1
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Choi Y, Yoo ES, Oh Y, Sohn JW. Cellular and metabolic function of GIRK1 potassium channels expressed by arcuate POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons. Mol Cells 2024:100122. [PMID: 39374791 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are critical to maintain excitability of central neurons. GIRK channels consist of 4 subunits and GIRK1/GIRK2 heterotetramers are considered to be the neuronal prototype. We previously reported the metabolic significance of GIRK2 subunits expressed by the neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). However, the role of GIRK1 subunits expressed by the neurons of ARH remains to be determined. In this study, we delineated the contribution of GIRK1 channel subunits to the excitability of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and NPY/AgRP neurons of the ARH. We further assessed the metabolic function of GIRK1 subunits expressed by these neurons. Our results provide insight how GIRK channels regulate arcuate POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons and shape metabolic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeeun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Eun-Seon Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Youjin Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
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2
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Mitten EH, Souders A, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Aguado C, Luján R, Wickman K. Chronic ethanol exposure in mice evokes pre- and postsynaptic deficits in GABAergic transmission in ventral tegmental area GABA neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39358985 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17335] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GABAergic neurons in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA) exhibit elevated activity during withdrawal following chronic ethanol exposure. While increased glutamatergic input and decreased GABAA receptor sensitivity have been implicated, the impact of inhibitory signaling in VTA GABA neurons has not been fully addressed. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used electrophysiological and ultrastructural approaches to assess the impact of chronic intermittent ethanol vapour exposure in mice on GABAergic transmission in VTA GABA neurons during withdrawal. We used CRISPR/Cas9 ablation to mimic a somatodendritic adaptation involving the GABAB receptor (GABABR) in ethanol-naïve mice to investigate its impact on anxiety-related behaviour. KEY RESULTS The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents was reduced in VTA GABA neurons following chronic ethanol treatment and this was reversed by GABABR inhibition, suggesting chronic ethanol strengthens the GABABR-dependent suppression of GABAergic input to VTA GABA neurons. Similarly, paired-pulse depression of GABAA receptor-dependent responses evoked by optogenetic stimulation of nucleus accumbens inputs from ethanol-treated mice was reversed by GABABR inhibition. Somatodendritic currents evoked in VTA GABA neurons by GABABR activation were reduced following ethanol exposure, attributable to the suppression of GIRK (Kir3) channel activity. Mimicking this adaptation enhanced anxiety-related behaviour in ethanol-naïve mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic ethanol weakens the GABAergic regulation of VTA GABA neurons in mice via pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms, likely contributing to their elevated activity during withdrawal and expression of anxiety-related behaviour. As anxiety can promote relapse during abstinence, interventions targeting VTA GABA neuron excitability could represent new therapeutic strategies for treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Mitten
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anna Souders
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Carolina Aguado
- Instituto de Biomedicina de la UCLM (IB-UCLM), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, Albacete, Spain
| | - Rafael Luján
- Instituto de Biomedicina de la UCLM (IB-UCLM), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, Albacete, Spain
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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3
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Luo H, Marron Fernandez E, Gansemer B, Frederick M, Aguado C, Luján R, Thayer SA, Wickman K. Amyloid-β oligomers trigger sex-dependent inhibition of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal neurons in mice. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eado4132. [PMID: 39353038 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ado4132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid plaques and cognitive decline, the latter of which is thought to be driven by soluble oligomeric amyloid-β (oAβ). The dysregulation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK; also known as Kir3) channels has been implicated in rodent models of AD. Here, seeking mechanistic insights, we uncovered a sex-dependent facet of GIRK-dependent signaling in AD-related amyloid pathophysiology. Synthetic oAβ1-42 suppressed GIRK-dependent signaling in hippocampal neurons from male mice, but not from female mice. This effect required cellular prion protein, the receptor mGluR5, and production of arachidonic acid by the phospholipase PLA2. Although oAβ suppressed GIRK channel activity only in male hippocampal neurons, intrahippocampal infusion of oAβ or genetic suppression of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons impaired performance on a memory test in both male and female mice. Moreover, genetic enhancement of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons blocked oAβ-induced cognitive impairment in both male and female mice. In APP/PS1 AD model mice, GIRK-dependent signaling was diminished in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from only male mice before cognitive deficit was detected. However, enhancing GIRK channel activity rescued cognitive deficits in older APP/PS1 mice of both sexes. Thus, whereas diminished GIRK channel activity contributes to cognitive deficits in male mice with increased oAβ burden, enhancing its activity may have therapeutic potential for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichang Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Gansemer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - McKinzie Frederick
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carolina Aguado
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, Albacete 02006, Spain
| | - Rafael Luján
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, Albacete 02006, Spain
| | - Stanley A Thayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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4
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Mielecki D, Salińska E. Group III metabotropic glutamate receptors: guardians against excitotoxicity in ischemic brain injury, with implications for neonatal contexts. Pharmacol Rep 2024:10.1007/s43440-024-00651-z. [PMID: 39298028 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
The group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), comprising mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8, offer neuroprotective potential in mitigating excitotoxicity during ischemic brain injury, particularly in neonatal contexts. They are G-protein coupled receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and reduce neurotransmitter release, mainly located presynaptically and acting as autoreceptors. This review aims to examine the differential expression and function of group III mGluRs across various brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, with a special focus on the neonatal stage of development. Glutamate excitotoxicity plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of brain ischemia in neonates. While ionotropic glutamate receptors are traditional targets for neuroprotection, their direct inhibition often leads to severe side effects due to their critical roles in normal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Group III mGluRs provide a more nuanced and potentially safer approach by modulating rather than blocking glutamatergic transmission. Their downstream signaling cascade results in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, neuronal hyperpolarization, and reduced neurotransmitter release, effectively decreasing excitotoxic signaling without completely suppressing essential glutamatergic functions. Importantly, the neuroprotective effects of group III mGluRs extend beyond direct modulation of glutamate release influencing glial cell function, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to secondary injury cascades in brain ischemia. This comprehensive analysis of group III mGluRs multifaceted neuroprotective potential provides valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat excitotoxicity in neonatal ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Mielecki
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Salińska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
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5
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Luo H, Frederick M, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Oltmanns JO, Wright C, Wickman K. Domain-selective and sex-dependent regulation of learning and memory in mice by GIRK channel activity in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the dorsal hippocampus. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a054022. [PMID: 39375002 DOI: 10.1101/lm.054022.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels mediate the postsynaptic inhibitory effect of many neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and are implicated in neurological disorders characterized by cognitive deficits. Here, we show that enhancement or suppression of GIRK channel activity in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons disrupted novel object recognition in mice, without impacting open field activity or avoidance behavior. Contextual fear learning was also unaffected, but extinction of contextual fear was disrupted by suppression of GIRK channel activity in male mice. Thus, the strength of GIRK channel activity in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons regulates select cognitive task performance in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichang Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - McKinzie Frederick
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | | | | - Courtney Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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6
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Nguyen H, Glaaser IW, Slesinger PA. Direct modulation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1386645. [PMID: 38903913 PMCID: PMC11187414 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1386645] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a pivotal role in regulating cellular excitability and signal transduction processes. Among the various ion channels, G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels serve as key mediators of neurotransmission and cellular responses to extracellular signals. GIRK channels are members of the larger family of inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels. Typically, GIRK channels are activated via the direct binding of G-protein βγ subunits upon the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GIRK channel activation requires the presence of the lipid signaling molecule, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). GIRK channels are also modulated by endogenous proteins and other molecules, including RGS proteins, cholesterol, and SNX27 as well as exogenous compounds, such as alcohol. In the last decade or so, several groups have developed novel drugs and small molecules, such as ML297, GAT1508 and GiGA1, that activate GIRK channels in a G-protein independent manner. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview focusing on the direct modulation of GIRK channels by G-proteins, PIP2, cholesterol, and novel modulatory compounds. These studies offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of channel function, and have potential implications for both basic research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul A. Slesinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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7
