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Schwarz JR, Freitag S, Pechmann Y, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Wagner W, Hornig S, Kneussel M. Purkinje cell hyperexcitability and depressive-like behavior in mice lacking erg3 (ether-à-go-go-related gene) K + channel subunits. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6836. [PMID: 39365861 PMCID: PMC11451553 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Potassium channels stabilize the resting potential and neuronal excitability. Among them, erg (ether-à-go-go-related gene) K+ channels represent a subfamily of voltage-gated channels, consisting of erg1, erg2, and erg3 subunits; however, their subunit-specific neuronal functions in vivo are barely understood. To find erg3- and erg1-mediated functions, we generated global Kcnh7 (erg3) and conditional Kcnh2 (erg1) knockout mice. We found that erg3 channels stabilize the resting potential and dampen spontaneous activity in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and hippocampal CA1 neurons, whereas erg1 channels have suprathreshold functions. Lack of erg3 subunits induced hyperexcitability with increased action potential firing in PCs, but not in CA1 neurons. Notably, erg3 depletion caused depressive-like behavior with reduced locomotor activity, strongly decreased digging behavior, and shorter latencies to fall off a rotating wheel, while learning and memory remained unchanged. Our data show that erg K+ channels containing erg3 subunits mediate a neuronal subthreshold K+ current that plays important roles in the regulation of locomotor behavior in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen R. Schwarz
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Freitag
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Pechmann
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Core Facility Transgenic Animals, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Hornig
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kneussel
- Institute of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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2
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Li XT. The involvement of K + channels in depression and pharmacological effects of antidepressants on these channels. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:411. [PMID: 39358318 PMCID: PMC11447029 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common and complex psychiatric illness with multiple clinical symptoms, even leading to the disability and suicide. Owing to the partial understanding of the pathogenesis of depressive-like disorders, available pharmacotherapeutic strategies are developed mainly based on the "monoamine hypothesis", resulting in a limited effectiveness and a number of adverse effects in the clinical practice. The concept of multiple pathogenic factors be helpful for clarifying the etiology of depression and developing the antidepressants. It is well documented that K+ channels serve crucial roles in modulating the neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release in the brain, and abnormality of these channels participated in the pathogenic process of diverse central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, such as seizure and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The clinical and preclinical evidence also delineates that the involvement of several types of K+ channels in depressive-like behaviors appear to be evident, suggesting these channels being one of the multiple factors in the etiology of this debilitating disorder. Emerging data manifest that diverse antidepressants impact distinct K+ channels, such as Kv, Kir and K2P, meaning the functioning of these drug via a "multi-target" manner. On the other hand, the scenario of antidepressants impinging K+ channels could render an alternative interpretation for the pharmacological effectiveness and numerous side effects in clinical trials. Furthermore, these channels serve to be considered as a "druggable target" to develop novel therapeutic compound to antagonize this psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Tao Li
- School of Medicine, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China.
- Research group of Neurological and Metabolic Disease, School of Medicine, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China.
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Raveh A, Pen Y, Silberman A, Peretz A, Attali B, Maile L, Davidson S, Brown AD, Kennedy JD, Belinson H. Dual Kv7.2/3-TRPV1 modulators inhibit nociceptor hyperexcitability and alleviate pain without target-related side effects. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00714. [PMID: 39324934 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Persistent or chronic pain is the primary reason people seek medical care, yet current therapies are either limited in efficacy or cause intolerable side effects. Diverse mechanisms contribute to the basic phenomena of nociceptor hyperexcitability that initiates and maintains pain. Two prominent players in the modulation of nociceptor hyperexcitability are the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ligand-gated ion channel and the voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv7.2/3, that reciprocally regulate neuronal excitability. Across many drug development programs targeting either TRPV1 or Kv7.2/3, significant evidence has been accumulated to support these as highly relevant targets; however, side effects that are poorly separated from efficacy have limited the successful clinical translation of numerous Kv7.2/3 and TRPV1 drug development programs. We report here the pharmacological profile of 3 structurally related small molecule analogues that demonstrate a novel mechanism of action (MOA) of dual modulation of Kv7.2/3 and TRPV1. Specifically, these compounds simultaneously activate Kv7.2/3 and enable unexpected specific and potent inhibition of TRPV1. This in vitro potency translated to significant analgesia in vivo in several animal models of acute and chronic pain. Importantly, this specific MOA is not associated with any previously described Kv7.2/3 or TRPV1 class-specific side effects. We suggest that the therapeutic potential of this MOA is derived from the selective and specific targeting of a subpopulation of nociceptors found in rodents and humans. This efficacy and safety profile supports the advancement of dual TRPV1-Kv7.2/3 modulating compounds into preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Raveh
- Bsense Bio Therapeutics Ltd., Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Yefim Pen
- Bsense Bio Therapeutics Ltd., Ness Ziona, Israel
| | | | - Asher Peretz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bernard Attali
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Laura Maile
- Department of Anesthesiology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Steve Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alan D Brown
- AD Brown Medchem Consulting Ltd., Deal, Kent, UK
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4
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Shiota Y, Nishiyama T, Yokoyama S, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Tanaka S, Iwasaki S, Kikuchi M. Association of genetic variants with autism spectrum disorder in Japanese children revealed by targeted sequencing. Front Genet 2024; 15:1352480. [PMID: 39280100 PMCID: PMC11395840 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1352480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with strong genetic predispositions. Although an increasing number of genetic variants have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, little is known about the relationship between ASD-associated genetic variants and individual ASD traits. Therefore, we aimed to investigate these relationships. Methods Here, we report a case-control association study of 32 Japanese children with ASD (mainly with high-functioning autism [HFA]) and 36 with typical development (TD). We explored previously established ASD-associated genes using a next-generation sequencing panel and determined the association between Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) T-scores and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Results In the genotype-phenotype analyses, 40 variants of five genes (SCN1A, SHANK3, DYRK1A, CADPS, and SCN2A) were associated with ASD/TD phenotypes. In particular, 10 SCN1A variants passed permutation filtering (false discovery rate <0.05). In the quantitative association analyses, 49 variants of 12 genes (CHD8, SCN1A, SLC6A1, KMT5B, CNTNAP2, KCNQ3, SCN2A, ARID1B, SHANK3, DYRK1A, FOXP1, and GRIN2B) and 50 variants of 10 genes (DYRK1A, SCN2A, SLC6A1, ARID1B, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, FOXP1, PTEN, SCN1A, and CHD8) were associated with SRS T- and IQ-scores, respectively. Conclusion Our data suggest that these identified variants are essential for the genetic architecture of HFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Shiota
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nishiyama
- Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sanae Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sumie Iwasaki
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Zhang ZX, Tian Y, Li S, Jing HB, Cai J, Li M, Xing GG. Involvement of HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression activated by EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling in bone cancer pain. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:416. [PMID: 39192337 PMCID: PMC11350972 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) represents a prevalent symptom among cancer patients with bone metastases, yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the transcriptional regulation mechanism of Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in DRG neurons and its involvement in the development of BCP in rats. We show that HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes, which encode Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), contributes to the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. Also, HDAC2 requires the formation of a corepressor complex with MeCP2 and Sin3A to execute transcriptional regulation of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes. Moreover, EREG is identified as an upstream signal molecule for HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression. Activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, followed by the induction of HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes in DRG neurons, leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity in tumor-bearing rats. Consequently, the activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, along with the subsequent transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes by HDAC2 in DRG neurons, underlies the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. These findings uncover a potentially targetable mechanism contributing to bone metastasis-associated pain in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Bo Jing
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Martin HR, Lysakowski A, Eatock RA. The potassium channel subunit K V1.8 ( Kcna10) is essential for the distinctive outwardly rectifying conductances of type I and II vestibular hair cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.563853. [PMID: 38045305 PMCID: PMC10690164 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.563853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
In amniotes, head motions and tilt are detected by two types of vestibular hair cells (HCs) with strikingly different morphology and physiology. Mature type I HCs express a large and very unusual potassium conductance, gK,L, which activates negative to resting potential, confers very negative resting potentials and low input resistances, and enhances an unusual non-quantal transmission from type I cells onto their calyceal afferent terminals. Following clues pointing to KV1.8 (KCNA10) in the Shaker K channel family as a candidate gK,L subunit, we compared whole-cell voltage-dependent currents from utricular hair cells of KV1.8-null mice and littermate controls. We found that KV1.8 is necessary not just for gK,L but also for fast-inactivating and delayed rectifier currents in type II HCs, which activate positive to resting potential. The distinct properties of the three KV1.8-dependent conductances may reflect different mixing with other KV subunits that are reported to be differentially expressed in type I and II HCs. In KV1.8-null HCs of both types, residual outwardly rectifying conductances include KV7 (KCNQ) channels. Current clamp records show that in both HC types, KV1.8-dependent conductances increase the speed and damping of voltage responses. Features that speed up vestibular receptor potentials and non-quantal afferent transmission may have helped stabilize locomotion as tetrapods moved from water to land.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Lysakowski
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
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Oyama M, Watanabe S, Iwai T, Tanabe M. Selective inhibition of A-fiber-mediated excitatory transmission underlies the analgesic effects of KCNQ channel opening in the spinal dorsal horn. Neuropharmacology 2024; 254:109994. [PMID: 38750803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal voltage-gated KCNQ (Kv7) channels, expressed centrally and peripherally, mediate low-threshold and non-inactivating M-currents responsible for the control of tonic excitability of mammalian neurons. Pharmacological opening of KCNQ channels has been reported to generate analgesic effects in animal models of neuropathic pain. Here, we examined the possible involvement of central KCNQ channels in the analgesic effects of retigabine, a KCNQ channel opener. Behaviorally, intraperitoneally applied retigabine exerted analgesic effects on thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in male mice developing neuropathic pain after partial sciatic nerve ligation, which was antagonized by the KCNQ channel blocker XE991 preadministered intraperitoneally and intrathecally. Intrathecally applied retigabine also exerted analgesic effects that were inhibited by intrathecally injected XE991. We then explored the synaptic mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of retigabine in the spinal dorsal horn. Whole-cell recordings were made from dorsal horn neurons in spinal slices with attached dorsal roots from adult male mice developing neuropathic pain, and the effects of retigabine on miniature and afferent-evoked postsynaptic currents were examined. Retigabine reduced the amplitude of A-fiber-mediated EPSCs without affecting C-fiber-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. A-fiber-mediated EPSCs remained unaltered by retigabine in the presence of XE991, consistently with the behavioral findings. The frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs were not affected by retigabine. Thus, opening of KCNQ channels in the central terminals of primary afferent A-fibers inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn, most likely contributing to the analgesic effect of retigabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Oyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Shun Watanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Iwai
