0205444}, abstract = {

Calcium imaging is commonly used to measure the neural activity of large groups of neurons in mice. Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) can be delivered for this purpose using non-invasive genetic methods. Compared to viral gene transfer, transgenic targeting of GECIs provides stable long-term expression and obviates the need for invasive viral injections. Transgenic mice expressing the green GECI GCaMP6 are already widely used. Here we present the generation and characterization of transgenic mice expressing the sensitive red GECI jRGECO1a, driven by the Thy1 promoter. Four transgenic lines with different expression patterns showed sufficiently high expression for cellular in vivo imaging. We used two-photon microscopy to characterize visual responses of individual neurons in the visual cortex in vivo. The signal-to-noise ratio in transgenic mice was comparable to, or better than, mice transduced with adeno-associated virus. In addition, we show that Thy1-jRGECO1a transgenic mice are useful for transcranial population imaging and functional mapping using widefield fluorescence microscopy. We also demonstrate imaging of visual responses in retinal ganglion cells in vitro. Thy1-jRGECO1a transgenic mice are therefore a useful addition to the toolbox for imaging activity in intact neural networks.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0205444}, author = {Dana, Hod and Novak, Ondrej and Guardado-Montesino, Michael and Fransen, James W and Hu, Amy and Borghuis, Bart G and Guo, Caiying and Kim, Douglas S and Svoboda, Karel} } @article {49469, title = {The timing of action determines reward prediction signals in identified midbrain dopamine neurons.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {21}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Oct 15}, pages = {1563-73}, abstract = {

Animals adapt their behavior in response to informative sensory cues using multiple brain circuits. The activity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons is thought to convey a critical teaching signal: reward-prediction error. Although reward-prediction error signals are thought to be essential to learning, little is known about the dynamic changes in the activity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons as animals learn about novel sensory cues and appetitive rewards. Here we describe a large dataset of cell-attached recordings of identified dopaminergic neurons as naive mice learned a novel cue-reward association. During learning midbrain dopaminergic neuron activity results from the summation of sensory cue-related and movement initiation-related response components. These components are both a function of reward expectation yet they are dissociable. Learning produces an increasingly precise coordination of action initiation following sensory cues that results in apparent reward-prediction error correlates. Our data thus provide new insights into the circuit mechanisms that underlie a critical computation in a highly conserved learning circuit.

}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/s41593-018-0245-7}, author = {Coddington, Luke T and Dudman, Joshua T} } @article {49456, title = {A toolbox for multiplexed super-resolution imaging of the E. coli nucleoid and membrane using novel PAINT labels.}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Oct 03}, pages = {14768}, abstract = {

Maintenance of the bacterial homeostasis initially emanates from interactions between proteins and the bacterial nucleoid. Investigating their spatial correlation requires high spatial resolution, especially in tiny, highly confined and crowded bacterial cells. Here, we present super-resolution microscopy using a palette of fluorescent labels that bind transiently to either the membrane or the nucleoid of fixed E. coli cells. The presented labels are easily applicable, versatile and allow long-term single-molecule super-resolution imaging independent of photobleaching. The different spectral properties allow for multiplexed imaging in combination with other localisation-based super-resolution imaging techniques. As examples for applications, we demonstrate correlated super-resolution imaging of the bacterial nucleoid with the position of genetic loci, of nascent DNA in correlation to the entire nucleoid, and of the nucleoid of metabolically arrested cells. We furthermore show that DNA- and membrane-targeting labels can be combined with photoactivatable fluorescent proteins and visualise the nano-scale distribution of RNA polymerase relative to the nucleoid in drug-treated E. coli cells.

}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-33052-3}, author = {Spahn, Christoph K and Glaesmann, Mathilda and Grimm, Jonathan B and Ayala, Anthony X and Lavis, Luke D and Heilemann, Mike} } @article {49510, title = {Tools for rapid high-resolution behavioral phenotyping of automatically isolated Drosophila.}, journal = {Cell Reports}, volume = {25}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Nov 06}, pages = {1636-1649.e5}, abstract = {

Sparse manipulation of neuron excitability during free behavior is critical for identifying neural substrates of behavior. Genetic tools for precise neuronal manipulation exist in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, but behavioral tools are still lacking to identify potentially subtle phenotypes only detectible using high-throughput and high spatiotemporal resolution. We developed three assay components that can be used modularly to study natural and optogenetically induced behaviors. FlyGate automatically releases flies one at a time into an assay. FlyDetect tracks flies in real time, is robust to severe occlusions, and can be used to track appendages, such as the head. GlobeDisplay is a spherical projection system covering the fly{\textquoteright}s visual receptive field with a single projector. We demonstrate the utility of these components in an integrated system, FlyPEZ, by comprehensively modeling the input-output function for directional looming-evoked escape takeoffs and describing a millisecond-timescale phenotype from genetic silencing of a single visual projection neuron type.

}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.048}, author = {Williamson, W Ryan and Peek, Martin Y and Breads, Patrick and Coop, Brian and Card, Gwyneth M} } @article {49413, title = {Topographic precision in sensory and motor corticostriatal projections varies across cell type and cortical area.}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Sep 03}, pages = {3549}, abstract = {

The striatum shows general topographic organization and regional differences in behavioral functions. How corticostriatal topography differs across cortical areas and cell types to support these distinct functions is unclear. This study contrasted corticostriatal projections from two layer 5 cell types, intratelencephalic (IT-type) and pyramidal tract (PT-type) neurons, using viral vectors expressing fluorescent reporters in Cre-driver mice. Corticostriatal projections from sensory and motor cortex are somatotopic, with a decreasing topographic specificity as injection sites move from sensory to motor and frontal areas. Topographic organization differs between IT-type and PT-type neurons, including injections in the same site, with IT-type neurons having higher topographic stereotypy than PT-type neurons. Furthermore, IT-type projections from interconnected cortical areas have stronger correlations in corticostriatal targeting than PT-type projections do. As predicted by a longstanding model, corticostriatal projections of interconnected cortical areas form parallel circuits in the basal ganglia.

}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-05780-7}, author = {Hooks, Bryan M and Papale, Andrew E and Paletzki, Ronald F and Feroze, Muhammad W and Eastwood, Brian S and Couey, Jonathan J and Winnubst, Johan and Chandrashekar, Jayaram and Gerfen, Charles R} } @article {49289, title = {A transgenic mouse for imaging activity-dependent dynamics of endogenous Arc mRNA in live neurons.}, journal = {Science Advances}, volume = {4}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Jun}, pages = {eaar3448}, abstract = {

Localized translation plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. However, it has not been possible to follow the dynamics of memory-associated mRNAs in living neurons in response to neuronal activity in real time. We have generated a novel mouse model where the endogenous Arc/Arg3.1 gene is tagged in its 3{\textquoteright} untranslated region with stem-loops that bind a bacteriophage PP7 coat protein (PCP), allowing visualization of individual mRNAs in real time. The physiological response of the tagged gene to neuronal activity is identical to endogenous Arc and reports the true dynamics of Arc mRNA from transcription to degradation. The transcription dynamics of Arc in cultured hippocampal neurons revealed two novel results: (i) A robust transcriptional burst with prolonged ON state occurs after stimulation, and (ii) transcription cycles continue even after initial stimulation is removed. The correlation of stimulation with Arc transcription and mRNA transport in individual neurons revealed that stimulus-induced Ca activity was necessary but not sufficient for triggering Arc transcription and that blocking neuronal activity did not affect the dendritic transport of newly synthesized Arc mRNAs. This mouse will provide an important reagent to investigate how individual neurons transduce activity into spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression at the synapse.

}, issn = {2375-2548}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aar3448}, author = {Das, Sulagna and Moon, Hyungseok C and Singer, Robert H and Park, Hye Yoon} } @article {49096, title = {Transport and sorting in the Golgi complex: multiple mechanisms sort diverse cargo.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Cell Biology}, volume = {50}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Feb }, abstract = {

At the center of the secretory pathway, the Golgi complex ensures correct processing and sorting of cargos toward their final destination. Cargos are diverse in topology, function and destination. A remarkable feature of the Golgi complex is its ability to sort and process these diverse cargos destined for secretion, the cell surface, the lysosome, or retained within the secretory pathway. Just as these cargos are diverse so also are their sorting requirements and thus, their trafficking route. There is no one-size-fits-all sorting scheme in the Golgi. We propose a coexistence of models to reconcile these diverse needs. We review examples of differential sorting mediated by proteins and lipids. Additionally, we highlight recent technological developments that have potential to uncover new modes of transport.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceb.2018.03.002}, author = {Boncampain, Gaelle and Weigel, Aubrey V} } @article {49182, title = {Transvection Goes Live-Visualizing Enhancer-Promoter Communication between Chromosomes.}, journal = {Molecular Cell}, volume = {70}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Apr 19}, pages = {195-196}, abstract = {

Lim et\ al. (2018) use live imaging in Drosophila embryos to show that enhancers can drive transcription from promoters on another chromosome when they are in close proximity. In addition, they show that multiple promoters can access the same enhancer without competition, potentially sharing a pool of factors in a transcriptional "hub."

}, issn = {1097-4164}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcel.2018.04.004}, author = {Tsai, Albert and Singer, Robert H and Crocker, Justin} } @article {49354, title = {Triggered cell-cell fusion assay for cytoplasmic and organelle intermixing studies.}, journal = {Current Protocols in Cell Biology}, volume = {81}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Aug 13}, pages = {e61}, abstract = {

Different multicellular organisms undergo cell-cell fusion to form functional syncytia that support specialized functions necessary for proper development and survival. For years, monitoring the structural consequences of this process using live-cell imaging has been challenging due to the unpredictable timing of cell fusion events in tissue systems. Here we present a triggered vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein (VSV-G)-mediated cell-cell fusion assay that can be used to synchronize fusion between cells. This allows the study of cellular changes that occur during cell fusion. The process is induced using a fast wash of low pH isotonic buffer, promoting the fusion of plasma membranes of two or more adjacent cells within seconds. This approach is suitable for studying mixing of small cytoplasmic molecules between fusing cells as well as changes in organelle distribution and dynamics. {\textcopyright} 2018 by John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.

}, issn = {1934-2616}, doi = {10.1002/cpcb.61}, author = {Feliciano, Daniel and Nixon-Abell, Jonathon and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer} } @article {48623, title = {Taking the measure of MicroED.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Structural Biology}, volume = {46}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jun 22}, pages = {79-86}, abstract = {

It is now possible to routinely determine atomic resolution structures by electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM), facilitated in part by the method known as micro electron-diffraction (MicroED). Since its initial demonstration in 2013, MicroED has helped determine a variety of protein structures ranging in molecular weight from a few hundred Daltons to several hundred thousand Daltons. Some of these structures were novel while others were previously known. The resolutions of structures obtained thus far by MicroED range from 3.2{\r A} to 1.0{\r A}, with most better than 2.5{\r A}. Crystals of various sizes and shapes, with different space group symmetries, and with a range of solvent content have all been studied by MicroED. The wide range of crystals explored to date presents the community with a landscape of opportunity for structure determination from nano crystals. Here we summarize the lessons we have learned during the first few years of MicroED, and from our attempts at the first ab initio structure determined by the method. We re-evaluate theoretical considerations in choosing the appropriate crystals for MicroED and for extracting the most meaning out of measured data. With more laboratories worldwide adopting the technique, we speculate what the first decade might hold for MicroED.

}, issn = {1879-033X}, doi = {10.1016/j.sbi.2017.06.004}, author = {Rodriguez, Jose A and Eisenberg, David S and Gonen, Tamir} } @inbook {47793, title = {Targeted manipulation of neuronal activity in behaving adult flies.}, booktitle = {Decoding Neural Circuit Structure and Function}, year = {2017}, month = {2016 Aug 15}, pages = {191-222}, abstract = {

The ability to control the activity of specific neurons in freely behaving animals provides an effective way to probe the contributions of neural circuits to behavior. Wide interest in studying principles of neural circuit function using the fruit fly\ Drosophila melanogaster\ has fueled the construction of an extensive transgenic toolkit for performing such neural manipulations. Here we describe approaches for using these tools to manipulate the activity of specific neurons and assess how those manipulations impact the behavior of flies. We also describe methods for examining connectivity among multiple neurons that together form a neural circuit controlling a specific behavior. This work provides a resource for researchers interested in examining how neurons and neural circuits contribute to the rich repertoire of behaviors performed by flies.

}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-57363-2_7}, author = {Hampel, Stefanie and Seeds, Andrew M} } @article {48420, title = {Teaching old dyes new tricks: biological probes built from fluoresceins and rhodamines.}, journal = {Annual Review of Biochemistry}, volume = {86}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Apr 07}, pages = {825-43}, abstract = {

Small-molecule fluorophores, such as fluorescein and rhodamine derivatives, are critical tools in modern biochemical and biological research. The field of chemical dyes is old; colored molecules were first discovered in the 1800s, and the fluorescein and rhodamine scaffolds have been known for over a century. Nevertheless, there has been a renaissance in using these dyes to create tools for biochemistry and biology. The application of modern chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and optical physics to these old structures enables and drives the development of novel, sophisticated fluorescent dyes. This critical review focuses on an important example of chemical biology-the melding of old and new chemical knowledge-leading to useful molecules for advanced biochemical and biological experiments. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry Volume 86 is June 20, 2017. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

}, issn = {1545-4509}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-biochem-061516-044839}, author = {Lavis, Luke D} } @article {48193, title = {TED: A Tolerant Edit Distance for segmentation evaluation.}, journal = {Methods}, volume = {115}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jan 17}, pages = {119-27}, abstract = {

In this paper, we present a novel error measure to compare a computer-generated segmentation of images or volumes against ground truth. This measure, which we call Tolerant Edit Distance (TED), is motivated by two observations that we usually encounter in biomedical image processing: (1) Some errors, like small boundary shifts, are tolerable in practice. Which errors are tolerable is application dependent and should be explicitly expressible in the measure. (2) Non-tolerable errors have to be corrected manually. The effort needed to do so should be reflected by the error measure. Our measure is the minimal weighted sum of split and merge operations to apply to one segmentation such that it resembles another segmentation within specified tolerance bounds. This is in contrast to other commonly used measures like Rand index or variation of information, which integrate small, but tolerable, differences. Additionally, the TED provides intuitive numbers and allows the localization and classification of errors in images or volumes. We demonstrate the applicability of the TED on 3D segmentations of neurons in electron microscopy images where topological correctness is arguable more important than exact boundary locations. Furthermore, we show that the TED is not just limited to evaluation tasks. We use it as the loss function in a max-margin learning framework to find parameters of an automatic neuron segmentation algorithm. We show that training to minimize the TED, i.e., to minimize crucial errors, leads to higher segmentation accuracy compared to other learning methods.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.12.013}, author = {Funke, Jan and Klein, Jonas and Moreno-Noguer, Francesc and Cardona, Albert and Cook, Matthew} } @article {48533, title = {Theta-paced flickering between place-cell maps in the hippocampus: A model based on short-term synaptic plasticity.}, journal = {Hippocampus}, volume = {27}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 May 30}, pages = {959-70}, abstract = {

Hippocampal place cells represent different environments with distinct neural activity patterns. Following an abrupt switch between two familiar configurations of visual cues defining two environments, the hippocampal neural activity pattern switches almost immediately to the corresponding representation. Surprisingly, during a transient period following the switch to the new environment, occasional fast transitions of activity patterns between the representations (flickering) were observed (Jezek et al. 2011). Here we show that an attractor neural network model of place cells with connections endowed with short-term synaptic plasticity can account for this phenomenon. A memory trace of the recent history of network activity is maintained in the state of the synapses, allowing the network to temporarily reactivate the representation of the previous environment in the absence of the corresponding sensory cues. The model predicts that the number of flickering events depends on the amplitude of the ongoing theta rhythm and the distance between the current position of the animal and its position at the time of cue switching. We test these predictions with new analysis of experimental data. These results suggest a potential role of short-term synaptic plasticity in recruiting the activity of different cell assemblies and in shaping hippocampal activity of behaving animals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

}, issn = {1098-1063}, doi = {10.1002/hipo.22743}, author = {Mark, Shirley and Romani, Sandro and Jezek, Karel and Tsodyks, Misha} } @article {48624, title = {Three dimensional reconstruction of energy stores for jumping in planthoppers and froghoppers from confocal laser scanning microscopy.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {6}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jun 21}, abstract = {

Jumping in planthopper and froghopper insects is propelled by a catapult-like mechanism requiring mechanical storage of energy and its quick release to accelerate the hind legs rapidly. To understand the functional biomechanics involved in these challenging movements, the internal skeleton, tendons and muscles involved were reconstructed in 3-D from confocal scans in unprecedented detail. Energy to power jumping was generated by slow contractions of hind leg depressor muscles and then stored by bending specialised elements of the thoracic skeleton that are composites of the rubbery protein resilin sandwiched between layers of harder cuticle with air-filled tunnels reducing mass. The images showed that the lever arm of the power-producing muscle changed in magnitude during jumping, but at all joint angles would cause depression, suggesting a mechanism by which the stored energy is released. This methodological approach illuminates how miniaturized components interact and function in complex and rapid movements of small animals.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.23824}, author = {Siwanowicz, Igor and Burrows, Malcolm} } @article {48512, title = {Time-accuracy tradeoffs in kernel prediction: controlling prediction quality.}, journal = {Journal of Machine Learning Research}, volume = {18}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Apr 1 }, pages = {1-29}, abstract = {

Kernel regression or classification (also referred to as weighted ε-NN methods in Machine Learning) are appealing for their simplicity and therefore ubiquitous in data analysis. How- ever, practical implementations of kernel regression or classification consist of quantizing or sub-sampling data for improving time efficiency, often at the cost of prediction quality. While such tradeoffs are necessary in practice, their statistical implications are generally not well understood, hence practical implementations come with few performance guaran- tees. In particular, it is unclear whether it is possible to maintain the statistical accuracy of kernel prediction{\textemdash}crucial in some applications{\textemdash}while improving prediction time.

The present work provides guiding principles for combining kernel prediction with data- quantization so as to guarantee good tradeoffs between prediction time and accuracy, and in particular so as to approximately maintain the good accuracy of vanilla kernel prediction.

Furthermore, our tradeoff guarantees are worked out explicitly in terms of a tuning parameter which acts as a knob that favors either time or accuracy depending on practical needs. On one end of the knob, prediction time is of the same order as that of single-nearest- neighbor prediction (which is statistically inconsistent) while maintaining consistency; on the other end of the knob, the prediction risk is nearly minimax-optimal (in terms of the original data size) while still reducing time complexity. The analysis thus reveals the interaction between the data-quantization approach and the kernel prediction method, and most importantly gives explicit control of the tradeoff to the practitioner rather than fixing the tradeoff in advance or leaving it opaque.

The theoretical results are validated on data from a range of real-world application domains; in particular we demonstrate that the theoretical knob performs as expected.\ 

}, url = {http://jmlr.org/papers/volume18/16-538/16-538.pdf}, author = {Kpotufe, Samory and Verma, Nakul} } @article {68761, title = {A toolkit for GFP-mediated tissue-specific protein degradation in C. elegans}, journal = {Development}, volume = {144}, year = {2017}, month = {07/2017}, pages = {2694-2701}, abstract = {

Proteins that are essential for embryo production, cell division and early embryonic events are frequently reused later in embryogenesis, during organismal development or in the adult. Examining protein function across these different biological contexts requires tissue-specific perturbation. Here, we describe a method that uses expression of a fusion between a GFP-targeting nanobody and a SOCS-box containing ubiquitin ligase adaptor to target GFP-tagged proteins for degradation. When combined with endogenous locus GFP tagging by CRISPR-Cas9 or with rescue of a null mutant with a GFP fusion, this approach enables routine and efficient tissue-specific protein ablation. We show that this approach works in multiple tissues {\textendash} the epidermis, intestine, body wall muscle, ciliated sensory neurons and touch receptor neurons {\textendash} where it recapitulates expected loss-of-function mutant phenotypes. The transgene toolkit and the strain set described here will complement existing approaches to enable routine analysis of the tissue-specific roles of C. elegans proteins.

}, issn = {0950-1991}, doi = {10.1242/dev.150094}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.150094}, author = {Wang, Shaohe and Tang, Ngang Heok and Lara-Gonzalez, Pablo and Zhao, Zhiling and Cheerambathur, Dhanya K. and Prevo, Bram and Chisholm, Andrew D. and Desai, Arshad and Oegema, Karen} } @article {48985, title = {A topographic axis of transcriptional identity in thalamus.}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Dec 31}, pages = {241315}, abstract = {

A fundamental goal in neuroscience is to uncover common principles by which different modalities of information are processed. In the mammalian brain, thalamus acts as the essential hub for forebrain circuits handling inputs from sensory, motor, limbic, and cognitive pathways. Whether thalamus imposes common transformations on each of these modalities is unknown. Molecular characterization offers a principled approach to revealing the organization of thalamus. Using near-comprehensive and projection-specific transcriptomic sequencing, we found that almost all thalamic nuclei fit into one of three profiles. These profiles lie on a single axis of genetic variance which is aligned with the mediolateral spatial axis of thalamus. Genes defining this axis of variance include receptors and ion channels, providing a systematic diversification of input/output transformations across the topography of thalamus. Single cell transcriptional profiling revealed graded heterogeneity within individual thalamic nuclei, demonstrating that a spectrum of cell types and potentially diverse input/output transforms exist within a given thalamic nucleus. Together, our data argue for an archetypal organization of pathways serving diverse input modalities, and provides a comprehensive organizational scheme for thalamus.

}, doi = {10.1101/241315}, author = {Phillips, James W and Schulman, Anton and Hara, Erina and Liu, Chenghao and Shields, Brenda C and Korff, Wyatt and Lemire, Andrew and Dudman, Joshua T and Nelson, Sacha B and Hantman, Adam W} } @article {48921, title = {Topological and modality-specific representation of somatosensory information in the fly brain.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {358}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 11 03}, pages = {615-623}, abstract = {

Insects and mammals share similarities of neural organization underlying the perception of odors, taste, vision, sound, and gravity. We observed that insect somatosensation also corresponds to that of mammals. In Drosophila, the projections of all the somatosensory neuron types to the insect{\textquoteright}s equivalent of the spinal cord segregated into modality-specific layers comparable to those in mammals. Some sensory neurons innervate the ventral brain directly to form modality-specific and topological somatosensory maps. Ascending interneurons with dendrites in matching layers of the nerve cord send axons that converge to respective brain regions. Pathways arising from leg somatosensory neurons encode distinct qualities of leg movement information and play different roles in ground detection. Establishment of the ground pattern and genetic tools for neuronal manipulation should provide the basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying somatosensation.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.aan4428}, author = {Tsubouchi, Asako and Yano, Tomoko and Yokoyama, Takeshi K and Murtin, Chlo{\'e} and Otsuna, Hideo and Ito, Kei} } @article {48367, title = {Trainable Weka Segmentation: a machine learning tool for microscopy pixel classification.}, journal = {Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)}, volume = {33}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Mar 29}, pages = {2424-6}, abstract = {

Summary: State-of-the-art light and electron microscopes are capable of acquiring large image datasets, but quantitatively evaluating the data often involves manually annotating structures of interest. This processis time-consuming and often a major bottleneck in the evaluation pipeline. To overcome this problem, we have introduced the Trainable Weka Segmentation (TWS), a machine learning tool that leveragesa limited number of manual annotations in order to train a classifier and segment the remaining dataautomatically. In addition, TWS can provide unsupervised segmentation learning schemes (clustering) and can be customized to employ user-designed image features or classifiers.

Availability and Implementation: TWS is distributed as open-source software as part of the Fiji image processing distribution of ImageJ at http://imagej.net/Trainable_Weka_Segmentation.

Contact: ignacio.arganda@ehu.eus.

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

}, issn = {1367-4811}, doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/btx180}, author = {Arganda-Carreras, Ignacio and Kaynig, Verena and Rueden, Curtis and Eliceiri, Kevin W and Schindelin, Johannes and Cardona, Albert and Seung, H Sebastian} } @article {47285, title = {Tagmentation-based mapping (tagmap) of mobile DNA genomic insertion sites.}, journal = {bioRxiv}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Feb 2}, abstract = {

Multiple methods have been introduced over the past 30 years to identify the genomic insertion sites of transposable elements and other DNA elements that integrate into genomes. However, each of these methods suffer from limitations that can frustrate attempts to map multiple insertions in a single genome and to map insertions in genomes of high complexity that contain extensive repetitive DNA. I introduce a new method for transposon mapping that is simple to perform, can accurately map multiple insertions per genome, and generates long sequence reads that facilitate mapping to complex genomes. The method, called TagMap, for Tagmentation-based Mapping, relies on a modified Tn5 tagmentation protocol with a single tagmentation adaptor followed by PCR using primers specific to the tranposable element and the adaptor sequence. Several minor modifications to normal tagmentation reagents and protocols allow easy and rapid preparation of TagMap libraries. Short read sequencing starting from the adaptor sequence generates oriented reads that flank and are oriented toward the transposable element insertion site. The convergent orientation of adjacent reads at the insertion site allows straightforward prediction of the precise insertion site(s). A Linux shell script is provided to identify insertion sites from fastq files.