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Lee WW, Lee CG, Ki CS. KCNJ3 is a novel candidate gene for autosomal dominant pure hereditary spastic paraplegia identified using whole genome sequencing. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2024:e32984. [PMID: 38597354 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of familial diseases characterized by progressive corticospinal tract degeneration. Clinically, patients present with lower-limb spasticity and weakness. To date, more than 80 genetic HSP types have been identified. Despite advances in molecular genetics, novel HSP gene discoveries are ongoing, with a low genetic diagnostic yield. In this study, we aimed to determine pathogenic variants in a family with HSP, which was not diagnosed through conventional genetic testing. We clinically characterized a large family and conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of four affected and three unaffected individuals in the family to identify the genetic cause of HSP. This family had autosomal dominant pure (uncomplicated) late childhood-onset HSP. The patients' symptoms accelerated between the ages of 20 and 30. Brain magnetic resonance images typically showed white matter changes, a thin corpus callosum, and cerebellar atrophy. We identified a heterozygous missense variant, KCNJ3 c.1297T>G (p.Leu433Val), through WGS and family genetic analysis, confirmed by Sanger sequencing. We suggest that the identification of KCNJ3 c.1297T>G (p.Leu433Val) constitutes the discovery of a potential novel gene responsible for HSP in this family. This is the first study to report the possible role of a KCNJ3 variant in HSP pathogenesis. Our findings further expand the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of HSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong-Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cha Gon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Tipps ME, Haider B, Souders A, Aguado C, Rose TR, Vo BN, DeBaker MC, Luján R, Wickman K. Ethanol-Induced Suppression of G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying K +-Dependent Signaling in the Basal Amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:863-874. [PMID: 37068702 PMCID: PMC10576835 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The basolateral amygdala (BLA) regulates mood and associative learning and has been linked to the development and persistence of alcohol use disorder. The GABABR (gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor) is a promising therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder, and previous work suggests that exposure to ethanol and other drugs can alter neuronal GABABR-dependent signaling. The effect of ethanol on GABABR-dependent signaling in the BLA is unknown. METHODS GABABR-dependent signaling in the mouse BLA was examined using slice electrophysiology following repeated ethanol exposure. Neuron-specific viral genetic manipulations were then used to understand the relevance of ethanol-induced neuroadaptations in the basal amygdala subregion (BA) to mood-related behavior. RESULTS The somatodendritic inhibitory effect of GABABR activation on principal neurons in the basal but not the lateral subregion of the BLA was diminished following ethanol exposure. This adaptation was attributable to the suppression of GIRK (G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+) channel activity and was mirrored by a redistribution of GABABR and GIRK channels from the surface membrane to internal sites. While GIRK1 and GIRK2 subunits are critical for GIRK channel formation in BA principal neurons, GIRK3 is necessary for the ethanol-induced neuroadaptation. Viral suppression of GIRK channel activity in BA principal neurons from ethanol-naïve mice recapitulated some mood-related behaviors observed in C57BL/6J mice during ethanol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS The ethanol-induced suppression of GIRK-dependent signaling in BA principal neurons contributes to some of the mood-related behaviors associated with ethanol withdrawal in mice. Approaches designed to prevent this neuroadaptation and/or strengthen GIRK-dependent signaling may prove useful for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E Tipps
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bushra Haider
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anna Souders
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Carolina Aguado
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Timothy R Rose
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Baovi N Vo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Margot C DeBaker
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rafael Luján
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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9
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Colombo S, Reddy HP, Petri S, Williams DJ, Shalomov B, Dhindsa RS, Gelfman S, Krizay D, Bera AK, Yang M, Peng Y, Makinson CD, Boland MJ, Frankel WN, Goldstein DB, Dascal N. Epilepsy in a mouse model of GNB1 encephalopathy arises from altered potassium (GIRK) channel signaling and is alleviated by a GIRK inhibitor. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1175895. [PMID: 37275776 PMCID: PMC10232839 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1175895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations in GNB1, encoding the Gβ1 subunit of G proteins, cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with global developmental delay and epilepsy, GNB1 encephalopathy. Here, we show that mice carrying a pathogenic mutation, K78R, recapitulate aspects of the disorder, including developmental delay and generalized seizures. Cultured mutant cortical neurons also display aberrant bursting activity on multi-electrode arrays. Strikingly, the antiepileptic drug ethosuximide (ETX) restores normal neuronal network behavior in vitro and suppresses spike-and-wave discharges (SWD) in vivo. ETX is a known blocker of T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and G protein-coupled potassium (GIRK) channels. Accordingly, we present evidence that K78R results in a gain-of-function (GoF) effect by increasing the activation of GIRK channels in cultured neurons and a heterologous model (Xenopus oocytes)-an effect we show can be potently inhibited by ETX. This work implicates a GoF mechanism for GIRK channels in epilepsy, identifies a new mechanism of action for ETX in preventing seizures, and establishes this mouse model as a pre-clinical tool for translational research with predicative value for GNB1 encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Colombo
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Haritha P. Reddy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Sabrina Petri
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Damian J. Williams
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Boris Shalomov
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ryan S. Dhindsa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sahar Gelfman
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Krizay
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amal K. Bera
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Mu Yang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Mouse NeuroBehavior Core Facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yueqing Peng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher D. Makinson
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael J. Boland
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wayne N. Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David B. Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nathan Dascal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Nikolić D. Where is the mind within the brain? Transient selection of subnetworks by metabotropic receptors and G protein-gated ion channels. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 103:107820. [PMID: 36724606 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Perhaps the most important question posed by brain research is: How the brain gives rise to the mind. To answer this question, we have primarily relied on the connectionist paradigm: The brain's entire knowledge and thinking skills are thought to be stored in the connections; and the mental operations are executed by network computations. I propose here an alternative paradigm: Our knowledge and skills are stored in metabotropic receptors (MRs) and the G protein-gated ion channels (GPGICs). Here, mental operations are assumed to be executed by the functions of MRs and GPGICs. As GPGICs have the capacity to close or open branches of dendritic trees and axon terminals, their states transiently re-route neural activity throughout the nervous system. First, MRs detect ligands that signal the need to activate GPGICs. Next, GPGICs transiently select a subnetwork within the brain. The process of selecting this new subnetwork is what constitutes a mental operation - be it in a form of directed attention, perception or making a decision. Synaptic connections and network computations play only a secondary role, supporting MRs and GPGICs. According to this new paradigm, the mind emerges within the brain as the function of MRs and GPGICs whose primary function is to continually select the pathways over which neural activity will be allowed to pass. It is argued that MRs and GPGICs solve the scaling problem of intelligence from which the connectionism paradigm suffers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danko Nikolić
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany; evocenta GmbH, Germany; Robots Go Mental UG, Germany.
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11
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Evans R. Dendritic involvement in inhibition and disinhibition of vulnerable dopaminergic neurons in healthy and pathological conditions. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 172:105815. [PMID: 35820645 PMCID: PMC9851599 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) differentially degenerate in Parkinson's Disease, with the ventral region degenerating more severely than the dorsal region. Compared with the dorsal neurons, the ventral neurons in the SNc have distinct dendritic morphology, electrophysiological characteristics, and circuit connections with the basal ganglia. These characteristics shape information processing in the ventral SNc and structure the balance of inhibition and disinhibition in the striatonigral circuitry. In this paper, I review foundational studies and recent work comparing the circuitry of the ventral and dorsal SNc neurons and discuss how loss of the ventral neurons early in Parkinson's Disease could affect the overall balance of inhibition and disinhibition of dopamine signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.C. Evans
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Neuroscience, United States of America
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12
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Martín-Belmonte A, Aguado C, Alfaro-Ruiz R, Moreno-Martínez AE, de la Ossa L, Aso E, Gómez-Acero L, Shigemoto R, Fukazawa Y, Ciruela F, Luján R. Nanoscale alterations in GABAB receptors and GIRK channel organization on the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:136. [PMID: 36131327 PMCID: PMC9490896 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by a reorganization of brain activity determining network hyperexcitability and loss of synaptic plasticity. Precisely, a dysfunction in metabotropic GABAB receptor signalling through G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK or Kir3) channels on the hippocampus has been postulated. Thus, we determined the impact of amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in GIRK channel density, subcellular distribution, and its association with GABAB receptors in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from the APP/PS1 mouse model using quantitative SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labelling (SDS-FRL) and proximity ligation in situ assay (P-LISA). In wild type mice, single SDS-FRL detection revealed a similar dendritic gradient for GIRK1 and GIRK2 in CA1 pyramidal cells, with higher densities in spines, and GIRK3 showed a lower and uniform distribution. Double SDS-FRL showed a co-clustering of GIRK2 and GIRK1 in post- and presynaptic compartments, but not for GIRK2 and GIRK3. Likewise, double GABAB1 and GIRK2 SDS-FRL detection displayed a high degree of co-clustering in nanodomains (40–50 nm) mostly in spines and axon terminals. In APP/PS1 mice, the density of GIRK2 and GIRK1, but not for GIRK3, was significantly reduced along the neuronal surface of CA1 pyramidal cells and in axon terminals contacting them. Importantly, GABAB1 and GIRK2 co-clustering was not present in APP/PS1 mice. Similarly, P-LISA experiments revealed a significant reduction in GABAB1 and GIRK2 interaction on the hippocampus of this animal model. Overall, our results provide compelling evidence showing a significant reduction on the cell surface density of pre- and postsynaptic GIRK1 and GIRK2, but not GIRK3, and a decline in GABAB receptors and GIRK2 channels co-clustering in hippocampal pyramidal neurons from APP/PS1 mice, thus suggesting that a disruption in the GABAB receptor–GIRK channel membrane assembly causes dysregulation in the GABAB signalling via GIRK channels in this AD animal model.