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Tanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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Wang H, Qiao Z, Luan K, Xiang W, Chang X, Zhang Y, Wei N, Wang K. Identification of a new retigabine derivative with improved photostability for selective activation of neuronal Kv7 channels and antiseizure activity. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 39140981 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pharmacological activation of neuronal Kv7 channels by the antiepileptic drug retigabine (RTG; ezogabine) has been proven effective in treating partial epilepsy. However, RTG was withdrawn from the market due to the toxicity caused by its phenazinium dimer metabolites, leading to peripheral skin discoloration and retinal abnormalities. To address the undesirable metabolic properties of RTG and prevent the formation of phenazinium dimers, we made chemical modifications to RTG, resulting in a new RTG derivative, 1025c, N,N'-{4-[(4-fluorobenzyl) (prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]-1,2-phenylene}bis(3,3-dimethylbutanamide). METHODS Whole-cell recordings were used to evaluate Kv7 channel openers. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking were adopted to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying 1025c and Kv7.2 interactions. Mouse seizure models of maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ), and PTZ-induced kindling were utilized to test compound antiepileptic activity. RESULTS The novel compound 1025c selectively activates whole-cell Kv7.2/7.3 currents in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal effective concentration of .91 ± .17 μmol·L-1. The 1025c compound also causes a leftward shift in Kv7.2/7.3 current activation toward a more hyperpolarized membrane potential, with a shift of the half voltage of maximal activation (ΔV1/2) of -18.6 ± 3.0 mV. Intraperitoneal administration of 1025c demonstrates dose-dependent antiseizure activities in assays of MES, scPTZ, and PTZ-induced kindling models. Moreover, through site-directed mutagenesis combined with molecular docking, a key residue Trp236 has been identified as critical for 1025c-mediated activation of Kv7.2 channels. Photostability experiments further reveal that 1025c is more photostable than RTG and is unable to dimerize. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that 1025c exhibits potent and selective activation of neuronal Kv7 channels without being metabolized to phenazinium dimers, suggesting its developmental potential as an antiseizure agent for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Qiao
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Neurorehabilitation, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Kun Luan
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiuying Chang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Ningning Wei
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
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Nissenkorn A, Bar L, Ben-Bassat A, Rothstein L, Abdelrahim H, Sokol R, Gabis LV, Attali B. Donepezil as a new therapeutic potential in KCNQ2- and KCNQ3-related autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1380442. [PMID: 39175503 PMCID: PMC11338814 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1380442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The KCNQ2/KCNQ3 genes encode the voltage-gated K channel underlying the neuronal M-current, regulating neuronal excitability. Loss-of-function (LoF) variants cause neonatal epilepsy, treatable with the M-current-opener retigabine, which is no longer marketed due to side effects. Gain-of-function (GoF) variants cause developmental encephalopathy and autism that could be amenable to M-current, but such therapies are not clinically available. In this translational project, we investigated whether donepezil, a cholinergic drug used in Alzheimer's, suppresses M currents in vitro and improves cognitive symptoms in patients with GoF variants. Methods (1) The effect of 1 μM donepezil on the amplitude of the M-current was measured in excitatory and inhibitory neurons of mouse primary cultured hippocampal cells. M-current was measured using the standard deactivation protocol (holding at 0 mV and deactivation at -60 mV) in the voltage-clamp configuration of the whole-cell patch clamp technique. The impact of donepezil was also examined on the spontaneous firing activity of hippocampal neurons in the current-clamp configuration. (2) Four children with autism, aged 2.5-8 years, with the following GoF variants were enrolled: KCNQ2 (p. Arg144Gln) and KCNQ 3 (p.Arg227Gln, p.Arg230Cys). Patients were treated off-label with donepezil 2.5-5 mg/d for 12 months and assessed with: clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-c), Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2 (CARS-2), Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II (ABAS-II), and Child Development Inventory (CDI). Results (1) Application of donepezil for at least 6 min produced a significant inhibition of the M-current with an IC50 of 0.4 μM. At 1 μM, donepezil reduced by 67% the M-current density of excitatory neurons (2.4 ± 0.46 vs. 0.89 ± 0.15 pA/pF, p < 0.05*). In inhibitory neurons, application of 1 μM donepezil produced a lesser inhibition of 59% of the M-current density (1.39 ± 0.43 vs. 0.57 ± 0.21, p > 0.05). Donepezil (1 μM) potently increased by 2.6-fold the spontaneous firing frequency, which was prevented by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (10 μM). (2) The CARS-2 decreased by 3.8 ± 4.9 points (p > 0.05), but in two patients with KCNQ3 variants, the improvement was over the 4.5 clinically relevant threshold. The global clinical change was also clinically significant in these patients (CGI-c = 1). The CDI increased by 65% (p < 0.05*), while the ABAS-II remained unchanged. Discussion Donepezil should be repurposed as a novel alternative treatment for GoF variants in KCNQ2/KCNQ3 encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Nissenkorn
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Magen National Center for Rare Disorders, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Bar
- Department of Electrophysiology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Ben-Bassat
- Department of Electrophysiology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lynn Rothstein
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Magen National Center for Rare Disorders, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Hoda Abdelrahim
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Magen National Center for Rare Disorders, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Riki Sokol
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Lidia V. Gabis
- Magen National Center for Rare Disorders, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bernard Attali
- Department of Electrophysiology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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10
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Singh V, Auerbach DS. Neurocardiac pathologies associated with potassium channelopathies. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 39087855 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels are expressed throughout the human body and are essential for physiological functions. These include delayed rectifiers, A-type channels, outward rectifiers, and inward rectifiers. They impact electrical function in the heart (repolarization) and brain (repolarization and stabilization of the resting membrane potential). KCNQx and KCNHx encode Kv7.x and Kv11.x proteins, which form delayed rectifier potassium channels. KCNQx and KCNHx channelopathies are associated with both cardiac and neuronal pathologies. These include electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death (SCD), epileptiform discharges, seizures, bipolar disorder, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Due to the ubiquitous expression of KCNQx and KCNHx channels, abnormalities in their function can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of sudden death. For example, KCNH2 variants have a dual role in both cardiac and neuronal pathologies, whereas KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 variants are associated with severe and refractory epilepsy. Recurrent and uncontrolled seizures lead to secondary abnormalities, which include autonomics, cardiac electrical function, respiratory drive, and neuronal electrical activity. Even with a wide array of anti-seizure therapies available on the market, one-third of the more than 70 million people worldwide with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures (i.e., intractable/drug-resistant epilepsy), which negatively impact neurodevelopment and quality of life. To capture the current state of the field, this review examines KCNQx and KCNHx expression patterns and electrical function in the brain and heart. In addition, it discusses several KCNQx and KCNHx variants that have been clinically and electrophysiologically characterized. Because these channel variants are associated with multi-system pathologies, such as epileptogenesis, Kv7 channel modulators provide a potential anti-seizure therapy, particularly for people with intractable epilepsy. Ultimately an increased understanding of the role of Kv channels throughout the body will fuel the development of innovative, safe, and effective therapies for people at a high risk of sudden death (SCD and SUDEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - David S Auerbach
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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11
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Luque MA, Morcuende S, Torres B, Herrero L. Kv7/M channel dysfunction produces hyperexcitability in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of Fmr1 knockout mice. J Physiol 2024; 602:3769-3791. [PMID: 38976504 DOI: 10.1113/jp285244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent monogenic form of intellectual disability, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene that could render neuronal hyperexcitability. Here we show that pyramidal cells (PCs) in the dorsal CA1 region of the hippocampus elicited a larger action potential (AP) number in response to suprathreshold stimulation in juvenile Fmr1 knockout (KO) than wild-type (WT) mice. Because Kv7/M channels modulate CA1 PC excitability in rats, we investigated if their dysfunction produces neuronal hyperexcitability in Fmr1 KO mice. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed no differences in the expression of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channel subunits between genotypes; however, the current mediated by Kv7/M channels was reduced in Fmr1 KO mice. In both genotypes, bath application of XE991 (10 μM), a blocker of Kv7/M channels: produced an increased AP number, produced an increased input resistance, produced a decreased AP voltage threshold and shaped AP medium afterhyperpolarization by increasing mean velocities. Retigabine (10 μM), an opener of Kv7/M channels, produced opposite effects to XE991. Both XE991 and retigabine abolished differences in all these parameters found in control conditions between genotypes. Furthermore, a low concentration of retigabine (2.5 μM) normalized CA1 PC excitability of Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, ex vivo seizure-like events evoked by 4-aminopyiridine (200 μM) in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and were abolished by retigabine (5-10 μM). We conclude that CA1 PCs of Fmr1 KO mice exhibit hyperexcitability, caused by Kv7/M channel dysfunction, and increased epileptiform activity, which were abolished by retigabine. KEY POINTS: Dorsal pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice exhibit hyperexcitability. Kv7/M channel activity, but not expression, is reduced in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Kv7/M channel dysfunction causes hyperexcitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice by increasing input resistance, decreasing AP voltage threshold and shaping medium afterhyperpolarization. A Kv7/M channel opener normalizes neuronal excitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Ex vivo seizure-like events evoked in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and such an epileptiform activity was abolished by a Kv7/M channel opener depending on drug concentration. Kv7/M channels may represent a therapeutic target for treating symptoms associated with hippocampal alterations in fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angeles Luque
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Blas Torres
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Herrero
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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12
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Goniotaki D, Tamagnini F, Biasetti L, Rumpf S, Troakes C, Pollack SJ, Ukwesa S, Sun H, Kraev I, Serpell LC, Noble W, Staras K, Hanger DP. Tau-mediated synaptic dysfunction is coupled with HCN channelopathy. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:5629-5646. [PMID: 38994745 PMCID: PMC11350046 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In tauopathies, altered tau processing correlates with impairments in synaptic density and function. Changes in hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to disease-associated abnormalities in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS To investigate the link between tau and HCN channels, we performed histological, biochemical, ultrastructural, and functional analyses of hippocampal tissues from Alzheimer's disease (AD), age-matched controls, Tau35 mice, and/or Tau35 primary hippocampal neurons. RESULTS Expression of specific HCN channels is elevated in post mortem AD hippocampus. Tau35 mice develop progressive abnormalities including increased phosphorylated tau, enhanced HCN channel expression, decreased dendritic branching, reduced synapse density, and vesicle clustering defects. Tau35 primary neurons show increased HCN channel expression enhanced hyperpolarization-induced membrane voltage "sag" and changes in the frequency and kinetics of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. DISCUSSION Our findings are consistent with a model in which pathological changes in tauopathies impact HCN channels to drive network-wide structural and functional synaptic deficits. HIGHLIGHTS Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are functionally linked to the development of tauopathy. Expression of specific HCN channels is elevated in the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease and the Tau35 mouse model of tauopathy. Increased expression of HCN channels in Tau35 mice is accompanied by hyperpolarization-induced membrane voltage "sag" demonstrating a detrimental effect of tau abnormalities on HCN channel function. Tau35 expression alters synaptic organization, causing a loosened vesicle clustering phenotype in Tau35 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Goniotaki