}, doi = {10.1101/037762} } @article {47813, title = {Technologies for imaging neural activity in large volumes.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {19}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Aug 26}, pages = {1154-64}, abstract = {

Neural circuitry has evolved to form distributed networks that act dynamically across large volumes. Conventional microscopy collects data from individual planes and cannot sample circuitry across large volumes at the temporal resolution relevant to neural circuit function and behaviors. Here we review emerging technologies for rapid volume imaging of neural circuitry. We focus on two critical challenges: the inertia of optical systems, which limits image speed, and aberrations, which restrict the image volume. Optical sampling time must be long enough to ensure high-fidelity measurements, but optimized sampling strategies and point-spread function engineering can facilitate rapid volume imaging of neural activity within this constraint. We also discuss new computational strategies for processing and analyzing volume imaging data of increasing size and complexity. Together, optical and computational advances are providing a broader view of neural circuit dynamics and helping elucidate how brain regions work in concert to support behavior.

}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.4358}, author = {Ji, Na and Freeman, Jeremy and Smith, Spencer L} } @article {47265, title = {Thalamus provides layer 4 of primary visual cortex with orientation- and direction-tuned inputs.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {19}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Feb}, pages = {308-15}, abstract = {

Understanding the functions of a brain region requires knowing the neural representations of its myriad inputs, local neurons and outputs. Primary visual cortex (V1) has long been thought to compute visual orientation from untuned thalamic inputs, but very few thalamic inputs have been measured in any mammal. We determined the response properties of ~28,000 thalamic boutons and ~4,000 cortical neurons in layers 1{\textendash}5 of awake mouse V1. Using adaptive optics that allows accurate measurement of bouton activity deep in cortex, we found that around half of the boutons in the main thalamorecipient L4 carried orientation-tuned information and that their orientation and direction biases were also dominant in the L4 neuron population, suggesting that these neurons may inherit their selectivity from tuned thalamic inputs. Cortical neurons in all layers exhibited sharper tuning than thalamic boutons and a greater diversity of preferred orientations. Our results provide data-rich constraints for refining mechanistic models of cortical computation.

}, doi = {10.1038/nn.4196}, author = {Sun, Wenzhi and Tan, Zhongchao and Mensh, Brett D and Ji, Na} } @article {48106, title = {Three pillars for the neural control of appetite.}, journal = {Annual Review of Physiology}, volume = {79}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Nov 28}, pages = {401-23}, abstract = {

The neural control of appetite is important for understanding motivated behavior along with the present rising prevalence of obesity. Over the past several years, new tools for cell type-specific neuron activity monitoring and perturbation have enabled increasingly detailed analyses of the mechanisms underlying appetite-control systems. Three major neural circuits strongly and acutely influence appetite but with notably different characteristics. Although these circuits interact, they have distinct properties and thus appear to contribute to separate but interlinked processes influencing appetite, thereby forming three pillars of appetite control. Here, we summarize some of the key characteristics of appetite circuits that are emerging from recent work and synthesize the findings into a provisional framework that can guide future studies. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Physiology Volume 79 is February 10, 2017. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

}, issn = {1545-1585}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-physiol-021115-104948}, author = {Sternson, Scott M and Eiselt, Anne-Kathrin} } @article {47913, title = {A timecourse analysis of systemic and gonadal effects of temperature on sexual development of the red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans.}, journal = {Developmental Biology}, volume = {420}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Dec 1 }, pages = {166-77}, abstract = {

Temperature dependent sex determination (TSD) is the process by which the environmental temperature experienced during embryogenesis influences the sex of an organism, as in the red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans. In accord with current paradigms of vertebrate sex determination, temperature is believed to exert its effects on sexual development in T. scripta entirely within the middle third of development, when the gonad is forming. However, whether temperature regulates the transcriptome in T. scripta early embryos in a manner that could influence secondary sex characteristics or establish a pro-male or pro-female environment has not been investigated. In addition, apart from a handful of candidate genes, very little is known about potential similarities between the expression cascade during TSD and the genetic cascade that drives mammalian sex determination. Here, we conducted an unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis of the effects of male- and female-promoting temperatures on the turtle embryo prior to gonad formation, and on the gonad during the temperature sensitive period. We found sexually dimorphic expression reflecting differences in steroidogenic enzymes and brain development prior to gonad formation. Within the gonad, we mapped a cascade of differential expression similar to the genetic cascade established in mammals. Using a Hidden Markov Model based clustering approach, we identified groups of genes that show heterochronic shifts between M. musculus and T. scripta. We propose a model in which multiple factors influenced by temperature accumulate during early gonadogenesis, and converge on the antagonistic regulation of aromatase to canalize sex determination near the end of the temperature sensitive window of development.

}, issn = {1095-564X}, doi = {10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.09.018}, author = {Czerwinski, Michael and Natarajan, Anirudh and Barske, Lindsey and Looger, Loren L and Capel, Blanche} } @article {48007, title = {To the cloud! A grassroots proposal to accelerate brain science discovery.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {92}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Nov 2}, pages = {622-7}, abstract = {

The revolution in neuroscientific data acquisition is creating an analysis challenge. We propose leveraging cloud-computing technologies to enable large-scale neurodata storing, exploring, analyzing, and modeling. This utility will empower scientists globally to generate and test theories of brain function and dysfunction.

}, author = {Neuro Cloud Consortium} } @article {47507, title = {Toll genes have an ancestral role in axis elongation.}, journal = {Current Biology : CB}, volume = {26}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 May 18}, pages = {1609-15}, abstract = {

One of the key morphogenetic processes used during development is the controlled intercalation of cells between their neighbors. This process has been co-opted into a range of developmental events, and it also underlies an event that occurs in each major group of bilaterians: elongation of the embryo along the anterior-posterior axis [1]. In Drosophila, a novel component of this process was recently discovered by Par{\'e} et\ al., who showed that three Toll genes function together to drive cell intercalation during germband extension [2]. This finding raises the question of whether this role of Toll genes is an evolutionary novelty of flies or a general mechanism of embryonic morphogenesis. Here we show that the Toll gene function in axis elongation is, in fact, widely conserved among arthropods. First, we functionally demonstrate that two Toll genes are required for cell intercalation in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. We then show that these genes belong to a previously undescribed Toll subfamily and that members of this subfamily exhibit striped expression (as seen in Tribolium and previously reported in Drosophila [3-5]) in embryos of six other arthropod species spanning the entire phylum. Last, we show that two of these Toll genes are required for normal morphogenesis during anterior-posterior embryo elongation in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum, a member of the most basally branching arthropod lineage. From our findings, we hypothesize that Toll genes had a morphogenetic function in embryo elongation in the last common ancestor of all arthropods, which existed over 550 million years ago.

}, issn = {1879-0445}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2016.04.055}, author = {Benton, Matthew A and Pechmann, Matthias and Frey, Nadine and Stappert, Dominik and Conrads, Kai H and Chen, Yen-Ta and Stamataki, Evangelia and Pavlopoulos, Anastasios and Roth, Siegfried} } @article {47306, title = {Toward the neural implementation of structure learning.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Neurobiology}, volume = {37}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Feb 11}, pages = {99-105}, abstract = {

Despite significant advances in neuroscience, the neural bases of intelligence remain poorly understood. Arguably the most elusive aspect of intelligence is the ability to make robust inferences that go far beyond one{\textquoteright}s experience. Animals categorize objects, learn to vocalize and may even estimate causal relationships - all in the face of data that is often ambiguous and sparse. Such inductive leaps are thought to result from the brain{\textquoteright}s ability to infer latent structure that governs the environment. However, we know little about the neural computations that underlie this ability. Recent advances in developing computational frameworks that can support efficient structure learning and inductive inference may provide insight into the underlying component processes and help pave the path for uncovering their neural implementation.

}, issn = {1873-6882}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2016.01.014}, author = {Tervo, D Gowan and Tenenbaum, Joshua B and Gershman, Samuel J} } @article {47307, title = {Transcriptomes of lineage-specific Drosophila neuroblasts profiled by genetic targeting and robotic sorting.}, journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {143}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Feb 1}, pages = {411-21}, abstract = {

A brain consists of numerous distinct neurons arising from a limited number of progenitors, called neuroblasts in Drosophila. Each neuroblast produces a specific neuronal lineage. To unravel the transcriptional networks that underlie the development of distinct neuroblast lineages, we marked and isolated lineage-specific neuroblasts for RNA sequencing. We labeled particular neuroblasts throughout neurogenesis by activating a conditional neuroblast driver in specific lineages using various intersection strategies. The targeted neuroblasts were efficiently recovered using a custom-built device for robotic single-cell picking. Transcriptome analysis of mushroom body, antennal lobe and type II neuroblasts compared with non-selective neuroblasts, neurons and glia revealed a rich repertoire of transcription factors expressed among neuroblasts in diverse patterns. Besides transcription factors that are likely to be pan-neuroblast, many transcription factors exist that are selectively enriched or repressed in certain neuroblasts. The unique combinations of transcription factors present in different neuroblasts may govern the diverse lineage-specific neuron fates.

}, issn = {1477-9129}, doi = {10.1242/dev.129163}, author = {Yang, Ching-Po and Fu, Chi-Cheng and Sugino, Ken and Liu, Zhiyong and Ren, Qingzhong and Liu, Ling-Yu and Yao, Xiaohao and Lee, Luke P and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {47521, title = {Translation dynamics of single mRNAs in live cells and neurons.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {352}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 May 05}, pages = {1430-5}, abstract = {

Translation is the fundamental biological process converting mRNA information into proteins. Single molecule imaging in live cells has illuminated the dynamics of RNA transcription; however, it is not yet applicable to translation. Here we report Single molecule Imaging of NAscent PeptideS (SINAPS) to assess translation in live cells. The approach provides direct readout of initiation, elongation, and location of translation. We show that mRNAs coding for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins are translated when they encounter the ER membrane. Single molecule fluorescence recovery after photobleaching provides direct measurement of elongation speed (5 AA/s). In primary neurons mRNAs are translated in proximal dendrites but repressed in distal dendrites and display {\textquotedblleft}bursting{\textquotedblright} translation. This technology provides a tool to address the spatiotemporal translation mechanism of single mRNAs in living cells.

}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaf1084}, author = {Wu, Bin and Eliscovich, Carolina and Yoon, Young J and Singer, Robert H} } @article {68445, title = {Transmembrane channel-like (tmc) gene regulates Drosophila larval locomotion.}, journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A}, volume = {113}, year = {2016}, month = {06/2016}, pages = {7243-8}, abstract = {

Drosophila larval locomotion, which entails rhythmic body contractions, is controlled by sensory feedback from proprioceptors. The molecular mechanisms mediating this feedback are little understood. By using genetic knock-in and immunostaining, we found that the Drosophila melanogaster transmembrane channel-like (tmc) gene is expressed in the larval class I and class II dendritic arborization (da) neurons and bipolar dendrite (bd) neurons, both of which are known to provide sensory feedback for larval locomotion. Larvae with knockdown or loss of tmc function displayed reduced crawling speeds, increased head cast frequencies, and enhanced backward locomotion. Expressing Drosophila TMC or mammalian TMC1 and/or TMC2 in the tmc-positive neurons rescued these mutant phenotypes. Bending of the larval body activated the tmc-positive neurons, and in tmc mutants this bending response was impaired. This implicates TMC{\textquoteright}s roles in Drosophila proprioception and the sensory control of larval locomotion. It also provides evidence for a functional conservation between Drosophila and mammalian TMCs.

}, keywords = {Animals, Animals, Genetically Modified, Cell Line, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Larva, Locomotion, Membrane Proteins, Mutation, Neurons}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1606537113}, author = {Guo, Yanmeng and Wang, Yuping and Zhang, Wei and Meltzer, Shan and Zanini, Damiano and Yu, Yue and Li, Jiefu and Cheng, Tong and Guo, Zhenhao and Wang, Qingxiu and Jacobs, Julie S and Sharma, Yashoda and Eberl, Daniel F and G{\"o}pfert, Martin C and Jan, Lily Yeh and Jan, Yuh Nung and Wang, Zuoren} } @article {47525, title = {TRICK: A single-molecule method for imaging the first round of translation in living cells and animals.}, journal = {Methods in Enzymology}, volume = {572}, year = {2016}, month = {2016}, pages = {123-57}, abstract = {

The life of an mRNA is dynamic within a cell. The development of quantitative fluorescent microscopy techniques to image single molecules of RNA has allowed many aspects of the mRNA lifecycle to be directly observed in living cells. Recent advances in live-cell multicolor RNA imaging, however, have now made it possible to investigate RNA metabolism in greater detail. In this chapter, we present an overview of the design and implementation of the translating RNA imaging by coat protein knockoff RNA biosensor, which allows untranslated mRNAs to be distinguished from ones that have undergone a round of translation. The methods required for establishing this system in mammalian cell lines and Drosophila melanogaster oocytes are described here, but the principles may be applied to any experimental system.

}, issn = {1557-7988}, doi = {10.1016/bs.mie.2016.02.027}, author = {Halstead, J M and Wilbertz, J H and Wippich, F and Lionnet, T and Ephrussi, A and Chao, J A} } @article {45792, title = {Theta sequences are essential for internally generated hippocampal firing fields.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {18}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Feb}, pages = {282-8}, abstract = {

Sensory cue inputs and memory-related internal brain activities govern the firing of hippocampal neurons, but which specific firing patterns are induced by either of the two processes remains unclear. We found that sensory cues guided the firing of neurons in rats on a timescale of seconds and supported the formation of spatial firing fields. Independently of the sensory inputs, the memory-related network activity coordinated the firing of neurons not only on a second-long timescale, but also on a millisecond-long timescale, and was dependent on medial septum inputs. We propose a network mechanism that might coordinate this internally generated firing. Overall, we suggest that two independent mechanisms support the formation of spatial firing fields in hippocampus, but only the internally organized system supports short-timescale sequential firing and episodic memory.

}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.3904}, author = {Wang, Yingxue and Romani, Sandro and Lustig, Brian and Leonardo, Anthony and Pastalkova, Eva} } @article {47266, title = {A three-camera imaging microscope for high-speed single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging in living cells.}, journal = {Proceedings of SPIE}, volume = {9550}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Aug 21}, pages = {955008 }, abstract = {

Our aim is to develop quantitative single-molecule assays to study when and where molecules are interacting inside living cells and where enzymes are active. To this end we present a three-camera imaging microscope for fast tracking of multiple interacting molecules simultaneously, with high spatiotemporal resolution. The system was designed around an ASI RAMM frame using three separate tube lenses and custom multi-band dichroics to allow for enhanced detection efficiency. The frame times of the three Andor iXon Ultra EMCCD cameras are hardware synchronized to the laser excitation pulses of the three excitation lasers, such that the fluorophores are effectively immobilized during frame acquisitions and do not yield detections that are motion-blurred. Stroboscopic illumination allows robust detection from even rapidly moving molecules while minimizing bleaching, and since snapshots can be spaced out with varying time intervals, stroboscopic illumination enables a direct comparison to be made between fast and slow molecules under identical light dosage. We have developed algorithms that accurately track and co-localize multiple interacting biomolecules. The three-color microscope combined with our co-movement algorithms have made it possible for instance to simultaneously image and track how the chromosome environment affects diffusion kinetics or determine how mRNAs diffuse during translation. Such multiplexed single-molecule measurements at a high spatiotemporal resolution inside living cells will provide a major tool for testing models relating molecular architecture and biological dynamics.

}, doi = {10.1117/12.2190246}, author = {English, Brian P and Singer, Robert H} } @article {47183, title = {Three-dimensional tracking of plus-tips by lattice light-sheet microscopy permits the quantification of microtubule growth trajectories within the mitotic apparatus.}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Optics}, volume = {20}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Oct 1}, pages = {101206}, issn = {1560-2281}, doi = {10.1117/1.JBO.20.10.101206}, author = {Yamashita, Norio and Morita, Masahiko and Legant, Wesley R and Chen, Bi-Chang and Betzig, Eric and Yokota, Hideo and Mimori-Kiyosue, Yuko} } @article {46369, title = {Tracking surface glycans on live cancer cells with single-molecule sensitivity.}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie International Edition English}, volume = {54}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Feb 2}, pages = {1765-9}, abstract = {

Using a combination of metabolically labeled glycans, a bioorthogonal copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, and the controlled bleaching of fluorescent probes conjugated to azide- or alkyne-tagged glycans, a sufficiently low spatial density of dye-labeled glycans was achieved, enabling dynamic single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging of N-linked sialic acids and O-linked N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) on the membrane of live cells. Analysis of the trajectories of these dye-labeled glycans in mammary cancer cells revealed constrained diffusion of both N- and O-linked glycans, which was interpreted as reflecting the mobility of the glycan rather than to be caused by transient immobilization owing to spatial inhomogeneities on the plasma membrane. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) imaging revealed the structure of dynamic membrane nanotubes.

}, issn = {1521-3773}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201407976}, author = {Jiang, Hao and English, Brian P and Hazan, Rachel B and Wu, Peng and Ovryn, Ben} } @article {68447, title = {A transcriptional reporter of intracellular Ca(2+) in Drosophila.}, journal = {Nat Neurosci}, volume = {18}, year = {2015}, month = {06/2015}, pages = {917-25}, abstract = {

Intracellular Ca(2+) is a widely used neuronal activity indicator. Here we describe a transcriptional reporter of intracellular Ca(2+) (TRIC) in Drosophila that uses a binary expression system to report Ca(2+)-dependent interactions between calmodulin and its target peptide. We found that in vitro assays predicted in vivo properties of TRIC and that TRIC signals in sensory systems depend on neuronal activity. TRIC was able to quantitatively monitor neuronal responses that changed slowly, such as those of neuropeptide F-expressing neurons to sexual deprivation and neuroendocrine pars intercerebralis cells to food and arousal. Furthermore, TRIC-induced expression of a neuronal silencer in nutrient-activated cells enhanced stress resistance, providing a proof of principle that TRIC can be used for circuit manipulation. Thus, TRIC facilitates the monitoring and manipulation of neuronal activity, especially those reflecting slow changes in physiological states that are poorly captured by existing methods. TRIC{\textquoteright}s modular design should enable optimization and adaptation to other organisms.

}, keywords = {Animals, Calcium, Calcium Signaling, Cells, Cultured, Drosophila, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutagenesis, Neural Pathways, Olfactory Pathways, Optic Lobe, Nonmammalian, Stress, Psychological, Synaptic Transmission, Visual Pathways}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.4016}, author = {Gao, Xiaojing J and Riabinina, Olena and Li, Jiefu and Potter, Christopher J and Clandinin, Thomas R and Luo, Liqun} } @article {47025, title = {The transgenic RNAi project at Harvard Medical School: resources and validation.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {201}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Aug 28}, pages = {843-52}, abstract = {

To facilitate large scale functional studies in Drosophila, the Drosophila Transgenic RNAi Project (TRiP) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) was established along with several goals: developing efficient vectors for RNAi that work in all tissues, generating a genome scale collection of RNAi stocks with input from the community, distributing the lines as they are generated through existing stock centers, validating as many lines as possible using RT-qPCR and phenotypic analyses, and developing tools and web resources for identifying RNAi lines and retrieving existing information on their quality. With these goals in mind, here we describe in detail the various tools we developed and the status of the collection, which is currently comprised of 11,491 lines and covering 71\% of Drosophila genes. Data on the characterization of the lines either by RT-qPCR or phenotype is available on a dedicated web site, the RNAi Stock Validation and Phenotypes Project (RSVP; www.flyrnai.org/RSVP.html), and stocks are available from three stock centers, the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (USA), National Institute of Genetics (Japan), and TsingHua Fly Center (China).

}, issn = {1943-2631}, doi = {10.1534/genetics.115.180208}, author = {Perkins, L A and Holderbaum, L and Tao, R and Hu, Y and Sopko, R and McCall, K and Yang-Zhou, D and Flockhart, I and Binari, R and Shim, H-S and Miller, A and Housden, A and Foos, M and Randkelv, S and Kelley, C and Namgyal, P and Villalta, C and Liu, L-P and Jiang, X and Huan-Huan, Q and Xia, W and Fujiyama, A and Toyoda, A and Ayers, K and Blum, A and Czech, B and Neumuller, R and Yan, D and Cavallaro, A and Hibbard, K and Hall, D and Cooley, L and Hannon, G J and Lehmann, R and Parks, A and Mohr, S E and Ueda, R and Kondo, S and Ni, J-Q and Perrimon, Norbert} } @article {46533, title = {Translation. An RNA biosensor for imaging the first round of translation from single cells to living animals.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {347}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Mar 20}, pages = {1367-671}, abstract = {

Analysis of single molecules in living cells has provided quantitative insights into the kinetics of fundamental biological processes; however, the dynamics of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation have yet to be addressed. We have developed a fluorescence microscopy technique that reports on the first translation events of individual mRNA molecules. This allowed us to examine the spatiotemporal regulation of translation during normal growth and stress and during Drosophila oocyte development. We have shown that mRNAs are not translated in the nucleus but translate within minutes after export, that sequestration within P-bodies regulates translation, and that oskar mRNA is not translated until it reaches the posterior pole of the oocyte. This methodology provides a framework for studying initiation of protein synthesis on single mRNAs in living cells.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaa3380}, author = {Halstead, James M and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Wilbertz, Johannes H and Wippich, Frank and Ephrussi, Anne and Singer, Robert H and Chao, Jeffrey A} } @article {65021, title = {Taura syndrome virus IRES initiates translation by binding its tRNA-mRNA-like structural element in the ribosomal decoding center.}, journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A}, volume = {111}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jun 24}, pages = {9139-44}, abstract = {

In cap-dependent translation initiation, the open reading frame (ORF) of mRNA is established by the placement of the AUG start codon and initiator tRNA in the ribosomal peptidyl (P) site. Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) promote translation of mRNAs in a cap-independent manner. We report two structures of the ribosome-bound Taura syndrome virus (TSV) IRES belonging to the family of Dicistroviridae intergenic IRESs. Intersubunit rotational states differ in these structures, suggesting that ribosome dynamics play a role in IRES translocation. Pseudoknot I of the IRES occupies the ribosomal decoding center at the aminoacyl (A) site in a manner resembling that of the tRNA anticodon-mRNA codon. The structures reveal that the TSV IRES initiates translation by a previously unseen mechanism, which is conceptually distinct from initiator tRNA-dependent mechanisms. Specifically, the ORF of the IRES-driven mRNA is established by the placement of the preceding tRNA-mRNA-like structure in the A site, whereas the 40S P site remains unoccupied during this initial step.

}, keywords = {Nucleic Acid Conformation, Open Reading Frames, Peptide Chain Initiation, Translational, Picornaviridae, Ribosomes, RNA, Messenger, RNA, Transfer, RNA, Viral}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1406335111}, author = {Koh, Cha San and Brilot, Axel F and Grigorieff, Nikolaus and Korostelev, Andrei A} } @article {45591, title = {Thorough GABAergic innervation of the entire axon initial segment revealed by an optogenetic {\textquoteright}laserspritzer{\textquoteright}.}, journal = {Journal of Physiology - London}, volume = {592}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Oct 1}, pages = {4257-76}, abstract = {

GABAergic terminals of chandelier cells exclusively innervate the axon initial segment (AIS) of excitatory neurons. Although the anatomy of these synapses has been well-studied in several brain areas, relatively little is known about their physiological properties. Using vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-channelrhodopsin\ 2-enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (VGAT-ChR2-YFP)-expressing mice and a novel fibreoptic {\textquoteright}laserspritzer{\textquoteright} approach that we developed, we investigated the physiological properties of axo-axonic synapses (AASs) in brain slices from the piriform cortex (PC) of mice. AASs were in close proximity to voltage-gated Na(+) (NaV) channels located at the AIS. AASs were selectively activated by a 5\ μm laserspritzer placed in close proximity to the AIS. Under a minimal laser stimulation condition and using whole-cell somatic voltage-clamp recordings, the amplitudes and kinetics of IPSCs mediated by AASs were similar to those mediated by perisomatic inhibitions. Results were further validated with channelrhodopsin\ 2-assisted circuit mapping (CRACM) of the entire inhibitory inputs map. For the first time, we revealed that the laserspritzer-induced AAS-IPSCs persisted in the presence of TTX and TEA but not 4-AP. Next, using gramicidin-based perforated patch recordings, we found that the GABA reversal potential (EGABA) was -73.6\ {\textpm}\ 1.2\ mV when induced at the AIS and -72.8\ {\textpm}\ 1.1\ mV when induced at the perisomatic site. Our anatomical and physiological results lead to the novel conclusions that: (1) AASs innervate the entire length of the AIS, as opposed to forming a highly concentrated cartridge, (2) AAS inhibition suppresses action potentials and epileptiform activity more robustly than perisomatic inhibitions, and (3) AAS activation alone can be sufficient to inhibit action potential generation and epileptiform activities in vitro.

