Spatiotemporal changes in Netrin/Dscam1 signaling dictate axonal projection direction in Drosophila small ventral lateral clock neurons

  1. Jingjing Liu
  2. Yuedong Wang
  3. Xian Liu
  4. Junhai Han  Is a corresponding author
  5. Yao Tian  Is a corresponding author
  1. School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, China
  2. Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, China
7 figures, 1 table and 3 additional files

Figures

Figure 1 with 1 supplement
Small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs) axon projection dynamics during the larval stage.

(A) Images showing the growth process of s-LNvs during larval development. Larval brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP, blue) antibodies. Different time points indicate the hours after larval hatching (ALH). (B) Left panel: schematic diagram illustrating the method used to measure the degree of vertical projection. One hemisphere of the larvae brain is depicted. Larval neuropil (gray), s-LNvs (green), and optic lobe (blue). Right panel: graphs showing the average vertical projection length at different developmental stages, presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). (C) Left panel: schematic diagram illustrating the method used to measure the degree of horizontal projection. Right panel: graphs showing the average horizontal projection (A.U.: arbitrary unit) at different developmental stages, presented as mean ± SD. The red line segment indicates the stage at which the axonal projection undergoes a directional transition. (D) Schematic representation of s-LNvs vertical to horizontal projection directional shift during 72–96 hr ALH. One hemisphere of the larvae brain (gray), larval neuropil (white), and s-LNvs (green). For (B, C), 8 hr (n = 7), 24 hr (n = 10), 48 hr (n = 14), 72 hr (n = 16), 96 hr (n = 13), 120 hr (n = 16).

Figure 1—figure supplement 1
Small ventral lateral clock neuron (s-LNv) projection in the early larval stage.

Images showing the growth process of s-LNvs during the early larval stage. Larval brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. Different time points indicate the hours after larval hatching (ALH).

Figure 2 with 1 supplement
Development of vertical projection process alongside mushroom body (MB) growth.

(A) Spatial position relationship between calyx and small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs). Top: OK107-GAL4 labels the calyx of MB γ and α′β′ neurons, while s-LNvs are labeled by the pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) antibody. Bottom: Tab2–201Y-GAL4 labels calyx of MB γ neurons, with s-LNvs labeled by the PDF antibody. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (green) and GFP (magenta) antibodies. Different time indicated hours after larval hatching (ALH). The white dotted line indicates the calyx region. (B) Graphs showing the MB calyx’s area and vertical projection length averaged over different development stage are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). OK107: 24 hr (n = 10), 48 hr (n = 8), 72 hr (n = 12), 96 hr (n = 12), 120 hr (n = 9). Pearson’s r = 0.9987, p < 0.0001. Tab2-201Y: 24 hr (n = 6), 48 hr (n = 12), 72 hr (n = 13), 96 hr (n = 13), 120 hr (n = 11). Pearson’s r = 0.9963, p = 0.0003. (C) Schematic representation of complementary development of s-LNvs vertical projection and MB calyx. MB (purple), s-LNvs (green). (D) Images of MB ablation in the developing larval stages. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. Different time indicated hours ALH. (E) Quantification of vertical projection length in Control (Tab2-201Y >GFP) and Ablation (Tab2-201Y >GFP,rpr,hid) flies. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Control: 24 hr (n = 6), 48 hr (n = 14), 72 hr (n = 13), Ablation: 24 hr (n = 6), 48 hr (n = 12), 72 hr (n = 12). Two-tailed Student’s t tests were used. ns, p > 0.05; ****p < 0.0001.

Figure 2—figure supplement 1
Validation of mushroom body (MB) ablation efficiency.

(A) Images of MB ablation in the developing larval stages. Larvae brains were stained with anti-GFP (green) and HRP (magenta) antibodies. Different time indicated after larval hatching (ALH). (B) Quantification of MB calyx area in Control (201Y>GFP) and Ablation (201Y>GFP,rpr,hid) flies. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Control: 24 hr (n = 6), 48 hr (n = 12), 72 hr (n = 13), Ablation: 24 hr (n = 6), 48 hr (n = 12), 72 hr (n = 12). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ****p < 0.0001.

Figure 3 with 2 supplements
Critical role of Dscam1 in small ventral lateral clock neuron (s-LNv) axonal horizontal projection.