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Francesco Tamagnini
- Department of PharmacySchool of ChemistryFood and PharmacyUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Luca Biasetti
- Sussex NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Svenja‐Lotta Rumpf
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Claire Troakes
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Saskia J. Pollack
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Shalom Ukwesa
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Haoyue Sun
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy SuiteSTEM FacultyThe Open UniversityMilton KeynesUK
| | - Louise C. Serpell
- Sussex NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Wendy Noble
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Kevin Staras
- Sussex NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Diane P. Hanger
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteKing's College LondonLondonUK
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13
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Lee CK, Nguyen HS, Kang SJ, Jeong SW. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Altered Excitability of Cardiac Efferent Neurons in Cirrhotic Rats. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1722. [PMID: 39200187 PMCID: PMC11351538 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis often exhibit cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD), characterized by enhanced cardiac sympathetic activity and diminished cardiac vagal tone, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This study delineates the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with altered neuronal activities causing cirrhosis-induced CAD. Biliary and nonbiliary cirrhotic rats were produced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA), respectively. Three weeks after CBDL or TAA injection, the assessment of heart rate variability revealed autonomic imbalance in cirrhotic rats. We observed increased excitability in stellate ganglion (SG) neurons and decreased excitability in intracardiac ganglion (ICG) neurons in cirrhotic rats compared to sham-operated controls. Additionally, threshold, rheobase, and action potential duration exhibited opposite alterations in SG and ICG neurons, along with changes in afterhyperpolarization duration. A- and M-type K⁺ channels were significantly downregulated in SG neurons, while M-type K⁺ channels were upregulated, with downregulation of the N- and L-type Ca2⁺ channels in the ICG neurons of cirrhotic rats, both in transcript expression and functional activity. Collectively, these findings suggest that cirrhosis induces an imbalance between cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic neuronal activities via the differential regulation of K+ and Ca2+ channels. Thus, cirrhosis-induced CAD may be associated with impaired autonomic efferent functions within the homeostatic reflex arc that regulates cardiac functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Seong-Woo Jeong
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea; (C.-K.L.); (H.S.N.); (S.J.K.)
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14
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Chuinsiri N, Siraboriphantakul N, Kendall L, Yarova P, Nile CJ, Song B, Obara I, Durham J, Telezhkin V. Calcium-sensing receptor regulates Kv7 channels via G i/o protein signalling and modulates excitability of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived nociceptive-like neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2676-2696. [PMID: 38627101 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition with unmet medical needs, can be characterised as hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons caused by dysfunction of ion channels. Voltage-gated potassium channels type 7 (Kv7), responsible for maintaining neuronal resting membrane potential and thus excitability, reside under tight control of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a GPCR that regulates the activity of numerous ion channels, but whether CaSR can control Kv7 channel function has been unexplored until now. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Experiments were conducted in recombinant cell models, mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived nociceptive-like neurons using patch-clamp electrophysiology and molecular biology techniques. KEY RESULTS Our results demonstrate that CaSR is expressed in recombinant cell models, hiPSC-derived nociceptive-like neurons and mouse DRG neurons, and its activation induced depolarisation via Kv7.2/7.3 channel inhibition. The CaSR-Kv7.2/7.3 channel crosslink was mediated via the Gi/o protein-adenylate cyclase-cyclicAMP-protein kinase A signalling cascade. Suppression of CaSR function demonstrated a potential to rescue hiPSC-derived nociceptive-like neurons from algogenic cocktail-induced hyperexcitability. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates that the CaSR-Kv7.2/7.3 channel crosslink, via a Gi/o protein signalling pathway, effectively regulates neuronal excitability, providing a feasible pharmacological target for neuronal hyperexcitability management in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nontawat Chuinsiri
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Dentistry, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
- Oral Health Center, Suranaree University of TechnologyHospital, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | | | - Luke Kendall
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Polina Yarova
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher J Nile
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Bing Song
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ilona Obara
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Justin Durham
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Vsevolod Telezhkin
- School of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Urena ES, Diezel CC, Serna M, Hala'ufia G, Majuta L, Barber KR, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. K v7 channel opener retigabine reduces self-administration of cocaine but not sucrose in rats. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13428. [PMID: 39087789 PMCID: PMC11292668 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The increasing rates of drug misuse highlight the urgency of identifying improved therapeutics for treatment. Most drug-seeking behaviours that can be modelled in rodents utilize the repeated intravenous self-administration (SA) of drugs. Recent studies examining the mesolimbic pathway suggest that Kv7/KCNQ channels may contribute to the transition from recreational to chronic drug use. However, to date, all such studies used noncontingent, experimenter-delivered drug model systems, and the extent to which this effect generalizes to rats trained to self-administer drugs is not known. Here, we tested the ability of retigabine (ezogabine), a Kv7 channel opener, to regulate instrumental behaviour in male Sprague Dawley rats. We first validated the ability of retigabine to target experimenter-delivered cocaine in a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay and found that retigabine reduced the acquisition of place preference. Next, we trained rats for cocaine-SA under a fixed-ratio or progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and found that retigabine pretreatment attenuated the SA of low to moderate doses of cocaine. This was not observed in parallel experiments, with rats self-administering sucrose, a natural reward. Compared with sucrose-SA, cocaine-SA was associated with reductions in the expression of the Kv7.5 subunit in the nucleus accumbens, without alterations in Kv7.2 and Kv7.3. Therefore, these studies reveal a reward-specific reduction in SA behaviour and support the notion that Kv7 is a potential therapeutic target for human psychiatric diseases with dysfunctional reward circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban S. Urena
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Cody C. Diezel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Mauricio Serna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Grace Hala'ufia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Lisa Majuta
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Kara R. Barber
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary ProgramUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction‐Center (CPA‐C)University of Arizona Health SciencesTucsonArizonaUSA
- The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS)University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Arthur C. Riegel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary ProgramUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction‐Center (CPA‐C)University of Arizona Health SciencesTucsonArizonaUSA
- The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS)University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- James C. Wyant College of Optical SciencesUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
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16
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Renigunta V, Xhaferri N, Shaikh IG, Schlegel J, Bisen R, Sanvido I, Kalpachidou T, Kummer K, Oliver D, Leitner MG, Lindner M. A versatile functional interaction between electrically silent K V subunits and K V7 potassium channels. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:301. [PMID: 39003683 PMCID: PMC11335225 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels govern K+ ion flux across cell membranes in response to changes in membrane potential. They are formed by the assembly of four subunits, typically from the same family. Electrically silent KV channels (KVS), however, are unable to conduct currents on their own. It has been assumed that these KVS must obligatorily assemble with subunits from the KV2 family into heterotetrameric channels, thereby giving rise to currents distinct from those of homomeric KV2 channels. Herein, we show that KVS subunits indeed also modulate the activity, biophysical properties and surface expression of recombinant KV7 isoforms in a subunit-specific manner. Employing co-immunoprecipitation, and proximity labelling, we unveil the spatial coexistence of KVS and KV7 within a single protein complex. Electrophysiological experiments further indicate functional interaction and probably heterotetramer formation. Finally, single-cell transcriptomic analyses identify native cell types in which this KVS and KV7 interaction may occur. Our findings demonstrate that KV cross-family interaction is much more versatile than previously thought-possibly serving nature to shape potassium conductance to the needs of individual cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Renigunta
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nermina Xhaferri
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Imran Gousebasha Shaikh
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Schlegel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rajeshwari Bisen
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ilaria Sanvido
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Kai Kummer
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Oliver
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael G Leitner
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Moritz Lindner
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
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17
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Stagno C, Mancuso F, Ciaglia T, Ostacolo C, Piperno A, Iraci N, Micale N. In Silico Methods for the Discovery of Kv7.2/7.3 Channels Modulators: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2024; 29:3234. [PMID: 38999185 PMCID: PMC11243076 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in Kv7.2/7.3 agonists originates from the involvement of these channels in several brain hyperexcitability disorders. In particular, Kv7.2/7.3 mutants have been clearly associated with epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) as well as with a spectrum of focal epilepsy disorders, often associated with developmental plateauing or regression. Nevertheless, there is a lack of available therapeutic options, considering that retigabine, the only molecule used in clinic as a broad-spectrum Kv7 agonist, has been withdrawn from the market in late 2016. This is why several efforts have been made both by both academia and industry in the search for suitable chemotypes acting as Kv7.2/7.3 agonists. In this context, in silico methods have played a major role, since the precise structures of different Kv7 homotetramers have been only recently disclosed. In the present review, the computational methods used for the design of Kv.7.2/7.3 small molecule agonists and the underlying medicinal chemistry are discussed in the context of their biological and structure-function properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Stagno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Anna Piperno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Micale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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18
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Chen J, Sanguinetti MC. A new twist to increase ion flow. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:801-802. [PMID: 38267668 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Department of Biochemical Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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19
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Zhang S, Ma D, Wang K, Li Y, Yang Z, Li X, Li J, He J, Mei L, Ye Y, Chen Z, Shen J, Hou P, Guo J, Zhang Q, Yang H. A small-molecule activation mechanism that directly opens the KCNQ2 channel. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:847-856. [PMID: 38167918 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological activation of voltage-gated ion channels by ligands serves as the basis for therapy and mainly involves a classic gating mechanism that augments the native voltage-dependent open probability. Through structure-based virtual screening, we identified a new scaffold compound, Ebio1, serving as a potent and subtype-selective activator for the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ2 and featuring a new activation mechanism. Single-channel patch-clamp, cryogenic-electron microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations, along with chemical derivatives, reveal that Ebio1 engages the KCNQ2 activation by generating an extended channel gate with a larger conductance at the saturating voltage (+50 mV). This mechanism is different from the previously observed activation mechanism of ligands on voltage-gated ion channels. Ebio1 caused S6 helices from residues S303 and F305 to perform a twist-to-open movement, which was sufficient to open the KCNQ2 gate. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the activation of KCNQ2 channel by Ebio1 and lend support for KCNQ-related drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoying Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangnan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianghe Mei
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yangliang Ye
