Variants in UBAP1L lead to autosomal recessive rod-cone and cone-rod dystrophy.

PURPOSE: Progressive inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) affecting rods and cones are clinically and genetically heterogeneous and can lead to blindness with limited therapeutic options. The major gene defects have been identified in subjects of European and Asian descent with only few reports of North African descent. METHODS: Genome, targeted next-generation, and Sanger sequencing was applied to cohort of ∼4000 IRDs cases. Expression analyses were performed including Chip-seq database analyses, on human-derived retinal organoids (ROs), retinal pigment epithelium cells, and zebrafish. Variants' pathogenicity was accessed using 3D-modeling and/or ROs. RESULTS: Here, we identified a novel gene defect with three distinct pathogenic variants in UBAP1L in 4 independent autosomal recessive IRD cases from Tunisia. UBAP1L is expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium and retina, specifically in rods and cones, in line with the phenotype. It encodes Ubiquitin-associated protein 1-like, containing a solenoid of overlapping ubiquitin-associated domain, predicted to interact with ubiquitin. In silico and in vitro studies, including 3D-modeling and ROs revealed that the solenoid of overlapping ubiquitin-associated domain is truncated and thus ubiquitin binding most likely abolished secondary to all variants identified herein. CONCLUSION: Biallelic UBAP1L variants are a novel cause of IRDs, most likely enriched in the North African population.

The mesencephalic locomotor region recruits V2a reticulospinal neurons to drive forward locomotion in larval zebrafish.

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is a brain stem area whose stimulation triggers graded forward locomotion. How MLR neurons recruit downstream vsx2+ (V2a) reticulospinal neurons (RSNs) is poorly understood. Here, to overcome this challenge, we uncovered the locus of MLR in transparent larval zebrafish and show that the MLR locus is distinct from the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus. MLR stimulations reliably elicit forward locomotion of controlled duration and frequency. MLR neurons recruit V2a RSNs via projections onto somata in pontine and retropontine areas, and onto dendrites in the medulla. High-speed volumetric imaging of neuronal activity reveals that strongly MLR-coupled RSNs are active for steering or forward swimming, whereas weakly MLR-coupled medullary RSNs encode the duration and frequency of the forward component. Our study demonstrates how MLR neurons recruit specific V2a RSNs to control the kinematics of forward locomotion and suggests conservation of the motor functions of V2a RSNs across vertebrates.

Dominantly acting KIF5B variants with pleiotropic cellular consequences cause variable clinical phenotypes.

Kinesins are motor proteins involved in microtubule (MT)-mediated intracellular transport. They contribute to key cellular processes, including intracellular trafficking, organelle dynamics and cell division. Pathogenic variants in kinesin-encoding genes underlie several human diseases characterized by an extremely variable clinical phenotype, ranging from isolated neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorders to syndromic phenotypes belonging to a family of conditions collectively termed as 'ciliopathies.' Among kinesins, kinesin-1 is the most abundant MT motor for transport of cargoes towards the plus end of MTs. Three kinesin-1 heavy chain isoforms exist in mammals. Different from KIF5A and KIF5C, which are specifically expressed in neurons and established to cause neurological diseases when mutated, KIF5B is an ubiquitous protein. Three de novo missense KIF5B variants were recently described in four subjects with a syndromic skeletal disorder characterized by kyphomelic dysplasia, hypotonia and DD/ID. Here, we report three dominantly acting KIF5B variants (p.Asn255del, p.Leu498Pro and p.Leu537Pro) resulting in a clinically wide phenotypic spectrum, ranging from dilated cardiomyopathy with adult-onset ophthalmoplegia and progressive skeletal myopathy to a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by severe hypotonia with or without seizures. In vitro and in vivo analyses provide evidence that the identified disease-associated KIF5B variants disrupt lysosomal, autophagosome and mitochondrial organization, and impact cilium biogenesis. All variants, and one of the previously reported missense changes, were shown to affect multiple developmental processes in zebrafish. These findings document pleiotropic consequences of aberrant KIF5B function on development and cell homeostasis, and expand the phenotypic spectrum resulting from altered kinesin-mediated processes.

Bilateral visual projections exist in non-teleost bony fish and predate the emergence of tetrapods.

