Phosphorylation of threonine residue 276 is required for acute regulation of serotonin transporter by cyclic GMP

cGMP-dependent protein kinases and cGMP phosphodiesterases in nitric oxide and cGMP action

To date, studies suggest that biological signaling by nitric oxide (NO) is primarily mediated by cGMP, which is synthesized by NO-activated guanylyl cyclases and broken down by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Effects of cGMP occur through three main groups of cellular targets: cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), cGMP-gated cation channels, and PDEs. cGMP binding activates PKG, which phosphorylates serines and threonines on many cellular proteins, frequently resulting in changes in activity or function, subcellular localization, or regulatory features. The proteins that are so modified by PKG commonly regulate calcium homeostasis, calcium sensitivity of cellular proteins, platelet activation and adhesion, smooth muscle contraction, cardiac function, gene expression, feedback of the NO-signaling pathway, and other processes. Current therapies that have successfully targeted the NO-signaling pathway include nitrovasodilators (nitroglycerin), PDE5 inhibitors [sildenafil (Viagra and Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis and Adcirca)] for treatment of a number of vascular diseases including angina pectoris, erectile dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension; the PDE3 inhibitors [cilostazol (Pletal) and milrinone (Primacor)] are used for treatment of intermittent claudication and acute heart failure, respectively. Potential for use of these medications in the treatment of other maladies continues to emerge.

Myristoylation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase dictates isoform specificity for serotonin transporter regulation

By transporting serotonin (5-HT) into neurons and other cells, serotonin transporter (SERT) modulates the action of 5-HT at cell surface receptors. SERT itself is modulated by several processes, including the cGMP signaling pathway. Activation of SERT by cGMP requires the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Here we show that in HeLa cells lacking endogenous PKG, expression of PKGIα or PKGIβ was required for 8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) to stimulate SERT phosphorylation and 5-HT influx. Catalytically inactive PKG mutants and wild-type PKGII did not support this stimulation. However, a mutant PKGII (G2A) that was not myristoylated substituted for functional PKGI, suggesting that myristoylation and subsequent membrane association blocked productive interaction with SERT. PKG also influenced SERT expression and localization. PKGI isoforms increased total and cell surface SERT levels, and PKGII decreased cell surface SERT without altering total expression. Remarkably, these changes did not require 8-Br-cGMP or functional kinase activity and were also observed with a SERT mutant resistant to activation by PKG. Both PKGIα and PKGIβ formed detergent-stable complexes with SERT, and this association did not require catalytic activity. The nonmyristoylated PKGII G2A mutant stimulated SERT expression similar to PKGI isoforms. These results suggest multiple mechanisms by which PKG can modulate SERT and demonstrate that the functional difference between PKG isoforms results from myristoylation of PKGII.

Regulation of monoamine transporters: Role of transporter phosphorylation

Presynaptic biogenic amine transporters mediate reuptake of released amines from the synapse, thus regulating serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission. Medications utilized in the treatment of depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric disorders possess high affinity for amine transporters. In addition, amine transporters are targets for psychostimulants. Altered expression of biogenic amine transporters has long been implicated in several psychiatric and degenerative disorders. Therefore, appropriate regulation and maintenance of biogenic amine transporter activity is critical for the maintenance of normal amine homoeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that cellular protein kinases and phosphatases regulate amine transporter expression, activity, trafficking and degradation. Amine transporters are phosphoproteins that undergo dynamic control under the influence of various kinase and phosphatase activities. This review presents a brief overview of the role of amine transporter phosphorylation in the regulation of amine transport in the normal and diseased brain. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which phosphorylation events affect amine transporter activity is essential for understanding the contribution of transporter phosphorylation to the regulation of monoamine neurotransmission and for identifying potential new targets for the treatment of various brain diseases.

MDMA causes a redistribution of serotonin transporter from the cell surface to the intracellular compartment by a mechanism independent of phospho-p38-mitogen activated protein kinase activation

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes long-term serotonin depletion and reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) function in humans and in animal models. Using quantitative Western blotting and real-time PCR, we have shown that total SERT protein in the striatum and nucleus accumbens and mRNA levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus were not significantly changed following MDMA exposure in rats (4 x 2 h i.p. injections, 10 mg/kg each). In mouse neuroblastoma (N(2)A) cells transiently expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged human SERT (GFP-hSERT), we have shown redistribution of SERT from the cell surface to intracellular vesicles on exposure to MDMA using cell surface biotinylation, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) and live-cell confocal microscopy. To investigate the mechanism responsible for SERT redistribution, we used specific antibodies to phospho-p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), a known signalling pathway involved in SERT membrane expression. We found that p38 MAPK activation was not involved in the MDMA-induced redistribution of SERT from the cell-surface to the cell interior. A loss of SERT from the cell surface on acute exposure to MDMA may contribute to the decreased SERT function seen in rats exposed to MDMA.