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Luo H, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Wickman K. Neuronal G protein-gated K + channels. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C439-C460. [PMID: 35704701 PMCID: PMC9362898 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00102.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels exert a critical inhibitory influence on neurons. Neuronal GIRK channels mediate the G protein-dependent, direct/postsynaptic inhibitory effect of many neurotransmitters including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, adenosine, somatostatin, and enkephalin. In addition to their complex regulation by G proteins, neuronal GIRK channel activity is sensitive to PIP2, phosphorylation, regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, intracellular Na+ and Ca2+, and cholesterol. The application of genetic and viral manipulations in rodent models, together with recent progress in the development of GIRK channel modulators, has increased our understanding of the physiological and behavioral impact of neuronal GIRK channels. Work in rodent models has also revealed that neuronal GIRK channel activity is modified, transiently or persistently, by various stimuli including exposure drugs of abuse, changes in neuronal activity patterns, and aversive experience. A growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that dysregulation of GIRK channel activity contributes to neurological diseases and disorders. The primary goals of this review are to highlight fundamental principles of neuronal GIRK channel biology, mechanisms of GIRK channel regulation and plasticity, the nascent landscape of GIRK channel pharmacology, and the potential relevance of GIRK channels to the pathophysiology and treatment of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichang Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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14
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Kleschevnikov A. GIRK2 Channels in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:819-829. [PMID: 36567290 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666221223122110] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in Down syndrome (DS) results from the abnormal expression of hundreds of genes. However, the impact of KCNJ6, a gene located in the middle of the 'Down syndrome critical region' of chromosome 21, seems to stand out. KCNJ6 encodes GIRK2 (KIR3.2) subunits of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, which serve as effectors for GABAB, m2, 5HT1A, A1, and many other postsynaptic metabotropic receptors. GIRK2 subunits are heavily expressed in neocortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. By controlling resting membrane potential and neuronal excitability, GIRK2 channels may thus affect both synaptic plasticity and stability of neural circuits in the brain regions important for learning and memory. Here, we discuss recent experimental data regarding the role of KCNJ6/GIRK2 in neuronal abnormalities and cognitive impairment in models of DS and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results compellingly show that signaling through GIRK2 channels is abnormally enhanced in mouse genetic models of Down syndrome and that partial suppression of GIRK2 channels with pharmacological or genetic means can restore synaptic plasticity and improve impaired cognitive functions. On the other hand, signaling through GIRK2 channels is downregulated in AD models, such as models of early amyloidopathy. In these models, reduced GIRK2 channel signaling promotes neuronal hyperactivity, causing excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and neuronal death. Accordingly, activation of GABAB/GIRK2 signaling by GIRK channel activators or GABAB receptor agonists may reduce Aβ-induced hyperactivity and subsequent neuronal death, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect in models of AD.
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15
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Anderson EM, Demis S, Wrucke B, Engelhardt A, Hearing MC. Infralimbic cortex pyramidal neuron GIRK signaling contributes to regulation of cognitive flexibility but not affect-related behavior in male mice. Physiol Behav 2021; 242:113597. [PMID: 34536435 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the infralimbic cortical (ILC) region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is thought to be an underlying factor in both affect- and cognition-related behavioral deficits that co-occur across neuropsychiatric disorders. Increasing evidence highlights pathological imbalances in prefrontal pyramidal neuron excitability and associated aberrant firing as an underlying factor in this dysfunction. G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels mediate excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons, however the functional role of these channels in ILC-dependent regulation of behavior and pyramidal neuron excitation is unknown. The present study used a viral-cre approach in male mice harboring a 'floxed' version of the kcnj3 (Girk1) gene, to disrupt GIRK1-containing channel expression in pyramidal neurons within the ILC. Loss of GIRK1-dependent signaling increased excitability and spike firing of pyramidal neurons but did not alter affective behavior measured in an elevated plus maze, forced swim test, or progressive ratio test of motivation. Alternatively, ablation of GIRK1 impaired performance in an operant-based attentional set-shifting task designed to assess cognitive flexibility. These data highlight a unique role for GIRK1 signaling in ILC pyramidal neurons in the regulation of strategy shifting but not affect and suggest that these channels may represent a therapeutic target for treatment of cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disease.
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Alfaro-Ruiz R, Martín-Belmonte A, Aguado C, Hernández F, Moreno-Martínez AE, Ávila J, Luján R. The Expression and Localisation of G-Protein-Coupled Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (GIRK) Channels Is Differentially Altered in the Hippocampus of Two Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011106. [PMID: 34681766 PMCID: PMC8541655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are the main targets controlling excitability and synaptic plasticity on hippocampal neurons. Consequently, dysfunction of GIRK-mediated signalling has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Here, we provide a quantitative description on the expression and localisation patterns of GIRK2 in two transgenic mice models of AD (P301S and APP/PS1 mice), combining histoblots and immunoelectron microscopic approaches. The histoblot technique revealed differences in the expression of GIRK2 in the two transgenic mice models. The expression of GIRK2 was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of P301S mice in a laminar-specific manner at 10 months of age but was unaltered in APP/PS1 mice at 12 months compared to age-matched wild type mice. Ultrastructural approaches using the pre-embedding immunogold technique, demonstrated that the subcellular localisation of GIRK2 was significantly reduced along the neuronal surface of CA1 pyramidal cells, but increased in its frequency at cytoplasmic sites, in both P301S and APP/PS1 mice. We also found a decrease in plasma membrane GIRK2 channels in axon terminals contacting dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal cells in P301S and APP/PS1 mice. These data demonstrate for the first time a redistribution of GIRK channels from the plasma membrane to intracellular sites in different compartments of CA1 pyramidal cells. Altogether, the pre- and post-synaptic reduction of GIRK2 channels suggest that GIRK-mediated alteration of the excitability in pyramidal cells could contribute to the cognitive dysfunctions as described in the two AD animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Alfaro-Ruiz
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (R.A.-R.); (A.M.-B.); (C.A.); (A.E.M.-M.)
| | - Alejandro Martín-Belmonte
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (R.A.-R.); (A.M.-B.); (C.A.); (A.E.M.-M.)
| | - Carolina Aguado
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (R.A.-R.); (A.M.-B.); (C.A.); (A.E.M.-M.)
| | - Félix Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, ISCIII, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (F.H.); (J.Á.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Esther Moreno-Martínez
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (R.A.-R.); (A.M.-B.); (C.A.); (A.E.M.-M.)
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, ISCIII, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (F.H.); (J.Á.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Luján
- Synaptic Structure Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (R.A.-R.); (A.M.-B.); (C.A.); (A.E.M.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-967-599200 (ext. 2196)
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17
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Djebari S, Iborra-Lázaro G, Temprano-Carazo S, Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Nava-Mesa MO, Múnera A, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. G-Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (Kir3/GIRK) Channels Govern Synaptic Plasticity That Supports Hippocampal-Dependent Cognitive Functions in Male Mice. J Neurosci 2021; 41:7086-7102. [PMID: 34261700 PMCID: PMC8372024 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2849-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir3/GIRK) channel is the effector of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Its dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of Down syndrome, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, drug addiction, or alcoholism. In the hippocampus, GIRK channels decrease excitability of the cells and contribute to resting membrane potential and inhibitory neurotransmission. Here, to elucidate the role of GIRK channels activity in the maintenance of hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions, their involvement in controlling neuronal excitability at different levels of complexity was examined in C57BL/6 male mice. For that purpose, GIRK activity in the dorsal hippocampus CA3-CA1 synapse was pharmacologically modulated by two drugs: ML297, a GIRK channel opener, and Tertiapin-Q (TQ), a GIRK channel blocker. Ex vivo, using dorsal hippocampal slices, we studied the effect of pharmacological GIRK modulation on synaptic plasticity processes induced in CA1 by Schaffer collateral stimulation. In vivo, we performed acute intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of the two GIRK modulators to study their contribution to electrophysiological properties and synaptic plasticity of dorsal hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse, and to learning and memory capabilities during hippocampal-dependent tasks. We found that pharmacological disruption of GIRK channel activity by i.c.v. injections, causing either function gain or function loss, induced learning and memory deficits by a mechanism involving neural excitability impairments and alterations in the induction and maintenance of long-term synaptic plasticity processes. These results support the contention that an accurate control of GIRK activity must take place in the hippocampus to sustain cognitive functions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cognitive processes of learning and memory that rely on hippocampal synaptic plasticity processes are critically ruled by a finely tuned neural excitability. G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels play a key role in maintaining resting membrane potential, cell excitability and inhibitory neurotransmission. Here, we demonstrate that modulation of GIRK channels activity, causing either function gain or function loss, transforms high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) into long-term depression (LTD), inducing deficits in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Together, our data show a crucial GIRK-activity-mediated mechanism that governs synaptic plasticity direction and modulates subsequent hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Djebari
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
| | - Guillermo Iborra-Lázaro
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
| | - Sara Temprano-Carazo
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
| | - Irene Sánchez-Rodríguez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia 111711
| | - Alejandro Múnera
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
- Behavioral Neurophysiology Laboratory, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia 111321
| | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain 41013
| | | | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
| | - Juan D Navarro-López
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Spain 13071
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18
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Vo BN, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Rose TR, Oberle H, Luo H, Hopkins CR, Wickman K. Bidirectional Influence of Limbic GIRK Channel Activation on Innate Avoidance Behavior. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5809-5821. [PMID: 34039657 PMCID: PMC8265807 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2787-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic administration of ML297, a selective activator of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels, decreases innate avoidance behavior in male C57BL/6J mice. The cellular mechanisms mediating the ML297-induced suppression of avoidance behavior are unknown. Here, we show that systemic ML297 administration suppresses elevated plus maze (EPM)-induced neuronal activation in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) and that ML297 activates GIRK1-containing GIRK channels in these limbic structures. While intracranial infusion of ML297 into the vHPC suppressed avoidance behavior in the EPM test, mirroring the effect of systemic ML297, intra-BLA administration of ML297 provoked the opposite effect. Using neuron-specific viral genetic and chemogenetic approaches, we found that the combined inhibition of excitatory neurons in CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions of the vHPC was sufficient to decrease innate avoidance behavior in the EPM, open-field, and light-dark tests in male C57BL/6J mice, while performance in the marble-burying test was not impacted. Furthermore, genetic ablation of GIRK channels in CA3/DG excitatory neurons precluded the suppression of avoidance behavior evoked by systemic ML297 in the EPM test. Thus, acute inhibition of excitatory neurons in the ventral CA3 and DG subregions of the vHPC is necessary for the apparent anxiolytic efficacy of systemic ML297 and is sufficient to decrease innate avoidance behavior in male C57BL/6J mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We interrogated the cellular mechanisms underlying the apparent anxiolytic efficacy of ML297, a selective activator of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels and promising lead compound. Intracranial infusion of ML297 into the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) complex exerted opposing influence on innate avoidance behavior in male C57BL/6J mice, the former recapitulating the suppression of avoidance behavior evoked by systemic ML297. Using viral genetic and chemogenetic approaches, we showed that combined inhibition of excitatory neurons in CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions of the vHPC is sufficient to decrease innate avoidance behavior in male mice and mediates the decrease in avoidance behavior evoked by systemic ML297. These findings establish a foundation for future investigations into the therapeutic potential of GIRK channel modulation in anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baovi N Vo
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | | | - Timothy R Rose
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Hannah Oberle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Haichang Luo
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Corey R Hopkins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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Identification of a G-Protein-Independent Activator of GIRK Channels. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107770. [PMID: 32553165 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are essential effectors of inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. GIRK channels have been implicated in diseases with abnormal neuronal excitability, including epilepsy and addiction. GIRK channels are tetramers composed of either the same subunit (e.g., homotetramers) or different subunits (e.g., heterotetramers). Compounds that specifically target subsets of GIRK channels in vivo are lacking. Previous studies have shown that alcohol directly activates GIRK channels through a hydrophobic pocket located in the cytoplasmic domain of the channel. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of a GIRK1-selective activator, termed GiGA1, that targets the alcohol pocket. GiGA1 activates GIRK1/GIRK2 both in vitro and in vivo and, in turn, mitigates the effects of a convulsant in an acute epilepsy mouse model. These results shed light on the structure-based development of subunit-specific GIRK modulators that could provide potential treatments for brain disorders.