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Zongsheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wuhu Hospital Affiliated to East China Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Juwen Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- Dr Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Zhang C, Burger RM. Cholinergic modulation in the vertebrate auditory pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1414484. [PMID: 38962512 PMCID: PMC11220170 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1414484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a prevalent neurotransmitter throughout the nervous system. In the brain, ACh is widely regarded as a potent neuromodulator. In neurons, ACh signals are conferred through a variety of receptors that influence a broad range of neurophysiological phenomena such as transmitter release or membrane excitability. In sensory circuitry, ACh modifies neural responses to stimuli and coordinates the activity of neurons across multiple levels of processing. These factors enable individual neurons or entire circuits to rapidly adapt to the dynamics of complex sensory stimuli, underscoring an essential role for ACh in sensory processing. In the auditory system, histological evidence shows that acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are expressed at virtually every level of the ascending auditory pathway. Despite its apparent ubiquity in auditory circuitry, investigation of the roles of this cholinergic network has been mainly focused on the inner ear or forebrain structures, while less attention has been directed at regions between the cochlear nuclei and midbrain. In this review, we highlight what is known about cholinergic function throughout the auditory system from the ear to the cortex, but with a particular emphasis on brainstem and midbrain auditory centers. We will focus on receptor expression, mechanisms of modulation, and the functional implications of ACh for sound processing, with the broad goal of providing an overview of a newly emerging view of impactful cholinergic modulation throughout the auditory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - R. Michael Burger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
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21
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Kiper AK, Wegner S, Kadala A, Rinné S, Schütte S, Winter Z, Bertoune MAR, Touska F, Matschke V, Wrobel E, Streit AK, Lang F, Schmidt C, Schulze-Bahr E, Schäfer MKH, Voelkl J, Seebohm G, Zimmermann K, Decher N. KCNQ1 is an essential mediator of the sex-dependent perception of moderate cold temperatures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322475121. [PMID: 38857404 PMCID: PMC11194602 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322475121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Low temperatures and cooling agents like menthol induce cold sensation by activating the peripheral cold receptors TRPM8 and TRPA1, cation channels belonging to the TRP channel family, while the reduction of potassium currents provides an additional and/or synergistic mechanism of cold sensation. Despite extensive studies over the past decades to identify the molecular receptors that mediate thermosensation, cold sensation is still not fully understood and many cold-sensitive peripheral neurons do not express the well-established cold sensor TRPM8. We found that the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ1 (Kv7.1), which is defective in cardiac LQT1 syndrome, is, in addition to its known function in the heart, a highly relevant and sex-specific sensor of moderately cold temperatures. We found that KCNQ1 is expressed in skin and dorsal root ganglion neurons, is sensitive to menthol and cooling agents, and is highly sensitive to moderately cold temperatures, in a temperature range at which TRPM8 is not thermosensitive. C-fiber recordings from KCNQ1-/- mice displayed altered action potential firing properties. Strikingly, only male KCNQ1-/- mice showed substantial deficits in cold avoidance at moderately cold temperatures, with a strength of the phenotype similar to that observed in TRPM8-/- animals. While sex-dependent differences in thermal sensitivity have been well documented in humans and mice, KCNQ1 is the first gene reported to play a role in sex-specific temperature sensation. Moreover, we propose that KCNQ1, together with TRPM8, is a key instrumentalist that orchestrates the range and intensity of cold sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aytug K. Kiper
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Sven Wegner
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Aklesso Kadala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Rinné
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Sven Schütte
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Winter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mirjam A. R. Bertoune
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medicinal Cellbiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Filip Touska
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva Wrobel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Receptor Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Streit
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lang
- Institute for Physiology I, Department of Physiology I, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074Tübingen, Germany
| | - Constanze Schmidt
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eric Schulze-Bahr
- Department for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfG), University Hospital Münster, 48149Münster, Germany
| | - Martin K.-H. Schäfer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medicinal Cellbiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Voelkl
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Physiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4040Linz, Austria
| | - Guiscard Seebohm
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801Bochum, Germany
- Department for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfG), University Hospital Münster, 48149Münster, Germany
| | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Vegetative Physiology and Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032Marburg, Germany
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22
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Pastor J, Attali B. Opposite effects of acute and chronic IGF1 on rat dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1391858. [PMID: 38919332 PMCID: PMC11196413 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1391858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a polypeptide hormone with a ubiquitous distribution in numerous tissues and with various functions in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. IGF-1 provides trophic support for many neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the central nervous system (CNS), IGF-1R signaling regulates brain development, increases neuronal firing and modulates synaptic transmission. IGF-1 and IGF-IR are not only expressed in CNS neurons but also in sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptive neurons that convey pain signals. DRG nociceptive neurons express a variety of receptors and ion channels that are essential players of neuronal excitability, notably the ligand-gated cation channel TRPV1 and the voltage-gated M-type K+ channel, which, respectively, triggers and dampens sensory neuron excitability. Although many lines of evidence suggest that IGF-IR signaling contributes to pain sensitivity, its possible modulation of TRPV1 and M-type K+ channel remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the impact of IGF-1R signaling on DRG neuron excitability and its modulation of TRPV1 and M-type K+ channel activities in cultured rat DRG neurons. Acute application of IGF-1 to DRG neurons triggered hyper-excitability by inducing spontaneous firing or by increasing the frequency of spikes evoked by depolarizing current injection. These effects were prevented by the IGF-1R antagonist NVP-AEW541 and by the PI3Kinase blocker wortmannin. Surprisingly, acute exposure to IGF-1 profoundly inhibited both the TRPV1 current and the spike burst evoked by capsaicin. The Src kinase inhibitor PP2 potently depressed the capsaicin-evoked spike burst but did not alter the IGF-1 inhibition of the hyperexcitability triggered by capsaicin. Chronic IGF-1 treatment (24 h) reduced the spike firing evoked by depolarizing current injection and upregulated the M-current density. In contrast, chronic IGF-1 markedly increased the spike burst evoked by capsaicin. In all, our data suggest that IGF-1 exerts complex effects on DRG neuron excitability as revealed by its dual and opposite actions upon acute and chronic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernard Attali
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Sagol School of Neurosciences-Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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23
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Graziano B, Wang L, White OR, Kaplan DH, Fernandez-Abascal J, Bianchi L. Glial KCNQ K + channels control neuronal output by regulating GABA release from glia in C. elegans. Neuron 2024; 112:1832-1847.e7. [PMID: 38460523 PMCID: PMC11156561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
KCNQs are voltage-gated K+ channels that control neuronal excitability and are mutated in epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). KCNQs have been extensively studied in neurons, but their function in glia is unknown. Using voltage, calcium, and GABA imaging, optogenetics, and behavioral assays, we show here for the first time in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that glial KCNQ channels control neuronal excitability by mediating GABA release from glia via regulation of the function of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Further, we show that human KCNQ channels have the same role when expressed in nematode glia, underscoring conservation of function across species. Finally, we show that pathogenic loss-of-function and gain-of-function human KCNQ2 mutations alter glia-to-neuron GABA signaling in distinct ways and that the KCNQ channel opener retigabine exerts rescuing effects. This work identifies glial KCNQ channels as key regulators of neuronal excitability via control of GABA release from glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Graziano
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Olivia R White
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daryn H Kaplan
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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24
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Zhan D, Zhang J, Su S, Ren X, Zhao S, Zang W, Cao J. TET1 Participates in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced Trigeminal Inflammatory Pain by Regulating Kv7.2 in a Mouse Model. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:707-718. [PMID: 37973721 PMCID: PMC11178721 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal inflammatory pain is one of the most severe pain-related disorders in humans; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible contribution of interaction between ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) and the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv7.2 (encoded by Kcnq2) to orofacial inflammatory pain in mice. We found that complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection reduced the expression of Kcnq2/Kv7.2 in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and induced orofacial inflammatory pain. The involvement of Kv7.2 in CFA-induced orofacial pain was further confirmed by Kv7.2 knockdown or overexpression. Moreover, TET1 knockdown in Tet1flox/flox mice significantly reduced the expression of Kv7.2 and M currents in the TG and led to pain-like behaviors. Conversely, TET1 overexpression by lentivirus rescued the CFA-induced decreases of Kcnq2 and M currents and alleviated mechanical allodynia. Our data suggest that TET1 is implicated in CFA-induced trigeminal inflammatory pain by positively regulating Kv7.2 in TG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengcheng Zhan
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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25
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Tian G, Bartas K, Hui M, Chen L, Vasquez JJ, Azouz G, Derdeyn P, Manville RW, Ho EL, Fang AS, Li Y, Tyler I, Setola V, Aoto J, Abbott GW, Beier KT. Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596557. [PMID: 38853899 PMCID: PMC11160764 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit, receiving strong input from the indirect pathway and regulating a variety of functions, including locomotor output and habit formation. We recently showed that it also acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity, as inhibition of parvalbumin-positive cells in the GPe (GPe PV ) prevents the development of cocaine-induced reward and sensitization. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. Here we show that GPe PV cells control cocaine reward and sensitization by inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr GABA ), and ultimately, selectively modulating the activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA DA ) cells projecting to the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcLat). A major input to GPe PV cells is the indirect pathway of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS D 2 ), which receives DAergic innervation from collaterals of VTA DA →NAcLat cells, making this a closed-loop circuit. Cocaine likely facilitates reward and sensitization not directly through actions in the GPe, but rather in the upstream DMS, where the cocaine-induced elevation of DA triggers a depression in DMS D 2 cell activity. This cocaine-induced elevation in DA levels can be blocked by inhibition of GPe PV cells, closing the loop. Interestingly, the level of GPe PV cell activity prior to cocaine administration is correlated with the extent of reward and sensitization that animals experience in response to future administration of cocaine, indicating that GPe PV cell activity is a key predictor of future behavioral responses to cocaine. Single nucleus RNA-sequencing of GPe cells indicated that genes encoding voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 that control intrinsic cellular excitability are downregulated in GPe PV cells following a single cocaine exposure, contributing to the elevation in GPe PV cell excitability. Acutely activating channels containing KCNQ3 and/or KCNQ5 using the small molecule carnosic acid, a key psychoactive component of Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) extract, reduced GPe PV cell excitability and also impaired cocaine reward, sensitization, and volitional cocaine intake, indicating its potential as a therapeutic to counteract psychostimulant use disorder. Our findings illuminate the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which the GPe orchestrates brain-wide changes in response to cocaine that are required for reward, sensitization, and self-administration behaviors.
