Protocol for matching protein localization to synapse morphology in primary rat neurons by correlative super-resolution microscopy.

Super-resolution imaging provides unprecedented visualization of sub-cellular structures, but the two main techniques used, single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED), are not easily reconciled. We present a protocol to super-impose nanoscale protein distribution reconstructed with SMLM to sub-cellular morphology obtained in STED. We describe steps for tracking cells on etched coverslips and registering images from two different microscopes with 30-nm accuracy. In this protocol, synaptic proteins are mapped in the dendritic spines of primary neurons. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Inavalli et al.1.

Neuroligin-1 dependent phosphotyrosine signaling in excitatory synapse differentiation.

Introduction: The synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) is involved in the differentiation of excitatory synapses, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are still debated. Here, we explored the role of NLGN1 tyrosine phosphorylation in this process, focusing on a subset of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), namely FGFR1 and Trks, that were previously described to phosphorylate NLGN1 at a unique intracellular residue (Y782). Methods: We used pharmacological inhibitors and genetic manipulation of those RTKs in dissociated hippocampal neurons, followed by biochemical measurement of NLGN1 phosphorylation and immunocytochemical staining of excitatory synaptic scaffolds. Results: This study shows that: (i) the accumulation of PSD-95 at de novo NLGN1 clusters induced by neurexin crosslinking is reduced by FGFR and Trk inhibitors; (ii) the increase in PSD-95 puncta caused by NLGN1 over-expression is impaired by FGFR and Trk inhibitors; (iii) TrkB activation by BDNF increases NLGN1 phosphorylation; and (iv) TrkB knock-down impairs the increase of PSD-95 puncta caused by NLGN1 over-expression, an effect which is not seen with the NLGN1 Y782A mutant. Discussion: Together, our data identify TrkB as one of the major RTKs responsible for NLGN1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and reveal that TrkB activity is necessary for the synaptogenic effects of NLGN1.