The reverse operation of Na(+)/Cl(-)-coupled neurotransmitter transporters--why amphetamines take two to tango

Sodium-chloride coupled neurotransmitter transporters achieve reuptake of their physiological substrate by exploiting the pre-existing sodium-gradient across the cellular membrane. This terminates the action of previously released substrate in the synaptic cleft. However, a change of the transmembrane ionic gradients or specific binding of some psychostimulant drugs to these proteins, like amphetamine and its derivatives, induce reverse operation of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters. This effect eventually leads to an increase in the synaptic concentration of non-exocytotically released neurotransmitters [and - in the case of the norepinephrine transporters, underlies the well-known indirect sympathomimetic activity]. While this action has long been appreciated, the underlying mechanistic details have been surprisingly difficult to understand. Some aspects can be resolved by incorporating insights into the oligomeric nature of transporters, into the nature of the accompanying ion fluxes, and changes in protein kinase activities.

cGMP-dependent protein kinase Ialpha associates with the antidepressant-sensitive serotonin transporter and dictates rapid modulation of serotonin uptake

Background

The Na⁺/Cl^--dependent serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (SERT) is a critical element in neuronal 5-HT signaling, being responsible for the efficient elimination of 5-HT after release. SERTs are not only targets for exogenous addictive and therapeutic agents but also can be modulated by endogenous, receptor-linked signaling pathways. We have shown that neuronal A3 adenosine receptor activation leads to enhanced presynaptic 5-HT transport in vitro and an increased rate of SERT-mediated 5-HT clearance in vivo. SERT stimulation by A3 adenosine receptors derives from an elevation of cGMP and subsequent activation of both cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. PKG activators such as 8-Br-cGMP are known to lead to transporter phosphorylation, though how this modification supports SERT regulation is unclear.

Results

In this report, we explore the kinase isoform specificity underlying the rapid stimulation of SERT activity by PKG activators. Using immortalized, rat serotonergic raphe neurons (RN46A) previously shown to support 8-Br-cGMP stimulation of SERT surface trafficking, we document expression of PKGI, and to a lower extent, PKGII. Quantitative analysis of staining profiles using permeabilized or nonpermeabilized conditions reveals that SERT colocalizes with PKGI in both intracellular and cell surface domains of RN46A cell bodies, and exhibits a more restricted, intracellular pattern of colocalization in neuritic processes. In the same cells, SERT demonstrates a lack of colocalization with PKGII in either intracellular or surface membranes. In keeping with the ability of the membrane permeant kinase inhibitor DT-2 to block 8-Br-cGMP stimulation of SERT, we found that DT-2 treatment eliminated cGMP-dependent kinase activity in PKGI-immunoreactive extracts resolved by liquid chromatography. Similarly, treatment of SERT-transfected HeLa cells with small interfering RNAs targeting endogenous PKGI eliminated 8-Br-cGMP-induced regulation of SERT activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies show that, in transporter/kinase co-transfected cells, PKGIα specifically associates with hSERT.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence of a physical and compartmentalized association between SERT and PKGIα that supports rapid, 8-Br-cGMP-induced regulation of SERT. We discuss a model wherein SERT-associated PKGIα supports sequentially the mobilization of intracellular transporter-containing vesicles, leading to enhanced surface expression, and the production of catalytic-modulatory SERT phosphorylation, leading to a maximal enhancement of 5-HT clearance capacity.