(A) Images of s-LNvs in Pdf >GFP and Pdf >GFP, Dscam1RNAi fly. White line segment represents the horizontal projection distance of s-LNvs. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies at 96 hr after larval hatching (ALH). Pdf >GFP (n = 13), Pdf >GFP, Dscam1RNAi (n = 15). (B) Quantification of vertical projection length in Pdf >GFP and Pdf >GFP, Dscam1RNAi flies. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ns, p > 0.05. (C) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Pdf >GFP and Pdf >GFP, Dscam1RNAi flies. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ****p < 0.0001. (D) Images of Dscam1 mutant s-LNvs projection phenotype. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (E) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Dscam1 mutant flies. Data are presented as mean ± SD. w1118 (n = 22) Dscam121/+ (n = 5), Dscam11/+ (n = 8), Dscam105518/+ (n = 10), Dscam121/Dscam105518 (n = 6), Dscam121/Dscam11 (n = 10), Dscam105518 (n = 14). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc, ns, p > 0.05, ****p < 0.0001. (F) Endogenous Dscam1 co-localizes with the s-LNvs axon terminal. Pdf >GFP fly heads were collected at 120 hr ALH and stained with anti-Dscam1 (red). The white dotted line indicates the s-LNvs axon.

Figure 3—figure supplement 1
Knockdown of Dscam1 with Clk856-GAL4 shortens small ventral lateral clock neuron (s-LNv) axon horizontal projection.

(A) Images of immunostained in Clk856-GAL4>UAS-GFP at embryo stage 18. Heads were stained with anti-GFP (green) and HRP (red) antibodies. (B) Images of immunostained in Clk856-GAL4>UAS-GFP at 2 hr after larval hatching (ALH). Heads were stained with anti-GFP (green) and HRP (red) antibodies. (C) Immunostaining images of Clk856-GAL4 knockdown of Dscam1. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (D) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Clk856-GAL4 knockdown of Dscam1. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Clk856-GAL4/+ (n = 6), Clk856-GAL4>Dscam1RNAi (n = 10). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ****p < 0.0001. (E) Immunostaining images of Clk856-GAL4 knockdown of Dscam1. Brains were collected at adult. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) antibody. (F) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Clk856-GAL4 knockdown of Dscam1. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Clk856-GAL4/+ (n = 6), Clk856-GAL4>Dscam1RNAi (n = 6). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ****p < 0.0001.

Figure 3—figure supplement 2
Dscam1 and its downstream signaling pathway in small ventral lateral clock neuron (s-LNv) axonal horizontal projection.

(A) Immunostaining images of Pdf-GAL4 knockdown of cytoskeleton-associated regulatory proteins and Dscam1 interaction molecule. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (B) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Pdf-GAL4 knockdown of Dscam1 interaction molecule and cytoskeleton-associated regulatory proteins. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Pdf-GAL4/+ (n = 14), Pdf-GAL4 >tsrRNAi (n = 6), Pdf-GAL4 >chicRNAi (n = 8), Pdf-GAL4 >SH3PX1RNAi (n = 6), Pdf-GAL4 >DockRNAi (n = 7), Pdf-GAL4 >pakRNAi (n = 6). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s post hoc, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001. (C) Schematic representation of Dscam1 mediates s-LNvs horizontal projection downstream signaling pathways. Dscam1 (brown) activates the downstream signaling cascade involving Dock (cyan), SH3PX1 (yellow), Pak (blue), and cofilin/profilin (depicted in purple and blue balls, respectively). These signaling events induce alterations in cell cytoskeleton proteins (gray balls), facilitating the guidance of horizontal projection.

Figure 4 with 1 supplement
Neuron-derived Netrin guides small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs) horizontal projection.

(A) Images of immunostained in w1118, NetAΔ, NetBΔ, and NetABΔ fly. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (B) Quantification of horizontal A.U. w1118, NetAΔ, NetBΔ, and NetABΔ fly. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), w1118 (n = 17), NetAΔ (n = 15), NetBΔ (n = 24), NetABΔ (n = 23). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s post hoc, ns, p > 0.05, ***p < 0.001. (C) Images of immunostained in nSyb-GAL4 and repo-GAL4 knockdown Netrins. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (D) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in nSyb-GAL4 and repo-GAL4 knockdown Netrins fly. Data are presented as mean ± SD. nSyb-GAL4/+ (n = 13), nSyb-GAL4 >NetrinsRNAi (n = 16), repo-GAL4/+ (n = 34), repo-GAL4 >NetrinsRNAi (n = 20). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ns, p > 0.05, ***p < 0.001.

Figure 4—figure supplement 1
Identifying the upstream signal of Dscam1.

(A) Images of immunostained in tubulin-GAL4/+, tubulin-GAL4 >NetrinsRNAi, tubulin-GAL4 >slitRNAi fly. Larvae brains were heads were collected at late third larvae. Head stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (B) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in tubulin-GAL4/+, tubulin-GAL4 >NetrinsRNAi, tubulin-GAL4 >slitRNAi fly. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). tubulin-GAL4/+ (n = 13), tubulin-GAL4 >NetrinsRNAi (n = 20), tubulin-GAL4 >slitRNAi (n = 9). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s post hoc, ns, p > 0.05, **p < 0.01.