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20
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Sałaciak K, Pytka K. Biased agonism in drug discovery: Is there a future for biased 5-HT 1A receptor agonists in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases? Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107872. [PMID: 33905796 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the fundamental neurotransmitters that contribute to the information essential for an organism's normal, physiological function. Serotonin acts centrally and systemically. The 5-HT1A receptor is the most widespread serotonin receptor, and participates in many brain-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The 5-HT1A receptor can activate several different biochemical pathways and signals through both G protein-dependent and G protein-independent pathways. Preclinical experiments indicate that distinct signaling pathways in specific brain regions may be crucial for antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like, and procognitive responses. Therefore, the development of new ligands that selectively target a particular signaling pathway(s) could open new possibilities for more effective and safer pharmacotherapy. This review discusses the current state of preclinical studies focusing on the concept of functional selectivity (biased agonism) regarding the 5-HT1A receptor and its role in antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like, and procognitive regulation. Such work highlights not only the differential effects of targeted autoreceptors, vs. heteroreceptors, but also the importance of targeting specific downstream intracellular signaling processes, thereby enhancing favorable over unfavorable signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Sałaciak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
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21
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Hikima T, Lee CR, Witkovsky P, Chesler J, Ichtchenko K, Rice ME. Activity-dependent somatodendritic dopamine release in the substantia nigra autoinhibits the releasing neuron. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108951. [PMID: 33826884 PMCID: PMC8189326 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatodendritic dopamine (DA) release from midbrain DA neurons activates D2 autoreceptors on these cells to regulate their activity. However, the source of autoregulatory DA remains controversial. Here, we test the hypothesis that D2 autoreceptors on a given DA neuron in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are activated primarily by DA released from that same cell, rather than from its neighbors. Voltage-clamp recording allows monitoring of evoked D2-receptor-mediated inhibitory currents (D2ICs) in SNc DA neurons as an index of DA release. Single-cell application of antibodies to Na+ channels via the recording pipette decreases spontaneous activity of recorded neurons and attenuates evoked D2ICs; antibodies to SNAP-25, a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein, also decrease D2IC amplitude. Evoked D2ICs are nearly abolished by the light chain of botulinum neurotoxin A, which cleaves SNAP-25, whereas synaptically activated GABAB-receptor-mediated currents are unaffected. Thus, somatodendritic DA release in the SNc autoinhibits the neuron that releases it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Hikima
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christian R Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Paul Witkovsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Julia Chesler
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Konstantin Ichtchenko
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Margaret E Rice
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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22
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Differential Impact of Inhibitory G-Protein Signaling Pathways in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons on Behavioral Sensitivity to Cocaine and Morphine. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0081-21.2021. [PMID: 33707203 PMCID: PMC8114902 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0081-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs of abuse engage overlapping but distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms to enhance dopamine (DA) signaling in the mesocorticolimbic circuitry. DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are key substrates of drugs of abuse and have been implicated in addiction-related behaviors. Enhanced VTA DA neurotransmission evoked by drugs of abuse can engage inhibitory G-protein-dependent feedback pathways, mediated by GABAB receptors (GABABRs) and D2 DA receptors (D2Rs). Chemogenetic inhibition of VTA DA neurons potently suppressed baseline motor activity, as well as the motor-stimulatory effect of cocaine and morphine, confirming the critical influence of VTA DA neurons and inhibitory G-protein signaling in these neurons on this addiction-related behavior. To resolve the relative influence of GABABR-dependent and D2R-dependent signaling pathways in VTA DA neurons on behavioral sensitivity to drugs of abuse, we developed a neuron-specific viral CRISPR/Cas9 approach to ablate D2R and GABABR in VTA DA neurons. Ablation of GABABR or D2R did not impact baseline physiological properties or excitability of VTA DA neurons, but it did preclude the direct somatodendritic inhibitory influence of GABABR or D2R activation. D2R ablation potentiated the motor-stimulatory effect of cocaine in male and female mice, whereas GABABR ablation selectively potentiated cocaine-induced activity in male subjects only. Neither D2R nor GABABR ablation impacted morphine-induced motor activity. Collectively, our data show that cocaine and morphine differ in the extent to which they engage inhibitory G-protein-dependent feedback pathways in VTA DA neurons and highlight key sex differences that may impact susceptibility to various facets of addiction.
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PPM1F in hippocampal dentate gyrus regulates the depression-related behaviors by modulating neuronal excitability. Exp Neurol 2021; 340:113657. [PMID: 33639208 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, serious, debilitating mental illness. Protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1F (PPM1F), a serine/threonine phosphatase, has been reported to have multiple biological and cellular functions. However, the effects of PPM1F and its neuronal substrates on depressive behaviors remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that PPM1F is widely distributed in the hippocampus, and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) can induce increased expression of PPM1F in the hippocampus, which was correlated with depression-associated behaviors. Overexpression of PPM1F mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in the dentate gyrus (DG) produced depression-related behaviors and enhanced susceptibility to subthreshold CUS (SCUS) in both male and female mice, while, knockout of PPM1F in DG produced antidepressant phonotypes under stress conditions. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that overexpression of PPM1F increased the neuronal excitability of the granule cells in the DG. Consistent with neuronal hyperexcitability, overexpression of PPM1F regulated the expression of certain ion channel genes and induced decreased phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII) and Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in hippocampus. These results suggest that PPM1F in the DG regulates depression-related behaviors by modulating neuronal excitability, which might be an important pathological gene for depression or other mental diseases.
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Impact of Acute and Persistent Excitation of Prelimbic Pyramidal Neurons on Motor Activity and Trace Fear Learning. J Neurosci 2021; 41:960-971. [PMID: 33402420 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2606-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced neuroadaptations in the mPFC have been implicated in addictive behaviors. Repeated cocaine exposure has been shown to increase pyramidal neuron excitability in the prelimbic (PL) region of the mouse mPFC, an adaptation attributable to a suppression of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channel activity. After establishing that this neuroadaptation is not seen in adjacent GABA neurons, we used viral GIRK channel ablation and complementary chemogenetic approaches to selectively enhance PL pyramidal neuron excitability in adult mice, to evaluate the impact of this form of plasticity on PL-dependent behaviors. GIRK channel ablation decreased somatodendritic GABAB receptor-dependent signaling and rheobase in PL pyramidal neurons. This manipulation also enhanced the motor-stimulatory effect of cocaine but did not impact baseline activity or trace fear learning. In contrast, selective chemogenetic excitation of PL pyramidal neurons, or chemogenetic inhibition of PL GABA neurons, increased baseline and cocaine-induced activity and disrupted trace fear learning. These effects were mirrored in male mice by selective excitation of PL pyramidal neurons projecting to the VTA, but not NAc or BLA. Collectively, these data show that manipulations enhancing the excitability of PL pyramidal neurons, and specifically those projecting to the VTA, recapitulate behavioral hallmarks of repeated cocaine exposure in mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Prolonged exposure to drugs of abuse triggers neuroadaptations that promote core features of addiction. Understanding these neuroadaptations and their implications may suggest interventions capable of preventing or treating addiction. While previous work showed that repeated cocaine exposure increased the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic cortex (PL), the behavioral implications of this neuroadaptation remained unclear. Here, we used neuron-specific manipulations to evaluate the impact of increased PL pyramidal neuron excitability on PL-dependent behaviors. Acute or persistent excitation of PL pyramidal neurons potentiated cocaine-induced motor activity and disrupted trace fear conditioning, effects replicated by selective excitation of the PL projection to the VTA. Our work suggests that hyperexcitability of this projection drives key behavioral hallmarks of addiction.