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26
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Maraslioglu-Sperber A, Pizzi E, Fisch JO, Kattler K, Ritter T, Friauf E. Molecular and functional profiling of cell diversity and identity in the lateral superior olive, an auditory brainstem center with ascending and descending projections. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354520. [PMID: 38846638 PMCID: PMC11153811 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The lateral superior olive (LSO), a prominent integration center in the auditory brainstem, contains a remarkably heterogeneous population of neurons. Ascending neurons, predominantly principal neurons (pLSOs), process interaural level differences for sound localization. Descending neurons (lateral olivocochlear neurons, LOCs) provide feedback into the cochlea and are thought to protect against acoustic overload. The molecular determinants of the neuronal diversity in the LSO are largely unknown. Here, we used patch-seq analysis in mice at postnatal days P10-12 to classify developing LSO neurons according to their functional and molecular profiles. Across the entire sample (n = 86 neurons), genes involved in ATP synthesis were particularly highly expressed, confirming the energy expenditure of auditory neurons. Two clusters were identified, pLSOs and LOCs. They were distinguished by 353 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), most of which were novel for the LSO. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the transcriptomic clustering. We focused on genes affecting neuronal input-output properties and validated some of them by immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and pharmacology. These genes encode proteins such as osteopontin, Kv11.3, and Kvβ3 (pLSO-specific), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (LOC-specific), or Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 (no DEGs). We identified 12 "Super DEGs" and 12 genes showing "Cluster similarity." Collectively, we provide fundamental and comprehensive insights into the molecular composition of individual ascending and descending neurons in the juvenile auditory brainstem and how this may relate to their specific functions, including developmental aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Maraslioglu-Sperber
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Erika Pizzi
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jonas O. Fisch
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kattler
- Genetics/Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tamara Ritter
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Eckhard Friauf
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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27
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Kandel MB, Zhuang GZ, Goins WF, Marzulli M, Zhang M, Glorioso JC, Kang Y, Levitt AE, Kwok WM, Levitt RC, Sarantopoulos KD. rdHSV-CA8 non-opioid analgesic gene therapy decreases somatosensory neuronal excitability by activating Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1398839. [PMID: 38783904 PMCID: PMC11112096 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1398839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is common and inadequately treated, making the development of safe and effective analgesics a high priority. Our previous data indicate that carbonic anhydrase-8 (CA8) expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) mediates analgesia via inhibition of neuronal ER inositol trisphosphate receptor-1 (ITPR1) via subsequent decrease in ER calcium release and reduction of cytoplasmic free calcium, essential to the regulation of neuronal excitability. This study tested the hypothesis that novel JDNI8 replication-defective herpes simplex-1 viral vectors (rdHSV) carrying a CA8 transgene (vHCA8) reduce primary afferent neuronal excitability. Whole-cell current clamp recordings in small DRG neurons showed that vHCA8 transduction caused prolongation of their afterhyperpolarization (AHP), an essential regulator of neuronal excitability. This AHP prolongation was completely reversed by the specific Kv7 channel inhibitor XE-991. Voltage clamp recordings indicate an effect via Kv7 channels in vHCA8-infected small DRG neurons. These data demonstrate for the first time that vHCA8 produces Kv7 channel activation, which decreases neuronal excitability in nociceptors. This suppression of excitability may translate in vivo as non-opioid dependent behavioral- or clinical analgesia, if proven behaviorally and clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munal B. Kandel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Gerald Z. Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - William F. Goins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marco Marzulli
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mingdi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joseph C. Glorioso
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yuan Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alexandra E. Levitt
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Wai-Meng Kwok
- Department of Anesthesiology and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Roy C. Levitt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- John T. MacDonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Konstantinos D. Sarantopoulos
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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28
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Delgado-Ramírez M, López-Serrano AL, Sánchez-Armass S, Meza U, Rodríguez-Menchaca AA. Crosstalk between cholesterol and PIP 2 in the regulation of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels. Biol Chem 2024; 405:161-165. [PMID: 37552610 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The activity of neuronal Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels is critically dependent on PIP2 and finely modulated by cholesterol. Here, we report the crosstalk between cholesterol and PIP2 in the regulation of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels. Our results show that currents passing through Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels in cholesterol-depleted cells, by acute application of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), were less sensitive to PIP2 dephosphorylation strategies than those of control cells, suggesting that cholesterol depletion enhances the Kv7.2/Kv7.3-PIP2 interaction. In contrast, the sensitivity of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels to acute membrane cholesterol depletion by MβCD was not altered in mutant channels with different apparent affinities for PIP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Delgado-Ramírez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza #2405, Col. Los Filtros, San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78210, México
| | - Ana Laura López-Serrano
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza #2405, Col. Los Filtros, San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78210, México
| | - Sergio Sánchez-Armass
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza #2405, Col. Los Filtros, San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78210, México
| | - Ulises Meza
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza #2405, Col. Los Filtros, San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78210, México
| | - Aldo A Rodríguez-Menchaca
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Venustiano Carranza #2405, Col. Los Filtros, San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78210, México
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29
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Mehrdel B, Villalba-Galea CA. Effect of a sensing charge mutation on the deactivation of KV7.2 channels. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202213284. [PMID: 38236165 PMCID: PMC10796215 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Potassium-selective, voltage-gated channels of the KV7 family are critical regulators of electrical excitability in many cell types. Removing the outermost putative sensing charge (R198) of the human KV7.2 shifts its activation voltage dependence toward more negative potentials. This suggests that removing a charge "at the top" of the fourth (S4) segment of the voltage-sensing domain facilitates activation. Here, we hypothesized that restoring that charge would bring back the activation to its normal voltage range. We introduced the mutation R198H in KV7.2 with the idea that titrating the introduced histidine with protons would reinstate the sensing charge. As predicted, the mutant's activation voltage dependence changed as a function of the external pH (pHEXT) while modest changes in the activation voltage dependence were observed with the wild-type (WT) channel. On the other hand, the deactivation kinetics of the R198H mutant was remarkably sensitive to pHEXT changes, readily deactivating at pHEXT 6, while becoming slower to deactivate at pHEXT 8. In contrast, the KV7.2 WT displayed modest changes in the deactivation kinetics as a function of pHEXT. This suggested that the charge of residue 198 was critical for deactivation. However, in a surprising turn, the mutant R198Q-a non-titratable mutation-also displayed a high pHEXT sensitivity activity. We thus concluded that rather than the charge at position 198, the protonation status of the channel's extracellular face modulates the open channel stabilization and that the charge of residue 198 is required for the voltage sensor to effectively deactivate the channel, overcoming the stabilizing effect of high pHEXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharak Mehrdel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Carlos A. Villalba-Galea
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
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Zhang YJ, Wang TS, Zhu XM, Yu LF, Zhang LM, Zhou YF, Wang Y, Zhou SZ. Biallelic variants of KCNQ2 in early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Seizure 2024; 116:159-161. [PMID: 36934001 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Shuang Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Fei Yu
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Mei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Feng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shui-Zhen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wei Y, Xu X, Guo Q, Zhao S, Qiu Y, Wang D, Yu W, Liu Y, Wang K. A novel dual serotonin transporter and M-channel inhibitor D01 for antidepression and cognitive improvement. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1457-1466. [PMID: 38487010 PMCID: PMC10935023 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a core symptom common in psychiatric disorders including depression that is primarily managed by antidepressants lacking efficacy in improving cognition. In this study, we report a novel dual serotonin transporter and voltage-gated potassium Kv7/KCNQ/M-channel inhibitor D01 (a 2-methyl-3-aryloxy-3-heteroarylpropylamines derivative) that exhibits both anti-depression effects and improvements in cognition. D01 inhibits serotonin transporters (Ki = 30.1 ± 6.9 nmol/L) and M channels (IC50 = 10.1 ± 2.4 μmol/L). D01 also reduces the immobility duration in the mouse FST and TST assays in a dose-dependent manner without a stimulatory effect on locomotion. Intragastric administrations of D01 (20 and 40 mg/kg) can significantly shorten the immobility time in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression-like behavior. Additionally, D01 dose-dependently improves the cognitive deficit induced by CRS in Morris water maze test and increases the exploration time with novel objects in normal or scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in mice, but not fluoxetine. Furthermore, D01 reverses the long-term potentiation (LTP) inhibition induced by scopolamine. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that D01, a dual-target serotonin reuptake and M channel inhibitor, is highly effective in the treatment-resistant depression and cognitive deficits, thus holding potential for development as therapy of depression with cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiangqing Xu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Yinli Qiu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Dongli Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Drug Research and Development, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Zhang Y, Xue Y, Ma Y, Du X, Lu B, Wang Y, Yan Z. Improved classification and pathogenicity assessment by comprehensive functional studies in a large data set of KCNQ2 variants. Life Sci 2024; 339:122378. [PMID: 38142737 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The paucity of functional annotations on hundreds of KCNQ2 variants impedes the diagnosis and treatment of KCNQ2-related disorders. The aims of this work were to determine the functional properties of 331 clinical KCNQ2 variants, interpreted the pathogenicity of 331 variants using functional data,and explored the association between homomeric channel functions and phenotypes. MAIN METHODS We collected 145 KCNQ2 variants from 232 epilepsy patients and 186 KCNQ2 missense variants from the ClinVar database. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to classify the function of 331 variants. Subsequently, we proposed 24 criteria for the pathogenicity interpretation of KCNQ2 variants and used them to assess pathogenicity of 331 variants. Finally, we analyzed the clinical phenotypes of patients carrying these variants, and explored the correlations between functional mechanisms and phenotypes. KEY FINDINGS In the homozygous state, 287 were classified as loss-of-function and 14 as gain-of-function. In the more clinically relative heterozygous state, 200 variants exhibited functional impairment, 121 of which showed dominant-negative effects on wild-type KCNQ2 subunits. After introducing functional data as strong-level evidence to interpret pathogenicity, over half of variants (169/331) were reclassified and 254 were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic. Moreover, dominant-negative effect and haploinsufficiency were identified as primary mechanisms in DEE/ID and SeLNE, respectively. The degree of impairment of channel function correlated with the phenotype severity. SIGNIFICANCE Our study reveals the possible cause of KCNQ2-related disorders at the molecular level, provides compelling evidence for clinical classification of KCNQ2 variants, and expands the knowledge of correlations between functional mechanisms and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zhang
- Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
| | - Yuqing Xue
- Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
| | - Yu Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiaonan Du
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
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Bello-Rojas S, Bagnall MW. Motor control: Snake neurons speed up. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R98-R99. [PMID: 38320482 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
How are motor neurons tuned for very different jobs? Classic work has focused on variations in motor neuron size and their premotor networks. New results in rattlesnakes show that shifting a motor neuron's temporal precision can be as simple as changing its potassium channel conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Bello-Rojas
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Martha W Bagnall
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Vilan A, Grangeia A, Ribeiro JM, Cilio MR, de Vries LS. Distinctive Amplitude-Integrated EEG Ictal Pattern and Targeted Therapy with Carbamazepine in KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 Neonatal Epilepsy: A Case Series. Neuropediatrics 2024; 55:32-41. [PMID: 37827512 DOI: 10.1055/a-2190-9521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbamazepine (CBZ) is effective in treating KCNQ2/3-related seizures, which may present with a distinctive amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) pattern. OBJECTIVE To assess how improved recognition of the distinctive aEEG ictal pattern associated with KCNQ2/3 variants has enabled early and effective targeted therapy with CBZ. METHODS Retrospective descriptive study of five neonates with KCNQ2/3 pathogenic gene variants admitted at a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over an 8-year period. RESULTS The distinctive ictal aEEG pattern was recognized in four neonates after an average of 61.5 hours (minimum 12 hours, maximum 120 hours) from the first electroclinical seizure and prompted the use of CBZ that was effective in all. The two most recently diagnosed patients could avoid polytherapy as they received CBZ as the first and second antiseizure medication, respectively. Three out of five patients with continuous normal voltage (CNV), sleep-wake cycling (SWC), and shorter postictal suppression had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. Regarding the remaining two infants, one was not trialed with CBZ and had a high seizure burden, both presented with a prolonged postictal suppression, no SWC, and had moderate-to-severe developmental delay. Genetic results became available after the neonatal period in all but one of the infants, who had a prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSION Recognition of the distinctive ictal aEEG pattern in the NICU allowed early and effective targeted therapy with CBZ in four neonates, well before genetic results became available. Furthermore, a CNV background pattern with SWC and short postictal suppression were associated with normal developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vilan
- Department of Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar São João, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Grangeia
- Department of Genetics, Centro Hospitalar São João, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Mendes Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Roberta Cilio
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Linda S de Vries
- Department of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Müller S, Kartheus M, Hendinger E, Hübner DC, Schnell E, Rackow S, Bertsche A, Köhling R, Kirschstein T. Persistent Kv7.2/7.3 downregulation in the rat pilocarpine model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2024; 200:107296. [PMID: 38219422 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Mutations within the Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 genes are well described causes for genetic childhood epilepsies. Knowledge on these channels in acquired focal epilepsy, especially in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), however, is scarce. Here, we used the rat pilocarpine model of drug-resistant mTLE to elucidate both expression and function by quantitative polymerase-chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology, respectively. We found transcriptional downregulation of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 as well as reduced Kv7.2 expression in epileptic CA1. Consequences were altered synaptic transmission, hyperexcitability which consisted of epileptiform afterpotentials, and increased susceptibility to acute GABAergic disinhibition. Importantly, blocking Kv7 channels with XE991 increased hyperexcitability in control tissue, but not in chronically epileptic tissue suggesting that the Kv7 deficit had precluded XE991 effects in this tissue. Conversely, XE991 resulted in comparable reduction of the paired-pulse ratio in both experimental groups implying preserved presynaptic Kv7.2 function of Schaffer collateral terminals. Consistent with Kv7.2/7.3 downregulation, the Kv7.3 channel opener β-hydroxybutyrate failed to mitigate hyperexcitability. Our findings demonstrate that compromised Kv7 function is not only relevant in genetic epilepsy, but also in acquired focal epilepsy. Moreover, they help explain reduced anti-seizure efficacy of Kv7 channel openers in drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Müller
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | - Mareike Kartheus
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hendinger
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Emma Schnell
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | - Simone Rackow
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany; Center of Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medicine Rostock, Germany
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Rostock, Germany; Center of Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medicine Rostock, Germany.
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36
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Bothe MS, Kohl T, Felmy F, Gallant J, Chagnaud BP. Timing and precision of rattlesnake spinal motoneurons are determined by the KV7 2/3 potassium channel. Curr Biol 2024; 34:286-297.e5. [PMID: 38157862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of novel motor behaviors requires modifications in the central pattern generators (CPGs) controlling muscle activity. How such changes gradually lead to novel behaviors remains enigmatic due to the long time course of evolution. Rattlesnakes provide a unique opportunity to investigate how a locomotor CPG was evolutionarily modified to generate a novel behavior-in this case, acoustic signaling. We show that motoneurons (MNs) in the body and tail spinal cord of rattlesnakes possess fundamentally different physiological characteristics, which allow MNs in the tail to integrate and transmit CPG output for controlling superfast muscles with high temporal precision. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we demonstrate that these differences in locomotor and rattle MNs are mainly determined by KV72/3 potassium channels. However, although KV72/3 exerted a significantly different influence on locomotor and rattle MN physiology, single-cell RNA-seq unexpectedly did not reveal any differences in KV72/3 channels' expression. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Kohl
- TUM School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Felmy
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jason Gallant
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Boris P Chagnaud
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Zhang R, Xie J, Yuan X, Yu Y, Zhuang Y, Zhang F, Hou J, Liu Y, Huang W, Zhang M, Li J, Gong Q, Peng X. Newly discovered variants in unexplained neonatal encephalopathy. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2354. [PMID: 38284441 PMCID: PMC10795097 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic background of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is complicated and early diagnosis is beneficial to optimizing therapeutic strategy for patients. METHODS NE Patients with unclear etiology received regular clinical tests including ammonia test, metabolic screening test, amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic (aEEG) monitoring, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning, and genetic test. The protein structure change was predicted using Dynamut2 and RoseTTAFold. RESULTS 15 out of a total of 113 NE Patients were detected with newly reported pathogenic variants. In this sub-cohort, (1) seizure was the primary initial symptoms; (2) four patients had abnormal metabolic screening results, and two of them were also diagnosed with excessive blood ammonia concentration; (3) the brain MRI results were irregular in three infants and the brain waves were of moderate-severe abnormality in about a half of the patients. The novel pathogenic variants discovered in this study belonged to 12 genes, and seven of them were predicted to introduce a premature translation termination. In-silicon predictions showed that four variants were destructive to the protein structure of KCNQ2. CONCLUSION Our study expands the mutation spectrum of genes associated with NE and introduces new evidence for molecular diagnosis in this newborn illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosisChangsha Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosisChangsha Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jianfei Hou
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosisChangsha Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yanqin Liu
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosisChangsha Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryChangshaHunanChina
| | - Weiqing Huang
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Junshuai Li
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qiang Gong
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosisChangsha Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiaoming Peng
- Department of NeonatologyHunan Children's HospitalChangshaHunanChina
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Sinha AK, Lee C, Holt JC. KCNQ2/3 regulates efferent mediated slow excitation of vestibular afferents in mammals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.30.573731. [PMID: 38260489 PMCID: PMC10802244 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Primary vestibular afferents transmit information from hair cells about head position and movement to the CNS, which is critical for maintaining balance, gaze stability and spatial navigation. The CNS, in turn, modulates hair cells and afferents via the efferent vestibular system (EVS) and its activation of several cholinergic signaling mechanisms. Electrical stimulation of EVS neurons gives rise to three kinetically- and mechanistically-distinct afferent responses including a slow excitation, a fast excitation, and a fast inhibition. EVS-mediated slow excitation is attributed to odd-numbered muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) on the afferent whose activation leads to the closure of a potassium conductance and increased afferent discharge. Likely effector candidates include low-threshold, voltage-gated potassium channels belonging to the KCNQ (Kv7.X) family, which are involved in neuronal excitability across the nervous system and are subject to mAChR modulation. Specifically, KCNQ2/3 heteromeric channels may be the molecular correlates for the M-current, a potassium current that is blocked following the activation of odd-numbered mAChRs. To this end, multiple members of the KCNQ channel family, including KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, are localized to several microdomains within vestibular afferent endings, where they influence afferent excitability and could be targeted by EVS neurons. Additionally, the relative expression of KCNQ subunits appears to vary across the sensory epithelia and among different afferent types. However, it is unclear which KCNQ channel subunits are targeted by mAChR activation and whether that also varies among different afferent classes. Here we show that EVS-mediated slow excitation is blocked and enhanced by the non-selective KCNQ channel blocker XE991 and opener retigabine, respectively. Using KCNQ subunit-selective drugs, we observed that a KCNQ2 blocker blocks the slow response in irregular afferents, while a KCNQ2/3 opener enhances slow responses in regular afferents. The KCNQ2 blockers did not appear to affect resting afferent discharge rates, while KCNQ2/3 or KCNQ2/4 openers decreased afferent excitability. Here, we show pharmacological evidence that KCNQ2/3 subunits are likely targeted by mAChR activation in mammalian vestibular afferents. Additionally, we show that KCNQ3 KO mice have altered resting discharge rate as well as EVS-mediated slow response. These data together suggest that KCNQ channels play a role in slow response and discharge rate of vestibular afferents, which can be modulated by EVS in mammals.