Figure 5 with 1 supplement
Netrin secreted by dorsal clock neurons (DNs) guides time-specific horizontal projection of small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs).

(A) Images of immunostained in OK107-GAL4 and per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 knockdown Netrins. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (B) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in OK107-GAL4 and per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 knockdown Netrins fly. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). OK107-GAL4/+ (n = 20), OK107-GAL4>NetrinsRNAi (n = 13). per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80/+ (n = 18), per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 >NetrinsRNAi (n = 16). Two-tailed Student’s t tests for OK107-GAL4 knockdown Netrins, ns, p > 0.05. Mann–Whitney test for per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 knockdown Netrins, ****p < 0.0001. (C) Images of DN ablation in the developing larval stages. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. Different time indicated hours ALH. (D) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Control (per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 >GFP) and Ablation (per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 >GFP,rpr,hid) flies. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Control: 72 hr (n = 5), 96 hr (n = 12), Ablation: 72 hr (n = 5), 96 hr (n = 10). Two-tailed Student’s t tests were used to compare conditions. ns, p > 0.05, ****p < 0.0001. (E) Images of immunostained in per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 overexpress NetB in NetABΔ. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (F) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 overexpress NetB in NetABΔ. Data are presented as mean ± SD. NetABΔ, UAS-NetB (n = 12), NetABΔ, per-GAL4,Pdf-GAL80 /+ (n = 5), NetABΔ,per-GAL4,Pdf-GAL80 >UAS NetB (n = 9). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc, ns, p > 0.05, ***p < 0.001.

Figure 5—figure supplement 1
Ablation of dorsal clock neurons (DNs) leads to reduced small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs) horizontal projection.

(A) Images of per-GAL4, pdf-GAL80, and crz-GAL4 ablation. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies at 120 hr after larval hatching (ALH). (B) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80, and crz-GAL4 ablation fly. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 >GFP (n = 14), per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 >GFP,rpr,hid (n = 20), crz-GAL4 >GFP (n = 4), crz-GAL4 >GFP,rpr,hid (n = 3). Two-tailed Student’s t tests, ns, p > 0.05; ****p < 0.0001.

Figure 6 with 1 supplement
Dynamic changes in dorsal clock neurons (DNs) coordinated with small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs) axonal targeting.

(A) Top: images of s-LNvs axon and DNs growth process in the developing larval stages. Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and GFP (green) antibodies. Different time indicated hours after larval hatching (ALH) are shown. Bottom: schematic diagram of s-LNvs horizontal projection and the corresponding increase in the number of DN neurons. s-LNvs axon (gray), DN neurons (green). (B) Quantification of the number of DN neurons labeled by per-GAL4, Pdf-GAL80 at different developmental stages. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). (C) Images of newborn DN neurons were co-localized with Netrin-B at different developmental times. Larvae brains were stained with anti-GFP (green), mcherry (red), and PDF (white) antibodies. Different time indicated hours ALH. The white arrow demarcates the co-localization of red and green signals. (D) Schematic representation s-LNvs projection directional transition and the corresponding increase in the number of DN neurons. s-LNvs axon (gray), DN neurons (green), and newborn DN neurons (light green at 72 hr, orange at 96 hr).

Figure 6—figure supplement 1
Anterior Netrin ectopic expression reduces horizontal projection length.

(A) Left: schematic and image representation small ventral lateral clock neurons (s-LNvs) projection directional transition and the corresponding increase in the number of dorsal clock neurons (DNs). s-LNvs axon (gray), DN neurons (green), and newborn DN neurons (light green at 72 hr, orange at 96 hr). Larvae brains were stained with anti-PDF (white) and GFP (green) antibodies. The blue box indicates the area magnified in the right panel. Right: images of DN neurons were co-localized with Netrin-B at different developmental times. Larvae brains were stained with anti-Myc (red) and GFP (green) antibodies. Different time indicated after larval hatching (ALH). The white arrow demarcates the co-localization of red and green signals. (B) Images of Netrin ectopic expressed in R78G02-GAL4. Larvae brains were collected at late third larvae. Heads were stained with anti-PDF (white) and HRP (blue) antibodies. (C) Quantification of horizontal A.U. in Netrin ectopic expressed in R78G02-GAL4 fly. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). R78G0-GAL4/+ (n = 11), R78G02-GAL4>UAS-NetAOE (n = 6), R78G02-GAL4>UAS-NetBOE (n = 11). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s post hoc, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001.