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Therapeutic potential of targeting G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels in the central nervous system. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107808. [PMID: 33476640 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir3/GirK) are important for maintaining resting membrane potential, cell excitability and inhibitory neurotransmission. Coupled to numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), they mediate the effects of many neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and hormones contributing to the general homeostasis and particular synaptic plasticity processes, learning, memory and pain signaling. A growing number of behavioral and genetic studies suggest a critical role for the appropriate functioning of the central nervous system, as well as their involvement in many neurologic and psychiatric conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, alcoholism and drug addiction. Hence, GirK channels emerge as a very promising tool to be targeted in the current scenario where these conditions already are or will become a global public health problem. This review examines recent findings on the physiology, function, dysfunction, and pharmacology of GirK channels in the central nervous system and highlights the relevance of GirK channels as a worthful potential target to improve therapies for related diseases.
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Mett A, Karbat I, Tsoory M, Fine S, Iwanir S, Reuveny E. Reduced activity of GIRK1-containing heterotetramers is sufficient to affect neuronal functions, including synaptic plasticity and spatial learning and memory. J Physiol 2020; 599:521-545. [PMID: 33124684 DOI: 10.1113/jp280434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS G-protein inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels consist of four homologous subunits (GIRK1-4) and are essential regulators of electrical excitability in the nervous system. GIRK2-null mice have been widely investigated for their distinct behaviour and altered depotentiation following long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas GIRK1 mice are less well characterized. Here we utilize a novel knockin mouse strain in which the GIRK1 subunit is fluorescently tagged with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP-GIRK1) and the GIRK1-null mouse line to investigate the role of GIRK1 in neuronal processes such as spatial learning and memory, locomotion and depotentiation following LTP. Neurons dissected from YFP-GIRK1 mice had significantly reduced potassium currents and this mouse line phenotypically resembled GIRK1-null mice, making it a 'functional knockdown' model of GIRK1-containing channels. YFP-GIRK1 and GIRK1-null mice had increased locomotion, reduced spatial learning and memory and blunted depotentiation following LTP. ABSTRACT GIRK channels are essential for the slow inhibition of electrical activity in the nervous system and heart rate regulation via the parasympathetic system. The implications of individual GIRK isoforms in specific physiological activities are based primarily on studies conducted with GIRK-null mouse lines. Here we utilize a novel knockin mouse line in which YFP was fused in-frame to the N-terminus of GIRK1 (YFP-GIRK1) to correlate GIRK1 spatial distribution with physiological activities. These mice, however, displayed spontaneous seizure-like activity and thus were investigated for the origin of such activity. We show that GIRK tetramers containing YFP-GIRK1 are correctly assembled and trafficked to the plasma membrane, but are functionally impaired. A battery of behavioural assays conducted on YFP-GIRK1 and GIRK1-null (GIRK1-/- ) mice revealed similar phenotypes, including impaired nociception, reduced anxiety and hyperactivity in an unfamiliar environment. However, YFP-GIRK1 mice exhibited increased home-cage locomotion while GIRK1-/- mice did not. In addition, we show that the GIRK1 subunit is essential for intact spatial learning and memory and synaptic plasticity in hippocampal brain slices. This study expands our knowledge regarding the role of GIRK1 in neuronal processes and underlines the importance of GIRK1-containing heterotetramers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mett
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Izhar Karbat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Tsoory
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shachar Fine
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shachar Iwanir
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eitan Reuveny
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Evans RC, Twedell EL, Zhu M, Ascencio J, Zhang R, Khaliq ZM. Functional Dissection of Basal Ganglia Inhibitory Inputs onto Substantia Nigra Dopaminergic Neurons. Cell Rep 2020; 32:108156. [PMID: 32937133 PMCID: PMC9887718 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantia nigra (SNc) dopaminergic neurons respond to aversive stimuli with inhibitory pauses in firing followed by transient rebound activation. We tested integration of inhibitory synaptic inputs onto SNc neurons from genetically defined populations in dorsal striatum (striosome and matrix) and external globus pallidus (GPe; parvalbumin- and Lhx6-positive), and examined their contribution to pause-rebound firing. Activation of striosome projections, which target "dendron bouquets" in the pars reticulata (SNr), consistently quiets firing and relief from striosome inhibition triggers rebound activity. Striosomal inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) display a prominent GABA-B receptor-mediated component that strengthens the impact of SNr dendrite synapses on somatic excitability and enables rebounding. By contrast, GPe projections activate GABA-A receptors on the soma and proximal dendrites but do not result in rebounding. Lastly, optical mapping shows that dorsal striatum selectively inhibits the ventral population of SNc neurons, which are intrinsically capable of rebounding. Therefore, we define a distinct striatonigral circuit for generating dopamine rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah C. Evans
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily L. Twedell
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Manhua Zhu
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jefferson Ascencio
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Renshu Zhang
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zayd M. Khaliq
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Lead Contact,Correspondence:
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Antinociceptive effect of selective G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel agonist ML297 in the rat spinal cord. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239094. [PMID: 32915912 PMCID: PMC7485804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels play important signaling roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, the role of GIRK channel activation in pain signaling remains unknown mainly due to the lack of potent and selective GIRK channel activators until recently. The present study was designed to determine the effects and mechanisms of ML297, a selective GIRK1/2 activator, on nociception in the spinal cord by using behavioral studies and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons. Rats were prepared for chronic lumber catheterization and intrathecal administration of ML297. The nociceptive flexion reflex was tested using an analgesy-meter, and the influence on motor performance was assessed using an accelerating rotarod. We also investigated pre- and post-synaptic actions of ML297 in spinal cord preparations by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Intrathecal administration of ML297 increased the mechanical nociceptive threshold without impairing motor function. In voltage-clamp mode of patch-clamp recordings, bath application of ML297 induced outward currents in a dose-dependent manner. The ML297-induced currents demonstrated specific equilibrium potential like other families of potassium channels. At high concentration, ML297 depressed miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) but not their amplitude. The ML297-induced outward currents and suppression of mEPSCs were not inhibited by naloxone, a μ-opioid receptor antagonist. These results demonstrated that intrathecal ML297 showed the antinociceptive effect, which was mediated through direct activation of pre- and post-synaptic GIRK channels. Selective GIRK channel activation is a promising strategy for the development of new agents against chronic pain and opioid tolerance.
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Mechanisms and Regulation of Neuronal GABA B Receptor-Dependent Signaling. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 52:39-79. [PMID: 32808092 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABRs) are broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system where they play an important role in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. GABABRs are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate slow and sustained inhibitory actions via modulation of several downstream effector enzymes and ion channels. GABABRs are obligate heterodimers that associate with diverse arrays of proteins to form modular complexes that carry out distinct physiological functions. GABABR-dependent signaling is fine-tuned and regulated through a multitude of mechanisms that are relevant to physiological and pathophysiological states. This review summarizes the current knowledge on GABABR signal transduction and discusses key factors that influence the strength and sensitivity of GABABR-dependent signaling in neurons.
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Density of GABA B Receptors Is Reduced in Granule Cells of the Hippocampus in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072459. [PMID: 32252271 PMCID: PMC7177735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptors contribute to the control of network activity and information processing in hippocampal circuits by regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The dysfunction in the dentate gyrus (DG) has been implicated in Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Given the involvement of GABAB receptors in AD, to determine their subcellular localisation and possible alteration in granule cells of the DG in a mouse model of AD at 12 months of age, we used high-resolution immunoelectron microscopic analysis. Immunohistochemistry at the light microscopic level showed that the regional and cellular expression pattern of GABAB1 was similar in an AD model mouse expressing mutated human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin1 (APP/PS1) and in age-matched wild type mice. High-resolution immunoelectron microscopy revealed a distance-dependent gradient of immunolabelling for GABAB receptors, increasing from proximal to distal dendrites in both wild type and APP/PS1 mice. However, the overall density of GABAB receptors at the neuronal surface of these postsynaptic compartments of granule cells was significantly reduced in APP/PS1 mice. Parallel to this reduction in surface receptors, we found a significant increase in GABAB1 at cytoplasmic sites. GABAB receptors were also detected at presynaptic sites in the molecular layer of the DG. We also found a decrease in plasma membrane GABAB receptors in axon terminals contacting dendritic spines of granule cells, which was more pronounced in the outer than in the inner molecular layer. Altogether, our data showing post- and presynaptic reduction in surface GABAB receptors in the DG suggest the alteration of the GABAB-mediated modulation of excitability and synaptic transmission in granule cells, which may contribute to the cognitive dysfunctions in the APP/PS1 model of AD.