Enhanced activity of human serotonin transporter variants associated with autism

Rare, functional, non-synonymous variants in the human serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (hSERT) gene (SLC6A4) have been identified in both autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Within autism, rare hSERT coding variants associate with rigid-compulsive traits, suggesting both phenotypic overlap with OCD and a shared relationship with disrupted 5-HT signalling. Here, we document functional perturbations of three of these variants: Ile425Leu; Phe465Leu; and Leu550Val. In transiently transfected HeLa cells, the three variants confer a gain of 5-HT transport phenotype. Specifically, enhanced SERT activity was also observed in lymphoblastoid lines derived from mutation carriers. In contrast to previously characterized Gly56Ala, where increased transport activity derives from catalytic activation, the three novel variants exhibit elevated surface density as revealed through both surface antagonist-binding and biotinylation studies. Unlike Gly56Ala, mutants Ile425Leu, Phe465Leu and Leu550Val retain a capacity for acute PKG and p38 MAPK regulation. However, both Gly56Ala and Ile425Leu demonstrate markedly reduced sensitivity to PP2A antagonists, suggesting that deficits in trafficking and catalytic modulation may derive from a common basis in perturbed phosphatase regulation. When expressed stably from the same genomic locus in CHO cells, both Gly56Ala and Ile425Leu display catalytic activation, accompanied by a striking loss of SERT protein.

Proline-directed phosphorylation of the dopamine transporter N-terminal domain

Phosphorylation of the dopamine transporter (DAT) on N-terminal serines and unidentified threonines occurs concomitantly with protein kinase C (PKC)- and substrate-induced alterations in transporter activity, subcellular distribution, and dopamine efflux, but the residues phosphorylated and identities of protein kinases and phosphatases involved are not known. As one approach to investigating these issues, we recombinantly expressed the N-terminal tail of rat DAT (NDAT) and examined its phosphorylation and dephosphorylation properties in vitro. We found that NDAT could be phosphorylated to significant levels by PKCalpha, PKA, PKG, and CaMKII, which catalyzed serine phosphorylation, and ERK1, JNK, and p38, which catalyzed threonine phosphorylation. We identified Thr53, present in a membrane proximal proline-directed kinase motif as the NDAT site phosphorylated in vitro by ERK1, JNK and p38, and confirmed by peptide mapping and mutagenesis that Thr53 is phosphorylated in vivo. Dephosphorylation studies showed that protein phosphatase 1 catalyzed near-complete in vitro dephosphorylation of PKCalpha-phosphorylated NDAT, similar to its in vivo and in vitro effects on native DAT. These findings demonstrate the ability of multiple enzymes to directly recognize the DAT N-terminal domain and for kinases to act at multiple distinct sites. The strong correspondence between NDAT and rDAT phosphorylation characteristics suggests the potential for the enzymes that are active on NDAT in vitro to act on DAT in vivo and indicates the usefulness of NDAT for guiding future DAT phosphorylation analyses.

Functional coding variation in recombinant inbred mouse lines reveals multiple serotonin transporter-associated phenotypes

The human serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (hSERT, SLC6A4) figures prominently in the etiology and treatment of many prevalent neurobehavioral disorders including anxiety, alcoholism, depression, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, we use naturally occurring polymorphisms in recombinant inbred (RI) lines to identify multiple phenotypes associated with altered SERT function. The widely used mouse strain C57BL/6J, harbors a SERT haplotype defined by 2 nonsynonymous coding variants [Gly-39 and Lys-152 (GK)]. At these positions, many other mouse lines, including DBA/2J, encode, respectively, Glu-39 and Arg-152 (ER haplotype), amino acids found also in hSERT. Ex vivo synaptosomal 5-HT transport studies revealed reduced uptake associated with the GK variant, a finding confirmed by in vitro heterologous expression studies. Experimental and in silico approaches using RI lines (C57BL/6J x DBA/2J = BXD) identify multiple anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral phenotypes specifically impacted by GK/ER variation. Among our findings are several traits associated with alcohol consumption and multiple traits associated with dopamine signaling. Further bioinformatic analysis of BXD phenotypes, combined with biochemical evaluation of SERT knockout mice, nominates SERT-dependent 5-HT signaling as a major determinant of midbrain iron homeostasis that, in turn, dictates iron-regulated DA phenotypes. Our studies provide an example of the power of coordinated in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches using mouse RI lines to elucidate and quantify the system-level impact of gene variation.