}, issn = {1469-7793}, doi = {10.1113/jphysiol.2014.275719}, author = {Wang, Xinjun and Hooks, Bryan M and Sun, Qian-Quan} } @article {45353, title = {Thy1 - GCaMP6 transgenic mice for neuronal population imaging in vivo.}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {9}, year = {2014}, month = {2014}, pages = {e108697}, chapter = {e108697}, abstract = {

Genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) facilitate imaging activity of genetically defined neuronal populations in vivo. The high intracellular GECI concentrations required for in vivo imaging are usually achieved by viral gene transfer using adeno-associated viruses. Transgenic expression of GECIs promises important advantages, including homogeneous, repeatable, and stable expression without the need for invasive virus injections. Here we present the generation and characterization of transgenic mice expressing the GECIs GCaMP6s or GCaMP6f under the Thy1 promoter. We quantified GCaMP6 expression across brain regions and neurons and compared to other transgenic mice and AAV-mediated expression. We tested three mouse lines for imaging in the visual cortex in vivo and compared their performance to mice injected with AAV expressing GCaMP6. Furthermore, we show that GCaMP6 Thy1 transgenic mice are useful for long-term, high-sensitivity imaging in behaving mice.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0108697}, author = {Dana, Hod and Chen, Tsai-Wen and Hu, Amy and Shields, Brenda C and Cui, Guohong and Looger, Loren and Kim, Douglas S. and Svoboda, Karel} } @article {6905, title = {Toward large-scale connectome reconstructions.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Neurobiology}, volume = {25C}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Mar 2}, pages = {201-10}, abstract = {

Recent results have shown the possibility of both reconstructing connectomes of small but biologically interesting circuits and extracting from these connectomes insights into their function. However, these reconstructions were heroic proof-of-concept experiments, requiring person-months of effort per neuron reconstructed, and will not scale to larger circuits, much less the brains of entire animals. In this paper we examine what will be required to generate and use substantially larger connectomes, finding five areas that need increased attention: firstly, imaging better suited to automatic reconstruction, with excellent z-resolution; secondly, automatic detection, validation, and measurement of synapses; thirdly, reconstruction methods that keep and use uncertainty metrics for every object, from initial images, through segmentation, reconstruction, and connectome queries; fourthly, processes that are fully incremental, so that the connectome may be used before it is fully complete; and finally, better tools for analysis of connectomes, once they are obtained.

}, issn = {1873-6882}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2014.01.019}, author = {Plaza, Stephen M and Scheffer, Louis K and Chklovskii, Dmitri B} } @conference {48180, title = {Tracking by assignment facilitates data curation.}, booktitle = {Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention {\textendash} MICCAI Workshop 2014}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Sep 14}, address = {Boston, MA}, abstract = {

Object tracking is essential for a multitude of biomedical re- search projects. Automated methods are desired in order to avoid im- possible amounts of manual tracking efforts. However, automatically found solutions are not free of errors, and these errors again have to be identified and resolved manually. We propose six innovative ways for semi-automatic curation of automatically found tracking solutions. Respective user interactions are six simple operations: Inclusion and ex- clusion of objects and tracking decisions, specification of the number of objects, and one-click altering of object segmentations. We show how all proposed interactions can be elegantly incorporated into {\textquotedblleft}assignment models{\textquotedblright} [1,2,3,4,5,6], an innovative and increasingly popular tracking paradigm. Given some user interaction, the tracking engine is capable of computing the respective globally optimal tracking solution efficiently, even benefitting from {\textquotedblleft}warm start{\textquotedblright}-capabilities. We show that after in- teractively pointing at a single mistake, multiple segmentation and track- ing errors can be fixed automatically in one single re-evaluation, provably leading to the new, feedback-conscious global optimum.\ 

}, url = {http://interactivemedical.org/imic2014/CameraReadyPapers/Paper\%203/Jug_Interactive_IMIC2014.pdf}, author = {Jug, Florian and Tobias Pietzsch and Kainmueller, Dagmar and Myers, Eugene W} } @article {45031, title = {Transcription factors modulate c-Fos transcriptional bursts.}, journal = {Cell Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jul 10}, pages = {75-83}, abstract = {

Transcription is a stochastic process occurring mostly in episodic bursts. Although the local chromatin environment is known to influence the bursting behavior on long timescales, the impact of transcription factors (TFs)-especially in rapidly inducible systems-is largely unknown. Using fluorescence in\ situ hybridization and computational models, we quantified the transcriptional activity of the proto-oncogene c-Fos with single mRNA accuracy at individual endogenous alleles. We showed that, during MAPK induction, the TF concentration modulates the burst frequency of c-Fos, whereas other bursting parameters remain mostly unchanged. By using synthetic TFs with TALE DNA-binding domains, we systematically altered different aspects of these bursts. Specifically, we linked the polymerase initiation frequency to the strength of the transactivation domain and the burst duration to the TF lifetime on the promoter. Our results show how TFs and promoter binding domains collectively act to regulate different bursting parameters, offering a vast, evolutionarily tunable regulatory range for individual genes.

}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2014.05.053}, author = {Senecal, Adrien and Munsky, Brian and Proux, Florence and Ly, Nathalie and Braye, Floriane E and Zimmer, Christophe and Mueller, Florian and Darzacq, Xavier} } @article {46377, title = {Transgenesis in non-model organisms: the case of Parhyale.}, journal = {Methods Mol Biol}, volume = {1196}, year = {2014}, month = {2014}, pages = {145-81}, abstract = {

One of the most striking manifestations of Hox gene activity is the morphological and functional diversity of arthropod body plans, segments, and associated appendages. Among arthropod models, the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis satisfies a number of appealing biological and technical requirements to study the Hox control of tissue and organ morphogenesis. Parhyale embryos undergo direct development from fertilized eggs into miniature adults within 10 days and are amenable to all sorts of embryological and functional genetic manipulations. Furthermore, each embryo develops a series of specialized appendages along the anterior-posterior body axis, offering exceptional material to probe the genetic basis of appendage patterning, growth, and differentiation. Here, we describe the methodologies and techniques required for transgenesis-based gain-of-function studies of Hox genes in Parhyale embryos. First, we introduce a protocol for efficient microinjection of early-stage Parhyale embryos. Second, we describe the application of fast and reliable assays to test the activity of the Minos DNA transposon in embryos. Third, we present the use of Minos-based transgenesis vectors to generate stable and transient transgenic Parhyale. Finally, we describe the development and application of a conditional heat-inducible misexpression system to study the role of the Hox gene Ultrabithorax in Parhyale appendage specialization. Beyond providing a useful resource for Parhyalists, this chapter also aims to provide a road map for researchers working on other emerging model organisms. Acknowledging the time and effort that need to be invested in developing transgenic approaches in new species, it is all worth it considering the wide scope of experimentation that opens up once transgenesis is established.

}, issn = {1940-6029}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-1242-1_10}, author = {Kontarakis, Zacharias and Pavlopoulos, Anastasios} } @article {46702, title = {The translation elongation factor eEF1A1 couples transcription to translation during heat shock response.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Sep 16}, pages = {e03164}, abstract = {

Translation elongation factor eEF1A has a well-defined role in protein synthesis. In this study, we demonstrate a new role for eEF1A: it participates in the entire process of the heat shock response (HSR) in mammalian cells from transcription through translation. Upon stress, isoform 1 of eEF1A rapidly activates transcription of HSP70 by recruiting the master regulator HSF1 to its promoter. eEF1A1 then associates with elongating RNA polymerase II and the 3{\textquoteright}UTR of HSP70 mRNA, stabilizing it and facilitating its transport from the nucleus to active ribosomes. eEF1A1-depleted cells exhibit severely impaired HSR and compromised thermotolerance. In contrast, tissue-specific isoform 2 of eEF1A does not support HSR. By adjusting transcriptional yield to translational needs, eEF1A1 renders HSR rapid, robust, and highly selective; thus, representing an attractive therapeutic target for numerous conditions associated with disrupted protein homeostasis, ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.03164}, author = {Vera, Maria and Pani, Bibhusita and Griffiths, Lowri A and Muchardt, Christian and Abbott, Catherine M and Singer, Robert H and Nudler, Evgeny} } @article {46378, title = {Tribolium embryo morphogenesis: may the force be with you.}, journal = {Bioarchitecture}, volume = {4}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jan-Feb}, pages = {16-21}, abstract = {

Development of multicellular organisms depends on patterning and growth mechanisms encoded in the genome, but also on the physical properties and mechanical interactions of the constituent cells that interpret these genetic cues. This fundamental biological problem requires integrated studies at multiple levels of biological organization: from genes, to cell behaviors, to tissue morphogenesis. We have recently combined functional genetics with live imaging approaches in embryos of the insect Tribolium castaneum, in order to understand their remarkable transformation from a uniform single-layered blastoderm into a condensed multi-layered embryo covered by extensive extra-embryonic tissues. We first developed a quick and reliable methodology to fluorescently label various cell components in entire Tribolium embryos. Live imaging of labeled embryos at single cell resolution provided detailed descriptions of cell behaviors and tissue movements during normal embryogenesis. We then compared cell and tissue dynamics between wild-type and genetically perturbed embryos that exhibited altered relative proportions of constituent tissues. This systematic comparison led to a qualitative model of the molecular, cellular and tissue interactions that orchestrate the observed epithelial rearrangements. We expect this work to establish the Tribolium embryo as a powerful and attractive model system for biologists and biophysicists interested in the molecular, cellular and mechanical control of tissue morphogenesis.

}, keywords = {Animals, Tribolium}, issn = {1949-100X}, doi = {10.4161/bioa.27815}, author = {Benton, Matthew A and Pavlopoulos, Anastasios} } @article {45372, title = {A type VI secretion-related pathway in bacteroidetes mediates interbacterial antagonism.}, journal = {Cell Host Microbe}, volume = {16}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Aug 13}, pages = {227-36}, abstract = {

Bacteroidetes are a phylum of Gram-negative bacteria abundant in mammalian-associated polymicrobial communities, where they impact digestion, immunity, and resistance to infection. Despite the extensive competition at high cell density that occurs in these settings, cell contact-dependent mechanisms of interbacterial antagonism, such as the type VI secretion system (T6SS), have not been defined in this group of organisms. Herein we report the bioinformatic and functional characterization of a T6SS-like pathway in diverse Bacteroidetes. Using prominent human gut commensal and soil-associated species, we demonstrate that these systems localize dynamically within the cell, export antibacterial proteins, and target competitor bacteria. The Bacteroidetes system is a distinct pathway with marked differences in gene content and high evolutionary divergence from the canonical T6S pathway. Our findings offer a potential molecular explanation for the abundance of Bacteroidetes in polymicrobial environments, the observed stability of Bacteroidetes in healthy humans, and the barrier presented by the microbiota against pathogens.

}, issn = {1934-6069}, doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2014.07.007}, author = {Russell, Alistair B and Wexler, Aaron G and Harding, Brittany N and Whitney, John C and Bohn, Alan J and Goo, Young Ah and Tran, Bao Q and Barry, Natasha A and Zheng, Hongjin and Peterson, S Brook and Chou, Seemay and Gonen, Tamir and Goodlett, David R and Goodman, Andrew L and Mougous, Joseph D} } @article {6089, title = {TALE-mediated modulation of transcriptional enhancers in vivo.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Jun 30}, pages = {762-7}, abstract = {

We tested whether transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) could mediate repression and activation of endogenous enhancers in the Drosophila genome. TALE repressors (TALERs) targeting each of the five even-skipped (eve) stripe enhancers generated repression specifically of the focal stripes. TALE activators (TALEAs) targeting the eve promoter or enhancers caused increased expression primarily in cells normally activated by the promoter or targeted enhancer, respectively. This effect supports the view that repression acts in a dominant fashion on transcriptional activators and that the activity state of an enhancer influences TALE binding or the ability of the VP16 domain to enhance transcription. In these assays, the Hairy repression domain did not exhibit previously described long-range transcriptional repression activity. The phenotypic effects of TALER and TALEA expression in larvae and adults are consistent with the observed modulations of eve expression. TALEs thus provide a novel tool for detection and functional modulation of transcriptional enhancers in their native genomic context.

}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.2543}, author = {Crocker, Justin and Stern, David L} } @article {46606, title = {Taok2 controls behavioral response to ethanol in mice.}, journal = {Genes, Brain, and Behavior}, volume = {12}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Feb}, pages = {87-97}, abstract = {

Despite recent advances in the understanding of ethanol{\textquoteright}s biological action, many of the molecular targets of ethanol and mechanisms behind ethanol{\textquoteright}s effect on behavior remain poorly understood. In an effort to identify novel genes, the products of which regulate behavioral responses to ethanol, we recently identified a mutation in the dtao gene that confers resistance to the locomotor stimulating effect of ethanol in Drosophila. dtao encodes a member of the Ste20 family of serine/threonine kinases implicated in MAP kinase signaling pathways. In this study, we report that conditional ablation of the mouse dtao homolog, Taok2, constitutively and specifically in the nervous system, results in strain-specific and overlapping alterations in ethanol-dependent behaviors. These data suggest a functional conservation of dtao and Taok2 in mediating ethanol{\textquoteright}s biological action and identify Taok2 as a putative candidate gene for ethanol use disorders in humans.

}, keywords = {Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, Animals, Behavior, Animal, Conditioning, Classical, Ethanol, Gait Ataxia, Locomotion, MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases}, issn = {1601-183X}, doi = {10.1111/j.1601-183X.2012.00834.x}, author = {Kapfhamer, D and Taylor, S and Zou, M E and Lim, J P and Kharazia, V and Heberlein, U} } @article {6889, title = {Tapered whiskers are required for active tactile sensation.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Nov 19}, pages = {e01350}, abstract = {

Many mammals forage and burrow in dark constrained spaces. Touch through facial whiskers is important during these activities, but the close quarters makes whisker deployment challenging. The diverse shapes of facial whiskers reflect distinct ecological niches. Rodent whiskers are conical, often with a remarkably linear taper. Here we use theoretical and experimental methods to analyze interactions of mouse whiskers with objects. When pushed into objects, conical whiskers suddenly slip at a critical angle. In contrast, cylindrical whiskers do not slip for biologically plausible movements. Conical whiskers sweep across objects and textures in characteristic sequences of brief sticks and slips, which provide information about the tactile world. In contrast, cylindrical whiskers stick and remain stuck, even when sweeping across fine textures. Thus the conical whisker structure is adaptive for sensor mobility in constrained environments and in feature extraction during active haptic exploration of objects and surfaces. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01350.001.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.01350}, author = {Hires, Samuel Andrew and Pammer, Lorenz and Svoboda, Karel and Golomb, David} } @article {46713, title = {Temporal and spatial characterization of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {27}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Mar 1}, pages = {541-51}, abstract = {

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a quality control mechanism responsible for "surveying" mRNAs during translation and degrading those that harbor a premature termination codon (PTC). Currently the intracellular spatial location of NMD and the kinetics of its decay step in mammalian cells are under debate. To address these issues, we used single-RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and measured the NMD of PTC-containing β-globin mRNA in intact single cells after the induction of β-globin gene transcription. This approach preserves temporal and spatial information of the NMD process, both of which would be lost in an ensemble study. We determined that decay of the majority of PTC-containing β-globin mRNA occurs soon after its export into the cytoplasm, with a half-life of \<1 min; the remainder is degraded with a half-life of \>12 h, similar to the half-life of normal PTC-free β-globin mRNA, indicating that it had evaded NMD. Importantly, NMD does not occur within the nucleoplasm, thus countering the long-debated idea of nuclear degradation of PTC-containing transcripts. We provide a spatial and temporal model for the biphasic decay of NMD targets.

}, keywords = {Animals, beta-Globins, Cell Line, Cell Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Humans, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Nonsense Mediated mRNA Decay, RNA, Messenger, Time Factors}, issn = {1549-5477}, doi = {10.1101/gad.209635.112}, author = {Trcek, Tatjana and Sato, Hanae and Singer, Robert H and Maquat, Lynne E} } @article {6674, title = {Thalamocortical input onto layer 5 pyramidal neurons measured using quantitative large-scale array tomography.}, journal = {Frontiers in Neural Circuits}, volume = {7}, year = {2013}, month = {2013}, pages = {177}, abstract = {

The subcellular locations of synapses on pyramidal neurons strongly influences dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity. Despite this, there is little quantitative data on spatial distributions of specific types of synaptic input. Here we use array tomography (AT), a high-resolution optical microscopy method, to examine thalamocortical (TC) input onto layer 5 pyramidal neurons. We first verified the ability of AT to identify synapses using parallel electron microscopic analysis of TC synapses in layer 4. We then use large-scale array tomography (LSAT) to measure TC synapse distribution on L5 pyramidal neurons in a 1.00 {\texttimes} 0.83 {\texttimes} 0.21 mm(3) volume of mouse somatosensory cortex. We found that TC synapses primarily target basal dendrites in layer 5, but also make a considerable input to proximal apical dendrites in L4, consistent with previous work. Our analysis further suggests that TC inputs are biased toward certain branches and, within branches, synapses show significant clustering with an excess of TC synapse nearest neighbors within 5-15 μm compared to a random distribution. Thus, we show that AT is a sensitive and quantitative method to map specific types of synaptic input on the dendrites of entire neurons. We anticipate that this technique will be of wide utility for mapping functionally-relevant anatomical connectivity in neural circuits.

}, issn = {1662-5110}, doi = {10.3389/fncir.2013.00177}, author = {Rah, Jong-Cheol and Bas, Erhan and Colonell, Jennifer and Mishchenko, Yuriy and Karsh, Bill and Fetter, Richard D and Myers, Eugene W and Chklovskii, Dmitri B and Svoboda, Karel and Harris, Timothy D and Isaac, John T R} } @article {6633, title = {Three-dimensional electron crystallography of protein microcrystals.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Nov 19}, pages = {01345}, abstract = {

We demonstrate that it is feasible to determine high-resolution protein structures by electron crystallography of three-dimensional crystals in an electron cryo-microscope (CryoEM). Lysozyme microcrystals were frozen on an electron microscopy grid, and electron diffraction data collected to 1.7 {\r A} resolution. We developed a data collection protocol to collect a full-tilt series in electron diffraction to atomic resolution. A single tilt series contains up to 90 individual diffraction patterns collected from a single crystal with tilt angle increment of 0.1{\textendash}1{\textdegree} and a total accumulated electron dose less than 10 electrons per angstrom squared. We indexed the data from three crystals and used them for structure determination of lysozyme by molecular replacement followed by crystallographic refinement to 2.9 {\r A} resolution. This proof of principle paves the way for the implementation of a new technique, which we name {\textquoteleft}MicroED{\textquoteright}, that may have wide applicability in structural biology.

}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.01345}, author = {Shi, Dan and Nannenga, Brent L and Iadanza, Matthew G and Gonen, Tamir} } @article {6480, title = {Three-dimensional live microscopy beyond the diffraction limit.}, journal = {Journal of Optics}, volume = {15}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Sep}, pages = {094002}, abstract = {

In fluorescence microscopy it has become possible to fundamentally overcome the diffraction limited resolution in all three spatial dimensions. However, to have the most impact in biological sciences, new optical microscopy techniques need to be compatible with live cell imaging: image acquisition has to be fast enough to capture cellular dynamics at the new resolution limit while light exposure needs to be minimized to prevent photo-toxic effects. With increasing spatial resolution, these requirements become more difficult to meet, even more so when volumetric imaging is performed. In this review, techniques that have been successfully applied to three-dimensional, super-resolution live microscopy are presented and their relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed.

}, issn = {2040-8978}, doi = {10.1088/2040-8978/15/9/094002}, author = {Fiolka, Reto} } @article {46715, title = {Time-integrated fluorescence cumulant analysis and its application in living cells.}, journal = {Methods in Enzymology}, volume = {518}, year = {2013}, month = {2013}, pages = {99-119}, abstract = {

Time-integrated fluorescence cumulant analysis (TIFCA) is a data analysis technique for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) that extracts information from the cumulants of the integrated fluorescence intensity. It is the first exact theory that describes the effect of sampling time on FFS experiment. Rebinning of data to longer sampling times helps to increase the signal/noise ratio of the experimental cumulants of the photon counts. The sampling time dependence of the cumulants encodes both brightness and diffusion information of the sample. TIFCA analysis extracts this information by fitting the cumulants to model functions. Generalization of TIFCA to multicolor FFS experiment is straightforward. Here, we present an overview of the theory, its implementation, as well as the benefits and requirements of TIFCA. The questions of why, when, and how to use TIFCA will be discussed. We give several examples of practical applications of TIFCA, particularly focused on measuring molecular interaction in living cells.

}, keywords = {Cell Line, Cells, Humans, Protein Binding, Proteins, RNA, Messenger, Spectrometry, Fluorescence}, issn = {1557-7988}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-388422-0.00005-4}, author = {Wu, Bin and Singer, Robert H and Mueller, Joachim D} } @article {5935, title = {Towards comprehensive cell lineage reconstructions in complex organisms using light-sheet microscopy.}, journal = {Development, Growth and Differentiation}, volume = {55}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Apr 29}, pages = {563-78}, abstract = {

Understanding the development of complex multicellular organisms as a function of the underlying cell behavior is one of the most fundamental goals of developmental biology. The ability to quantitatively follow cell dynamics in entire developing embryos is an indispensable step towards such a system-level understanding. In recent years, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy has emerged as a particularly promising strategy for recording the in vivo data required to realize this goal. Using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, entire complex organisms can be rapidly imaged in three dimensions at sub-cellular resolution, achieving high temporal sampling and excellent signal-to-noise ratio without damaging the living specimen or bleaching fluorescent markers. The resulting datasets allow following individual cells in vertebrate and higher invertebrate embryos over up to several days of development. However, the complexity and size of these multi-terabyte recordings typically preclude comprehensive manual analyses. Thus, new computational approaches are required to automatically segment cell morphologies, accurately track cell identities and systematically analyze cell behavior throughout embryonic development. We review current efforts in light-sheet microscopy and bioimage informatics towards this goal, and argue that comprehensive cell lineage reconstructions are finally within reach for many key model organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish and mouse.

}, issn = {1440-169X}, doi = {10.1111/dgd.12063}, author = {Amat, Fernando and Keller, Philipp J} } @article {5680, title = {Towards semi-automatic reconstruction of neural circuits.}, journal = {Neuroinformatics}, volume = {11}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Jan}, pages = {31-3}, issn = {1559-0089}, doi = {10.1007/s12021-012-9166-x}, author = {Cardona, Albert.} } @proceedings {6535, title = {Tracking multiple neurons on worm images.}, volume = {8669}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Mar}, pages = {86692P}, publisher = {SPIE}, address = {Lake Buena Vista (Orlando Area), Florida, USA}, abstract = {

We are interested in establishing the correspondence between neuron activity and body curvature during various movements of C. Elegans worms. Given long sequences of images, specifically recorded to glow when the neuron is active, it is required to track all identifiable neurons in each frame. The characteristics of the neuron data, e.g., the uninformative nature of neuron appearance and the sequential ordering of neurons, renders standard single and multi-object tracking methods either ineffective or unnecessary for our task. In this paper, we propose a multi-target tracking algorithm that correctly assigns each neuron to one of several candidate locations in the next frame preserving shape constraint. The results demonstrate how the proposed method can robustly track more neurons than several existing methods in long sequences of images.