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31
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Lyu C, Lyu GW, Mulder J, Martinez A, Shi TJS. G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Subunit 3 is Upregulated in Rat DRGs and Spinal Cord After Peripheral Nerve Injury. J Pain Res 2020; 13:419-429. [PMID: 32110090 PMCID: PMC7034995 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s233744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability. Four GIRK subunits (GIRK1-4) are expressed in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Recently, we have characterized the expression of GIRK1 and −2, and both are downregulated in rat DRGs and spinal cord after a complete sciatic nerve transection (axotomy). Here, we aimed to study the neurochemical characteristics of GIRK3, and its regulation in rat DRGs and spinal cord induced by nerve injury. Methods A sciatic nerve axotomy was performed to study the influences of injury on GIRK3 expression in DRGs and spinal cord. A dorsal root rhizotomy and a sciatic nerve crush were employed to study the axonal transport of GIRK3 protein, respectively. Immunohistochemistry analysis was employed for investigating the neurochemical characteristics of GIRK3. Results In control DRGs, ~18% of neuron profiles (NPs) were GIRK3-positive (+), and ~41%, ~48% and ~45% of GIRK3+ NPs were CGRP+, IB4+ and NF200+, respectively. GIRK3-like immunoreactivity was observed in glabrous skin of hind paws and axons originating from DRG neurons. Fourteen days after axotomy, more than one-third of DRG NPs were GIRK3+, and among these ~51% and ~56% coexpressed galanin and neuropeptide Y, respectively. In control animals, a small group of interneurons found in the dorsal horn was GIRK3+. In addition, GIRK3+ processes could be observed in superficial laminae of spinal dorsal horn. After nerve injury, the intensity of GIRK3-like immunoreactivity in the superficial layers was increased. Evidence based on rhizotomy and sciatic nerve crush indicated both anterograde and retrograde transport of GIRK3. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that GIRK3 is expressed in sensory neurons and spinal cord. GIRK3 has both anterograde and retrograde axonal transport. GIRK3 expression can be regulated by peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, People's Republic of China
| | - Gong-Wei Lyu
- Department of Neurology, 1st Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jan Mulder
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 65, Sweden
| | - Aurora Martinez
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
| | - Tie-Jun Sten Shi
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
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Papanikolaou M, Lewis A, Butt AM. Glial and neuronal expression of the Inward Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir7.1 in the adult mouse brain. J Anat 2019; 235:984-996. [PMID: 31309576 PMCID: PMC6794205 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inward Rectifying Potassium channels (Kir) are a large family of ion channels that play key roles in ion homeostasis and neuronal excitability. The most recently described Kir subtype is Kir7.1, which is known as a K+ transporting subtype. Earlier studies localised Kir7.1 to subpopulations of neurones in the brain. However, the pattern of Kir7.1 expression across the brain has not previously been examined. Here, we have determined neuronal and glial expression of Kir7.1 in the adult mouse brain, using immunohistochemistry and transgenic mouse lines expressing reporters specific for astrocytes [glial fibrillary acidic protein‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFAP‐EGFP], myelinating oligodendrocytes (PLP‐DsRed), oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC, Pdgfra‐creERT2/Rosa26‐YFP double‐transgenic mice) and all oligodendrocyte lineage cells (SOX10‐EGFP). The results demonstrate significant neuronal Kir7.1 immunostaining in the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and pons, as well as the striatum and hypothalamus. In addition, astrocytes are shown to be immunopositive for Kir7.1 throughout grey and white matter, with dense immunostaining on cell somata, primary processes and perivascular end‐feet. Immunostaining for Kir7.1 was observed in oligodendrocytes, myelin and OPCs throughout the brain, although immunostaining was heterogeneous. Neuronal and glial expression of Kir7.1 is confirmed using neurone‐glial cortical cultures and optic nerve glial cultures. Notably, Kir7.1 have been shown to regulate the excitability of thalamic neurones and our results indicate this may be a widespread function of Kir7.1 in neurones throughout the brain. Moreover, based on the function of Kir7.1 in multiple transporting epithelia, Kir7.1 are likely to play an equivalent role in the primary glial function of K+ homeostasis. Our results indicate Kir7.1 are far more pervasive in the brain than previously recognised and have potential importance in regulating neuronal and glial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papanikolaou
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Anthony Lewis
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Arthur M Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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Bizzarri B, Botta L, Aversa D, Mercuri NB, Poli G, Barbieri A, Berretta N, Saladino R. L-DOPA-quinone Mediated Recovery from GIRK Channel Firing Inhibition in Dopaminergic Neurons. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:431-436. [PMID: 30996775 PMCID: PMC6466524 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative degeneration of dopamine-releasing (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) has attracted much interest in preclinical research, due to its involvement in Parkinson's disease manifestations. Evidence exists on the participation of quinone derivatives in mitochondrial dysfunction, alpha synuclein protein aggregation, and protein degradation. With the aim to investigate the role of L-DOPA-quinone in DAergic neuron functions, we synthesized L-DOPA-quinone by use of 2-iodoxybenzoic acid and measured its activity in recovery from dopamine-mediated firing inhibition of SNc neurons. Noteworthy, L-DOPA-quinone counteracts firing inhibition in SNc DAergic neurons caused by GIRK opening. A possible mechanism to explain the effect of L-DOPA-quinone on GIRK channel has been proposed by computational models. Overall, the study showed the possibility that L-DOPA-quinone stabilizes GIRK in a preopen conformation through formation of a covalent adduct with cysteine-65 on the GIRK2 subunit of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno
M. Bizzarri
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Daniela Aversa
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento
di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università
di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università
degli studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbieri
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università
degli studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Role of GirK Channels in Long-Term Potentiation of Synaptic Inhibition in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Early Amyloid- β Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051168. [PMID: 30866445 PMCID: PMC6429279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalances of excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission occur early in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), leading to hippocampal hyperexcitability and causing synaptic, network, and cognitive dysfunctions. G-protein-gated potassium (GirK) channels play a key role in the control of neuronal excitability, contributing to inhibitory signaling. Here, we evaluate the relationship between GirK channel activity and inhibitory hippocampal functionality in vivo. In a non-transgenic mouse model of AD, field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) from the CA3–CA1 synapse in the dorsal hippocampus were recorded in freely moving mice. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of amyloid-β (Aβ) or GirK channel modulators impaired ionotropic (GABAA-mediated fPSPs) and metabotropic (GirK-mediated fPSPs) inhibitory signaling and disrupted the potentiation of synaptic inhibition. However, the activation of GirK channels prevented Aβ-induced changes in GABAA components. Our data shows, for the first time, the presence of long-term potentiation (LTP) for both the GABAA and GirK-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic responses in vivo. In addition, our results support the importance of an accurate level of GirK-dependent signaling for dorsal hippocampal performance in early amyloid pathology models by controlling the excess of excitation that disrupts synaptic plasticity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Neurophysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | | | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- Neurophysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Juan D Navarro-López
- Neurophysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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35
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Down syndrome: Neurobiological alterations and therapeutic targets. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:234-255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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36
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Mutual action by Gγ and Gβ for optimal activation of GIRK channels in a channel subunit-specific manner. Sci Rep 2019; 9:508. [PMID: 30679535 PMCID: PMC6346094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36833-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tetrameric G protein-gated K+ channels (GIRKs) mediate inhibitory effects of neurotransmitters that activate Gi/o-coupled receptors. GIRKs are activated by binding of the Gβγ dimer, via contacts with Gβ. Gγ underlies membrane targeting of Gβγ, but has not been implicated in channel gating. We observed that, in Xenopus oocytes, expression of Gγ alone activated homotetrameric GIRK1* and heterotetrameric GIRK1/3 channels, without affecting the surface expression of GIRK or Gβ. Gγ and Gβ acted interdependently: the effect of Gγ required the presence of ambient Gβ and was enhanced by low doses of coexpressed Gβ, whereas excess of either Gβ or Gγ imparted suboptimal activation, possibly by sequestering the other subunit “away” from the channel. The unique distal C-terminus of GIRK1, G1-dCT, was important but insufficient for Gγ action. Notably, GIRK2 and GIRK1/2 were not activated by Gγ. Our results suggest that Gγ regulates GIRK1* and GIRK1/3 channel’s gating, aiding Gβ to trigger the channel’s opening. We hypothesize that Gγ helps to relax the inhibitory effect of a gating element (“lock”) encompassed, in part, by the G1-dCT; GIRK2 acts to occlude the effect of Gγ, either by setting in motion the same mechanism as Gγ, or by triggering an opposing gating effect.
