Biology subjects

Van, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Van, S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

APP-CTFβ/C99 oligomers drive synaptic vesicle tethering through C-terminal interactions

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates a 99-amino acid precursor, {beta}-carboxyl-terminal fragments (APP-CTF{beta} or C99). Upon {gamma}-secretase inhibition, APP-CTF{beta} accumulates and induces synaptic defects, resulting in neuronal hyperactivity. However, mechanistic insights in the critical role of APP-CTF{beta} has not been completely elucidated. Here, we show that in primary neurons expressing human APP-CTF{beta} (C99) variants, acute {gamma}-secretase inhibition selectively increases evoked synaptic vesicle release in cells, whereas deletion of the C-terminus abolishes this effect. Using single-molecule approaches and reconstituted membrane systems, we demonstrate that accumulation of APP-CTF{beta} promotes its oligomerisation. In particular, APP-CTF{beta} oligomers augment synaptic vesicle tethering via their C-terminal domain. This effect is driven by the interaction with synaptic vesicle proteins, independent of the YENPTY binding motif. Additionally, APP-CTF{beta} oligomers were associated with alterations in membrane lipid organization. Together, our findings identify APP-CTF{beta} oligomerization as a constitutional gain-of-function mechanism that enhances presynaptic vesicle tethering and release, providing mechanistic insight into how altered APP processing regulates synaptic activity. Short summary{gamma}-Secretase-dependent accumulation of APP-CTF{beta} transforms a transient APP processing intermediate into a membrane-associated oligomeric scaffold that promotes synaptic vesicle tethering enhancing neurotransmitter release. HighlightsO_LIAPP-CTF{beta} self-assembles into higher-order oligomeric assemblies C_LIO_LIAPP-CTF{beta} oligomers promote synaptic vesicle tethering via their C-terminal domain C_LIO_LIAPP-CTF{beta} oligomerization drives a presynaptic gain-of-function linked to neuronal hyperactivity C_LI

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Sharp cell type boundaries emerge from coordinated morphogen signaling

Classic models of the French flag problem depict sharp cell-type boundaries emerging from threshold responses to morphogen gradients. How discrete cell-type boundaries arise from morphogen signals that vary continuously across developing tissues is not completely understood. We use hair follicle dermal condensate formation to study a sharp developmental transition in which proliferative progenitors undergo cell-cycle exit concurrent with molecular differentiation. Using genetic and genomic approaches, we show that Wnt and Hedgehog signaling interact to coordinate the timing of these two processes. We identify a division of labor between the pathways: Wnt signaling promotes cell-cycle exit by regulating chromatin binding of the Hedgehog mediator GLI3, while Hedgehog signaling induces differentiation genes in a Wnt-dependent manner and simultaneously elevates Wnt activity. When Wnt and Hedgehog activities are temporally aligned, differentiation and cell-cycle exit occur within the same developmental window, restricting both the duration and abundance of intermediate states and producing a sharp cell-type boundary. When these signals are misaligned, intermediate states persist and expand, producing fuzzy boundaries. These findings reveal a mechanism in which interacting morphogen signals regulate the duration and abundance of intermediate states during a developmental transition, thereby controlling how continuous cell-state progression is translated into discrete tissue patterning.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Interaction of Wnt and SHH gradients synchronizes cell cycle 1 exit and differentiation

Classic models of the French flag problem depict sharp cell-type boundaries emerging from threshold responses to morphogen gradients. Yet, how such boundaries arise during dynamic cell-state transitions remains unclear. We use hair follicle dermal condensates to study a sharp cell-type transition in which proliferative progenitors synchronously undergo cell-cycle exit and molecular differentiation. Using genetic and genomic approaches, we show that Wnt and Hedgehog signaling interact to coordinate the timing of these processes. When their activities are temporally aligned, intermediate transitional states are compressed through cell-cycle exit, producing a sharp cell-type boundary; when misaligned, transitional states expand, yielding fuzzy borders. Mechanistically, elevated Wnt activity promotes cell-cycle exit by regulating chromatin binding of the Hedgehog mediator GLI3. Hedgehog signaling induces differentiation genes in a Wnt-dependent manner and simultaneously elevates Wnt activity, aligning arrest and differentiation in time. These findings reveal a mechanism wherein morphogen interactions coordinate transitions to generate precise cell-type boundaries.

developmental biology↗