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Lai H, Gao M, Yang H. The potassium channels: Neurobiology and pharmacology of tinnitus. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25281. [PMID: 38284861 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a widespread public health issue that imposes a significant social burden. The occurrence and maintenance of tinnitus have been shown to be associated with abnormal neuronal activity in the auditory pathway. Based on this view, neurobiological and pharmacological developments in tinnitus focus on ion channels and synaptic neurotransmitter receptors in neurons in the auditory pathway. With major breakthroughs in the pathophysiology and research methodology of tinnitus in recent years, the role of the largest family of ion channels, potassium ion channels, in modulating the excitability of neurons involved in tinnitus has been increasingly demonstrated. More and more potassium channels involved in the neural mechanism of tinnitus have been discovered, and corresponding drugs have been developed. In this article, we review animal (mouse, rat, hamster, and guinea-pig), human, and genetic studies on the different potassium channels involved in tinnitus, analyze the limitations of current clinical research on potassium channels, and propose future prospects. The aim of this review is to promote the understanding of the role of potassium ion channels in tinnitus and to advance the development of drugs targeting potassium ion channels for tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohong Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqian Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haidi Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Bayat A, Iavarone S, Miceli F, Jakobsen AV, Johannesen KM, Nikanorova M, Ploski R, Szymanska K, Flamini R, Cooper EC, Weckhuysen S, Taglialatela M, Møller RS. Phenotypic and functional assessment of two novel KCNQ2 gain-of-function variants Y141N and G239S and effects of amitriptyline treatment. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00296. [PMID: 38241158 PMCID: PMC10903081 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
While loss-of-function (LoF) variants in KCNQ2 are associated with a spectrum of neonatal-onset epilepsies, gain-of-function (GoF) variants cause a more complex phenotype that precludes neonatal-onset epilepsy. In the present work, the clinical features of three patients carrying a de novo KCNQ2 Y141N (n = 1) or G239S variant (n = 2) respectively, are described. All three patients had a mild global developmental delay, with prominent language deficits, and strong activation of interictal epileptic activity during sleep. Epileptic seizures were not reported. The absence of neonatal seizures suggested a GoF effect and prompted functional testing of the variants. In vitro whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological experiments in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells transiently-transfected with the cDNAs encoding Kv7.2 subunits carrying the Y141N or G239S variants in homomeric or heteromeric configurations with Kv7.2 subunits, revealed that currents from channels incorporating mutant subunits displayed increased current densities and hyperpolarizing shifts of about 10 mV in activation gating; both these functional features are consistent with an in vitro GoF phenotype. The antidepressant drug amitriptyline induced a reversible and concentration-dependent inhibition of current carried by Kv7.2 Y141N and G239S mutant channels. Based on in vitro results, amitriptyline was prescribed in one patient (G239S), prompting a significant improvement in motor, verbal, social, sensory and adaptive behavior skillsduring the two-year-treatment period. Thus, our results suggest that KCNQ2 GoF variants Y141N and G239S cause a mild DD with prominent language deficits in the absence of neonatal seizures and that treatment with the Kv7 channel blocker amitriptyline might represent a potential targeted treatment for patients with KCNQ2 GoF variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Bayat
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark; Department for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Stefano Iavarone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anne V Jakobsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Katrine M Johannesen
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark; Department of Genetics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marina Nikanorova
- Department of Pediatrics, Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Rafal Ploski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Szymanska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Edward C Cooper
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX, USA
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied and Translational Genomics Group, VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Neurology Department, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark; Department for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Huang Y, Ma D, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Guo J. Voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQs: Structures, mechanisms, and modulations. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 689:149218. [PMID: 37976835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
KCNQ (Kv7) channels are voltage-gated, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate- (PIP2-) modulated potassium channels that play essential roles in regulating the activity of neurons and cardiac myocytes. Hundreds of mutations in KCNQ channels are closely related to various cardiac and neurological disorders, such as long QT syndrome, epilepsy, and deafness, which makes KCNQ channels important drug targets. During the past several years, the application of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technique in the structure determination of KCNQ channels has greatly advanced our understanding of their molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the currently available structures of KCNQ channels, analyze their special voltage gating mechanism, and discuss their activation mechanisms by both the endogenous membrane lipid and the exogenous synthetic ligands. These structural studies of KCNQ channels will guide the development of drugs targeting KCNQ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Huang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiwen Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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42
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Sharples SA, Broadhead MJ, Gray JA, Miles GB. M-type potassium currents differentially affect activation of motoneuron subtypes and tune recruitment gain. J Physiol 2023; 601:5751-5775. [PMID: 37988235 DOI: 10.1113/jp285348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The size principle is a key mechanism governing the orderly recruitment of motor units and is believed to be dependent on passive properties of the constituent motoneurons. However, motoneurons are endowed with voltage-sensitive ion channels that create non-linearities in their input-output functions. Here we describe a role for the M-type potassium current, conducted by KCNQ channels, in the control of motoneuron recruitment in mice. Motoneurons were studied with whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology in transverse spinal slices and identified based on delayed (fast) and immediate (slow) onsets of repetitive firing. M-currents were larger in delayed compared to immediate firing motoneurons, which was not reflected by variations in the presence of Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 subunits. Instead, a more depolarized spike threshold in delayed-firing motoneurons afforded a greater proportion of the total M-current to become activated within the subthreshold voltage range, which translated to a greater influence on their recruitment with little influence on their firing rates. Pharmacological activation of M-currents also influenced motoneuron recruitment at the population level, producing a rightward shift in the recruitment curve of monosynaptic reflexes within isolated mouse spinal cords. These results demonstrate a prominent role for M-type potassium currents in regulating the function of motor units, which occurs primarily through the differential control of motoneuron subtype recruitment. More generally, these findings highlight the importance of active properties mediated by voltage-sensitive ion channels in the differential control of motoneuron recruitment, which is a key mechanism for the gradation of muscle force. KEY POINTS: M-currents exert an inhibitory influence on spinal motor output. This inhibitory influence is exerted by controlling the recruitment, but not the firing rate, of high-threshold fast-like motoneurons, with limited influence on low-threshold slow-like motoneurons. Preferential control of fast motoneurons may be linked to a larger M-current that is activated within the subthreshold voltage range compared to slow motoneurons. Larger M-currents in fast compared to slow motoneurons are not accounted for by differences in Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 channel composition. The orderly recruitment of motoneuron subtypes is shaped by differences in the contribution of voltage-gated ion channels, including KCNQ channels. KCNQ channels may provide a target to dynamically modulate the recruitment gain across the motor pool and readily adjust movement vigour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Sharples
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | | | - James A Gray
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Gareth B Miles
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
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43
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Liu E, Pang K, Liu M, Tan X, Hang Z, Mu S, Han W, Yue Q, Comai S, Sun J. Activation of Kv7 channels normalizes hyperactivity of the VTA-NAcLat circuit and attenuates methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference and sensitization in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5183-5194. [PMID: 37604975 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The brain circuit projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens lateral shell (NAcLat) has a key role in methamphetamine (MA) addiction. As different dopamine (DA) neuron subpopulations in the VTA participate in different neuronal circuits, it is a challenge to isolate these DA neuron subtypes. Using retrograde tracing and Patch-seq, we isolated DA neurons in the VTA-NAcLat circuit in MA-treated mice and performed gene expression profiling. Among the differentially expressed genes, KCNQ genes were dramatically downregulated. KCNQ genes encode Kv7 channel proteins, which modulate neuronal excitability. Injection of both the Kv7.2/3 agonist ICA069673 and the Kv7.4 agonist fasudil into the VTA attenuated MA-induced conditioned place preference and locomotor sensitization and decreased neuronal excitability. Increasing Kv7.2/3 activity decreased neural oscillations, synaptic plasticity and DA release in the VTA-NacLat circuit in MA-treated mice. Furthermore, overexpression of only Kv7.3 channels in the VTA-NacLat circuit was sufficient to attenuate MA-induced reward behavior and decrease VTA neuron excitability. Activation of Kv7 channels in the VTA may become a novel treatment strategy for MA abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kunkun Pang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaofang Hang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shouhong Mu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weikai Han
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingwei Yue
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jinhao Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Bortolami A, Sesti F. Ion channels in neurodevelopment: lessons from the Integrin-KCNB1 channel complex. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2365-2369. [PMID: 37282454 PMCID: PMC10360111 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels modulate cellular excitability by regulating ionic fluxes across biological membranes. Pathogenic mutations in ion channel genes give rise to epileptic disorders that are among the most frequent neurological diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Epilepsies are triggered by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory conductances. However, pathogenic mutations in the same allele can give rise to loss-of-function and/or gain-of-function variants, all able to trigger epilepsy. Furthermore, certain alleles are associated with brain malformations even in the absence of a clear electrical phenotype. This body of evidence argues that the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of ion channels are more diverse than originally thought. Studies focusing on ion channels in prenatal cortical development have shed light on this apparent paradox. The picture that emerges is that ion channels play crucial roles in landmark neurodevelopmental processes, including neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, and synapse formation. Thus, pathogenic channel mutants can not only cause epileptic disorders by altering excitability, but further, by inducing morphological and synaptic abnormalities that are initiated during neocortex formation and may persist into the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bortolami
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Federico Sesti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
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45
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Ma D, Zheng Y, Li X, Zhou X, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zhang W, Fang J, Zhao G, Hou P, Nan F, Yang W, Su N, Gao Z, Guo J. Ligand activation mechanisms of human KCNQ2 channel. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6632. [PMID: 37857637 PMCID: PMC10587151 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The human voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ2/KCNQ3 carries the neuronal M-current, which helps to stabilize the membrane potential. KCNQ2 can be activated by analgesics and antiepileptic drugs but their activation mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human KCNQ2-CaM in complex with three activators, namely the antiepileptic drug cannabidiol (CBD), the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), and HN37 (pynegabine), an antiepileptic drug in the clinical trial, in an either closed or open conformation. The activator-bound structures, along with electrophysiology analyses, reveal the binding modes of two CBD, one PIP2, and two HN37 molecules in each KCNQ2 subunit, and elucidate their activation mechanisms on the KCNQ2 channel. These structures may guide the development of antiepileptic drugs and analgesics that target KCNQ2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Yueming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiajia Fang
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Fajun Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Nannan Su
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China.