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Sanchez-Roige S, Fontanillas P, Elson SL, Gray JC, de Wit H, Davis LK, MacKillop J, Palmer AA. Genome-wide association study of alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) scores in 20 328 research participants of European ancestry. Addict Biol 2019; 24:121-131. [PMID: 29058377 PMCID: PMC6988186 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors contribute to the risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). In collaboration with the genetics company 23andMe, Inc., we performed a genome-wide association study of the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT), an instrument designed to screen for alcohol misuse over the past year. Our final sample consisted of 20 328 research participants of European ancestry (55.3% females; mean age = 53.8, SD = 16.1) who reported ever using alcohol. Our results showed that the 'chip-heritability' of AUDIT score, when treated as a continuous phenotype, was 12%. No loci reached genome-wide significance. The gene ADH1C, which has been previously implicated in AUD, was among our most significant associations (4.4 × 10-7 ; rs141973904). We also detected a suggestive association on chromosome 1 (2.1 × 10-7 ; rs182344113) near the gene KCNJ9, which has been implicated in mouse models of high ethanol drinking. Using linkage disequilibrium score regression, we identified positive genetic correlations between AUDIT score, high alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. We also observed an unexpected positive genetic correlation between AUDIT and educational attainment and additional unexpected negative correlations with body mass index/obesity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We conclude that conducting a genetic study using responses to an online questionnaire in a population not ascertained for AUD may represent a cost-effective strategy for elucidating aspects of the etiology of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sanchez-Roige
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua C. Gray
- Center for Deployment Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lea K. Davis
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute; Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University/St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON N1E 6K9, Canada
| | - Abraham A. Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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38
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Li Q, Pang M, Zhu M, Chen L. G-Protein-gated Inwardly-Rectifying K + Channels and Large-conductance Calcium-Activated K + Channels Are Involved in C-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Mediated Vasodilation in Human Arteries. Int Heart J 2018; 60:168-174. [PMID: 30393264 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.18-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) hyperpolarizes and relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels. We investigated whether G-protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K+ channels (GIRK) and large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels (BKCa channels) were involved in CNP-evoked vasodilatation in human arteries. Isometric tension in human gastroepiploic arteries was measured using a wire myograph. Ion channel currents were recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The concentration-dependent vasodilation induced by CNP was reduced significantly after inhibition of GIRK channels (by tertiapin-Q) or of BKCa channel (by paxilline). Immunochemical experiments showed that GIRK3 and GIRK4 subunits were expressed in human arteries. CNP also strongly increased the current density of GIRK and BKCa channels in human arterial smooth muscles. This suggested that the GIRK channel was functionally expressed in smooth muscle and vasodilation action was produced by CNP partly by opening the GIRK and BKCa channels in the human artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital
| | - Minghui Pang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital
| | - Minjia Zhu
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University
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39
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Comhair J, Devoght J, Morelli G, Harvey RJ, Briz V, Borrie SC, Bagni C, Rigo JM, Schiffmann SN, Gall D, Brône B, Molchanova SM. Alpha2-Containing Glycine Receptors Promote Neonatal Spontaneous Activity of Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons and Support Maturation of Glutamatergic Inputs. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:380. [PMID: 30374290 PMCID: PMC6196267 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) containing the α2 subunit are highly expressed in the developing brain, where they regulate neuronal migration and maturation, promote spontaneous network activity and subsequent development of synaptic connections. Mutations in GLRA2 are associated with autism spectrum disorder, but the underlying pathophysiology is not described yet. Here, using Glra2-knockout mice, we found a GlyR-dependent effect on neonatal spontaneous activity of dorsal striatum medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and maturation of the incoming glutamatergic innervation. Our data demonstrate that functional GlyRs are highly expressed in MSNs of one-week-old mice, but they do not generate endogenous chloride-mediated tonic or phasic current. Despite of that, knocking out the Glra2 severely affects the shape of action potentials and impairs spontaneous activity and the frequency of miniature AMPA receptor-mediated currents in MSNs. This reduction in spontaneous activity and glutamatergic signaling can attribute to the observed changes in neonatal behavioral phenotypes as seen in ultrasonic vocalizations and righting reflex. In adult Glra2-knockout animals, the glutamatergic synapses in MSNs remain functionally underdeveloped. The number of glutamatergic synapses and release probability at presynaptic site remain unaffected, but the amount of postsynaptic AMPA receptors is decreased. This deficit is a consequence of impaired development of the neuronal circuitry since acute inhibition of GlyRs by strychnine in adult MSNs does not affect the properties of glutamatergic synapses. Altogether, these results demonstrate that GlyR-mediated signaling supports neonatal spontaneous MSN activity and, in consequence, promotes the functional maturation of glutamatergic synapses on MSNs. The described mechanism might shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms in GLRA2-linked autism spectrum disorder cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Comhair
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jens Devoght
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Morelli
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Briz
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah C Borrie
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Rigo
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Serge N Schiffmann
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- BIOMED Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Svetlana M Molchanova
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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40
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Kozell LB, Denmark DL, Walter NAR, Buck KJ. Distinct Roles for Two Chromosome 1 Loci in Ethanol Withdrawal, Consumption, and Conditioned Place Preference. Front Genet 2018; 9:323. [PMID: 30210527 PMCID: PMC6120100 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified a region on chromosome 1 that harbor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on alcohol withdrawal risk using both chronic and acute models in mice. Here, using newly created and existing QTL interval-specific congenic (ISC) models, we report the first evidence that this region harbors two distinct alcohol withdrawal QTLs (Alcw11and Alcw12), which underlie 13% and 3–6%, respectively, of the genetic variance in alcohol withdrawal severity measured using the handling-induced convulsion. Our results also precisely localize Alcw11 and Alcw12 to discreet chromosome regions (syntenic with human 1q23.1–23.3) that encompass a limited number of genes with validated genotype-dependent transcript expression and/or non-synonymous sequence variation that may underlie QTL phenotypic effects. ISC analyses also implicate Alcw11and Alcw12 in withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior, representing the first evidence for their broader roles in alcohol withdrawal beyond convulsions; but detect no evidence for Alcw12 involvement in ethanol conditioned place preference (CPP) or consumption. Our data point to high-quality candidates for Alcw12, including genes involved in mitochondrial respiration, spatial buffering, and neural plasticity, and to Kcnj9 as a high-quality candidate for Alcw11. Our studies are the first to show, using two null mutant models on different genetic backgrounds, that Kcnj9−/− mice demonstrate significantly less severe alcohol withdrawal than wildtype littermates using acute and repeated exposure paradigms. We also demonstrate that Kcnj9−/− voluntarily consume significantly more alcohol (20%, two-bottle choice) than wildtype littermates. Taken together with evidence implicating Kcnj9 in ethanol CPP, our results support a broad role for this locus in ethanol reward and withdrawal phenotypes. In summary, our results demonstrate two distinct chromosome 1 QTLs that significantly affect risk for ethanol withdrawal, and point to their distinct unique roles in alcohol reward phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Kozell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Deaunne L Denmark
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nicole A R Walter
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kari J Buck
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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41
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Kulik Á, Booker SA, Vida I. Differential distribution and function of GABABRs in somato-dendritic and axonal compartments of principal cells and interneurons in cortical circuits. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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42
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Llamosas N, Ugedo L, Torrecilla M. Inactivation of GIRK channels weakens the pre- and postsynaptic inhibitory activity in dorsal raphe neurons. Physiol Rep 2018; 5:5/3/e13141. [PMID: 28196855 PMCID: PMC5309581 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonergic tone of the dorsal raphe (DR) is regulated by 5-HT1A receptors, which negatively control serotonergic activity via the activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels. In addition, DR activity is modulated by local GABAergic transmission, which is believed to play a key role in the development of mood-related disorders. Here, we sought to characterize the role of GIRK2 subunit-containing channels on the basal electrophysiological properties of DR neurons and to investigate whether the presynaptic and postsynaptic activities of 5-HT1A, GABAB, and GABAA receptors are affected by Girk2 gene deletion. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices from GIRK2 knockout mice revealed that the GIRK2 subunit contributes to maintenance of the resting membrane potential and to the membrane input resistance of DR neurons. 5-HT1A and GABAB receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents were almost absent in the mutant mice. Spontaneous and evoked GABAA receptor-mediated transmissions were markedly reduced in GIRK2 KO mice, as the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous IPSCs were reduced, the paired-pulse ratio was increased and GABA-induced whole-cell currents were decreased. Similarly, the pharmacological blockade of GIRK channels with tertiapin-Q prevented the 5-HT1A and GABAB receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents and increased the paired-pulse ratio. Finally, deletion of the Girk2 gene also limited the presynaptic inhibition of GABA release exerted by 5-HT1A and GABAB receptors. These results indicate that the properties and inhibitory activity of DR neurons are highly regulated by GIRK2 subunit-containing channels, introducing GIRK channels as potential candidates for studying the pathophysiology and treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Llamosas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Luisa Ugedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Maria Torrecilla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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Huang Y, Zhang Y, Kong S, Zang K, Jiang S, Wan L, Chen L, Wang G, Jiang M, Wang X, Hu J, Wang Y. GIRK1-mediated inwardly rectifying potassium current suppresses the epileptiform burst activities and the potential antiepileptic effect of ML297. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 101:362-370. [PMID: 29499411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.02.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are important inhibitory regulators of neuronal excitability in central nervous system, and the impairment of GIRK channel function has been reported to be associated with the susceptibility of epilepsy. However, the dynamics of GIRK channels in the pathogenesis of epilepsy are still unclear. In this study, our results showed that cyclothiazide, a potent convulsant, dose dependently increased the epileptiform bursting activities and suppressed the baclofen induced GIRK currents. In addition, TPQ, a selective GIRK antagonist, significantly decreased the total inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) current, and increased the neuronal epileptiform activities. In contrast, ML297, a potent and selective GIRK channel agonist, reversed the cyclothiazide induced decrease of GIRK currents and the increase of neuronal excitability in cultured hippocampal neurons. Further investigation revealed that GIRK1, but not GIRK2, played a key role in suppressing epileptic activities. Finally, in pilocarpine mice seizure model, we demonstrated that ML297 significantly suppressed the seizure behavior. In summary, our current results indicate that GIRK channels, especially GIRK1-containing channels, are involved in epileptic activities and ML297 has a potential antiepileptic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Huang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yuwen Zhang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shuzhen Kong