}, doi = {10.1117/12.2000087}, author = {Paraq, Toufiq and Butler, Victoria and Chklovskii, Dmitri} } @article {6265, title = {Transcription factors that convert adult cell identity are differentially polycomb repressed.}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 May}, pages = {e63407}, abstract = {

Transcription factors that can convert adult cells of one type to another are usually discovered empirically by testing factors with a known developmental role in the target cell. Here we show that standard genomic methods (RNA-seq and ChIP-seq) can help identify these factors, as most are more strongly Polycomb repressed in the source cell and more highly expressed in the target cell. This criterion is an effective genome-wide screen that significantly enriches for factors that can transdifferentiate several mammalian cell types including neural stem cells, neurons, pancreatic islets, and hepatocytes. These results suggest that barriers between adult cell types, as depicted in Waddington{\textquoteright}s "epigenetic landscape", consist in part of differentially Polycomb-repressed transcription factors. This genomic model of cell identity helps rationalize a growing number of transdifferentiation protocols and may help facilitate the engineering of cell identity for regenerative medicine.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0063407}, author = {Davis, Fred P and Eddy, Sean R.} } @article {68814, title = {Transgenic tools to characterize neuronal properties of discrete populations of zebrafish neurons}, journal = {Development}, volume = {140}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, pages = {3927-3931}, abstract = {

The developing nervous system consists of a variety of cell types. Transgenic animals expressing reporter genes in specific classes of neuronal cells are powerful tools for the study of neuronal network formation. We generated a wide variety of transgenic zebrafish that expressed reporter genes in specific classes of neurons or neuronal progenitors. These include lines in which neurons of specific neurotransmitter phenotypes expressed fluorescent proteins or Gal4, and lines in which specific subsets of the dorsal progenitor domain in the spinal cord expressed fluorescent proteins. Using these, we examined domain organization in the developing dorsal spinal cord, and found that there are six progenitor domains in zebrafish, which is similar to the domain organization in mice. We also systematically characterized neurotransmitter properties of the neurons that are produced from each domain. Given that reporter gene expressions occurs in a wide area of the nervous system in the lines generated, these transgenic fish should serve as powerful tools for the investigation of not only the neurons in the dorsal spinal cord but also neuronal structures and functions in many other regions of the nervous system.

}, issn = {0950-1991}, doi = {10.1242/dev.099531}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.099531}, author = {Satou, Chie and Kimura, Yukiko and Hirata, Hiromi and Suster, Maximiliano L. and Kawakami, Koichi and Higashijima, Shin-Ichi} } @article {6537, title = {Two Pfam protein families characterized by a crystal structure of protein lpg2210 from Legionella pneumophila.}, journal = {BMC Bioinformatics}, volume = {14}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Sep 3}, pages = {265}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Every genome contains a large number of uncharacterized proteins that may encode entirely novel biological systems. Many of these uncharacterized proteins fall into related sequence families. By applying sequence and structural analysis we hope to provide insight into novel biology. RESULTS: We analyze a previously uncharacterized Pfam protein family called DUF4424 [Pfam:PF14415]. The recently solved three-dimensional structure of the protein lpg2210 from Legionella pneumophila provides the first structural information pertaining to this family. This protein additionally includes the first representative structure of another Pfam family called the YARHG domain [Pfam:PF13308]. The Pfam family DUF4424 adopts a 19-stranded beta-sandwich fold that shows similarity to the N-terminal domain of leukotriene A-4 hydrolase. The YARHG domain forms an all-helical domain at the C-terminus. Structure analysis allows us to recognize distant similarities between the DUF4424 domain and individual domains of M1 aminopeptidases and tricorn proteases, which form massive proteasome-like capsids in both archaea and bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analyses we hypothesize that the DUF4424 domain may have a role in forming large, multi-component enzyme complexes. We suggest that the YARGH domain may play a role in binding a moiety in proximity with peptidoglycan, such as a hydrophobic outer membrane lipid or lipopolysaccharide.

}, issn = {1471-2105}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2105-14-265}, author = {Coggill, Penelope and Eberhardt, Ruth Y and Finn, Robert D and Chang, Yuanyuan and Jaroszewski, Lukasz and Godzik, Adam and Das, Debanu and Xu, Qingping and Axelrod, Herbert L and Aravind, L and Murzin, Alexey G and Bateman, Alex} } @article {6031, title = {Two-photon calcium imaging during fictive navigation in virtual environments.}, journal = {Frontiers in Neural Circuits}, volume = {7}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Jun 6}, pages = {104}, abstract = {

A full understanding of nervous system function requires recording from large populations of neurons during naturalistic behaviors. Here we enable paralyzed larval zebrafish to fictively navigate two-dimensional virtual environments while we record optically from many neurons with two-photon imaging. Electrical recordings from motor nerves in the tail are decoded into intended forward swims and turns, which are used to update a virtual environment displayed underneath the fish. Several behavioral features-such as turning responses to whole-field motion and dark avoidance-are well-replicated in this virtual setting. We readily observed neuronal populations in the hindbrain with laterally selective responses that correlated with right or left optomotor behavior. We also observed neurons in the habenula, pallium, and midbrain with response properties specific to environmental features. Beyond single-cell correlations, the classification of network activity in such virtual settings promises to reveal principles of brainwide neural dynamics during behavior.

}, issn = {1662-5110}, doi = {10.3389/fncir.2013.00104 *equal contribution}, author = {Ahrens, Misha B* and Huang, Kuo Hua* and Narayan, Sujatha and Mensh, Brett D and Engert, Florian} } @article {6129, title = {Two-photon imaging of nonlinear glutamate release dynamics at bipolar cell synapses in the mouse retina.}, journal = {The Journal of Neuroscience : The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {33}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Jul 3}, pages = {10972-85}, abstract = {

Alpha/Y-type retinal ganglion cells encode visual information with a receptive field composed of nonlinear subunits. This nonlinear subunit structure enhances sensitivity to patterns composed of high spatial frequencies. The Y-cell{\textquoteright}s subunits are the presynaptic bipolar cells, but the mechanism for the nonlinearity remains incompletely understood. We investigated the synaptic basis of the subunit nonlinearity by combining whole-cell recording of mouse Y-type ganglion cells with two-photon fluorescence imaging of a glutamate sensor (iGluSnFR) expressed on their dendrites and throughout the inner plexiform layer. A control experiment designed to assess iGluSnFR{\textquoteright}s dynamic range showed that fluorescence responses from Y-cell dendrites increased proportionally with simultaneously recorded excitatory current. Spatial resolution was sufficient to readily resolve independent release at intermingled ON and OFF bipolar terminals. iGluSnFR responses at Y-cell dendrites showed strong surround inhibition, reflecting receptive field properties of presynaptic release sites. Responses to spatial patterns located the origin of the Y-cell nonlinearity to the bipolar cell output, after the stage of spatial integration. The underlying mechanism differed between OFF and ON pathways: OFF synapses showed transient release and strong rectification, whereas ON synapses showed relatively sustained release and weak rectification. At ON synapses, the combination of fast release onset with slower release offset explained the nonlinear response of the postsynaptic ganglion cell. Imaging throughout the inner plexiform layer, we found transient, rectified release at the central-most levels, with increasingly sustained release near the borders. By visualizing glutamate release in real time, iGluSnFR provides a powerful tool for characterizing glutamate synapses in intact neural circuits.

}, issn = {1529-2401}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1241-13.2013}, author = {Borghuis, Bart G and Marvin, Jonathan S and Looger, Loren L and Demb, Jonathan B} } @article {43051, title = {Tandem fluorescent protein timers for in vivo analysis of protein dynamics.}, journal = {Nature Biotechnology}, volume = {30}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Jun 24}, pages = {708-14}, abstract = {

The functional state of a cell is largely determined by the spatiotemporal organization of its proteome. Technologies exist for measuring particular aspects of protein turnover and localization, but comprehensive analysis of protein dynamics across different scales is possible only by combining several methods. Here we describe tandem fluorescent protein timers (tFTs), fusions of two single-color fluorescent proteins that mature with different kinetics, which we use to analyze protein turnover and mobility in living cells. We fuse tFTs to proteins in yeast to study the longevity, segregation and inheritance of cellular components and the mobility of proteins between subcellular compartments; to measure protein degradation kinetics without the need for time-course measurements; and to conduct high-throughput screens for regulators of protein turnover. Our experiments reveal the stable nature and asymmetric inheritance of nuclear pore complexes and identify regulators of N-end rule{\textendash}mediated protein degradation.

}, keywords = {Green Fluorescent Proteins, High-Throughput Screening Assays, Kinetics, Nuclear Pore, Protein Stability, Proteins, Proteolysis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Subcellular Fractions}, issn = {1546-1696}, doi = {10.1038/nbt.2281}, author = {Khmelinskii, Anton and Keller, Philipp J and Bartosik, Anna and Meurer, Matthias and Barry, Joseph D and Mardin, Balca R and Kaufmann, Andreas and Trautmann, Susanne and Wachsmuth, Malte and Pereira, Gislene and Huber, Wolfgang and Schiebel, Elmar and Knop, Michael} } @article {6778, title = {Target-specific output patterns are predicted by the distribution of regular-spiking and bursting pyramidal neurons in the subiculum.}, journal = {Hippocampus}, volume = {22}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Apr}, pages = {693-706}, abstract = {

Pyramidal neurons in the subiculum project to a variety of cortical and subcortical areas in the brain to convey information processed in the hippocampus. Previous studies have shown that two groups of subicular pyramidal neurons{\textendash}regular-spiking and bursting neurons{\textendash}are distributed in an organized fashion along the proximal-distal axis, with more regular-spiking neurons close to CA1 (proximal) and more bursting neurons close to presubiculum (distal). Anatomically, neurons projecting to some targets are located more proximally along this axis, while others are located more distally. However, the relationship between the firing properties and the targets of subicular pyramidal neurons is not known. To study this relationship, we used in vivo injections of retrogradely transported fluorescent beads into each of nine different regions and conducted whole-cell current-clamp recordings from the bead-containing subicular neurons in acute brain slices. We found that subicular projections to each area were composed of a mixture of regular-spiking and bursting neurons. Neurons projecting to amygdala, lateral entorhinal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and medial/ventral orbitofrontal cortex were located primarily in the proximal subiculum and consisted mostly of regular-spiking neurons (\~{}80\%). By contrast, neurons projecting to medial EC, presubiculum, retrosplenial cortex, and ventromedial hypothalamus were located primarily in the distal subiculum and consisted mostly of bursting neurons (\~{}80\%). Neurons projecting to a thalamic nucleus were located in the middle portion of subiculum, and their probability of bursting was close to 50\%. Thus, the fraction of bursting neurons projecting to each target region was consistent with the known distribution of regular-spiking and bursting neurons along the proximal-distal axis of the subiculum. Variation in the distribution of regular-spiking and bursting neurons suggests that different types of information are conveyed from the subiculum to its various targets.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Biophysical Phenomena, CA1 Region, CA3 Region, Efferent Pathways, Electrophysiological Phenomena, Hippocampal, Hippocampus, Male, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Pyramidal Cells, Rats, Wistar}, issn = {1098-1063}, doi = {10.1002/hipo.20931}, author = {Kim, Yujin and Spruston, Nelson} } @article {4632, title = {Time-lapse two-color 3D imaging of live cells with doubled resolution using structured illumination.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Apr 3}, pages = {5311-5}, abstract = {

Previous implementations of structured-illumination microscopy (SIM) were slow or designed for one-color excitation, sacrificing two unique and extremely beneficial aspects of light microscopy: live-cell imaging in multiple colors. This is especially unfortunate because, among the resolution-extending techniques, SIM is an attractive choice for live-cell imaging; it requires no special fluorophores or high light intensities to achieve twice diffraction-limited resolution in three dimensions. Furthermore, its wide-field nature makes it light-efficient and decouples the acquisition speed from the size of the lateral field of view, meaning that high frame rates over large volumes are possible. Here, we report a previously undescribed SIM setup that is fast enough to record 3D two-color datasets of living whole cells. Using rapidly programmable liquid crystal devices and a flexible 2D grid pattern algorithm to switch between excitation wavelengths quickly, we show volume rates as high as 4 s in one color and 8.5 s in two colors over tens of time points. To demonstrate the capabilities of our microscope, we image a variety of biological structures, including mitochondria, clathrin-coated vesicles, and the actin cytoskeleton, in either HeLa cells or cultured neurons.

}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1119262109}, author = {Fiolka, Reto and Shao, Lin and Rego, E Hesper and Davidson, Michael W and Gustafsson, Mats G L} } @article {5482, title = {Tissue-specific activation of a single gustatory receptor produces opposing behavioral responses in Drosophila.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {192}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Oct}, pages = {521-32}, abstract = {

Understanding sensory systems that perceive environmental inputs and neural circuits that select appropriate motor outputs is essential for studying how organisms modulate behavior and make decisions necessary for survival. Drosophila melanogaster oviposition is one such important behavior, in which females evaluate their environment and choose to lay eggs on substrates they may find aversive in other contexts. We employed neurogenetic techniques to characterize neurons that influence the choice between repulsive positional and attractive egg-laying responses toward the bitter-tasting compound lobeline. Surprisingly, we found that neurons expressing Gr66a, a gustatory receptor normally involved in avoidance behaviors, receive input for both attractive and aversive preferences. We hypothesized that these opposing responses may result from activation of distinct Gr66a-expressing neurons. Using tissue-specific rescue experiments, we found that Gr66a-expressing neurons on the legs mediate positional aversion. In contrast, pharyngeal taste cells mediate the egg-laying attraction to lobeline, as determined by analysis of mosaic flies in which subsets of Gr66a neurons were silenced. Finally, inactivating mushroom body neurons disrupted both aversive and attractive responses, suggesting that this brain structure is a candidate integration center for decision-making during Drosophila oviposition. We thus define sensory and central neurons critical to the process by which flies decide where to lay an egg. Furthermore, our findings provide insights into the complex nature of gustatory perception in Drosophila. We show that tissue-specific activation of bitter-sensing Gr66a neurons provides one mechanism by which the gustatory system differentially encodes aversive and attractive responses, allowing the female fly to modulate her behavior in a context-dependent manner.

}, issn = {1943-2631}, doi = {10.1534/genetics.112.142455}, author = {Joseph, Ryan M and Heberlein, Ulrike} } @article {6301, title = {A toolbox of Cre-dependent optogenetic transgenic mice for light-induced activation and silencing.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {15}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 May}, pages = {793-802}, abstract = {

Cell type-specific expression of optogenetic molecules allows temporally precise manipulation of targeted neuronal activity. Here we present a toolbox of four knock-in mouse lines engineered for strong, Cre-dependent expression of channelrhodopsins ChR2-tdTomato and ChR2-EYFP, halorhodopsin eNpHR3.0 and archaerhodopsin Arch-ER2. All four transgenes mediated Cre-dependent, robust activation or silencing of cortical pyramidal neurons in vitro and in vivo upon light stimulation, with ChR2-EYFP and Arch-ER2 demonstrating light sensitivity approaching that of in utero or virally transduced neurons. We further show specific photoactivation of parvalbumin-positive interneurons in behaving ChR2-EYFP reporter mice. The robust, consistent and inducible nature of our ChR2 mice represents a significant advance over previous lines, and the Arch-ER2 and eNpHR3.0 mice are to our knowledge the first demonstration of successful conditional transgenic optogenetic silencing. When combined with the hundreds of available Cre driver lines, this optimized toolbox of reporter mice will enable widespread investigations of neural circuit function with unprecedented reliability and accuracy.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Archaeal Proteins, Brain, Electroporation, Halorhodopsins, Integrases, Light, Luminescent Proteins, Mice, Neurogenesis, Neurons, Optics and Photonics, Proteins, Rhodopsin, Transgenic, Wakefulness}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.3078}, author = {Madisen, Linda and Mao, Tianyi and Koch, Henner and Zhuo, Jia-min and Berenyi, Antal and Fujisawa, Shigeyoshi and Hsu, Yun-Wei A and Garcia, Alfredo J and Gu, Xuan and Zanella, Sebastien and Kidney, Jolene and Gu, Hong and Mao, Yimei and Hooks, Bryan M and Boyden, Edward S and Buzs{\'a}ki, Gy{\"o}rgy and Ramirez, Jan Marino and Jones, Allan R and Svoboda, Karel and Han, Xue and Turner, Eric E and Zeng, Hongkui} } @article {46785, title = {TrakEM2 software for neural circuit reconstruction.}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {2012}, pages = {e38011}, abstract = {

A key challenge in neuroscience is the expeditious reconstruction of neuronal circuits. For model systems such as Drosophila and C. elegans, the limiting step is no longer the acquisition of imagery but the extraction of the circuit from images. For this purpose, we designed a software application, TrakEM2, that addresses the systematic reconstruction of neuronal circuits from large electron microscopical and optical image volumes. We address the challenges of image volume composition from individual, deformed images; of the reconstruction of neuronal arbors and annotation of synapses with fast manual and semi-automatic methods; and the management of large collections of both images and annotations. The output is a neural circuit of 3d arbors and synapses, encoded in NeuroML and other formats, ready for analysis.

}, keywords = {Animals, Models, Neurological, Nerve Net, Neuroimaging, Neurons, Software, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0038011}, author = {Cardona, Albert and Saalfeld, Stephan and Schindelin, Johannes and Arganda-Carreras, Ignacio and Preibisch, Stephan and Longair, Mark and Tomancak, Pavel and Hartenstein, Volker and Douglas, Rodney J} } @article {5684, title = {TrakEM2 software for neural circuit reconstruction.}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, year = {2012}, month = {2012}, pages = {e38011}, abstract = {

A key challenge in neuroscience is the expeditious reconstruction of neuronal circuits. For model systems such as Drosophila and C. elegans, the limiting step is no longer the acquisition of imagery but the extraction of the circuit from images. For this purpose, we designed a software application, TrakEM2, that addresses the systematic reconstruction of neuronal circuits from large electron microscopical and optical image volumes. We address the challenges of image volume composition from individual, deformed images; of the reconstruction of neuronal arbors and annotation of synapses with fast manual and semi-automatic methods; and the management of large collections of both images and annotations. The output is a neural circuit of 3d arbors and synapses, encoded in NeuroML and other formats, ready for analysis.

}, keywords = {Animals, Models, Nerve Net, Neuroimaging, Neurological, Neurons, Software, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0038011}, author = {Cardona, Albert and Saalfeld, Stephan and Schindelin, Johannes and Arganda-Carreras, Ignacio and Preibisch, Stephan and Longair, Mark and Tomancak, Pavel and Hartenstein, Volker and Douglas, Rodney J} } @article {46724, title = {Transcription goes digital.}, journal = {EMBO Reports}, volume = {13}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Apr 2}, pages = {313-21}, abstract = {

Transcription is a complex process that integrates the state of the cell and its environment to generate adequate responses for cell fitness and survival. Recent microscopy experiments have been able to monitor transcription from single genes in individual cells. These observations have revealed two striking features: transcriptional activity can vary markedly from one cell to another, and is subject to large changes over time, sometimes within minutes. How the chromatin structure, transcription machinery assembly and signalling networks generate such patterns is still unclear. In this review, we present the techniques used to investigate transcription from single genes, introduce quantitative modelling tools, and discuss transcription mechanisms and their implications for gene expression regulation.

}, keywords = {Animals, Gene Expression Regulation, Genes, Humans, Models, Genetic, Stochastic Processes, Transcription, Genetic}, issn = {1469-3178}, doi = {10.1038/embor.2012.31}, author = {Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Singer, Robert H} } @article {6518, title = {Transcription initiation by human RNA polymerase II visualized at single-molecule resolution.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {26}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Aug 1}, pages = {1691-702}, abstract = {

Forty years of classical biochemical analysis have identified the molecular players involved in initiation of transcription by eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and largely assigned their functions. However, a dynamic picture of Pol II transcription initiation and an understanding of the mechanisms of its regulation have remained elusive due in part to inherent limitations of conventional ensemble biochemistry. Here we have begun to dissect promoter-specific transcription initiation directed by a reconstituted human Pol II system at single-molecule resolution using fluorescence video-microscopy. We detected several stochastic rounds of human Pol II transcription from individual DNA templates, observed attenuation of transcription by promoter mutations, observed enhancement of transcription by activator Sp1, and correlated the transcription signals with real-time interactions of holo-TFIID molecules at individual DNA templates. This integrated single-molecule methodology should be applicable to studying other complex biological processes.

}, keywords = {Fluorescence, Genetic, Humans, Microscopy, Molecular Imaging, Mutation, Promoter Regions, RNA Polymerase II, Sp1 Transcription Factor, Transcription, Transcription Factor TFIID, Video}, issn = {1549-5477}, doi = {10.1101/gad.194936.112}, author = {Revyakin, Andrey and Zhang, Zhengjian and Coleman, Robert A and Li, Yan and Inouye, Carla and Lucas, Julian K and Park, Sang-Ryul and Chu, Steven and Tjian, Robert} } @article {5339, title = {Transcriptional control of cell fate specification: lessons from the fly retina.}, journal = {Current Topics in Developmental Biology}, volume = {98}, year = {2012}, month = {2012}, pages = {259-76}, abstract = {

It is now widely recognized that as cells of developing tissues transition through successive states of decreasing pluripotency into a state of terminal differentiation, they undergo significant changes in their gene expression profiles. Interestingly, these successive states of increasing differentiation are marked by the spatially and temporally restricted expression of sets of transcription factors. Each wave of transcription factors not only signals the arrival of a given stage in cellular differentiation, but it is also necessary for the activation of the next set of transcription factors, creating the appearance of a smooth, directed, and deterministic genetic program of cellular differentiation. Until recently, however, it was largely unknown which genes, besides each other, these transcription factors were activating. Thus, the molecular definition of any given step of differentiation, and how it gave rise to the following step remained unclear. Recent advances in transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics resulted in the identification of numerous transcription factor target genes (TGs). These advances have opened the door to using similar approaches in developmental biology to understand what the transcriptional cascades of cellular differentiation might be. Using the development of the Drosophila eye as a model system, we discuss the role of transcription factors and their TGs in cell fate specification and terminal differentiation.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Lineage, Developmental, Drosophila melanogaster, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic, Humans, Retina, Signal Transduction, Transcription}, issn = {1557-8933}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-12-386499-4.00010-0}, author = {Quan, Xiao-jiang and Ramaekers, Ariane and Hassan, Bassem A} } @article {68820, title = {Transcriptional signature of accessory cells in the lateral line, using the Tnk1bp1:EGFP transgenic zebrafish line}, journal = {BMC developmental biology}, volume = {12}, year = {2012}, month = {01/2012}, pages = {6}, abstract = {

Background:\ Because of the structural and molecular similarities between the two systems, the lateral line, a fish and amphibian specific sensory organ, has been widely used in zebrafish as a model to study the development/biology of neuroepithelia of the inner ear. Both organs have hair cells, which are the mechanoreceptor cells, and supporting cells providing other functions to the epithelium. In most vertebrates (excluding mammals), supporting cells comprise a pool of progenitors that replace damaged or dead hair cells. However, the lack of regenerative capacity in mammals is the single leading cause for acquired hearing disorders in humans.

Results:\ In an effort to understand the regenerative process of hair cells in fish, we characterized and cloned an egfp transgenic stable fish line that trapped tnks1bp1, a highly conserved gene that has been implicated in the maintenance of telomeres{\textquoteright} length. We then used this Tg(tnks1bp1:EGFP) line in a FACsorting strategy combined with microarrays to identify new molecular markers for supporting cells.

Conclusions:\ We present a Tg(tnks1bp1:EGFP) stable transgenic line, which we used to establish a transcriptional profile of supporting cells in the zebrafish lateral line. Therefore we are providing a new set of markers specific for supporting cells as well as candidates for functional analysis of this important cell type. This will prove to be a valuable tool for the study of regeneration in the lateral line of zebrafish in particular and for regeneration of neuroepithelia in general.

}, doi = {10.1186/1471-213X-12-6}, author = {Behra, Martine and Gallardo, Viviana and Bradsher, John and Torrado, Aranza and Elkahloun, Abdel and Idol, Jennifer and Sheehy, Jessica and Zonies, Seth and Xu, Lisha and Shaw, Kenna and Satou, Chie and Higashijima, Shin-Ichi and Weinstein, Brant and Burgess, Shawn} } @article {46731, title = {Transgenic expression of ZBP1 in neurons suppresses cocaine-associated conditioning.}, journal = {Learning \& Memory}, volume = {19}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Feb}, pages = {35-42}, abstract = {

To directly address whether regulating mRNA localization can influence animal behavior, we created transgenic mice that conditionally express Zipcode Binding Protein 1 (ZBP1) in a subset of neurons in the brain. ZBP1 is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the localization, as well as translation and stability of target mRNAs in the cytoplasm. We took advantage of the absence of ZBP1 expression in the mature brain to examine the effect of expressing ZBP1 on animal behavior. We constructed a transgene conditionally expressing a GFP-ZBP1 fusion protein in a subset of forebrain neurons and compared cocaine-cued place conditioning in these mice versus noninduced littermates. Transgenic ZBP1 expression resulted in impaired place conditioning relative to nonexpressing littermates, and acutely repressing expression of the transgene restored normal cocaine conditioning. To gain insight into the molecular changes that accounted for this change in behavior, we identified mRNAs that specifically immunoprecipitated with transgenic ZBP1 protein from the brains of these mice. These data suggest that RNA-binding proteins can be used as a tool to identify the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in the establishment and function of neural circuits involved in addiction behaviors.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brain, Cocaine, Conditioning (Psychology), Cues, DNA-Binding Proteins, Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors, Doxycycline, Gene Expression Regulation, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Immunoprecipitation, Male, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Microarray Analysis, Neurons, RNA, Messenger, RNA-Binding Proteins}, issn = {1549-5485}, doi = {10.1101/lm.024471.111}, author = {Lapidus, Kyle A B and Nwokafor, Chiso and Scott, Daniel and Baroni, Timothy E and Tenenbaum, Scott A and Hiroi, Noboru and Singer, Robert H and Czaplinski, Kevin} } @article {4973, title = {Transvection is common throughout the Drosophila genome.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {191}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 May 29}, pages = {1129-41}, abstract = {

Higher-order genome organization plays an important role in transcriptional regulation. In Drosophila, somatic pairing of homologous chromosomes can lead to transvection, by which the regulatory region of a gene can influence transcription in trans. We observe transvection between transgenes inserted at commonly used phiC31 integration sites in the Drosophila genome. When two transgenes that carry endogenous regulatory elements driving the expression of either LexA or GAL4 are inserted at the same integration site and paired, the enhancer of one transgene can drive or repress expression of the paired transgene. These transvection effects depend on compatibility between regulatory elements and are often restricted to a subset of cell types within a given expression pattern. We further show that activated UAS-transgenes can also drive transcription in trans. We discuss the implication of these findings for 1) understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie transvection and 2) the design of experiments that utilize site-specific integration.