In most vertebrates, camera-style eyes contain retinal ganglion cell neurons that project to visual centers on both sides of the brain. However, in fish, ganglion cells were thought to innervate only the contralateral side, suggesting that bilateral visual projections appeared in tetrapods. Here we show that bilateral visual projections exist in non-teleost fishes and that the appearance of ipsilateral projections does not correlate with terrestrial transition or predatory behavior. We also report that the developmental program that specifies visual system laterality differs between fishes and mammals, as the Zic2 transcription factor, which specifies ipsilateral retinal ganglion cells in tetrapods, appears to be absent from fish ganglion cells. However, overexpression of human ZIC2 induces ipsilateral visual projections in zebrafish. Therefore, the existence of bilateral visual projections likely preceded the emergence of binocular vision in tetrapods.

Precise base editing for the in vivo study of developmental signaling and human pathologies in zebrafish.

While zebrafish is emerging as a new model system to study human diseases, an efficient methodology to generate precise point mutations at high efficiency is still lacking. Here we show that base editors can generate C-to-T point mutations with high efficiencies without other unwanted on-target mutations. In addition, we established a new editor variant recognizing an NAA protospacer adjacent motif, expanding the base editing possibilities in zebrafish. Using these approaches, we first generated a base change in the ctnnb1 gene, mimicking oncogenic an mutation of the human gene known to result in constitutive activation of endogenous Wnt signaling. Additionally, we precisely targeted several cancer-associated genes including cbl. With this last target, we created a new zebrafish dwarfism model. Together our findings expand the potential of zebrafish as a model system allowing new approaches for the endogenous modulation of cell signaling pathways and the generation of precise models of human genetic disease-associated mutations.

Reelin functions beyond neuronal migration: from synaptogenesis to network activity modulation.

Reelin, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, has been the focus of several studies over the years, mostly for its role in cell migration. Here we report the role of this molecule and of its downstream pathways in post-mitotic neurons and how they contribute to neural circuit assembly, refinement and function. Accumulating evidence has pointed at a major role for Reelin in axonal guidance, synaptogenesis and dendritic spine formation. In particular, new evidence points at a direct role in axonal targeting and refinement at the target site. In addition, recent advances highlight new functions of Reelin in the modulation of synaptic activity, plasticity and behavior and in the direct regulation of GABA receptors expression and stability. We discuss these findings in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Expression of a Barhl1a reporter in subsets of retinal ganglion cells and commissural neurons of the developing zebrafish brain.

Promoting the regeneration or survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is one focus of regenerative medicine. Homeobox Barhl transcription factors might be instrumental in these processes. In mammals, only barhl2 is expressed in the retina and is required for both subtype identity acquisition of amacrine cells and for the survival of RGCs downstream of Atoh7, a transcription factor necessary for RGC genesis. The underlying mechanisms of this dual role of Barhl2 in mammals have remained elusive. Whole genome duplication in the teleost lineage generated the barhl1a and barhl2 paralogues. In the Zebrafish retina, Barhl2 functions as a determinant of subsets of amacrine cells lineally related to RGCs independently of Atoh7. In contrast, barhl1a expression depends on Atoh7 but its expression dynamics and function have not been studied. Here we describe for the first time a Barhl1a reporter line in vivo showing that barhl1a turns on exclusively in subsets of RGCs and their post-mitotic precursors. We also show transient expression of barhl1a:GFP in diencephalic neurons extending their axonal projections as part of the post-optic commissure, at the time of optic chiasm formation. This work sets the ground for future studies on RGC subtype identity, axonal projections and genetic specification of Barhl1a-positive RGCs and commissural neurons.

Elmo1 function, linked to Rac1 activity, regulates peripheral neuronal numbers and myelination in zebrafish.

Peripheral nervous system development involves a tight coordination of neuronal birth and death and a substantial remodelling of the myelinating glia cytoskeleton to achieve myelin wrapping of its projecting axons. However, how these processes are coordinated through time is still not understood. We have identified engulfment and cell motility 1, Elmo1, as a novel component that regulates (i) neuronal numbers within the Posterior Lateral Line ganglion and (ii) radial sorting of axons by Schwann cells (SC) and myelination in the PLL system in zebrafish. Our results show that neuronal and myelination defects observed in elmo1 mutant are rescued through small GTPase Rac1 activation. Inhibiting macrophage development leads to a decrease in neuronal numbers, while peripheral myelination is intact. However, elmo1 mutants do not show defective macrophage activity, suggesting a role for Elmo1 in PLLg neuronal development and SC myelination independent of macrophages. Forcing early Elmo1 and Rac1 expression specifically within SCs rescues elmo1-/- myelination defects, highlighting an autonomous role for Elmo1 and Rac1 in radial sorting of axons by SCs and myelination. This uncovers a previously unknown function of Elmo1 that regulates fundamental aspects of PNS development.