Dynamic cellular molecular environment during the small ventral lateral clock neuron (s-LNv) projection directional shift.

Cartoon depicting the dynamic cellular molecular microenvironment during the axonal projection directional shift from vertical to horizontal projection in s-LNvs. 72 and 96 hr represent 72 and 96 hr after larval hatching, respectively. s-LNvs (blue), neuropile (pink), brain lobe (gray circle), dorsal clock neurons (DNs; orange and light orange circles), optic lobe (gray dotted line), Netrin (orange combination molding), and Dscam1 (purple).

Tables

Key resources table
Reagent type (species) or resourceDesignationSource or referenceIdentifiersAdditional information
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Pdf-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC_6900
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)nSyb-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC_51941
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)repo-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-7415
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)OK107-GAL4Kyoto Stock CenterDGRC-106098
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Tab2-201Y-G AL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-4440
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Tubulin-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-5138
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)per-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-7127
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)MB247-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-50742
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Crz-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-51976
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Pdf-GAL80Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-80940
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS--mCD8-GFPBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-5137
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS--mCD8-GFPBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-5130
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS--mCD8-RFPBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-27392
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)lexAop-mCD8-GFPBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-32207
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Clk856-GAL4Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-93198
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-rprC;;UAS-hidGifted from Yufeng PanN/A
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Dscam11Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-5934
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Dscam121Gifted from Haihuai HeN/A
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)Dscam105518Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-11412
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)NetAΔBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-66878
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)NetBΔBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-66879
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)NetABΔBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-66877
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)NetB-GFPBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-67644
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)NetBtmBloomington Drosophila Stock CenterRRID:BDSC-66880
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-Dscam1RNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU3896
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-NetARNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU1972
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-NetBRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTH201500623.S
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-slitRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU1910
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-pakRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTH201500668.S
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-DockRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU2815
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-SH3PX1RNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU2738
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-tsrRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU0972
Genetic reagent (D. melanogaster)UAS-chicRNAiTsinghua Fly CenterTHU0986
Antibodyanti-PDF (mouse monoclonal)DSHBC7; RRID:AB_760350IF(1:300)
Antibodyanti-HRP (rabbit monoclonal)Jackson Immuno ResearchCat# 323-005-021, RRID:AB_2314648IF(1:500)
Antibodyanti-GFP FLUR 488
(rabbit polyclonal)
InvirtrogenCat# A-21311, RRID:AB_221477IF(1:200)
Antibodyanti-RFP (rabbit polyclonal)RocklandCat# 600-401-379, RRID:AB_2209751IF(1:500)
Antibodyanti-GFP (chicken polyclonal)InvirtrogenCat# A10262, RRID:AB_2534023IF(1:2000)
Antibodyanti-Myc (rabbit polyclonal)Cell Signaling TechnologyCat# 9402, RRID:AB_2151827IF(1:200)
AntibodyAnti-Dscam1 18 mAb (mouse monoclonal)Gift from Tzumin Lee (Yu et al., 2009)N/AIF(1:20)
AntibodyGoat Anti-Rabbit IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 555)AbcamCat# ab150078; RRID:AB_2722519IF(1:200)
AntibodyGoat Anti-Mouse IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 647)AbcamCat# ab150115, RRID:AB_2687948IF(1:200)
AntibodyGoat Anti-Rabbit IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 488) preadsorbedAbcamCat# ab150081; RRID:AB_2734747IF(1:200)
AntibodyGoat Anti-Mouse IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 488)AbcamCat# ab150113; RRID:AB_2576208IF(1:200)
AntibodyGoat Anti-Chicken IgY H&L (Alexa Fluor 488)AbcamCat# ab150169; RRID:AB_2636803IF(1:200)
Recombinant DNA reagentpUAST-HA-NetA (plasmid)Gift from Duan RN/A
Recombinant DNA reagentpUAST-HA-NetB (plasmid)Gift from Duan RN/A
Software, algorithmGraphPad Prism 8.0.2GraphPadRRID:SCR_002798
Software, algorithmZeiss LSM Image BrowserZeisshttps://www.zeiss.com/microscopy/int/downloads/lsm-5-series.html
Software, algorithmfijiImageJRRID:SCR_002285

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  1. Jingjing Liu
  2. Yuedong Wang
  3. Xian Liu
  4. Junhai Han
  5. Yao Tian
(2024)
Spatiotemporal changes in Netrin/Dscam1 signaling dictate axonal projection direction in Drosophila small ventral lateral clock neurons
eLife 13:RP96041.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.96041.3