}, issn = {1943-2631}, doi = {10.1534/genetics.112.140475}, author = {Mellert, David J and Truman, James W} } @article {4598, title = {Triggering a cell shape change by exploiting preexisting actomyosin contractions.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {335}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Mar 9}, pages = {1232-5}, abstract = {

Apical constriction changes cell shapes, driving critical morphogenetic events, including gastrulation in diverse organisms and neural tube closure in vertebrates. Apical constriction is thought to be triggered by contraction of apical actomyosin networks. We found that apical actomyosin contractions began before cell shape changes in both Caenorhabitis elegans and Drosophila. In C. elegans, actomyosin networks were initially dynamic, contracting and generating cortical tension without substantial shrinking of apical surfaces. Apical cell-cell contact zones and actomyosin only later moved increasingly in concert, with no detectable change in actomyosin dynamics or cortical tension. Thus, apical constriction appears to be triggered not by a change in cortical tension, but by dynamic linking of apical cell-cell contact zones to an already contractile apical cortex.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.1217869}, author = {Roh-Johnson, Minna and Shemer, Gidi and Higgins, Christopher D and McClellan, Joseph H and Werts, Adam D and Tulu, U Serdar and Gao, Liang and Betzig, Eric and Kiehart, Daniel P and Goldstein, Bob} } @article {46609, title = {Tao kinases as coordinators of actin and microtubule dynamics in developing neurons.}, journal = {Communicative \& Integrative Biology}, volume = {4}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Sep}, pages = {554-6}, abstract = {

Drosophila tao, encoding a Ste20 family kinase, was identified as a gene involved in ethanol, cocaine and nicotine sensitivity. The behavioral phenotypes appear to be caused by defects in the development of the adult brain. Specifically, Drosophila tao functions to promote axon guidance of mushroom body (MB) neurons. The MB is a large structure in the central brain of the fly whose development and function have been well characterized. tao interacts genetically with mutations in the par-1 gene, also encoding a serine-threonine kinase. Since Par-1 has been implicated in the regulation of microtubule dynamics, this suggests that tao regulates the microtubule cytoskeleton in developing MB neurons. Here we discuss these results in light of previous studies that have proposed that Drosophila tao and its mammalian homologs function as a link between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, regulating microtubule stability in response to actin signals.

}, issn = {1942-0889}, doi = {10.4161/cib.4.5.16051}, author = {King, Ian and Heberlein, Ulrike} } @article {6332, title = {Tilt-pair analysis of images from a range of different specimens in single-particle electron cryomicroscopy.}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Biology}, volume = {413}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Nov 11}, pages = {1028-46}, abstract = {

The comparison of a pair of electron microscope images recorded at different specimen tilt angles provides a powerful approach for evaluating the quality of images, image-processing procedures, or three-dimensional structures. Here, we analyze tilt-pair images recorded from a range of specimens with different symmetries and molecular masses and show how the analysis can produce valuable information not easily obtained otherwise. We show that the accuracy of orientation determination of individual single particles depends on molecular mass, as expected theoretically since the information in each particle image increases with molecular mass. The angular uncertainty is less than 1{\textdegree} for particles of high molecular mass (\ 50 MDa), several degrees for particles in the range 1-5 MDa, and tens of degrees for particles below 1 MDa. Orientational uncertainty may be the major contributor to the effective temperature factor (B-factor) describing contrast loss and therefore the maximum resolution of a structure determination. We also made two unexpected observations. Single particles that are known to be flexible showed a wider spread in orientation accuracy, and the orientations of the largest particles examined changed by several degrees during typical low-dose exposures. Smaller particles presumably also reorient during the exposure; hence, specimen movement is a second major factor that limits resolution. Tilt pairs thus enable assessment of orientation accuracy, map quality, specimen motion, and conformational heterogeneity. A convincing tilt-pair parameter plot, where 60\% of the particles show a single cluster around the expected tilt axis and tilt angle, provides confidence in a structure determined using electron cryomicroscopy.

}, keywords = {Adenosine Triphosphatases, Animals, beta-Galactosidase, Cattle, Computer-Assisted, Cryoelectron Microscopy, Image Processing, Rotavirus, Virion, Yeasts}, issn = {1089-8638}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmb.2011.09.008}, author = {Henderson, Richard and Chen, Shaoxia and Chen, James Z and Grigorieff, Nikolaus and Passmore, Lori A and Ciccarelli, Luciano and Rubinstein, John L and Crowther, R Anthony and Stewart, Phoebe L and Rosenthal, Peter B} } @article {47665, title = {Together we are stronger: fusion protects mitochondria from autophagosomal degradation.}, journal = {Autophagy}, volume = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Dec}, pages = {1568-9}, abstract = {

Starvation induces a protective process of self-cannibalization called autophagy that is thought to mediate nonselective degradation of cytoplasmic material. We recently reported that mitochondria escape autophagosomal degradation through extensive fusion into mitochondrial networks upon certain starvation conditions. The extent of mitochondrial elongation is dependent on the type of nutrient deprivation, with amino acid depletion having a particularly strong effect. Downregulation of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 was determined to be important in bringing about starvation-induced mitochondrial fusion. The formation of mitochondrial networks during nutrient depletion selectively blocked their autophagic degradation, presumably allowing cells to sustain efficient ATP production and thereby survive starvation.

}, keywords = {Animals, Autophagy, Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases, Membrane Fusion, Mice, Mitochondria, Phagosomes, Signal Transduction, TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases}, issn = {1554-8635}, author = {Rambold, Angelika S and Kostelecky, Brenda and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer} } @article {46740, title = {Transcription of functionally related constitutive genes is not coordinated.}, journal = {Nature Structural \& Molecular Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Jan}, pages = {27-34}, abstract = {

Expression of an individual gene can vary considerably among genetically identical cells because of stochastic fluctuations in transcription. However, proteins comprising essential complexes or pathways have similar abundances and lower variability. It is not known whether coordination in the expression of subunits of essential complexes occurs at the level of transcription, mRNA abundance or protein expression. To directly measure the level of coordination in the expression of genes, we used highly sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to count individual mRNAs of functionally related and unrelated genes within single Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Our results revealed that transcript levels of temporally induced genes are highly correlated in individual cells. In contrast, transcription of constitutive genes encoding essential subunits of complexes is not coordinated because of stochastic fluctuations. The coordination of these functional complexes therefore must occur post-transcriptionally, and likely post-translationally.

}, keywords = {Gene Expression Regulation, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Models, Genetic, RNA, Messenger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins, Transcription, Genetic}, issn = {1545-9985}, doi = {10.1038/nsmb.1934}, author = {Gandhi, Saumil J and Zenklusen, Daniel and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Singer, Robert H} } @article {6601, title = {A transgenic mouse for in vivo detection of endogenous labeled mRNA.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Feb}, pages = {165-70}, abstract = {

Live-cell single mRNA imaging is a powerful tool but has been restricted in higher eukaryotes to artificial cell lines and reporter genes. We describe an approach that enables live-cell imaging of single endogenous labeled mRNA molecules transcribed in primary mammalian cells and tissue. We generated a knock-in mouse line with an MS2 binding site (MBS) cassette targeted to the 3{\textquoteright} untranslated region of the essential β-actin gene. As β-actin-MBS was ubiquitously expressed, we could uniquely address endogenous mRNA regulation in any tissue or cell type. We simultaneously followed transcription from the β-actin alleles in real time and observed transcriptional bursting in response to serum stimulation with precise temporal resolution. We tracked single endogenous labeled mRNA particles being transported in primary hippocampal neurons. The MBS cassette also enabled high-sensitivity fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), allowing detection and localization of single β-actin mRNA molecules in various mouse tissues.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Survival, Cells, Cultured, Fluorescence, Genetic, In Situ Hybridization, Messenger, Mice, RNA, Transcription, Transgenic}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.1551}, author = {Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Czaplinski, Kevin and Darzacq, Xavier and Shav-Tal, Yaron and Wells, Amber L and Chao, Jeffrey A and Park, Hye Yoon and de Turris, Valeria and Lopez-Jones, Melissa and Singer, Robert H} } @article {47669, title = {Tubular network formation protects mitochondria from autophagosomal degradation during nutrient starvation.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {108}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Jun 21}, pages = {10190-5}, abstract = {

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that mediate essential cell functions such as apoptosis and cell-cycle control in addition to their role as efficient ATP generators. Mitochondrial morphology changes are tightly regulated, and their shape can shift between small, fragmented units and larger networks of elongated mitochondria. We demonstrate that mitochondrial elements become significantly elongated and interconnected shortly after nutrient depletion. This mitochondrial morphological shift depends on the type of starvation, with an additive effect observed when multiple nutrients are depleted simultaneously. We further show that starvation-induced mitochondrial elongation is mediated by down-regulation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) through modulation of two Drp1 phosphorylation sites, leading to unopposed mitochondrial fusion. Finally, we establish that mitochondrial tubulation upon nutrient deprivation protects mitochondria from autophagosomal degradation, which could permit mitochondria to maximize energy production and supply autophagosomal membranes during starvation.

}, keywords = {Animals, Autophagy, Cells, Cultured, Dynamins, Fibroblasts, GTP Phosphohydrolases, Mice, Microtubule-Associated Proteins, Mitochondria, Mitochondrial Proteins, Phagosomes, Protein Processing, Post-Translational, Starvation}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1107402108}, author = {Rambold, Angelika S and Kostelecky, Brenda and Elia, Natalie and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer} } @article {3357, title = {Turning males on: activation of male courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {2011}, pages = {e21144}, abstract = {

The innate sexual behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster males are an attractive system for elucidating how complex behavior patterns are generated. The potential for male sexual behavior in D. melanogaster is specified by the fruitless (fru) and doublesex (dsx) sex regulatory genes. We used the temperature-sensitive activator dTRPA1 to probe the roles of fru(M)- and dsx-expressing neurons in male courtship behaviors. Almost all steps of courtship, from courtship song to ejaculation, can be induced at very high levels through activation of either all fru(M) or all dsx neurons in solitary males. Detailed characterizations reveal different roles for fru(M) and dsx in male courtship. Surprisingly, the system for mate discrimination still works well when all dsx neurons are activated, but is impaired when all fru(M) neurons are activated. Most strikingly, we provide evidence for a fru(M)-independent courtship pathway that is primarily vision dependent.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0021144}, author = {Pan, Yufeng and Robinett, Carmen C and Baker, Bruce S} } @article {4305, title = {Two-photon calcium imaging of evoked activity from L5 somatosensory neurons in vivo.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {14}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Aug}, pages = {1089-93}, abstract = {

Multiphoton imaging (MPI) is widely used for recording activity simultaneously from many neurons in superficial cortical layers in vivo. We combined regenerative amplification multiphoton microscopy (RAMM) with genetically encoded calcium indicators to extend MPI of neuronal population activity into layer 5 (L5) of adult mouse somatosensory cortex. We found that this approach could be used to record and quantify spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity in populations of L5 neuronal somata located as much as 800 μm below the pia. In addition, we found that RAMM could be used to simultaneously image activity from large (80) populations of apical dendrites and follow these dendrites down to their somata of origin.

}, keywords = {Animals, Axons, Calcium, Dendrites, Evoked Potentials, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Nerve Net, Neurons, Newborn, Photons, Physical Stimulation, Probability, Reaction Time, Somatosensory, Somatosensory Cortex, Statistics as Topic, Transgenic}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.2879}, author = {Mittmann, Wolfgang and Wallace, Damian J and Czubayko, Uwe and Herb, Jan T and Schaefer, Andreas T and Looger, Loren L and Denk, Winfried and Kerr, Jason N D} } @article {2342, title = {Temporal delays among place cells determine the frequency of population theta oscillations in the hippocampus.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {107}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Apr 27}, pages = {7957-62}, abstract = {

Driven either by external landmarks or by internal dynamics, hippocampal neurons form sequences of cell assemblies. The coordinated firing of these active cells is organized by the prominent "theta" oscillations in the local field potential (LFP): place cells discharge at progressively earlier theta phases as the rat crosses the respective place field ("phase precession"). The faster oscillation frequency of active neurons and the slower theta LFP, underlying phase precession, creates a paradox. How can faster oscillating neurons comprise a slower population oscillation, as reflected by the LFP? We built a mathematical model that allowed us to calculate the population activity analytically from experimentally derived parameters of the single neuron oscillation frequency, firing field size (duration), and the relationship between within-theta delays of place cell pairs and their distance representations ("compression"). The appropriate combination of these parameters generated a constant frequency population rhythm along the septo-temporal axis of the hippocampus, while allowing individual neurons to vary their oscillation frequency and field size. Our results suggest that the faster-than-theta oscillations of pyramidal cells are inherent and that phase precession is a result of the coordinated activity of temporally shifted cell assemblies, relative to the population activity, reflected by the LFP.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Hippocampus, Locomotion, Models, Neurological, Pyramidal Cells, Rats, Theta Rhythm}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3773-10.2011}, author = {Geisler, Caroline and Diba, Kamran and Pastalkova, Eva and Mizuseki, Kenji and Royer, S{\'e}bastien and Buzs{\'a}ki, Gy{\"o}rgy} } @article {3631, title = {Tension directly stabilizes reconstituted kinetochore-microtubule attachments.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {468}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Nov 25}, pages = {576-9}, abstract = {

Kinetochores are macromolecular machines that couple chromosomes to dynamic microtubule tips during cell division, thereby generating force to segregate the chromosomes. Accurate segregation depends on selective stabilization of correct {\textquoteright}bi-oriented{\textquoteright} kinetochore-microtubule attachments, which come under tension as the result of opposing forces exerted by microtubules. Tension is thought to stabilize these bi-oriented attachments indirectly, by suppressing the destabilizing activity of a kinase, Aurora B. However, a complete mechanistic understanding of the role of tension requires reconstitution of kinetochore-microtubule attachments for biochemical and biophysical analyses in vitro. Here we show that native kinetochore particles retaining the majority of kinetochore proteins can be purified from budding yeast and used to reconstitute dynamic microtubule attachments. Individual kinetochore particles maintain load-bearing associations with assembling and disassembling ends of single microtubules for \>30 min, providing a close match to the persistent coupling seen in vivo between budding yeast kinetochores and single microtubules. Moreover, tension increases the lifetimes of the reconstituted attachments directly, through a catch bond-like mechanism that does not require Aurora B. On the basis of these findings, we propose that tension selectively stabilizes proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments in vivo through a combination of direct mechanical stabilization and tension-dependent phosphoregulation.

}, keywords = {Chromosomes, Fungal Proteins, Kinetochores, Microtubules, Saccharomyces cerevisiae}, issn = {1476-4687}, doi = {10.1038/nature09594}, author = {Akiyoshi, Bungo and Sarangapani, Krishna K and Powers, Andrew F and Nelson, Christian R and Reichow, Steve L and Arellano-Santoyo, Hugo and Gonen, Tamir and Ranish, Jeffrey A and Asbury, Charles L and Biggins, Sue} } @article {6487, title = {Tetracycline-controlled transgene activation using the ROSA26-iM2-GFP knock-in mouse strain permits GFP monitoring of DOX-regulated transgene-expression.}, journal = {BMC Developmental Biology}, volume = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {2010}, pages = {95}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Conditional gene activation is an efficient strategy for studying gene function in genetically modified animals. Among the presently available gene switches, the tetracycline-regulated system has attracted considerable interest because of its unique potential for reversible and adjustable gene regulation. RESULTS: To investigate whether the ubiquitously expressed Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus enables uniform DOX-controlled gene expression, we inserted the improved tetracycline-regulated transcription activator iM2 together with an iM2 dependent GFP gene into the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus, using gene targeting to generate ROSA26-iM2-GFP (R26t1Δ) mice. Despite the presence of ROSA26 promoter driven iM2, R26t1Δ mice showed very sparse DOX-activated expression of different iM2-responsive reporter genes in the brain, mosaic expression in peripheral tissues and more prominent expression in erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid lineages, in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and in olfactory neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that gene regulation by the DOX-activated transcriptional factor iM2 in the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus has its limitations is of importance for future experimental strategies involving transgene activation from the endogenous ROSA26 promoter. Furthermore, our ROSA26-iM2 knock-in mouse model (R26t1Δ) represents a useful tool for implementing gene function in vivo especially under circumstances requiring the side-by-side comparison of gene manipulated and wild type cells. Since the ROSA26-iM2 mouse allows mosaic gene activation in peripheral tissues and haematopoietic cells, this model will be very useful for uncovering previously unknown or unsuspected phenotypes.

}, keywords = {Animals, Doxycycline, Gene Knock-In Techniques, Genetic Techniques, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Mice, Tetracycline, Transgenes, Transgenic}, issn = {1471-213X}, doi = {10.1186/1471-213X-10-95}, author = {W{\"o}rtge, Simone and Eshkind, Leonid and Cabezas-Wallscheid, Nina and Lakaye, Bernard and Kim, Jinhyun and Heck, Rosario and Abassi, Yasmin and Diken, Mustafa and Sprengel, Rolf and Bockamp, Ernesto} } @article {6509, title = {Toward the second generation of optogenetic tools.}, journal = {The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {30}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Nov 10}, pages = {14998-5004}, abstract = {

This mini-symposium aims to provide an integrated perspective on recent developments in optogenetics. Research in this emerging field combines optical methods with targeted expression of genetically encoded, protein-based probes to achieve experimental manipulation and measurement of neural systems with superior temporal and spatial resolution. The essential components of the optogenetic toolbox consist of two kinds of molecular devices: actuators and reporters, which respectively enable light-mediated control or monitoring of molecular processes. The first generation of genetically encoded calcium reporters, fluorescent proteins, and neural activators has already had a great impact on neuroscience. Now, a second generation of voltage reporters, neural silencers, and functionally extended fluorescent proteins hold great promise for continuing this revolution. In this review, we will evaluate and highlight the limitations of presently available optogenic tools and discuss where these technologies and their applications are headed in the future.

}, keywords = {Fluorescent Dyes, Genetic Engineering, Neurosciences}, issn = {1529-2401}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4190-10.2010}, author = {Kn{\"o}pfel, Thomas and Lin, Michael Z and Levskaya, Anselm and Tian, Lin and Lin, John Y and Boyden, Edward S} } @article {4064, title = {Towards automated high-throughput screening of C. elegans on agar.}, journal = {Arxiv}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

High-throughput screening (HTS) using model organisms is a promising method to identify a small number of genes or drugs potentially relevant to human biology or disease. In HTS experiments, robots and computers do a significant portion of the experimental work. However, one remaining major bottleneck is the manual analysis of experimental results, which is commonly in the form of microscopy images. This manual inspection is labor intensive, slow and subjective. Here we report our progress towards applying computer vision and machine learning methods to analyze HTS experiments that use Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms grown on agar. Our main contribution is a robust segmentation algorithm for separating the worms from the background using brightfield images. We also show that by combining the output of this segmentation algorithm with an algorithm to detect the fluorescent dye, Nile Red, we can reliably distinguish different fluorescence-based phenotypes even though the visual differences are subtle. The accuracy of our method is similar to that of expert human analysts. This new capability is a significant step towards fully automated HTS experiments using C. elegans.

}, author = {Kabra, Mayank and Conery, Annie L. and O{\textquoteright}Rourke, Eyleen J. and Xie, Xin and Ljosa. Vebjorn and Jones, Thouis R. and Ausubel, Frederick M. and Ruvkun, Gary and Carpenter, Anne E. and Freund, Yoav} } @article {1645, title = {Two-photon calcium imaging from head-fixed Drosophila during optomotor walking behavior.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {7}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Jul}, pages = {535-40}, abstract = {

Drosophila melanogaster is a model organism rich in genetic tools to manipulate and identify neural circuits involved in specific behaviors. Here we present a technique for two-photon calcium imaging in the central brain of head-fixed Drosophila walking on an air-supported ball. The ball{\textquoteright}s motion is tracked at high resolution and can be treated as a proxy for the fly{\textquoteright}s own movements. We used the genetically encoded calcium sensor, GCaMP3.0, to record from important elements of the motion-processing pathway, the horizontal-system lobula plate tangential cells (LPTCs) in the fly optic lobe. We presented motion stimuli to the tethered fly and found that calcium transients in horizontal-system neurons correlated with robust optomotor behavior during walking. Our technique allows both behavior and physiology in identified neurons to be monitored in a genetic model organism with an extensive repertoire of walking behaviors.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brain, Calcium, Computer-Assisted, Drosophila melanogaster, Fluorescence, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Image Processing, Motion, Motor Activity, Neurons, Signal Transduction, Walking}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.1468}, author = {Seelig, Johannes D and Chiappe, M Eugenia and Lott, Gus K and Dutta, Anirban and Osborne, Jason E and Reiser, Michael B and Jayaraman, Vivek} } @article {4284, title = {Two-photon single-cell optogenetic control of neuronal activity by sculpted light.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {107}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Jun 29}, pages = {11981-6}, abstract = {

Recent advances in optogenetic techniques have generated new tools for controlling neuronal activity, with a wide range of neuroscience applications. The most commonly used approach has been the optical activation of the light-gated ion channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). However, targeted single-cell-level optogenetic activation with temporal precessions comparable to the spike timing remained challenging. Here we report fast (\< or = 1 ms), selective, and targeted control of neuronal activity with single-cell resolution in hippocampal slices. Using temporally focused laser pulses (TEFO) for which the axial beam profile can be controlled independently of its lateral distribution, large numbers of channels on individual neurons can be excited simultaneously, leading to strong (up to 15 mV) and fast (\< or = 1 ms) depolarizations. Furthermore, we demonstrated selective activation of cellular compartments, such as dendrites and large presynaptic terminals, at depths up to 150 microm. The demonstrated spatiotemporal resolution and the selectivity provided by TEFO allow manipulation of neuronal activity, with a large number of applications in studies of neuronal microcircuit function in vitro and in vivo.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Cell Line, Dendrites, Electrophysiological Phenomena, Hippocampus, Humans, Lasers, Mice, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Neurons, Optical Phenomena, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Photic Stimulation, Photons, Presynaptic Terminals, Rats, Recombinant Fusion Proteins, Rhodopsin, Sprague-Dawley, Transgenic}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1006620107}, author = {Andrasfalvy, Bertalan K and Zemelman, Boris V and Tang, Jianyong and Vaziri, Alipasha} } @article {65012, title = {T cells require Foxo1 to populate the peripheral lymphoid organs.}, journal = {Eur J Immunol}, volume = {39}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Oct 30}, pages = {2991-9}, abstract = {

Forkhead transcription factors play critical roles in leukocyte homeostasis. To study further the immunological functions of Foxo1, we generated mice that selectively lack Foxo1 in T cells (Foxo1(flox/flox) Lck.cre(+)conditional knockout mice (cKO)). Although thymocyte development appeared relatively normal, Foxo1 cKO mice harbored significantly increased percentages of mature single positive T cells in the thymus as compared with WT mice, yet possessed smaller lymph nodes and spleens that contained fewer T cells. Foxo1 cKO T cells were not more prone to apoptosis, but instead were characterized by a CD62L(lo) CCR7(lo) CD44(hi) surface phenotype, a poorly populated lymphoid compartment in the periphery, and were relatively refractory to TCR stimulation, all of which were associated with reduced expression of Sell, Klf2, Ccr7, and S1pr1. Thus, Foxo1 is critical for na{\"\i}ve T cells to populate the peripheral lymphoid organs by coordinating a molecular program that maintains homeostasis and regulates trafficking.