Redox Signaling via Lipid Peroxidation Regulates Retinal Progenitor Cell Differentiation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downstream products of lipid oxidation are emerging as important secondary messengers in tissue homeostasis. However, their regulation and mechanism of action remain poorly studied in vivo during normal development. Here, we reveal that the fine regulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels by its scavenger Catalase to mediate the switch from proliferation to differentiation in retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) is crucial. We identify 9-hydroxystearic acid (9-HSA), an endogenous downstream lipid peroxidation product, as a mediator of this effect in the zebrafish retina. We show that the 9-HSA proliferative effect is due to the activation of Notch and Wnt pathways through the inhibition of the histone deacetylase 1. We show that the local and temporal manipulation of H2O2 levels in RPCs is sufficient to trigger their premature differentiation. We finally propose a mechanism that links H2O2 homeostasis and neuronal differentiation via the modulation of lipid peroxidation.

A light-gated potassium channel for sustained neuronal inhibition.

Currently available inhibitory optogenetic tools provide short and transient silencing of neurons, but they cannot provide long-lasting inhibition because of the requirement for high light intensities. Here we present an optimized blue-light-sensitive synthetic potassium channel, BLINK2, which showed good expression in neurons in three species. The channel is activated by illumination with low doses of blue light, and in our experiments it remained active over (tens of) minutes in the dark after the illumination was stopped. This activation caused long periods of inhibition of neuronal firing in ex vivo recordings of mouse neurons and impaired motor neuron response in zebrafish in vivo. As a proof-of-concept application, we demonstrated that in a freely moving rat model of neuropathic pain, the activation of a small number of BLINK2 channels caused a long-lasting (>30 min) reduction in pain sensation.

Publisher Correction: Transparent Danionella translucida as a genetically tractable vertebrate brain model.

The version of this paper originally published contained errors in reference citations: in the first paragraph of the Results section, the text "This extent of optical clarity probably results from the absence of skull above the brain22. In our specimens, Nissl-stained coronal sections through the head showed that the skull surrounds the brain only laterally and ventrally" should have read "This extent of optical clarity probably results from the absence of skull above the brain21. In our specimens, Nissl-stained coronal sections through the head22 showed that the skull surrounds the brain only laterally and ventrally." In addition, the unit abbreviation "µm" was incorrectly divided at a line break in the third paragraph of the Discussion, which might have led to some confusion. These errors have been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the article.

Transparent Danionella translucida as a genetically tractable vertebrate brain model.

Understanding how distributed neuronal circuits integrate sensory information and generate behavior is a central goal of neuroscience. However, it has been difficult to study neuronal networks at single-cell resolution across the entire adult brain in vertebrates because of their size and opacity. We address this challenge here by introducing the fish Danionella translucida to neuroscience as a potential model organism. This teleost remains small and transparent even in adulthood, when neural circuits and behavior have matured. Despite having the smallest known adult vertebrate brain, D. translucida displays a rich set of complex behaviors, including courtship, shoaling, schooling, and acoustic communication. In order to carry out optical measurements and perturbations of neural activity with genetically encoded tools, we established CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and Tol2 transgenesis techniques. These features make D. translucida a promising model organism for the study of adult vertebrate brain function at single-cell resolution.

An Attractive Reelin Gradient Establishes Synaptic Lamination in the Vertebrate Visual System.

A conserved organizational and functional principle of neural networks is the segregation of axon-dendritic synaptic connections into laminae. Here we report that targeting of synaptic laminae by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) arbors in the vertebrate visual system is regulated by a signaling system relying on target-derived Reelin and VLDLR/Dab1a on the projecting neurons. Furthermore, we find that Reelin is distributed as a gradient on the target tissue and stabilized by heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through genetic manipulations, we show that this Reelin gradient is important for laminar targeting and that it is attractive for RGC axons. Finally, we suggest a comprehensive model of synaptic lamina formation in which attractive Reelin counter-balances repulsive Slit1, thereby guiding RGC axons toward single synaptic laminae. We establish a mechanism that may represent a general principle for neural network assembly in vertebrate species and across different brain areas.

Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-in approaches in zebrafish.