- College of Environment and Resource, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Kai Zang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shize Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Wan
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lulan Chen
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoxiang Wang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology at Zhongshan Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Differential association of GABA B receptors with their effector ion channels in Purkinje cells. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 223:1565-1587. [PMID: 29177691 PMCID: PMC5869904 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic GABAB receptors mediate slow inhibitory effects presynaptically and postsynaptically through the modulation of different effector signalling pathways. Here, we analysed the distribution of GABAB receptors using highly sensitive SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labelling in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells. Immunoreactivity for GABAB1 was observed on presynaptic and, more abundantly, on postsynaptic compartments, showing both scattered and clustered distribution patterns. Quantitative analysis of immunoparticles revealed a somato-dendritic gradient, with the density of immunoparticles increasing 26-fold from somata to dendritic spines. To understand the spatial relationship of GABAB receptors with two key effector ion channels, the G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channel and the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, biochemical and immunohistochemical approaches were performed. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that GABAB receptors co-assembled with GIRK and CaV2.1 channels in the cerebellum. Using double-labelling immunoelectron microscopic techniques, co-clustering between GABAB1 and GIRK2 was detected in dendritic spines, whereas they were mainly segregated in the dendritic shafts. In contrast, co-clustering of GABAB1 and CaV2.1 was detected in dendritic shafts but not spines. Presynaptically, although no significant co-clustering of GABAB1 and GIRK2 or CaV2.1 channels was detected, inter-cluster distance for GABAB1 and GIRK2 was significantly smaller in the active zone than in the dendritic shafts, and that for GABAB1 and CaV2.1 was significantly smaller in the active zone than in the dendritic shafts and spines. Thus, GABAB receptors are associated with GIRK and CaV2.1 channels in different subcellular compartments. These data provide a better framework for understanding the different roles played by GABAB receptors and their effector ion channels in the cerebellar network.
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Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Temprano-Carazo S, Nájera A, Djebari S, Yajeya J, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Activation of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir3/GirK) channels rescues hippocampal functions in a mouse model of early amyloid-β pathology. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14658. [PMID: 29116174 PMCID: PMC5676742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. Its correct performance relies on excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission balance. In early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neuronal hyperexcitability leads to network dysfunction observed in cortical regions such as the hippocampus. G-protein-gated potassium (GirK) channels induce neurons to hyperpolarize, contribute to the resting membrane potential and could compensate any excesses of excitation. Here, we have studied the relationship between GirK channels and hippocampal function in a mouse model of early AD pathology. Intracerebroventricular injections of amyloid-β (Aβ1-42) peptide—which have a causal role in AD pathogenesis—were performed to evaluate CA3–CA1 hippocampal synapse functionality in behaving mice. Aβ increased the excitability of the CA3–CA1 synapse, impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) and hippocampal oscillatory activity, and induced deficits in novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Injection of ML297 alone, a selective GirK activator, was also translated in LTP and NOR deficits. However, increasing GirK activity rescued all hippocampal deficits induced by Aβ due to the restoration of excitability values in the CA3–CA1 synapse. Our results show a synaptic mechanism, through GirK channel modulation, for the prevention of the hyperexcitability that causally contributes to synaptic, network, and cognitive deficits found in early AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sánchez-Rodríguez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Temprano-Carazo
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alberto Nájera
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Souhail Djebari
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Yajeya
- University of Salamanca, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Agnès Gruart
- Pablo de Olavide University, Division of Neurosciences, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Juan D Navarro-López
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Laboratory, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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46
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Dascal N, Rubinstein M. Lithium reduces the span of G protein-activated K + (GIRK) channel inhibition in hippocampal neurons. Bipolar Disord 2017; 19:568-574. [PMID: 28895268 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lithium (Li+ ) is one of the most widely used treatments for bipolar disorder (BD). However, the molecular and neuronal basis of BD, as well as the mechanisms of Li+ actions are poorly understood. Cellular and biochemical studies identified G proteins as being among the cellular targets for Li+ action, while genetic studies indicated an association with the KCNJ3 gene, which encodes the G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels. GIRK channels regulate neuronal excitability by mediating the inhibitory effects of multiple neurotransmitters and contribute to the resting potassium conductance. Here, we explored the effects of therapeutic dose of Li+ on neuronal excitability and the role of GIRK channels in Li+ actions. METHODS Effects of Li+ on excitability were studied in hippocampal brain slices using whole-cell electrophysiological recordings. RESULTS A therapeutic dose of Li+ (1 mM) dually regulated the function of GIRK channels in hippocampal slices. Li+ hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and prolonged the latency to reach the action potential threshold and peak. These effects were abolished in the presence of tertiapin, a specific GIRK channel blocker, and at doses above the therapeutic window (2 mM). In contrast, Li+ reduced GIRK channel opening induced by GABAB receptor (GABAB R) activation, causing reduced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, attenuated reduction of input resistance, and a smaller decrease of neuronal firing. CONCLUSIONS A therapeutic dose of Li+ reduces the span of GIRK channel-mediated inhibition due to enhancement of basal GIRK currents and inhibition of GABAB R evoked responses, providing an important link between Li+ action, neuronal excitability, and cellular and genetic targets of BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Dascal
- The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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47
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Kahanovitch U, Berlin S, Dascal N. Collision coupling in the GABA
B
receptor–G protein–GIRK signaling cascade. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:2816-2825. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Uri Kahanovitch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Israel
| | - Shai Berlin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Israel
| | - Nathan Dascal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University Israel
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48
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Dual activation of neuronal G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels by cholesterol and alcohol. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4592. [PMID: 28676630 PMCID: PMC5496853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels leads to a hyperpolarization of the neuron’s membrane potential, providing an important component of inhibition in the brain. In addition to the canonical G protein-activation pathway, GIRK channels are activated by small molecules but less is known about the underlying gating mechanisms. One drawback to previous studies has been the inability to control intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here we used a reconstitution strategy with highly purified mammalian GIRK2 channels incorporated into liposomes and demonstrate that cholesterol or intoxicating concentrations of ethanol, i.e., >20 mM, each activate GIRK2 channels directly, in the absence of G proteins. Notably, both activators require the membrane phospholipid PIP2 but appear to interact independently with different regions of the channel. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying G protein-independent pathways of activating GIRK channels provides a unique strategy for developing new types of neuronal excitability modulators.
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49
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Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Zhang L, N Vo B, Tipps M, Farris S, Xia Z, Anderson A, Carlblom N, Weaver CD, Dudek SM, Wickman K. GIRK2 splice variants and neuronal G protein-gated K + channels: implications for channel function and behavior. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1639. [PMID: 28487514 PMCID: PMC5431628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurotransmitters directly inhibit neurons by activating G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels, thereby moderating the influence of excitatory input on neuronal excitability. While most neuronal GIRK channels are formed by GIRK1 and GIRK2 subunits, distinct GIRK2 isoforms generated by alternative splicing have been identified. Here, we compared the trafficking and function of two isoforms (GIRK2a and GIRK2c) expressed individually in hippocampal pyramidal neurons lacking GIRK2. GIRK2a and GIRK2c supported comparable somato-dendritic GIRK currents in Girk2 -/- pyramidal neurons, although GIRK2c achieved a more uniform subcellular distribution in pyramidal neurons and supported inhibitory postsynaptic currents in distal dendrites better than GIRK2a. While over-expression of either isoform in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons restored contextual fear learning in a conditional Girk2 -/- mouse line, GIRK2a also enhanced cue fear learning. Collectively, these data indicate that GIRK2 isoform balance within a neuron can impact the processing of afferent inhibitory input and associated behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lei Zhang
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Baovi N Vo
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Megan Tipps
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shannon Farris
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Zhilian Xia
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Allison Anderson
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Nicholas Carlblom
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - C David Weaver
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Pharmacology, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Serena M Dudek
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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50
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Inhibition of 17-beta-estradiol on neuronal excitability via enhancing GIRK1-mediated inwardly rectifying potassium currents and GIRK1 expression. J Neurol Sci 2017; 375:335-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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