}, keywords = {Animals, Apoptosis, Cell Proliferation, Chemotaxis, Leukocyte, Flow Cytometry, Forkhead Box Protein O1, Forkhead Transcription Factors, Lymphoid Tissue, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Phenotype, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, T-Lymphocyte Subsets, T-Lymphocytes}, issn = {1521-4141}, doi = {10.1002/eji.200939427}, author = {Gubbels Bupp, Melanie R and Edwards, Bonnie and Guo, Caiying and Wei, Datsen and Chen, Gang and Wong, Brian and Masteller, Emma and Peng, Stanford L} } @article {1768, title = {The taste of carbonation.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {326}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Oct 16}, pages = {443-5}, abstract = {

Carbonated beverages are commonly available and immensely popular, but little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the perception of carbonation in the mouth. In mammals, carbonation elicits both somatosensory and chemosensory responses, including activation of taste neurons. We have identified the cellular and molecular substrates for the taste of carbonation. By targeted genetic ablation and the silencing of synapses in defined populations of taste receptor cells, we demonstrated that the sour-sensing cells act as the taste sensors for carbonation, and showed that carbonic anhydrase 4, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored enzyme, functions as the principal CO2 taste sensor. Together, these studies reveal the basis of the taste of carbonation as well as the contribution of taste cells in the orosensory response to CO2.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Benzolamide, Bicarbonates, Calcium Channels, Carbon Dioxide, Carbonated Beverages, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, Carbonic Anhydrase IV, Carbonic Anhydrases, Cell Surface, Chorda Tympani Nerve, Gene Expression Profiling, Mice, Protons, Receptors, Taste, Taste Buds, Taste Perception, Transgenic}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.1174601}, author = {Chandrashekar, Jayaram and Yarmolinsky, David and von Buchholtz, Lars and Oka, Yuki and Sly, William and Ryba, Nicholas J P and Zuker, Charles S} } @article {2495, title = {Temporal patterns of broad isoform expression during the development of neuronal lineages in Drosophila.}, journal = {Neural Development}, volume = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Nov 2}, pages = {39}, abstract = {

During the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of Drosophila, neuronal stem cells, the neuroblasts (NBs), first generate a set of highly diverse neurons, the primary neurons that mature to control larval behavior, and then more homogeneous sets of neurons that show delayed maturation and are primarily used in the adult. These latter, {\textquoteright}secondary{\textquoteright} neurons show a complex pattern of expression of broad, which encodes a transcription factor usually associated with metamorphosis, where it acts as a key regulator in the transitions from larva and pupa.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biological, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Genetically Modified, Interneurons, Metamorphosis, Motor Neurons, Mushroom Bodies, Neurites, Neurons, Newborn, Nonmammalian, Optic Lobe, Protein Isoforms, Thorax, Time Factors, Transcription Factors}, issn = {1749-8104}, doi = {10.1186/1749-8104-4-39}, author = {Zhou, Baohua and Williams, Darren W and Altman, Janet and Riddiford, Lynn M and Truman, James W} } @article {2343, title = {Theta oscillations provide temporal windows for local circuit computation in the entorhinal-hippocampal loop.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {64}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Oct 29}, pages = {267-80}, abstract = {

Theta oscillations are believed to play an important role in the coordination of neuronal firing in the entorhinal (EC)-hippocampal system but the underlying mechanisms are not known. We simultaneously recorded from neurons in multiple regions of the EC-hippocampal loop and examined their temporal relationships. Theta-coordinated synchronous spiking of EC neuronal populations predicted the timing of current sinks in target layers in the hippocampus. However, the temporal delays between population activities in successive anatomical stages were longer (typically by a half theta cycle) than expected from axon conduction velocities and passive synaptic integration of feed-forward excitatory inputs. We hypothesize that the temporal windows set by the theta cycles allow for local circuit interactions and thus a considerable degree of computational independence in subdivisions of the EC-hippocampal loop.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Electric Stimulation, Entorhinal Cortex, Hippocampus, Long-Evans, Long-Term Potentiation, Male, Models, Movement, Nerve Net, Neural Inhibition, Neural Pathways, Neurological, Neurons, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Rats, Reaction Time, Synaptic Transmission, Theta Rhythm}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3773-10.2011}, author = {Mizuseki, Kenji and Sirota, Anton and Pastalkova, Eva and Buzs{\'a}ki, Gy{\"o}rgy} } @article {46409, title = {Thioredoxin-independent regulation of metabolism by the alpha-arrestin proteins.}, journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {284}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Sep 11}, pages = {24996-5003}, abstract = {

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), originally characterized as an inhibitor of thioredoxin, is now known to be a critical regulator of glucose metabolism in vivo. Txnip is a member of the alpha-arrestin protein family; the alpha-arrestins are related to the classical beta-arrestins and visual arrestins. Txnip is the only alpha-arrestin known to bind thioredoxin, and it is not known whether the metabolic effects of Txnip are related to its ability to bind thioredoxin or related to conserved alpha-arrestin function. Here we show that wild type Txnip and Txnip C247S, a Txnip mutant that does not bind thioredoxin in vitro, both inhibit glucose uptake in mature adipocytes and in primary skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, we show that Txnip C247S does not bind thioredoxin in cells, using thiol alkylation to trap the Txnip-thioredoxin complex. Because Txnip function was independent of thioredoxin binding, we tested whether inhibition of glucose uptake was conserved in the related alpha-arrestins Arrdc4 and Arrdc3. Both Txnip and Arrdc4 inhibited glucose uptake and lactate output, while Arrdc3 had no effect. Structure-function analysis indicated that Txnip and Arrdc4 inhibit glucose uptake independent of the C-terminal WW-domain binding motifs, recently identified as important in yeast alpha-arrestins. Instead, regulation of glucose uptake was intrinsic to the arrestin domains themselves. These data demonstrate that Txnip regulates cellular metabolism independent of its binding to thioredoxin and reveal the arrestin domains as crucial structural elements in metabolic functions of alpha-arrestin proteins.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Arrestin, Arrestins, Carrier Proteins, Fibroblasts, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Mice, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Plasmids, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Thioredoxins}, issn = {1083-351X}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M109.018093}, author = {Patwari, Parth and Chutkow, William A and Cummings, Kiersten and Verstraeten, Valerie L R M and Lammerding, Jan and Schreiter, Eric R and Lee, Richard T} } @article {5357, title = {Three dimensional super resolution fluorescence imaging of single bacterial cells by stereo photoactivated localization microscopy.}, journal = {Microscopy and Microanalysis}, volume = {15}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 July 26}, pages = {564-5}, doi = {10.1017/S1431927609095737}, author = {Tang, Jianyong and Vaziri, Alipasha and Akerboom, Jasper P. and Looger, Loren and Shank, Charles V} } @article {5363, title = {Three-dimensional nanoscopy of biological samples.}, journal = {2009 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics and Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference (CLEO/QELS 2009), Vols. 1-5}, volume = {1-5}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jun 5}, pages = {147-8}, abstract = {

We have demonstrated super-resolution imaging of protein distributions in cells at depth at multiple layers with a lateral localization precision better than 50 nm. The approach is based on combining photoactivated localization microscopy with temporal focusing.

}, author = {Vaziri, Alipasha and Tang, Jianyong and Shroff, Hari and Shank, Charles V} } @article {5359, title = {Three-dimensional super-resolution imaging of thick biological samples.}, journal = {Microscopy and Microanalysis}, volume = {15}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jul 26}, pages = {36-7}, doi = {10.1017/S1431927609092368}, author = {Vaziri, A. and Tang, J. and Shroff, H. and Shank, C.} } @article {46620, title = {Too fat to fly? New brain circuits regulate obesity in Drosophila.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {63}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Aug 13}, pages = {279-81}, abstract = {

In mammals, fat store levels are regulated by brain centers that control food intake and metabolism. A new study by Al-Anzi and colleagues in this issue of Neuron identifies neurons with similar functions in Drosophila, further establishing the fly as a legitimate model to study obesity.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brain, Disease Models, Animal, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Nerve Net, Neurons, Obesity}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2009.07.023}, author = {Kaun, Karla R and Heberlein, Ulrike} } @article {4264, title = {A tool for identification of genes expressed in patterns of interest using the Allen Brain Atlas.}, journal = {Bioinformatics}, volume = {25}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jul 1}, pages = {1647-54}, abstract = {

Gene expression patterns can be useful in understanding the structural organization of the brain and the regulatory logic that governs its myriad cell types. A particularly rich source of spatial expression data is the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA), a comprehensive genome-wide in situ hybridization study of the adult mouse brain. Here, we present an open-source program, ALLENMINER, that searches the ABA for genes that are expressed, enriched, patterned or graded in a user-specified region of interest.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brain, Computer Graphics, Gene Expression, Gene Expression Profiling, Genome, Mice, Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis}, issn = {1367-4811}, doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/btp288}, author = {Davis, Fred P and Eddy, Sean R.} } @article {1209, title = {TRAPPII is required for cleavage furrow ingression and localization of Rab11 in dividing male meiotic cells of Drosophila.}, journal = {Journal of Cell Science}, volume = {122}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Dec 15}, pages = {4526-34}, abstract = {

Although membrane addition is crucial for cytokinesis in many animal cell types, the specific mechanisms supporting cleavage furrow ingression are not yet understood. Mutations in the gene brunelleschi (bru), which encodes the Drosophila ortholog of the yeast Trs120p subunit of TRAPPII, cause failure of furrow ingression in male meiotic cells. In non-dividing cells, Brunelleschi protein fused to GFP is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm and enriched at Golgi organelles, similarly to another Drosophila TRAPPII subunit, dBet3. Localization of the membrane-trafficking GTPase Rab11 to the cleavage furrow requires wild-type function of bru, and genetic interactions between bru and Rab11 increase the failure of meiotic cytokinesis and cause synthetic lethality. bru also genetically interacts with four wheel drive (fwd), which encodes a PI4Kbeta, such that double mutants exhibit enhanced failure of male meiotic cytokinesis. These results suggest that Bru cooperates with Rab11 and PI4Kbeta to regulate the efficiency of membrane addition to the cleavage furrow, thus promoting cytokinesis in Drosophila male meiotic cells.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Cell Division, Cytokinesis, Cytoplasm, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Golgi Apparatus, Male, Meiosis, Molecular Sequence Data, Post-Translational, Protein Processing, Protein Transport, rab GTP-Binding Proteins, Sequence Alignment, Spermatocytes}, issn = {1477-9137}, doi = {10.1242/jcs.054536}, author = {Robinett, Carmen C and Giansanti, Maria Grazia and Gatti, Maurizio and Fuller, Margaret T} } @article {2634, title = {Tweek, an evolutionarily conserved protein, is required for synaptic vesicle recycling.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {63}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jul 30}, pages = {203-15}, abstract = {

Synaptic vesicle endocytosis is critical for maintaining synaptic communication during intense stimulation. Here we describe Tweek, a conserved protein that is required for synaptic vesicle recycling. tweek mutants show reduced FM1-43 uptake, cannot maintain release during intense stimulation, and harbor larger than normal synaptic vesicles, implicating it in vesicle recycling at the synapse. Interestingly, the levels of a fluorescent PI(4,5)P(2) reporter are reduced at tweek mutant synapses, and the probe is aberrantly localized during stimulation. In addition, various endocytic adaptors known to bind PI(4,5)P(2) are mislocalized and the defects in FM1-43 dye uptake and adaptor localization are partially suppressed by removing one copy of the phosphoinositide phosphatase synaptojanin, suggesting a role for Tweek in maintaining proper phosphoinositide levels at synapses. Our data implicate Tweek in regulating synaptic vesicle recycling via an action mediated at least in part by the regulation of PI(4,5)P(2) levels or availability at the synapse.

}, keywords = {Animals, Blotting, Complementary, Diptera, DNA, Drosophila Proteins, Electron, Endocytosis, Eye Abnormalities, Immunohistochemistry, Microscopy, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Neurons, Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates, Pyridinium Compounds, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Synapses, Synaptic Transmission, Synaptic Vesicles, Transmission, Western}, issn = {1097-4199}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2009.06.017}, author = {Verstreken, Patrik and Ohyama, Tomoko and Haueter, Claire and Habets, Ron L P and Lin, Yong Q and Swan, Laura E and Ly, Cindy V and Venken, Koen J T and De Camilli, Pietro and Bellen, Hugo J} } @article {781, title = {Twin-spot MARCM to reveal the developmental origin and identity of neurons.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {12}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Jul}, pages = {947-53}, abstract = {

A comprehensive understanding of the brain requires the analysis of individual neurons. We used twin-spot mosaic analysis with repressible cell markers (twin-spot MARCM) to trace cell lineages at high resolution by independently labeling paired sister clones. We determined patterns of neurogenesis and the influences of lineage on neuron-type specification. Notably, neural progenitors were able to yield intermediate precursors that create one, two or more neurons. Furthermore, neurons acquired stereotyped projections according to their temporal position in various brain sublineages. Twin-spot MARCM also permitted birth dating of mutant clones, enabling us to detect a single temporal fate that required chinmo in a sublineage of six Drosophila central complex neurons. In sum, twin-spot MARCM can reveal the developmental origins of neurons and the mechanisms that underlie cell fate.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brain, Cell Lineage, Central Nervous System, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Gene Knockout Techniques, Genetic Techniques, Genetically Modified, Mushroom Bodies, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Neurogenesis, Neurons, RNA Interference, Time Factors}, issn = {1546-1726}, doi = {10.1038/nn.2345}, author = {Yu, Hung-Hsiang and Chen, Chun-Hong and Shi, Lei and Huang, Yaling and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {2395, title = {TBP, Mot1, and NC2 establish a regulatory circuit that controls DPE-dependent versus TATA-dependent transcription.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {22}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Sep 1}, pages = {2353-8}, abstract = {

The RNA polymerase II core promoter is a structurally and functionally diverse transcriptional module. RNAi depletion and overexpression experiments revealed a genetic circuit that controls the balance of transcription from two core promoter motifs, the TATA box and the downstream core promoter element (DPE). In this circuit, TBP activates TATA-dependent transcription and represses DPE-dependent transcription, whereas Mot1 and NC2 block TBP function and thus repress TATA-dependent transcription and activate DPE-dependent transcription. This regulatory circuit is likely to be one means by which biological networks can transmit transcriptional signals, such as those from DPE-specific and TATA-specific enhancers, via distinct pathways.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cells, Cultured, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Enhancer Elements, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic, Promoter Regions, RNA Polymerase II, TATA Box, TATA-Box Binding Protein, Transcription, Transcription Factors}, issn = {0890-9369}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Hsu, Jer-Yuan and Juven-Gershon, Tamar and Marr, Michael T and Wright, Kevin J and Tjian, Robert and Kadonaga, James T} } @article {2346, title = {Theta-mediated dynamics of spatial information in hippocampus.}, journal = {The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {28}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Jun 4}, pages = {5959-64}, abstract = {

In rodent hippocampus, neuronal activity is organized by a 6-10 Hz theta oscillation. The spike timing of hippocampal pyramidal cells with respect to the theta rhythm correlates with an animal{\textquoteright}s position in space. This correlation has been suggested to indicate an explicit temporal code for position. Alternatively, it may be interpreted as a byproduct of theta-dependent dynamics of spatial information flow in hippocampus. Here we show that place cell activity on different phases of theta reflects positions shifted into the future or past along the animal{\textquoteright}s trajectory in a two-dimensional environment. The phases encoding future and past positions are consistent across recorded CA1 place cells, indicating a coherent representation at the network level. Consistent theta-dependent time offsets are not simply a consequence of phase-position correlation (phase precession), because they are no longer seen after data randomization that preserves the phase-position relationship. The scale of these time offsets, 100-300 ms, is similar to the latencies of hippocampal activity after sensory input and before motor output, suggesting that offset activity may maintain coherent brain activity in the face of information processing delays.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Hippocampus, Long-Evans, Male, Rats, Spatial Behavior, Theta Rhythm}, issn = {1529-2401}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3773-10.2011}, author = {Itskov, Vladimir and Pastalkova, Eva and Mizuseki, Kenji and Buzs{\'a}ki, Gy{\"o}rgy and Harris, Kenneth D} } @article {1688, title = {Three-dimensional microtubule behavior in Xenopus egg extracts reveals four dynamic states and state-dependent elastic properties.}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {95}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Aug}, pages = {1474-86}, abstract = {

Although microtubules are key players in many cellular processes, very little is known about their dynamic and mechanical properties in physiological three-dimensional environments. The conventional model of microtubule dynamic instability postulates two dynamic microtubule states, growth and shrinkage. However, several studies have indicated that such a model does not provide a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative description of microtubule behavior. Using three-dimensional laser light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and a three-dimensional sample preparation in spacious Teflon cylinders, we measured microtubule dynamic instability and elasticity in interphase Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Our data are inconsistent with a two-state model of microtubule dynamic instability and favor an extended four-state model with two independent metastable pause states over a three-state model with a single pause state. Moreover, our data on kinetic state transitions rule out a simple GTP cap model as the driving force of microtubule stabilization in egg extracts on timescales of a few seconds or longer. We determined the three-dimensional elastic properties of microtubules as a function of both the contour length and the dynamic state. Our results indicate that pausing microtubules are less flexible than growing microtubules and suggest a growth-speed-dependent persistence length. These data might hint toward mechanisms that enable microtubules to efficiently perform multiple different tasks in the cell and suggest the development of a unified model of microtubule dynamics and microtubule mechanics.

}, keywords = {Animals, Elasticity, Imaging, Mechanical, Microtubules, Ovum, Stress, Three-Dimensional, Xenopus laevis}, issn = {1542-0086}, doi = {10.1529/biophysj.107.128223}, author = {Keller, Philipp J and Pampaloni, Francesco and Lattanzi, Gianluca and Stelzer, Ernst H K} } @article {2958, title = {Three-dimensional resolution doubling in wide-field fluorescence microscopy by structured illumination.}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {94}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Jun}, pages = {4957-70}, abstract = {

Structured illumination microscopy is a method that can increase the spatial resolution of wide-field fluorescence microscopy beyond its classical limit by using spatially structured illumination light. Here we describe how this method can be applied in three dimensions to double the axial as well as the lateral resolution, with true optical sectioning. A grating is used to generate three mutually coherent light beams, which interfere in the specimen to form an illumination pattern that varies both laterally and axially. The spatially structured excitation intensity causes normally unreachable high-resolution information to become encoded into the observed images through spatial frequency mixing. This new information is computationally extracted and used to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction with twice as high resolution, in all three dimensions, as is possible in a conventional wide-field microscope. The method has been demonstrated on both test objects and biological specimens, and has produced the first light microscopy images of the synaptonemal complex in which the lateral elements are clearly resolved.

}, keywords = {Algorithms, Computer-Assisted, Fluorescence, Image Enhancement, Image Interpretation, Imaging, Lighting, Microscopy, Reproducibility of Results, Sensitivity and Specificity, Three-Dimensional}, issn = {1542-0086}, doi = {10.1529/biophysj.107.120345}, author = {Gustafsson, Mats G L and Shao, Lin and Carlton, Peter M and Wang, C J Rachel and Golubovskaya, Inna N and Cande, W Zacheus and Agard, David A and Sedat, John W} } @article {45736, title = {Tinker where the tinkering{\textquoteright}s good.}, journal = {Trends Genet}, volume = {24}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Jul}, pages = {317-9}, abstract = {

Do general principles govern the genetic causes of phenotypic evolution? One promising idea is that mutations in cis-regulatory regions play a predominant role in phenotypic evolution because they can alter gene activity without causing pleiotropic effects. Recent evidence that revealed the genetic basis of pigmentation pattern evolution in Drosophila santomea supports this notion. Multiple mutations that disrupt an abdominal enhancer of the pleiotropic gene tan partly explain the reduced pigmentation observed in this species.

}, keywords = {Abdomen, Animals, Biological Evolution, Drosophila melanogaster, Genes, Insect, Mutation, Phenotype, Pigmentation}, issn = {0168-9525}, doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2008.04.003}, author = {Rockman, Matthew V and Stern, David L} } @article {988, title = {Tools for neuroanatomy and neurogenetics in Drosophila.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {105}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Jul 15}, pages = {9715-20}, abstract = {

We demonstrate the feasibility of generating thousands of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines in which the expression of an exogenous gene is reproducibly directed to distinct small subsets of cells in the adult brain. We expect the expression patterns produced by the collection of 5,000 lines that we are currently generating to encompass all neurons in the brain in a variety of intersecting patterns. Overlapping 3-kb DNA fragments from the flanking noncoding and intronic regions of genes thought to have patterned expression in the adult brain were inserted into a defined genomic location by site-specific recombination. These fragments were then assayed for their ability to function as transcriptional enhancers in conjunction with a synthetic core promoter designed to work with a wide variety of enhancer types. An analysis of 44 fragments from four genes found that \>80\% drive expression patterns in the brain; the observed patterns were, on average, comprised of \<100 cells. Our results suggest that the D. melanogaster genome contains \>50,000 enhancers and that multiple enhancers drive distinct subsets of expression of a gene in each tissue and developmental stage. We expect that these lines will be valuable tools for neuroanatomy as well as for the elucidation of neuronal circuits and information flow in the fly brain.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biomedical Research, Brain, Developmental, Drosophila melanogaster, Enhancer Elements, Gene Expression Regulation, Genes, Genetic, Genetically Modified, Insect, Neurons, Neurosciences, Recombination}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0803697105}, author = {Pfeiffer, Barret D and Jenett, Arnim and Hammonds, Ann S and Ngo, Teri-T B and Misra, Sima and Murphy, Christine and Scully, Audra and Carlson, Joseph W and Wan, Kenneth H and Laverty, Todd R and Mungall, Chris and Svirskas, Rob and Kadonaga, James T and Doe, Chris Q and Eisen, Michael B and Celniker, Susan E and Rubin, Gerald M} } @article {1101, title = {Trimethyl lock: a stable chromogenic substrate for esterases.}, journal = {Molecules}, volume = {13}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Jan 31}, pages = {204-11}, abstract = {

p-Nitrophenyl acetate is the most commonly used substrate for detecting the catalytic activity of esterases, including those that activate prodrugs in human cells. This substrate is unstable in aqueous solution, limiting its utility. Here, a stable chromogenic substrate for esterases is produced by the structural isolation of an acetyl ester and p-nitroaniline group using a trimethyl lock moiety. Upon ester hydrolysis, unfavorable steric interactions between the three methyl groups of this o-hydroxycinnamic acid derivative encourage rapid lactonization to form a hydrocoumarin and release p-nitroaniline. This "prochromophore" could find use in a variety of assays.

}, keywords = {Chromogenic Compounds, Esterases, Humans, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Hydrolysis, Kinetics, Spectrum Analysis, Substrate Specificity, Thermodynamics, Time Factors}, issn = {1420-3049}, author = {Levine, Michael N and Lavis, Luke D and Raines, Ronald T} } @article {45961, title = {Tension applied through the Dam1 complex promotes microtubule elongation providing a direct mechanism for length control in mitosis.}, journal = {Nature Cell Biology}, volume = {9}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Jul}, pages = {832-7}, abstract = {

In dividing cells, kinetochores couple chromosomes to the tips of growing and shortening microtubule fibres and tension at the kinetochore-microtubule interface promotes fibre elongation. Tension-dependent microtubule fibre elongation is thought to be essential for coordinating chromosome alignment and separation, but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Using optical tweezers, we applied tension to a model of the kinetochore-microtubule interface composed of the yeast Dam1 complex bound to individual dynamic microtubule tips. Higher tension decreased the likelihood that growing tips would begin to shorten, slowed shortening, and increased the likelihood that shortening tips would resume growth. These effects are similar to the effects of tension on kinetochore-attached microtubule fibres in many cell types, suggesting that we have reconstituted a direct mechanism for microtubule-length control in mitosis.

}, keywords = {Biomechanical Phenomena, Cell Cycle Proteins, Fungal Proteins, Kinetochores, Microspheres, Microtubule-Associated Proteins, Microtubules, Mitosis, Optical Tweezers, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins}, issn = {1465-7392}, doi = {10.1038/ncb1609}, author = {Franck, Andrew D and Powers, Andrew F and Gestaut, Daniel R and Gonen, Tamir and Davis, Trisha N and Asbury, Charles L} } @article {68489, title = {Thermoelectric manipulation of aqueous droplets in microfluidic devices.}, journal = {Anal Chem}, volume = {79}, year = {2007}, month = {07/2007}, pages = {4845-51}, abstract = {

This article describes a method for manipulating the temperature inside aqueous droplets, utilizing a thermoelectric cooler to control the temperature of select portions of a microfluidic chip. To illustrate the adaptability of this approach, we have generated an "ice valve" to stop fluid flow in a microchannel. By taking advantage of the vastly different freezing points for aqueous solutions and immiscible oils, we froze a stream of aqueous droplets that were formed on-chip. By integrating this technique with cell encapsulation into aqueous droplets, we were also able to freeze single cells encased in flowing droplets. Using a live-dead stain, we confirmed the viability of cells was not adversely affected by the process of freezing in aqueous droplets provided cryoprotectants were utilized. When combined with current droplet methodologies, this technology has the potential to both selectively heat and cool portions of a chip for a variety of droplet-related applications, such as freezing, temperature cycling, sample archiving, and controlling reaction kinetics.