With its variety of applications, the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology has been rapidly evolving in the last few years. In the zebrafish community, knock-out reports are constantly increasing but insertion studies have been so far more challenging. With this review, we aim at giving an overview of the homologous directed repair (HDR)-based knock-in generation in zebrafish. We address the critical points and limitations of the procedure such as cutting efficiency of the chosen single guide RNA, use of cas9 mRNA or Cas9 protein, homology arm size etc. but also ways to circumvent encountered issues with HDR insertions by the development of non-homologous dependent strategies. While imprecise, these homology-independent mechanisms based on non-homologous-end-joining (NHEJ) repair have been employed in zebrafish to generate reporter lines or to accurately edit an open reading frame by the use of intron-targeting modifications. Therefore, with higher efficiency and insertion rate, NHEJ-based knock-in seems to be a promising approach to target endogenous loci and to circumvent the limitations of HDR whenever it is possible and appropriate. In this perspective, we propose new strategies to generate cDNA edited or tagged insertions, which once established will constitute a new and versatile toolbox for CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-ins in zebrafish.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) controls axon pathfinding during zebrafish development.

It is now becoming evident that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is constantly produced by nearly all cells, contributes to bona fide physiological processes. However, little is known regarding the distribution and functions of H2O2 during embryonic development. To address this question, we used a dedicated genetic sensor and revealed a highly dynamic spatio-temporal pattern of H2O2 levels during zebrafish morphogenesis. The highest H2O2 levels are observed during somitogenesis and organogenesis, and these levels gradually decrease in the mature tissues. Biochemical and pharmacological approaches revealed that H2O2 distribution is mainly controlled by its enzymatic degradation. Here we show that H2O2 is enriched in different regions of the developing brain and demonstrate that it participates to axonal guidance. Retinal ganglion cell axonal projections are impaired upon H2O2 depletion and this defect is rescued by H2O2 or ectopic activation of the Hedgehog pathway. We further show that ex vivo, H2O2 directly modifies Hedgehog secretion. We propose that physiological levels of H2O2 regulate RGCs axonal growth through the modulation of Hedgehog pathway.

Asymmetric inheritance of the apical domain and self-renewal of retinal ganglion cell progenitors depend on Anillin function.

Divisions that generate one neuronal lineage-committed and one self-renewing cell maintain the balance of proliferation and differentiation for the generation of neuronal diversity. The asymmetric inheritance of apical domains and components of the cell division machinery has been implicated in this process, and might involve interactions with cell fate determinants in regulatory feedback loops of an as yet unknown nature. Here, we report the dynamics of Anillin - an essential F-actin regulator and furrow component - and its contribution to progenitor cell divisions in the developing zebrafish retina. We find that asymmetrically dividing retinal ganglion cell progenitors position the Anillin-rich midbody at the apical domain of the differentiating daughter. anillin hypomorphic conditions disrupt asymmetric apical domain inheritance and affect daughter cell fate. Consequently, the retinal cell type composition is profoundly affected, such that the ganglion cell layer is dramatically expanded. This study provides the first in vivo evidence for the requirement of Anillin during asymmetric neurogenic divisions. It also provides insights into a reciprocal regulation between Anillin and the ganglion cell fate determinant Ath5, suggesting a mechanism whereby the balance of proliferation and differentiation is accomplished during progenitor cell divisions in vivo.

Tcf7l2 is required for left-right asymmetric differentiation of habenular neurons.

BACKGROUND: Although left-right asymmetries are common features of nervous systems, their developmental bases are largely unknown. In the zebrafish epithalamus, dorsal habenular neurons adopt medial (dHbm) and lateral (dHbl) subnuclear character at very different frequencies on the left and right sides. The left-sided parapineal promotes the elaboration of dHbl character in the left habenula, albeit by an unknown mechanism. Likewise, the genetic pathways acting within habenular neurons to control their asymmetric differentiated character are unknown. RESULTS: In a forward genetic screen for mutations that result in loss of habenular asymmetry, we identified two mutant alleles of tcf7l2, a gene that encodes a transcriptional regulator of Wnt signaling. In tcf7l2 mutants, most neurons on both sides differentiate with dHbl identity. Consequently, the habenulae develop symmetrically, with both sides adopting a pronounced leftward character. Tcf7l2 acts cell automously in nascent equipotential neurons, and on the right side, it promotes dHbm and suppresses dHbl differentiation. On the left, the parapineal prevents this Tcf7l2-dependent process, thereby promoting dHbl differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Tcf7l2 is essential for lateralized fate selection by habenular neurons that can differentiate along two alternative pathways, thereby leading to major neural circuit asymmetries.

Biasing amacrine subtypes in the Atoh7 lineage through expression of Barhl2.