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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Arias ER, Sánchez-Tafolla BM, Terrón C, Martínez LA, Zetina ME, Morales MA, Cifuentes F. Long-term potentiation and its neurotrophin-dependent modulation in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat are influenced by KCNQ channel function. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:539-547. [PMID: 37406358 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Ganglionic long-term potentiation (gLTP) in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is differentially modulated by neurotrophic factors (Nts): brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). KCNQ/M channels, key regulators of neuronal excitability, and firing pattern are modulated by Nts; therefore, they might contribute to gLTP expression and to the Nts-dependent modulation of gLTP. In the SCG of rats, we characterized the presence of the KCNQ2 isoform and the effects of opposite KCNQ/M channel modulators on gLTP in control condition and under Nts modulation. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses showed the expression of the KCNQ2 isoform. We found that 1 µmol/L XE991, a channel inhibitor, significantly reduced gLTP (∼50%), whereas 5 µmol/L flupirtine, a channel activator, significantly increased gLTP (1.3- to 1.7-fold). Both modulators counterbalanced the effects of the Nts on gLTP. Data suggest that KCNQ/M channels are likely involved in gLTP expression and in the modulation exerted by BDNF and NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin R Arias
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Berardo M Sánchez-Tafolla
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Terrón
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis A Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maria E Zetina
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miguel A Morales
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fredy Cifuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular & Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.U., Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
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47
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Lee S, Jang IS. Menthol excites dural afferent neurons by inhibiting leak K + conductance in rats. Neurosci Lett 2023; 813:137427. [PMID: 37549867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Menthol-a natural organic compound-is widely used for relieving various pain conditions including migraine. However, a high dose of menthol reportedly decreases pain thresholds and enhances pain responses. Accordingly, in the present study, we addressed the effect of menthol on the excitability of acutely isolated dural afferent neurons, which were identified with a fluorescent dye, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Under a voltage-clamped condition, menthol altered the holding current levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The menthol-induced current (IMenthol) remained unaffected by the addition of selective transient receptor potential melastatin 8 antagonists. Moreover, the reversal potential of IMenthol was similar to the equilibrium potential of K+. IMenthol was accompanied by an increase in input resistance, thereby suggesting that menthol decreases the leak K+ conductance. Under a current-clamped condition, menthol caused depolarization of the membrane potential and decreased the threshold for the generation of action potential. While the IMenthol was substantially inhibited by 10 μM XE-991, a selective KV7 blocker, the M-current mediated by KV7 was not detected in the nociceptive neurons tested in the present study. Moreover, IMenthol decreased under acidic extracellular pH conditions or in the presence of 3 μM A-1899, a selective K2P3.1 and K2P9.1 blocker. The present results suggest that menthol inhibits leak K+ channels, possibly acid-sensitive two-pore domain K+ channels, thereby increasing the excitability of nociceptive sensory neurons. The resultant increase in neuron excitability may partially be responsible for the pronociceptive effect mediated by high menthol doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbo Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Sung Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea; Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea.
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48
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Alam KA, Svalastoga P, Martinez A, Glennon JC, Haavik J. Potassium channels in behavioral brain disorders. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential: A narrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105301. [PMID: 37414376 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels (K+-channels) selectively control the passive flow of potassium ions across biological membranes and thereby also regulate membrane excitability. Genetic variants affecting many of the human K+-channels are well known causes of Mendelian disorders within cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. K+-channels are also primary targets of many natural toxins from poisonous organisms and drugs used within cardiology and metabolism. As genetic tools are improving and larger clinical samples are being investigated, the spectrum of clinical phenotypes implicated in K+-channels dysfunction is rapidly expanding, notably within immunology, neurosciences, and metabolism. K+-channels that previously were considered to be expressed in only a few organs and to have discrete physiological functions, have recently been found in multiple tissues and with new, unexpected functions. The pleiotropic functions and patterns of expression of K+-channels may provide additional therapeutic opportunities, along with new emerging challenges from off-target effects. Here we review the functions and therapeutic potential of K+-channels, with an emphasis on the nervous system, roles in neuropsychiatric disorders and their involvement in other organ systems and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pernille Svalastoga
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey Colm Glennon
- Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Jan Haavik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.
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49
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Sinha AK, Lee C, Holt JC. Elucidating the role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) signaling in efferent mediated responses of vestibular afferents in mammals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.549902. [PMID: 37577578 PMCID: PMC10418111 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.549902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral vestibular system detects head position and movement through activation of vestibular hair cells (HCs) in vestibular end organs. HCs transmit this information to the CNS by way of primary vestibular afferent neurons. The CNS, in turn, modulates HCs and afferents via the efferent vestibular system (EVS) through activation of cholinergic signaling mechanisms. In mice, we previously demonstrated that activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), during EVS stimulation, gives rise to a slow excitation that takes seconds to peak and tens of seconds to decay back to baseline. This slow excitation is mimicked by muscarine and ablated by the non-selective mAChR blockers scopolamine, atropine, and glycopyrrolate. While five distinct mAChRs (M1-M5) exist, the subtype(s) driving EVS-mediated slow excitation remain unidentified and details on how these mAChRs alter vestibular function is not well understood. The objective of this study is to characterize which mAChR subtypes drive the EVS-mediated slow excitation, and how their activation impacts vestibular physiology and behavior. In C57Bl/6J mice, M3mAChR antagonists were more potent at blocking slow excitation than M1mAChR antagonists, while M2/M4 blockers were ineffective. While unchanged in M2/M4mAChR double KO mice, EVS-mediated slow excitation in M3 mAChR-KO animals were reduced or absent in irregular afferents but appeared unchanged in regular afferents. In agreement, vestibular sensory-evoked potentials (VsEP), known to be predominantly generated from irregular afferents, were significantly less enhanced by mAChR activation in M3mAChR-KO mice compared to controls. Finally, M3mAChR-KO mice display distinct behavioral phenotypes in open field activity, and thermal profiles, and balance beam and forced swim test. M3mAChRs mediate efferent-mediated slow excitation in irregular afferents, while M1mAChRs may drive the same process in regular afferents.
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Yang GM, Tian FY, Shen YW, Yang CY, Yuan H, Li P, Gao ZB. Functional characterization and in vitro pharmacological rescue of KCNQ2 pore mutations associated with epileptic encephalopathy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1589-1599. [PMID: 36932231 PMCID: PMC10374643 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the KCNQ2 gene encoding KV7.2 subunit that mediates neuronal M-current cause a severe form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Electrophysiological evaluation of KCNQ2 mutations has been proved clinically useful in improving outcome prediction and choosing rational anti-seizure medications (ASMs). In this study we described the clinical characteristics, electrophysiological phenotypes and the in vitro response to KCNQ openers of five KCNQ2 pore mutations (V250A, N258Y, H260P, A265T and G290S) from seven patients diagnosed with KCNQ2-DEE. The KCNQ2 variants were transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells alone, in combination with KCNQ3 (1:1) or with wild-type KCNQ2 (KCNQ2-WT) and KCNQ3 in a ratio of 1:1:2, respectively. Their expression and electrophysiological function were assessed. When transfected alone or in combination with KCNQ3, none of these mutations affected the membrane expression of KCNQ2, but most failed to induce a potassium current except A265T, in which trace currents were observed when co-transfected with KCNQ3. When co-expressed with KCNQ2-WT and KCNQ3 (1:1:2), the currents at 0 mV of these mutations were decreased by 30%-70% compared to the KCNQ2/3 channel, which could be significantly rescued by applying KCNQ openers including the approved antiepileptic drug retigabine (RTG, 10 μM), as well as two candidates subjected to clinical trials, pynegabine (HN37, 1 μM) and XEN1101 (1 μM). These newly identified pathologic variants enrich the KCNQ2-DEE mutation hotspots in the pore-forming domain. This electrophysiological study provides a rational basis for personalized therapy with KCNQ openers in DEE patients carrying loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in KCNQ2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Mei Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Fu-Yun Tian
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yan-Wen Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Pediatric neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan university at Xiamen, Xiamen, 361006, China
| | - Chuan-Yan Yang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Zhao-Bing Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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