}, keywords = {Cell Survival, Freezing, Kinetics, Lymphoma, B-Cell, Microfluidic Analytical Techniques, Mineral Oil, Solutions, Water}, issn = {0003-2700}, doi = {10.1021/ac062458a}, author = {Sgro, Allyson E and Allen, Peter B and Chiu, Daniel T} } @article {4479, title = {Three-dimensional analysis of a viral RNA replication complex reveals a virus-induced mini-organelle.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Sep}, pages = {e220}, abstract = {

Positive-strand RNA viruses are the largest genetic class of viruses and include many serious human pathogens. All positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in association with intracellular membrane rearrangements such as single- or double-membrane vesicles. However, the exact sites of RNA synthesis and crucial topological relationships between relevant membranes, vesicle interiors, surrounding lumens, and cytoplasm generally are poorly defined. We applied electron microscope tomography and complementary approaches to flock house virus (FHV)-infected Drosophila cells to provide the first 3-D analysis of such replication complexes. The sole FHV RNA replication factor, protein A, and FHV-specific 5-bromouridine 5{\textquoteright}-triphosphate incorporation localized between inner and outer mitochondrial membranes inside approximately 50-nm vesicles (spherules), which thus are FHV-induced compartments for viral RNA synthesis. All such FHV spherules were outer mitochondrial membrane invaginations with interiors connected to the cytoplasm by a necked channel of approximately 10-nm diameter, which is sufficient for ribonucleotide import and product RNA export. Tomographic, biochemical, and other results imply that FHV spherules contain, on average, three RNA replication intermediates and an interior shell of approximately 100 membrane-spanning, self-interacting protein As. The results identify spherules as the site of protein A and nascent RNA accumulation and define spherule topology, dimensions, and stoichiometry to reveal the nature and many details of the organization and function of the FHV RNA replication complex. The resulting insights appear relevant to many other positive-strand RNA viruses and support recently proposed structural and likely evolutionary parallels with retrovirus and double-stranded RNA virus virions.

}, keywords = {Animals, Drosophila, Electron, Imaging, Microscopy, Mitochondrial Membranes, Nodaviridae, Organelles, RNA, Three-Dimensional, Viral, Virus Replication}, issn = {1545-7885}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.0050220}, url = {http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info\%3Adoi\%2F10.1371\%2Fjournal.pbio.0050220}, author = {Kopek, Benjamin G and Perkins, Guy and Miller, David J and Ellisman, Mark H and Ahlquist, Paul} } @article {1542, title = {Three-dimensional analysis of a viral RNA replication complex reveals a virus-induced mini-organelle.}, journal = {PLoS Biology}, volume = {5}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Sep}, pages = {e220}, abstract = {

Positive-strand RNA viruses are the largest genetic class of viruses and include many serious human pathogens. All positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in association with intracellular membrane rearrangements such as single- or double-membrane vesicles. However, the exact sites of RNA synthesis and crucial topological relationships between relevant membranes, vesicle interiors, surrounding lumens, and cytoplasm generally are poorly defined. We applied electron microscope tomography and complementary approaches to flock house virus (FHV)-infected Drosophila cells to provide the first 3-D analysis of such replication complexes. The sole FHV RNA replication factor, protein A, and FHV-specific 5-bromouridine 5{\textquoteright}-triphosphate incorporation localized between inner and outer mitochondrial membranes inside approximately 50-nm vesicles (spherules), which thus are FHV-induced compartments for viral RNA synthesis. All such FHV spherules were outer mitochondrial membrane invaginations with interiors connected to the cytoplasm by a necked channel of approximately 10-nm diameter, which is sufficient for ribonucleotide import and product RNA export. Tomographic, biochemical, and other results imply that FHV spherules contain, on average, three RNA replication intermediates and an interior shell of approximately 100 membrane-spanning, self-interacting protein As. The results identify spherules as the site of protein A and nascent RNA accumulation and define spherule topology, dimensions, and stoichiometry to reveal the nature and many details of the organization and function of the FHV RNA replication complex. The resulting insights appear relevant to many other positive-strand RNA viruses and support recently proposed structural and likely evolutionary parallels with retrovirus and double-stranded RNA virus virions.

}, keywords = {Animals, Drosophila, Electron, Imaging, Microscopy, Mitochondrial Membranes, Nodaviridae, Organelles, RNA, Three-Dimensional, Viral, Virus Replication}, issn = {1545-7885}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.0050220}, author = {Kopek, Benjamin G and Perkins, Guy and Miller, David J and Ellisman, Mark H and Ahlquist, Paul} } @article {1689, title = {Three-dimensional preparation and imaging reveal intrinsic microtubule properties.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Oct}, pages = {843-6}, abstract = {

We present an experimental investigation of microtubule dynamic instability in three dimensions, based on laser light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. We introduce three-dimensional (3D) preparation of Xenopus laevis egg extracts in Teflon-based cylinders and provide algorithms for 3D image processing. Our approach gives experimental access to the intrinsic dynamic properties of microtubules and to microtubule population statistics in single asters. We obtain evidence for a stochastic nature of microtubule pausing.

}, keywords = {Animals, Computer-Assisted, Fluorescence, Image Processing, Imaging, Microscopy, Microtubules, Ovum, Three-Dimensional, Xenopus laevis}, issn = {1548-7091}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth1087}, author = {Keller, Philipp J and Pampaloni, Francesco and Stelzer, Ernst H K} } @article {4005, title = {Tracking silence: adjusting vocal production to avoid acoustic interference.}, journal = {Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology}, volume = {193}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Apr}, pages = {477-83}, abstract = {

Organisms that use vocal signals to communicate often modulate their vocalizations to avoid being masked by other sounds in the environment. Although some environmental noise is continuous, both biotic and abiotic noise can be intermittent, or even periodic. Interference from intermittent noise can be avoided if calls are timed to coincide with periods of silence, a capacity that is unambiguously present in insects, amphibians, birds, and humans. Surprisingly, we know virtually nothing about this fundamental capacity in nonhuman primates. Here we show that a New World monkey, the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), can restrict calls to periodic silent intervals in loud white noise. In addition, calls produced during these silent intervals were significantly louder than calls recorded in silent baseline sessions. Finally, average call duration dropped across sessions, indicating that experience with temporally patterned noise caused tamarins to compress their calls. Taken together, these results show that in the presence of a predictable, intermittent environmental noise, cotton-top tamarins are able to modify the duration, timing, and amplitude of their calls to avoid acoustic interference.

}, keywords = {Adaptation, Animal, Animals, Auditory Perception, Auditory Threshold, Behavior, Environment, Feedback, Female, Male, Noise, Physiological, Saguinus, Vocalization}, issn = {0340-7594}, doi = {10.1007/s00359-006-0205-7}, author = {Egnor, S E Roian and Wickelgren, Jeanette Graham and Hauser, Marc D} } @article {2400, title = {Transcription of histone gene cluster by differential core-promoter factors.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {21}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Nov 15}, pages = {2936-49}, abstract = {

The 100 copies of tandemly arrayed Drosophila linker (H1) and core (H2A/B and H3/H4) histone gene cluster are coordinately regulated during the cell cycle. However, the molecular mechanisms that must allow differential transcription of linker versus core histones prevalent during development remain elusive. Here, we used fluorescence imaging, biochemistry, and genetics to show that TBP (TATA-box-binding protein)-related factor 2 (TRF2) selectively regulates the TATA-less Histone H1 gene promoter, while TBP/TFIID targets core histone transcription. Importantly, TRF2-depleted polytene chromosomes display severe chromosomal structural defects. This selective usage of TRF2 and TBP provides a novel mechanism to differentially direct transcription within the histone cluster. Moreover, genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip analyses coupled with RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated functional studies revealed that TRF2 targets several classes of TATA-less promoters of \>1000 genes including those driving transcription of essential chromatin organization and protein synthesis genes. Our studies establish that TRF2 promoter recognition complexes play a significantly more central role in governing metazoan transcription than previously appreciated.

}, keywords = {Animals, Base Sequence, Biological, Cells, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation, Chromosomes, Cluster Analysis, Cultured, Drosophila, Firefly, Fluorescence, Genes, Genetic, Histones, Immunohistochemistry, In Situ Hybridization, Insect, Luciferases, Models, Molecular Sequence Data, Multigene Family, Nucleic Acid, Promoter Regions, Reporter, RNA Interference, Sequence Homology, TATA Box Binding Protein-Like Proteins, TATA-Box Binding Protein, Transcription}, issn = {0890-9369}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Isogai, Yoh and Keles, S{\"u}nd{\"u}z and Prestel, Matthias and Hochheimer, Andreas and Tjian, Robert} } @article {1104, title = {Tuning the pK(a) of fluorescein to optimize binding assays.}, journal = {Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {79}, year = {2007}, month = {2007 Sep 1}, pages = {6775-82}, abstract = {

The phenolic pKa of fluorescein varies depending on its environment. The fluorescence of the dye varies likewise. Accordingly, a change in fluorescence can report on the association of a fluorescein conjugate to another molecule. Here, we demonstrate how to optimize this process with chemical synthesis. The fluorescence of fluorescein-labeled model protein, bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A), decreases upon binding to its cognate inhibitor protein (RI). Free and RI-bound fluorescein-RNase A have pKa values of 6.35 and 6.70, respectively, leaving the fluorescein moiety largely unprotonated at physiological pH and thus limiting the sensitivity of the assay. To increase the fluorescein pKa and, hence, the assay sensitivity, we installed an electron-donating alkyl group ortho to each phenol group. 2{\textquoteright},7{\textquoteright}-Diethylfluorescein (DEF) has spectral properties similar to those of fluorescein but a higher phenolic pKa. Most importantly, free and RI-bound DEF-RNase A have pKa values of 6.68 and 7.29, respectively, resulting in a substantial increase in the sensitivity of the assay. Using DEF-RNase A rather than fluorescein-RNase A in a microplate assay at pH 7.12 increased the Z{\textquoteright}-factor from -0.17 to 0.69. We propose that synthetic "tuning" of the pKa of fluorescein and other pH-sensitive fluorophores provides a general means to optimize binding assays.

}, keywords = {Enzyme Inhibitors, Ethylenes, Fluorescein, Humans, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Iodoacetamide, Molecular Structure, Pancreatic, Ribonuclease}, issn = {0003-2700}, doi = {10.1021/ac070907g}, author = {Lavis, Luke D and Rutkoski, Thomas J and Raines, Ronald T} } @article {2406, title = {TAF4 nucleates a core subcomplex of TFIID and mediates activated transcription from a TATA-less promoter.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {103}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Aug 15}, pages = {12347-52}, abstract = {

Activator-dependent recruitment of TFIID initiates formation of the transcriptional preinitiation complex. TFIID binds core promoter DNA elements and directs the assembly of other general transcription factors, leading to binding of RNA polymerase II and activation of RNA synthesis. How TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and the TBP-associated factors (TAFs) are assembled into a functional TFIID complex with promoter recognition and coactivator activities in vivo remains unknown. Here, we use RNAi to knock down specific TFIID subunits in Drosophila tissue culture cells to determine which subunits are most critical for maintaining stability of TFIID in vivo. Contrary to expectations, we find that TAF4 rather than TBP or TAF1 plays the most critical role in maintaining stability of the complex. Our analysis also indicates that TAF5, TAF6, TAF9, and TAF12 play key roles in stability of the complex, whereas TBP, TAF1, TAF2, and TAF11 contribute very little to complex stability. Based on our results, we propose that holo-TFIID comprises a stable core subcomplex containing TAF4, TAF5, TAF6, TAF9, and TAF12 decorated with peripheral subunits TAF1, TAF2, TAF11, and TBP. Our initial functional studies indicate a specific and significant role for TAF1 and TAF4 in mediating transcription from a TATA-less, downstream core promoter element (DPE)-containing promoter, whereas a TATA-containing, DPE-less promoter was far less dependent on these subunits. In contrast to both TAF1 and TAF4, RNAi knockdown of TAF5 had little effect on transcription from either class of promoter. These studies significantly alter previous models for the assembly, structure, and function of TFIID.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Line, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Enzyme Stability, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic, Humans, Macromolecular Substances, Models, Molecular, Protein Subunits, RNA Interference, TATA Box, TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors, Transcription, Transcription Factor TFIID}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Wright, Kevin J and Marr, Michael T and Tjian, Robert} } @article {1735, title = {Three-dimensional chiral imaging by sum-frequency generation.}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {128}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Mar 22}, pages = {3482-3}, abstract = {

A sum-frequency generation (SFG) microscope that is sensitive toward molecular chirality was demonstrated for the first time. Optically active images of chiral 1,1{\textquoteright}-bi-2-naphthol solutions were obtained with submicron spatial resolution. Three-dimensional sectioning capability of our microscope was also demonstrated. This optically active SFG microscopy can potentially become a powerful imaging technique for biological samples.

}, keywords = {Computer-Assisted, Fluorescence, Image Processing, Microscopy, Naphthols, Stereoisomerism}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja057775y}, author = {Ji, Na and Zhang, Kai and Yang, Haw and Shen, Yuen-Ron} } @article {2729, title = {Toward chiral sum-frequency spectroscopy.}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {128}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Jul 12}, pages = {8845-8}, abstract = {

Chiral sum-frequency (SF) spectroscopy that measures both the real and the imaginary components of the SF spectral response was demonstrated for the first time. It was based on interference of the SF signal with a dispersionless SF reference. Solutions of 1,1{\textquoteright}-bi-2-naphthol (BN) were used as model systems, and their chiral SF spectra over the first exciton-split transitions were obtained. Chiral spectra are useful for determination of absolute configuration and conformation of chiral molecules.

}, keywords = {Molecular Conformation, Naphthols, Sensitivity and Specificity, Solutions, Spectrum Analysis}, issn = {0002-7863}, doi = {10.1021/ja060888c}, author = {Ji, Na and Ostroverkhov, Victor and Belkin, Mikhail and Shiu, Ying-Jen and Shen, Yuen-Ron} } @article {6352, title = {Transcriptional signatures of cellular plasticity in mice lacking the alpha1 subunit of GABAA receptors.}, journal = {The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {26}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 May 24}, pages = {5673-83}, abstract = {

GABAA receptors mediate the majority of inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. Genetic deletion of the alpha1 subunit of GABAA receptors results in a loss of alpha1-mediated fast inhibitory currents and a marked reduction in density of GABAA receptors. A grossly normal phenotype of alpha1-deficient mice suggests the presence of neuronal adaptation to these drastic changes at the GABA synapse. We used cDNA microarrays to identify transcriptional fingerprints of cellular plasticity in response to altered GABAergic inhibition in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of alpha1 mutants. In silico analysis of 982 mutation-regulated transcripts highlighted genes and functional groups involved in regulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, suggesting an adaptive response of the brain to an altered inhibitory tone. Public gene expression databases permitted identification of subsets of transcripts enriched in excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as some glial cells, providing evidence for cellular plasticity in individual cell types. Additional analysis linked some transcriptional changes to cellular phenotypes observed in the knock-out mice and suggested several genes, such as the early growth response 1 (Egr1), small GTP binding protein Rac1 (Rac1), neurogranin (Nrgn), sodium channel beta4 subunit (Scn4b), and potassium voltage-gated Kv4.2 channel (Kcnd2) as cell type-specific markers of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, transcriptional activation of genes enriched in Bergman glia suggests an active role of these astrocytes in synaptic plasticity. Overall, our results suggest that the loss of alpha1-mediated fast inhibition produces diverse transcriptional responses that act to regulate neuronal excitability of individual neurons and stabilize neuronal networks, which may account for the lack of severe abnormalities in alpha1 null mutants.

}, keywords = {Animals, GABA-A, Gene Expression Profiling, Knockout, Male, Mice, Neural Inhibition, Neuroglia, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Receptors, Synaptic Transmission, Transcription Factors}, issn = {1529-2401}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0860-06.2006}, author = {Ponomarev, Igor and Maiya, Rajani and Harnett, Mark T and Schafer, Gwen L and Ryabinin, Andrey E and Blednov, Yuri A and Morikawa, Hitoshi and Boehm, Stephen L and Homanics, Gregg E and Berman, Ari E and Berman, Ari and Lodowski, Kerrie H and Bergeson, Susan E and Harris, R Adron} } @article {1772, title = {Transforming the architecture of compound eyes.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {443}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Oct 12}, pages = {696-9}, abstract = {

Eyes differ markedly in the animal kingdom, and are an extreme example of the evolution of multiple anatomical solutions to light detection and image formation. A salient feature of all photoreceptor cells is the presence of a specialized compartment (disc outer segments in vertebrates, and microvillar rhabdomeres in insects), whose primary role is to accommodate the millions of light receptor molecules required for efficient photon collection. In insects, compound eyes can have very different inner architectures. Fruitflies and houseflies have an open rhabdom system, in which the seven rhabdomeres of each ommatidium are separated from each other and function as independent light guides. In contrast, bees and various mosquitoes and beetle species have a closed system, in which rhabdomeres within each ommatidium are fused to each other, thus sharing the same visual axis. To understand the transition between open and closed rhabdom systems, we isolated and characterized the role of Drosophila genes involved in rhabdomere assembly. Here we show that Spacemaker, a secreted protein expressed only in the eyes of insects with open rhabdom systems, acts together with Prominin and the cell adhesion molecule Chaoptin to choreograph the partitioning of rhabdomeres into an open system. Furthermore, the complete loss of spacemaker (spam) converts an open rhabdom system to a closed one, whereas its targeted expression to photoreceptors of a closed system markedly reorganizes the architecture of the compound eyes to resemble an open system. Our results provide a molecular atlas for the construction of microvillar assemblies and illustrate the critical effect of differences in a single structural protein in morphogenesis.

}, keywords = {Adhesiveness, Animals, Bees, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Eye, Eye Proteins, Membrane Glycoproteins, Molecular Sequence Data, Morphogenesis, Mutation}, issn = {1476-4687}, doi = {10.1038/nature05128}, author = {Zelhof, Andrew C and Hardy, Robert W and Becker, Ann and Zuker, Charles S} } @article {2152, title = {Transitive closure and metric inequality of weighted graphs: detecting protein interaction modules using cliques.}, journal = {International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics}, volume = {1}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Jun 2}, pages = {162-77}, abstract = {

We study transitivity properties of edge weights in complex networks. We show that enforcing transitivity leads to a transitivity inequality which is equivalent to ultra-metric inequality. This can be used to define transitive closure on weighted undirected graphs, which can be computed using a modified Floyd-Warshall algorithm. These new concepts are extended to dissimilarity graphs and triangle inequalities. From this, we extend the clique concept from unweighted graph to weighted graph. We outline several applications and present results of detecting protein functional modules in a protein interaction network.

}, keywords = {Algorithms, Computational Biology, Fungal Proteins, Models, Protein Binding, Protein Interaction Mapping, Systems Biology, Theoretical}, issn = {1748-5673}, doi = {10.1007/s12021-010-9090-x}, author = {Ding, Chris and He, Xiaofeng and Xiong, Hui and Peng, Hanchuan and Holbrook, Stephen R} } @article {1108, title = {Template-dependent morphogenesis of oriented calcite crystals in the presence of magnesium ions.}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)}, volume = {44}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Apr 15}, pages = {2386-90}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.200462296}, author = {Han, Yong-Jin and Wysocki, Laura M and Thanawala, Monica S and Siegrist, Theo and Aizenberg, Joanna} } @article {45754, title = {The temporal requirements for insulin signaling during development in Drosophila.}, journal = {PLoS Biol}, volume = {3}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Sep}, pages = {e289}, abstract = {

Recent studies have indicated that the insulin-signaling pathway controls body and organ size in Drosophila, and most metazoans, by signaling nutritional conditions to the growing organs. The temporal requirements for insulin signaling during development are, however, unknown. Using a temperature-sensitive insulin receptor (Inr) mutation in Drosophila, we show that the developmental requirements for Inr activity are organ specific and vary in time. Early in development, before larvae reach the "critical size" (the size at which they commit to metamorphosis and can complete development without further feeding), Inr activity influences total development time but not final body and organ size. After critical size, Inr activity no longer affects total development time but does influence final body and organ size. Final body size is affected by Inr activity from critical size until pupariation, whereas final organ size is sensitive to Inr activity from critical size until early pupal development. In addition, different organs show different sensitivities to changes in Inr activity for different periods of development, implicating the insulin pathway in the control of organ allometry. The reduction in Inr activity is accompanied by a two-fold increase in free-sugar levels, similar to the effect of reduced insulin signaling in mammals. Finally, we find that varying the magnitude of Inr activity has different effects on cell size and cell number in the fly wing, providing a potential linkage between the mode of action of insulin signaling and the distinct downstream controls of cell size and number. We present a model that incorporates the effects of the insulin-signaling pathway into the Drosophila life cycle. We hypothesize that the insulin-signaling pathway controls such diverse effects as total developmental time, total body size and organ size through its effects on the rate of cell growth, and proliferation in different organs.

}, keywords = {Animals, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Insect Hormones, Insulin, Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins, Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Larva, Mutation, Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, Signal Transduction, Time Factors}, issn = {1545-7885}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.0030289}, author = {Shingleton, Alexander W and Das, Jayatri and Vinicius, Lucio and Stern, David L} } @article {3086, title = {Tetrodotoxin infusions into the dorsal hippocampus block non-locomotor place recognition.}, journal = {Hippocampus}, volume = {15}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Mar 2}, pages = {460-71}, abstract = {

The hippocampus is critical for navigation in an open field. One component of this navigation requires the subject to recognize the target place using distal cues. The experiments presented in this report tested whether blocking hippocampal function would impair open field place recognition. Hungry rats were trained to press a lever on a feeder for food. In Experiment 1, they were passively transported with the feeder along a circular trajectory. Lever pressing was reinforced only if the feeder was passing through a 60 degrees -wide sector. Thus, rats preferentially lever pressed in the vicinity of the reward sector indicating that they recognized its location. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) infusions aimed at the dorsal hippocampi caused rats to substantially increase lever pressing with no preference for any region. The aim of Experiment 2 was to determine whether the TTX injections caused a loss of place recognition or a general increase of lever pressing. A separate group of rats was conditioned in a stationary apparatus to press the lever in response to a light. The TTX injections did not abolish preferential lever pressing in response to light. Lever pressing increased less than half as much as the TTX-induced increase in Experiment 1. When these animals with functional hippocampi could not determine the rewarded period because the light was always off, lever pressing increased much more and was similar to the TTX-induced increase in Experiment 1. We conclude that the TTX inactivation of the hippocampi impaired the ability to recognize the reward place.

}, keywords = {Anesthetics, Animal, Animals, Behavior, Disease Models, Feeding Behavior, Hippocampus, Local, Long-Evans, Male, Memory, Memory Disorders, Orientation, Rats, Space Perception, Tetrodotoxin}, issn = {1050-9631}, doi = {10.1002/hipo.20072}, author = {Klement, Daniel and Pastalkova, Eva and Fenton, Andr{\'e} A} } @article {2187, title = {Topographic mapping of VMH {\textendash}> arcuate nucleus microcircuits and their reorganization by fasting.}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {8}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Oct}, pages = {1356-63}, abstract = {

In the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons inhibit feeding and neuropeptide-Y (NPY) neurons stimulate feeding. We tested whether neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), a known satiety center, activate anorexigenic neuronal pathways in the ARC by projecting either excitatory synaptic inputs to POMC neurons and/or inhibitory inputs to NPY neurons. Using laser scanning photostimulation in brain slices from transgenic mice, we found that POMC and NPY neurons, which are interspersed in the ARC, are nevertheless regulated by anatomically distinct synaptic inputs. POMC neurons received strong excitatory input from the medial VMH (mVMH), whereas NPY neurons did not and, instead, received weak inhibitory input only from within the ARC. The strength of the excitatory input from the mVMH to POMC neurons was diminished by fasting. These data identify a new molecularly defined circuit that is dynamically regulated by nutritional state in a manner consistent with the known role of the VMH as a satiety center.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Arcuate Nucleus, Brain Mapping, Fasting, Glutamic Acid, Immunohistochemistry, Lasers, Leptin, Male, Mice, Nerve Net, Neural Networks (Computer), Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Neuropeptide Y, Newborn, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Photic Stimulation, Pro-Opiomelanocortin, Synapses, Transgenic}, issn = {1097-6256}, doi = {10.1038/nn1550}, author = {Sternson, Scott M and Shepherd, Gordon M G and Friedman, Jeffrey M} } @proceedings {5774, title = {Tracking multiple mouse contours (without too many samples).}, year = {2005}, month = {06/2005}, pages = {1039-46}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {San Diego, CA}, abstract = {

We present a particle filtering algorithm for robustly tracking the contours of multiple deformable objects through severe occlusions. Our algorithm combines a multiple blob tracker with a contour tracker in a manner that keeps the required number of samples small. This is a natural combination because both algorithms have complementary strengths. The multiple blob tracker uses a natural multi-target model and searches a smaller and simpler space. On the other hand, contour tracking gives more fine-tuned results and relies on cues that are available during severe occlusions. Our choice of combination of these two algorithms accentuates the advantages of each. We demonstrate good performance on challenging video of three identical mice that contains multiple instances of severe occlusion.