A juxtamembrane mutation in the N terminus of the dopamine transporter induces preference for an inward-facing conformation

The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) regulates synaptic dopamine (DA) levels and is the site of action of abused and therapeutic drugs. Here we study the effect of a threonine residue (Thr62 in hDAT) that is highly conserved within a canonical phosphorylation site (RETW) in the juxtamembrane N-terminal region of monoamine transporters. In stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293T cells, expression of T62D-hDAT was reduced compared with hDAT or T62A-hDAT. T62D-hDAT displayed dramatically reduced [(3)H]dopamine up-take but exhibited a higher basal dopamine efflux compared with hDAT or T62A-hDAT, as determined by measurements of [(3)H]dopamine efflux and amperometry. The high constitutive efflux in T62D-hDAT precluded the measurement of amphetamine-stimulated [(3)H]dopamine efflux, but when dopamine was added internally into voltage-clamped T62D-hDAT cells, amphetamine-induced efflux comparable with hDAT was detected by amperometry. In accordance with findings that Zn(2+) can rescue reduced DA uptake in mutant transporters that are predominantly inward-facing, micromolar concentrations of Zn(2+) markedly potentiated [(3)H]dopamine uptake in T62D-hDAT and permitted the measurement of amphetamine-stimulated dopamine efflux. These results suggest that T62D-hDAT prefers an inward-facing conformation in the transition between inward- and outward-facing conformations. For T62A-hDAT, however, the measured 50% reduction in both [(3)H]dopamine uptake and [(3)H]dopamine efflux was consistent with a slowed transition between inward- and outward-facing conformations. The mechanism underlying the important functional role of Thr62 in hDAT activity suggested by these findings is examined in a structural context using dynamic simulations of a three-dimensional molecular model of DAT.

cGMP regulated protein kinases (cGK)

cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGK) are serine/threonine kinases that are widely distributed in eukaryotes. Two genes--prkg1 and prkg2--code for cGKs, namely cGKI and cGKII. In mammals, two isozymes, cGKIalpha and cGKIbeta, are generated from the prkg1 gene. The cGKI isozymes are prominent in all types of smooth muscle, platelets, and specific neuronal areas such as cerebellar Purkinje cells, hippocampal neurons, and the lateral amygdala. The cGKII prevails in the secretory epithelium of the small intestine, the juxta-glomerular cells, the adrenal cortex, the chondrocytes, and in the nucleus suprachiasmaticus. Both cGKs are major downstream effectors of many, but not all signalling events of the NO/cGMP and the ANP/cGMP pathways. cGKI relaxes smooth muscle tone and prevents platelet aggregation, whereas cGKII inhibits renin secretion, chloride/water secretion in the small intestine, the resetting of the clock during early night, and endochondreal bone growth. cGKs are also modulators of cell growth and many other functions.

Concepts of neural nitric oxide-mediated transmission

As a chemical transmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, nitric oxide (NO) is still thought a bit of an oddity, yet this role extends back to the beginnings of the evolution of the nervous system, predating many of the more familiar neurotransmitters. During the 20 years since it became known, evidence has accumulated for NO subserving an increasing number of functions in the mammalian central nervous system, as anticipated from the wide distribution of its synthetic and signal transduction machinery within it. This review attempts to probe beneath those functions and consider the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which NO evokes short- and long-term modifications in neural performance. With any transmitter, understanding its receptors is vital for decoding the language of communication. The receptor proteins specialised to detect NO are coupled to cGMP formation and provide an astonishing degree of amplification of even brief, low amplitude NO signals. Emphasis is given to the diverse ways in which NO receptor activation initiates changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic strength by acting at pre- and/or postsynaptic locations. Signalling to non-neuronal cells and an unexpected line of communication between endothelial cells and brain cells are also covered. Viewed from a mechanistic perspective, NO conforms to many of the rules governing more conventional neurotransmission, particularly of the metabotropic type, but stands out as being more economical and versatile, attributes that presumably account for its spectacular evolutionary success.

A postpartum model in rat: behavioral and gene expression changes induced by ovarian steroid deprivation

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 10% to 20% of women during the first 4 weeks of the postpartum period and is characterized by labile mood with prominent anxiety and irritability, insomnia, and depressive mood. During the postpartum period, elevated ovarian hormones abruptly decrease to the early follicular phase levels that are postulated to play a major role in triggering PPD. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to PPD have not been determined.

METHODS

In the present study, we examined the effect of ovarian steroids, administered at levels that occur during human pregnancy followed by rapid withdrawal to simulate postpartum conditions, on behavior and gene expression in the rat.

RESULTS

The results of behavioral testing reveal that the hormone-simulated postpartum treatment results in the development of a phenotype relevant to PPD, including vulnerability for helplessness, increased anxiety, and aggression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated transient regulation of several genes, including Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII), serotonin transporter (SERT), myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha 4 (GABAARA4), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) that could underlie these behavioral effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies provide an improved understanding of the effects of withdrawal from high doses of ovarian hormones on behavior and gene expression changes in the brain that could contribute to the pathophysiology of PPD.