Within the developing vertebrate retina, particular subtypes of amacrine cells (ACs) tend to arise from progenitors expressing the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, Atoh7, which is necessary for the early generation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). All ACs require the postmitotic expression of the bHLH pancreas transcription factor Ptf1a; however, Ptf1a alone is not sufficient to give subtype identities. Here we use functional and in vivo time-lapse studies in the zebrafish retina to investigate on the developmental programs leading to ACs specification within the subsequent divisions of Atoh7-positive progenitors. We find evidences that the homeobox transcription factor Barhl2 is an AC subtype identity-biasing factor that turns on within Atoh7-positive descendants. In vivo lineage tracing reveals that particular modes of cell division tend to generate Barhl2-positive precursors from sisters of RGCs. Additionally, Atoh7 indirectly impacts these division modes to regulate the right number of barhl2-expressing cells. We finally find that Atoh7 itself influences the subtypes of Barhl2-dependent ACs. Together, the results from our study uncover lineage-related and molecular logic of subtype specification in the vertebrate retina, by showing that specific AC subtypes arise via a particular mode of cell division and a transcriptional network cascade involving the sequential expression of first atoh7 followed by ptf1a and then barhl2.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Spc105 regulates the assembly of the Drosophila kinetochore.

The formation of kinetochores shortly before each cell division is a prerequisite for proper chromosome segregation. The synchronous mitoses of Drosophila syncytial embryos have provided an ideal in vivo system to follow kinetochore assembly kinetics and so address the question of how kinetochore formation is regulated. We found that the nuclear exclusion of the Spc105/KNL1 protein during interphase prevents precocious assembly of the Mis12 complex. The nuclear import of Spc105 in early prophase and its immediate association with the Mis12 complex on centromeres are thus the first steps in kinetochore assembly. The cumulative kinetochore levels of Spc105 and Mis12 complex then determine the rate of Ndc80 complex recruitment commencing only after nuclear envelope breakdown. The carboxy-terminal part of Spc105 directs its nuclear import and is sufficient for the assembly of all core kinetochore components and CENP-C, when localized ectopically to centrosomes. Super-resolution microscopy shows that carboxy-terminus of Spc105 lies at the junction of the Mis12 and Ndc80 complexes on stretched kinetochores. Our study thus indicates that physical accessibility of kinetochore components plays a crucial role in the regulation of Drosophila kinetochore assembly and leads us to a model in which Spc105 is a licensing factor for its onset.

Evolutionary relationships and diversification of barhl genes within retinal cell lineages.

BACKGROUND: Basic helix-loop-helix and homeodomain transcription factors have been shown to specify all different neuronal cell subtypes composing the vertebrate retina. The appearance of gene paralogs of such retina-specific transcription factors in lower vertebrates, with differently evolved function and/or conserved non-coding elements, might provide an important source for the generation of neuronal diversity within the vertebrate retinal architecture. In line with this hypothesis, we investigated the evolution of the homeobox Barhl family of transcription factors, barhl1 and barhl2, in the teleost and tetrapod lineages. In tetrapod barhl2, but not barhl1, is expressed in the retina and is important for amacrine cell specification. Zebrafish has three barhl paralogs: barhl1.1, barhl1.2 and barhl2, but their precise spatio-temporal retinal expression, as well as their function is yet unknown. RESULTS: Here we performed a meticulous expression pattern comparison of all known barhl fish paralogs and described a novel barhl paralog in medaka. Our detailed analysis of zebrafish barhl gene expression in wild type and mutant retinas revealed that only barhl1.2 and barhl2 are present in the retina. We also showed that these two paralogs are expressed in distinct neuronal lineages and are differently regulated by Atoh7, a key retinal-specific transcription factor. Finally, we found that the two retained medaka fish barhl paralogs, barhl1 and barhl2, are both expressed in the retina, in a pattern reminiscent of zebrafish barhl1.2 and barhl2 respectively. By performing phylogenetic and synteny analysis, we provide evidence that barhl retinal expression domain is an ancestral feature, probably lost in tetrapods due to functional redundancy. CONCLUSIONS: Functional differences among retained paralogs of key retina-specific transcription factors between teleosts and tetrapods might provide important clues for understanding their potential impact on the generation of retinal neuronal diversity. Intriguingly, within teleosts, retention of zebrafish barhl1.2 and its medaka ortholog barhl1 appears to correlate with the acquisition of distinct signalling mechanisms by the two genes within distinct retinal cell lineages. Our findings provide a starting point for the study of barhl gene evolution in relation to the generation of cell diversity in the vertebrate retina.