Doitsidou, M. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Remodeling of extracellular matrix collagen IV by MIG-6/papilin regulates neuronal architecture

Neuronal architecture established embryonically must persist lifelong to ensure normal brain function. However, little is understood about the mechanisms behind the long-term maintenance of neuronal organization. To uncover maintenance mechanisms, we performed a suppressor screen in sax-7/L1CAM mutants, which exhibit progressive disorganization with age. We identified the conserved extracellular matrix protein MIG-6/papilin as a key regulator of neuronal maintenance. Combining incisive molecular genetics, structural predictions, in vivo quantitative imaging, and cutting-edge Brillouin microscopy, we show that MIG-6/papilin remodels extracellular matrix collagen IV, working in concert with the secreted enzymes MIG-17/ADAMTS and PXN-2/peroxidasin. This remodeling impacts tissue biomechanics and ensures neuronal stability, even under increased mechanical stress. Our findings highlight an extracellular mechanism by which MIG-6/papilin supports the integrity of neuronal architecture throughout life. This work provides critical insights into the molecular basis of sustaining neuronal architecture and offers a foundation for understanding age-related and neurodegenerative disorders.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Converging pathways direct synapse elimination through the homeodomain transcriptional regulator DVE-1

An important step in brain development is the remodeling of juvenile neural circuits to establish mature connectivity. The elimination of juvenile synapses is a critical step in this process; however, the molecular mechanisms directing synapse elimination activities and their timing are not fully understood. We identify here a conserved transcriptional regulator, DVE-1, that shares homology with mammalian special AT-rich sequence-binding (SATB) family members and directs the elimination of juvenile synaptic inputs onto remodeling C. elegans GABAergic neurons. Dorsally localized juvenile acetylcholine receptor clusters and apposing presynaptic sites are eliminated during maturation of wild type GABAergic neurons but persist into adulthood in dve-1 mutants. The persistence of juvenile synapses in dve-1 mutants does not impede synaptic growth during GABAergic remodeling and therefore produces heightened motor connectivity and a turning bias during movement. DVE-1 is localized to GABAergic nuclei prior to and during remodeling and DVE-1 nuclear localization is required for synapse elimination to proceed, consistent with DVE-1s function as a transcriptional regulator. Pathway analysis of DVE-1 targets and proteasome inhibitor experiments implicate transcriptional control of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in synapse elimination. Together, our findings demonstrate a new role for a SATB family member in the control of synapse elimination during circuit remodeling through transcriptional regulation of ubiquitin-proteasome signaling. Contributions SummaryKDA generated strains, transgenic lines, molecular constructs, confocal microscopy images and analysis, performed optogenetic behavioral experiments, photoconversion experiments, modencode ChIP-seq analysis and pathway analysis. SR performed all calcium imaging experiments/analysis and conducted single worm tracking. KB performed all Bortezomib inhibitor experiments and analysis. CL generated most vectors and constructs. JR assisted with generation of CRISPR/Cas9 generated strains. WA and MR assisted with aldicarb behavioral assay. DO assisted with EMS screen and isolation of dve-1 mutant. CB and MD aided in CloudMap bioinformatic analysis of the uf171 mutant. MMF and KDA designed and interpreted results of all experiments and wrote the manuscript.

neuroscience↗