Trafficking properties and activity regulation of the neuronal glycine transporter GLYT2 by protein kinase C

The neuronal glycine transporter GLYT2 controls the availability of the neurotransmitter in glycinergic synapses, and the modulation of its function may influence synaptic transmission. The active transporter is located in membrane rafts and reaches the cell surface through intracellular trafficking. In the present study we prove that GLYT2 constitutively recycles between the cell interior and the plasma membrane by means of a monensin-sensitive trafficking pathway. Also, a regulated trafficking can be triggered by PMA. We demonstrate that PMA inhibits GLYT2 transport by causing net accumulation of the protein in internal compartments through an increase of the internalization rate. In addition, a small increase of plasma membrane delivery and a redistribution of the transporter to non-raft domains is triggered by PMA. A previously identified phorbol-ester-resistant mutant (K422E) displaying an acidic substitution in a regulatory site, exhibits constitutive traffic but, in contrast with the wild-type, fails to show glycine uptake inhibition, membrane raft redistribution and trafficking modulation by PMA. We prove that the action of PMA on GLYT2 involves PKC (protein kinase C)-dependent and -independent pathways, although an important fraction of the effects are PKC-mediated. We show the additional participation of signalling pathways triggered by the small GTPase Rac1 on PMA action. GLYT2 inhibition by PMA and monensin also take place in brainstem primary neurons and synaptosomes, pointing to a GLYT2 trafficking regulation in the central nervous system.

Interactions between integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and the serotonin transporter regulate serotonin transport and platelet aggregation in mice and humans

The essential contribution of the antidepressant-sensitive serotonin (5-HT) transporter SERT (which is encoded by the SLC6A4 gene) to platelet 5-HT stores suggests an important role of this transporter in platelet function. Here, using SERT-deficient mice, we have established a role for constitutive SERT expression in efficient ADP- and thrombin-triggered platelet aggregation. Additionally, using pharmacological blockers of SERT and the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), we have identified a role for ongoing 5-HT release and SERT activity in efficient human platelet aggregation. We have also demonstrated that fibrinogen, an activator of integrin alphaIIbbeta3, enhances SERT activity in human platelets and that integrin alphaIIbbeta3 interacts directly with the C terminus of SERT. Consistent with these findings, knockout mice lacking integrin beta3 displayed diminished platelet SERT activity. Conversely, HEK293 cells engineered to express human SERT and an activated form of integrin beta3 exhibited enhanced SERT function that coincided with elevated SERT surface expression. Our results support an unsuspected role of alphaIIbbeta3/SERT associations as well as alphaIIbbeta3 activation in control of SERT activity in vivo that may have broad implications for hyperserotonemia, cardiovascular disorders, and autism.

Regulation of the human serotonin transporter mediated by long-term action of serotonin in Caco-2 cells

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of long-term serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) treatment on the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) function and its expression.

METHODS

This study was carried out in the enterocyte-like cell line Caco-2. These cells constitutively express the hSERT and have been shown to be an excellent model for the study of this protein. We measured serotonin transport, levels of mRNA expression and of the SERT protein after treating the cells with serotonin.

RESULTS

Serotonin treatment diminished hSERT activity in a concentration and period-dependent way by increasing the K(t) value and reducing V(max). This inhibition was reversible and was not mediated by either the action of 5-HT(2), 5-HT(3) or 5-HT(4) receptors, or by the intracellular second messengers, protein kinase C and cAMP. 5-HT did not seem to affect either the mRNA level of the SERT or the protein transporter measured in either the membrane or the cell lysate. The 5-HT treatment effect was additive to the inhibitory effect of treatment with a low concentration of citalopram and fluoxetine. Nevertheless, 5-HT did not increase the inhibition yielded by treatment with high concentration citalopram.

CONCLUSION

The chronic increase in serotonin in the extracellular medium diminishes the function of the SERT. This effect seems to be due to an effect on the transporter molecule itself in the membrane, without altering protein synthesis, intracellular traffic, or its availability.