}, author = {Branson, Kristin and Belongie, Serge} } @article {2413, title = {Transcriptional feedback control of insulin receptor by dFOXO/FOXO1.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {19}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Oct 15}, pages = {2435-46}, abstract = {

The insulin signaling pathway, which is conserved in evolution from flies to humans, evolved to allow a fast response to changes in nutrient availability while keeping glucose concentration constant in serum. Here we show that, both in Drosophila and mammals, insulin receptor (InR) represses its own synthesis by a feedback mechanism directed by the transcription factor dFOXO/FOXO1. In Drosophila, dFOXO is responsible for activating transcription of dInR, and nutritional conditions can modulate this effect. Starvation up-regulates mRNA of dInR in wild-type but not dFOXO-deficient flies. Importantly, FOXO1 acts in mammalian cells like its Drosophila counterpart, up-regulating the InR mRNA level upon fasting. Mammalian cells up-regulate the InR mRNA in the absence of serum, conditions that induce the dephosphorylation and activation of FOXO1. Interestingly, insulin is able to reverse this effect. Therefore, dFOXO/FOXO1 acts as an insulin sensor to activate insulin signaling, allowing a fast response to the hormone after each meal. Our results reveal a key feedback control mechanism for dFOXO/FOXO1 in regulating metabolism and insulin signaling.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Line, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Evolution, Food Deprivation, Forkhead Transcription Factors, Genetic, Humans, Insulin, Messenger, Mice, Molecular, Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, RNA, Signal Transduction, Transcription, Up-Regulation}, issn = {0890-9369}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Puig, Oscar and Tjian, Robert} } @article {47224, title = {Transformation of olfactory representations in the Drosophila antennal lobe.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {303}, year = {2004}, month = {2004 Jan 16}, pages = {366-70}, abstract = {

Molecular genetics has revealed a precise stereotypy in the projection of primary olfactory sensory neurons onto secondary neurons. A major challenge is to understand how this mapping translates into odor responses in these second-order neurons. We investigated this question in Drosophila using whole-cell recordings in vivo. We observe that monomolecular odors generally elicit responses in large ensembles of antennal lobe neurons. Comparison of odor-evoked activity from afferents and postsynaptic neurons in the same glomerulus revealed that second-order neurons display broader tuning and more complex responses than their primary afferents. This indicates a major transformation of odor representations, implicating lateral interactions within the antennal lobe.

}, keywords = {Action Potentials, Animals, Drosophila, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, GABA Antagonists, GABA-A Receptor Antagonists, Nervous System Physiological Phenomena, Neural Inhibition, Neurons, Afferent, Odors, Olfactory Pathways, Olfactory Receptor Neurons, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Picrotoxin, Receptors, GABA-A, Sense Organs, Smell, Synapses}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.1090782}, author = {Wilson, Rachel I and Turner, Glenn C and Laurent, Gilles} } @article {790, title = {Transmembrane/juxtamembrane domain-dependent Dscam distribution and function during mushroom body neuronal morphogenesis.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {43}, year = {2004}, month = {2004 Sep 2}, pages = {663-72}, abstract = {

Besides 19,008 possible ectodomains, Drosophila Dscam contains two alternative transmembrane/juxtamembrane segments, respectively, derived from exon 17.1 and exon 17.2. We wondered whether specific Dscam isoforms mediate formation and segregation of axonal branches in the Drosophila mushroom bodies (MBs). Removal of various subsets of the 12 exon 4s does not affect MB neuronal morphogenesis, while expression of a Dscam transgene only partially rescues Dscam mutant phenotypes. Interestingly, differential rescuing effects are observed between two Dscam transgenes that each possesses one of the two possible exon 17s. Axon bifurcation/segregation abnormalities are better rescued by the exon 17.2-containing transgene, but coexpression of both transgenes is required for rescuing mutant viability. Meanwhile, exon 17.1 targets ectopically expressed Dscam-GFP to dendrites while Dscam[exon 17.2]-GFP is enriched in axons; only Dscam[exon 17.2] affects MB axons. These results suggest that exon 17.1 is minimally involved in axonal morphogenesis and that morphogenesis of MB axons probably involves multiple distinct exon 17.2-containing Dscam isoforms.

}, keywords = {Alternative Splicing, Animals, Brain, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Cell Differentiation, Cell Membrane, Dendrites, Developmental, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Embryo, Exons, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetically Modified, Growth Cones, Larva, Morphogenesis, Mushroom Bodies, Mutation, Neurons, Nonmammalian, Protein Isoforms, Protein Structure, Proteins, Tertiary, Transgenes}, issn = {0896-6273}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2004.06.033}, author = {Wang, Jian and Ma, Xiaojun and Yang, Jacob S and Zheng, Xiaoyan and Zugates, Christopher T and Lee, Ching-Hsien J and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {2423, title = {Targeting genes and transcription factors to segregated nuclear compartments.}, journal = {Current Opinion in Cell Biology}, volume = {15}, year = {2003}, month = {2003 Jun}, pages = {296-303}, abstract = {

With increasingly detailed images of nuclear structures revealed by advanced microscopy, a remarkably compartmentalized cell nucleus has come into focus. Although this complex nuclear organization remains largely unexplored, some progress has been made in deciphering the functional aspects of various subnuclear structures, revealing how this elaborate framework can influence gene activation. Several recent studies have helped illustrate how cells might utilize the nuclear architecture as an additional level of transcriptional control, perhaps by targeting genes and regulatory factors to specific sites within the nucleus that are designated for active RNA synthesis.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Nucleus Structures, Gene Expression, Humans, Protein Transport, Transcription Factors}, issn = {0955-0674}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Isogai, Yoh and Tjian, Robert} } @article {2360, title = {A test bed for insect-inspired robotic control.}, journal = {Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences}, volume = {361}, year = {2003}, month = {2003 Oct 15}, pages = {2267-85}, abstract = {

Flying insects are remarkable examples of sophisticated sensory-motor control systems. Insects have solved the fundamental challenge facing the field of mobile robots: robust sensory-motor mapping. Control models based on insects can contribute much to the design of robotic control systems. We present our work on a preliminary robotic control system inspired by current behavioural and physiological models of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We designed a five-degrees-of-freedom robotic system that serves as a novel simulation/mobile robot hybrid. This design has allowed us to implement a fly-inspired control system that uses visual and mechanosensory feedback. Our results suggest that a simple control scheme can yield surprisingly robust fly-like robotic behaviour.

}, keywords = {Adaptation, Animal, Automated, Biological, Biomimetics, Computer Simulation, Equipment Design, Feedback, Flight, Models, Orientation, Pattern Recognition, Physiological, Pilot Projects, Robotics, Space Perception, Visual}, issn = {1364-503X}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2010.06.072}, author = {Reiser, Michael B and Dickinson, Michael H} } @article {788, title = {TGF-beta signaling activates steroid hormone receptor expression during neuronal remodeling in the Drosophila brain.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {112}, year = {2003}, month = {2003 Feb 7}, pages = {303-15}, abstract = {

Metamorphosis of the Drosophila brain involves pruning of many larval-specific dendrites and axons followed by outgrowth of adult-specific processes. From a genetic mosaic screen, we recovered two independent mutations that block neuronal remodeling in the mushroom bodies (MBs). These phenotypically indistinguishable mutations affect Baboon function, a Drosophila TGF-beta/activin type I receptor, and dSmad2, its downstream transcriptional effector. We also show that Punt and Wit, two type II receptors, act redundantly in this process. In addition, knocking out dActivin around the mid-third instar stage interferes with remodeling. Binding of the insect steroid hormone ecdysone to distinct ecdysone receptor isoforms induces different metamorphic responses in various larval tissues. Interestingly, expression of the ecdysone receptor B1 isoform (EcR-B1) is reduced in activin pathway mutants, and restoring EcR-B1 expression significantly rescues remodeling defects. We conclude that the Drosophila Activin signaling pathway mediates neuronal remodeling in part by regulating EcR-B1 expression.

}, keywords = {Activin Receptors, Animals, Brain, Cell Differentiation, Cell Surface, DNA-Binding Proteins, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Female, Genes, Larva, Lethal, Male, Missense, Mushroom Bodies, Mutation, Neural Pathways, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Protein Isoforms, Proteins, Receptors, Signal Transduction, Smad2 Protein, Steroid, Trans-Activators, Transforming Growth Factor beta, Type I, Type II}, issn = {0092-8674}, author = {Zheng, Xiaoyan and Wang, Jian and Haerry, Theodor E and Wu, Ann Y-H and Martin, Josephine and O{\textquoteright}Connor, Michael B and Lee, Ching-Hsien J and Lee, Tzumin} } @article {2422, title = {Transcription regulation and animal diversity.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {424}, year = {2003}, month = {2003 Jul 10}, pages = {147-51}, abstract = {

Whole-genome sequence assemblies are now available for seven different animals, including nematode worms, mice and humans. Comparative genome analyses reveal a surprising constancy in genetic content: vertebrate genomes have only about twice the number of genes that invertebrate genomes have, and the increase is primarily due to the duplication of existing genes rather than the invention of new ones. How, then, has evolutionary diversity arisen? Emerging evidence suggests that organismal complexity arises from progressively more elaborate regulation of gene expression.

}, keywords = {Animals, Chromatin, DNA, Ecosystem, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic, Humans, Nucleic Acid, Regulatory Sequences, Transcription, Transcription Factors}, issn = {1476-4687}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Levine, Michael and Tjian, Robert} } @article {46635, title = {Tre1, a G protein-coupled receptor, directs transepithelial migration of Drosophila germ cells.}, journal = {PLoS Biology}, volume = {1}, year = {2003}, month = {2003 Dec}, pages = {E80}, abstract = {

In most organisms, germ cells are formed distant from the somatic part of the gonad and thus have to migrate along and through a variety of tissues to reach the gonad. Transepithelial migration through the posterior midgut (PMG) is the first active step during Drosophila germ cell migration. Here we report the identification of a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Tre1, that is essential for this migration step. Maternal tre1 RNA is localized to germ cells, and tre1 is required cell autonomously in germ cells. In tre1 mutant embryos, most germ cells do not exit the PMG. The few germ cells that do leave the midgut early migrate normally to the gonad, suggesting that this gene is specifically required for transepithelial migration and that mutant germ cells are still able to recognize other guidance cues. Additionally, inhibiting small Rho GTPases in germ cells affects transepithelial migration, suggesting that Tre1 signals through Rho1. We propose that Tre1 acts in a manner similar to chemokine receptors required during transepithelial migration of leukocytes, implying an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of transepithelial migration. Recently, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 was shown to direct migration in vertebrate germ cells. Thus, germ cells may more generally use GPCR signaling to navigate the embryo toward their target.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Movement, Cell Transplantation, Cloning, Molecular, Crosses, Genetic, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Epithelium, Evolution, Molecular, Female, Gene Expression Regulation, Germ Cells, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, In Situ Hybridization, Inflammation, Leukocytes, Male, Models, Biological, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Phenotype, Phylogeny, Receptors, Chemokine, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled, rho GTP-Binding Proteins, RNA, Signal Transduction}, issn = {1545-7885}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.0000080}, author = {Kunwar, Prabhat S and Starz-Gaiano, Michelle and Bainton, Roland J and Heberlein, Ulrike and Lehmann, Ruth} } @article {1266, title = {Theoretical neuroscience: state of the art.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {34}, year = {2002}, month = {2002 Jun 13}, pages = {863-4}, author = {Chklovskii, Dmitri B} } @article {2427, title = {TRF2 associates with DREF and directs promoter-selective gene expression in Drosophila.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {420}, year = {2002}, month = {2002 Nov 28}, pages = {439-45}, abstract = {

Drosophila TATA-box-binding protein (TBP)-related factor 2 (TRF2) is a member of a family of TBP-related factors present in metazoan organisms. Recent evidence suggests that TRF2s are required for proper embryonic development and differentiation. However, true target promoters and the mechanisms by which TRF2 operates to control transcription remain elusive. Here we report the antibody affinity purification of a Drosophila TRF2-containing complex that contains components of the nucleosome remodelling factor (NURF) chromatin remodelling complex as well as the DNA replication-related element (DRE)-binding factor DREF. This latter finding led us to potential target genes containing TRF2-responsive promoters. We have used a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays to show that the DREF-containing TRF2 complex directs core promoter recognition of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene. We also identified additional TRF2-responsive target genes involved in DNA replication and cell proliferation. These data suggest that TRF2 functions as a core promoter-selectivity factor responsible for coordinating transcription of a subset of genes in Drosophila.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Line, Chromatin, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Gene Expression Regulation, Genes, Genetic, Insect, Macromolecular Substances, Nuclease Protection Assays, Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis, Precipitin Tests, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, Promoter Regions, Protein Binding, RNA Interference, Substrate Specificity, Telomeric Repeat Binding Protein 2, Transcription Factors, Transcription Initiation Site}, issn = {0028-0836}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Hochheimer, Andreas and Zhou, Sharleen and Zheng, Shuang and Holmes, Michael C and Tjian, Robert} } @article {2451, title = {Tiling of the body wall by multidendritic sensory neurons in Manduca sexta.}, journal = {The Journal of Comparative Neurology}, volume = {440}, year = {2001}, month = {2001 Nov 19}, pages = {271-83}, abstract = {

A plexus of multidendritic sensory neurons, the dendritic arborization (da) neurons, innervates the epidermis of soft-bodied insects. Previous studies have indicated that the plexus may comprise distinct subtypes of da neurons, which utilize diverse cyclic 3{\textquoteright},5{\textquoteright}-guanosine monophosphate signaling pathways and could serve several functions. Here, we identify three distinct classes of da neurons in Manduca, which we term the alpha, beta, and gamma classes. These three classes differ in their sensory responses, branch complexity, peripheral dendritic fields, and axonal projections. The two identified alpha neurons branch over defined regions of the body wall, which in some cases correspond to specific natural folds of the cuticle. These cells project to an intermediate region of the neuropil and appear to function as proprioceptors. Three beta neurons are characterized by long, sinuous dendritic branches and axons that terminate in the ventral neuropil. The function of this group of neurons is unknown. Four neurons belonging to the gamma class have the most complex peripheral dendrites. A representative gamma neuron responds to forceful touch of the cuticle. Although the dendrites of da neurons of different classes may overlap extensively, cells belonging to the same class show minimal dendritic overlap. As a result, the body wall is independently tiled by the beta and gamma da neurons and partially innervated by the alpha neurons. These properties of the da system likely allow insects to discriminate the quality and location of several types of stimuli acting on the cuticle.

}, keywords = {Afferent, Animals, Central Nervous System, Dendrites, Electrophysiology, Epidermis, Manduca, Neurons, Synaptic Transmission}, issn = {0021-9967}, doi = {10.1002/cne.1385}, author = {Grueber, W B and Graubard, K and Truman, J W} } @article {1784, title = {T2Rs function as bitter taste receptors.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {100}, year = {2000}, month = {2000 Mar 17}, pages = {703-11}, abstract = {

Bitter taste perception provides animals with critical protection against ingestion of poisonous compounds. In the accompanying paper, we report the characterization of a large family of putative mammalian taste receptors (T2Rs). Here we use a heterologous expression system to show that specific T2Rs function as bitter taste receptors. A mouse T2R (mT2R-5) responds to the bitter tastant cycloheximide, and a human and a mouse receptor (hT2R-4 and mT2R-8) responded to denatonium and 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil. Mice strains deficient in their ability to detect cycloheximide have amino acid substitutions in the mT2R-5 gene; these changes render the receptor significantly less responsive to cycloheximide. We also expressed mT2R-5 in insect cells and demonstrate specific tastant-dependent activation of gustducin, a G protein implicated in bitter signaling. Since a single taste receptor cell expresses a large repertoire of T2Rs, these findings provide a plausible explanation for the uniform bitter taste that is evoked by many structurally unrelated toxic compounds.

}, keywords = {Afferent Pathways, Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Calcium, Cell Line, Cell Surface, Chemoreceptor Cells, Cycloheximide, G-Protein-Coupled, Gene Expression, Humans, Inbred C57BL, Inbred DBA, Kidney, Mice, Molecular Sequence Data, Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Receptors, Recombinant Fusion Proteins, Signal Transduction, Taste, Taste Buds, Transducin, Transfection}, issn = {0092-8674}, author = {Chandrashekar, J and Mueller, K L and Hoon, M A and Adler, E and Feng, L and Guo, W and Zuker, C S and Ryba, N J} } @article {2703, title = {Toward simplifying and accurately formulating fragment assembly.}, journal = {Journal of Computational Biology: A Journal of Computational Molecular Cell Biology}, volume = {2}, year = {1995}, month = {1995 Summer}, pages = {275-90}, abstract = {

The fragment assembly problem is that of reconstructing a DNA sequence from a collection of randomly sampled fragments. Traditionally, the objective of this problem has been to produce the shortest string that contains all the fragments as substrings, but in the case of repetitive target sequences this objective produces answers that are overcompressed. In this paper, the problem is reformulated as one of finding a maximum-likelihood reconstruction with respect to the two-sided Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic, and it is argued that this is a better formulation of the problem. Next the fragment assembly problem is recast in graph-theoretic terms as one of finding a noncyclic subgraph with certain properties and the objectives of being shortest or maximally likely are also recast in this framework. Finally, a series of graph reduction transformations are given that dramatically reduce the size of the graph to be explored in practical instances of the problem. This reduction is very important as the underlying problems are NP-hard. In practice, the transformed problems are so small that simple branch-and-bound algorithms successfully solve them, thus permitting auxiliary experimental information to be taken into account in the form of overlap, orientation, and distance constraints.

}, keywords = {Base Sequence, DNA, Mathematics, Models, Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Probability, Reproducibility of Results, Statistical}, issn = {1066-5277}, author = {Myers, E W} } @article {45818, title = {A test of geometric hypotheses for soldier investment patterns in the gall producing tropical aphidCerataphis fransseni (Homoptera, Hormaphididae)}, journal = {Insectes sociaux}, volume = {41}, year = {1994}, pages = {457-460}, abstract = {

The gall-forming aphidCerataphis fransseni produces soldiers that defend against predators. Soldiers are produced soon after colony foundation and the number of soldiers increases nonlinearly during colony growth. The number of soldiers scales to the square-root of the number of non-soldiers and linearly to the surface area of the gall. This suggests that soldiers are produced to defend an area, for example the perimeter of the colony or the surface of the gall, rather than individual aphids.

}, issn = {0020-1812}, doi = {10.1007/BF01240648}, url = {http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01240648}, author = {D. L. Stern and S. Aoki and U. Kurosu} } @article {964, title = {The TGF beta homolog dpp and the segment polarity gene hedgehog are required for propagation of a morphogenetic wave in the Drosophila retina.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {75}, year = {1993}, month = {1993 Dec 3}, pages = {913-26}, abstract = {

Development of the Drosophila retina occurs asynchronously; differentiation, its front marked by the morphogenetic furrow, progresses across the eye disc epithelium over a 2 day period. We have investigated the mechanism by which this front advances, and our results suggest that developing retinal cells drive the progression of morphogenesis utilizing the products of the hedgehog (hh) and decapentaplegic (dpp) genes. Analysis of hh and dpp genetic mosaics indicates that the products of these genes act as diffusible signals in this process. Expression of dpp in the morphogenetic furrow is closely correlated with the progression of the furrow under a variety of conditions. We show that hh, synthesized by differentiating cells, induces the expression of dpp, which appears to be a primary mediator of furrow movement.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Differentiation, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Eye, Gene Expression, Genes, Hedgehog Proteins, Insect, Insect Hormones, Invertebrate, Messenger, Morphogenesis, Mosaicism, Photoreceptor Cells, Proteins, Retina, RNA, Transforming Growth Factor beta}, issn = {0092-8674}, doi = {10.1186/gb-2007-8-7-r145}, author = {Heberlein, U and Wolff, T and Rubin, G M} } @article {6595, title = {Topographic EEG analysis in patients with benign focal epilepsy of childhood (BFEC).}, journal = {Acta Neurologica Belgica}, volume = {90}, year = {1990}, month = {1990}, pages = {183-9}, keywords = {Cerebral Palsy, Child, Electroencephalography, Epilepsy, Humans}, issn = {0300-9009}, author = {van Huffelen, A C and van der Meij, W} } @article {976, title = {Tissue specificity of Drosophila P element transposition is regulated at the level of mRNA splicing.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {44}, year = {1986}, month = {1986 Jan 17}, pages = {7-19}, abstract = {

We show that the germline specificity of P element transposition is controlled at the level of mRNA splicing and not at the level of transcription. In the major P element RNA transcript, isolated from somatic cells, the first three open reading frames are joined by the removal of two introns. Using in vitro mutagenesis and genetic analysis we demonstrate the existence of a third intron whose removal is required for transposase production. We propose that this intron is only removed in the germline and that its removal is the sole basis for the germline restriction of P element transposition.

}, keywords = {Animals, Base Sequence, Cricetinae, DNA Transposable Elements, Drosophila melanogaster, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic, Heat-Shock Proteins, Messenger, Nucleotidyltransferases, Organ Specificity, Promoter Regions, RNA, RNA Splicing, Transcription, Transposases}, issn = {0092-8674}, doi = {10.1186/gb-2007-8-7-r145}, author = {Laski, F A and Rio, D C and Rubin, G M} } @article {1181, title = {A transcription factor required for promoter recognition by human mitochondrial RNA polymerase. Accurate initiation at the heavy- and light-strand promoters dissected and reconstituted in vitro.}, journal = {The Journal of Biological Chemistry}, volume = {260}, year = {1985}, month = {1985 Sep 15}, pages = {11330-8}, abstract = {

Faithful transcription of human mitochondrial DNA has been reproduced in vitro, using a fraction of mitochondrial proteins capable of accurate initiation at both the heavy- and light-strand promoters. Here we report the initial dissection of this system into two nonfunctional components which, upon mixing, reconstitute promoter-specific transcriptional capacity in vitro. One of these components copurifies with the major nonspecific RNA polymerase activity, suggesting its identity. The other component lacks significant polymerase activity, but contains a protein or proteins required for accurate initiation at the two individual promoters by isolated mitochondrial RNA polymerase. This factor facilitates specific transcription, but has little or no effect on nonspecific transcription of a synthetic copolymer (poly(dA-dT)), indicating a positive role in proper promoter recognition. The transcription factor markedly stimulates light-strand transcription, but only moderately enhances transcription initiation at the heavy-strand promoter, suggesting different or additional factor requirements for heavy-strand transcription. These requirements may reflect the functional differences between heavy- and light-strand transcription in vivo and, in particular, the role of the light-strand promoter in priming of heavy-strand DNA replication.

}, keywords = {Carcinoma, Cell Line, DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases, Genetic, Humans, Kinetics, Messenger, Mitochondria, Mouth Neoplasms, Promoter Regions, RNA, Templates, Transcription, Transcription Factors}, issn = {0021-9258}, doi = {10.1101/gad.1352105}, author = {Fisher, R P and Clayton, D A} } @article {983, title = {Transposition of elements of the 412, copia and 297 dispersed repeated gene families in Drosophila.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {17}, year = {1979}, month = {1979 Jun}, pages = {415-27}, abstract = {

The stability of elements of three different dispersed repeated gene families in the genome of Drosophila tissue culture cells has been examined. Different amounts of sequences homologous to elements of 412, copia and 297 dispersed repeated gene families are found in the genomes of D. melanogaster embryonic and tissue culture cells. In general the amount of these sequences is increased in the cell lines. The additional sequences homologous to 412, copia and 297 occur as intact elements and are dispersed to new sites in the cell culture genome. It appears that these elements can insert at many alternative sites. We also describe a DNA sequence arrangement found in the D. melanogaster embryo genome which appears to result from a transposition of an element of the copia dispersed repeated gene family into a new chromosomal site. The mechanism of insertion of this copia element is precise to within 90 bp and may involve a region of weak sequence homology between the site of insertion and the direct terminal repeats of the copia element.

}, keywords = {Animals, Base Sequence, Cells, Cultured, DNA, DNA Restriction Enzymes, Drosophila melanogaster, Genes, Genetic, Nucleic Acid Hybridization, Translocation}, issn = {0092-8674}, doi = {10.1186/gb-2007-8-7-r145}, author = {Potter, S S and Brorein, W J and Dunsmuir, P and Rubin, G M} }