Going with the flow: trafficking-dependent and -independent regulation of serotonin transport

Antidepressant-, cocaine- and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-sensitive serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporters (SERTs) are expressed on presynaptic membranes of 5-HT-secreting neurons to provide efficient uptake of the biogenic amine after release. SERTs also support 5-HT transport across platelet, placental, gastrointestinal and pulmonary membranes and thus play a critical role in central nervous system and peripheral nervous system 5-HT signaling. SERTs are subject to multiple levels of posttranslational regulation that can rapidly alter 5-HT uptake and clearance rates. Specific cell surface receptors are now known to regulate SERT trafficking and/or catalytic function, with pathways activating protein kinase C, protein kinase G and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase receiving the greatest attention. Remarkably, disease-associated mutations in SERT not only impact basal SERT activity but also selectively impact one or more SERT regulatory pathway(s). In this review, we describe both trafficking-dependent and trafficking-independent modes of SERT regulation and also the suspected roles played in regulation by SERT-associated proteins. Elucidation of the SERT 'regulome' provides important depth to our understanding of the likely origins of 5-HT-associated disorders and may help orient research to develop novel therapeutics.

Serotonin 5-HT2B receptors are required for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion and 5-HT release in vivo and in vitro

The "club drug" 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; also known as ecstasy) binds preferentially to and reverses the activity of the serotonin transporter, causing release of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] stores from nerve terminals. Subsequent activation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors by released 5-HT has been shown to be critical for the unique psychostimulatory effects of MDMA. In contrast, the effects of direct activation of presynaptic and/or postsynaptic receptors by MDMA have received far less attention, despite the agonist actions of the drug itself at 5-HT(2) receptors, in particular the 5-HT(2B) receptor. Here we show that acute pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of the 5-HT(2B) receptor in mice completely abolishes MDMA-induced hyperlocomotion and 5-HT release in nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. Furthermore, the 5-HT(2B) receptor dependence of MDMA-stimulated release of endogenous 5-HT from superfused midbrain synaptosomes suggests that 5-HT(2B) receptors act, unlike any other 5-HT receptor, presynaptically to affect MDMA-stimulated 5-HT release. Thus, our findings reveal a novel regulatory component in the actions of MDMA and represent the first demonstration that 5-HT(2B) receptors play an important role in the brain, i.e., modulation of 5-HT release. As such, 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonists may serve as promising therapeutic drugs for MDMA abuse.

Characterisation of the zebrafish serotonin transporter functionally links TM10 to the ligand binding site

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants act by inhibiting pre-synaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) leading to elevated synaptic 5-HT concentrations. However, despite extensive efforts little is known about the protein-ligand interactions of serotonin transporter (SERT) and inhibitors. To identify domains and individual amino acids important for ligand binding, we cloned the serotonin transporter from zebrafish, Danio rerio, (drSERT) and compared its pharmacological profile to that of the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) with respect to inhibition of [3H]5-HT uptake and [3H]-escitalopram binding in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells; HEK293-MSR. Residues responsible for altered affinities inhibitors were pinpointed by generating cross-species chimeras and subsequent point mutations by site directed mutagenesis. drSERT has a higher affinity towards compounds of the imipramine class, desipramine in particular, exhibiting a 35-fold increased affinity compared to hSERT. drSERT has a 15-30-fold lower affinity towards cocaine and cocaine analogues. The differences in ligand recognition are shown to be primarily caused by interspecies differences in TM10 and were tracked down to three residues (Ala(505), Leu(506) and Ile(507)).

Serotonin transporter phosphorylation by cGMP-dependent protein kinase is altered by a mutation associated with obsessive compulsive disorder

Human serotonin transporter (hSERT) activity expressed in HeLa cells was stimulated by agents that release nitric oxide, stimulate soluble guanylyl cyclase, or activate cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). This stimulation was blocked by a PKG inhibitor. A naturally occurring mutation, I425V, associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other neuropsychiatric disorders, activated hSERT and eliminated stimulation via the PKG pathway. Inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase or PKG decreased activity of the I425V mutant, but not wild type, indicating that both wild-type and mutant transporters could exist in both high and low activity forms. Mutation of Thr-276 in the fifth transmembrane domain (TM5) to alanine or aspartate prevented activation of wild-type hSERT through the PKG pathway and also blocked the inhibition of I425V activity by inhibitors of the pathway. The accessibility of positions in TM5 near Thr-276 was modified in T276D, but not in I425V. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PKG phosphorylates hSERT at Thr-276 and increases its activity by modifying the substrate permeation pathway formed, in part, by TM5. The effect of the I425V mutation may shift the balance of hSERT toward the phosphorylated form, possibly by interfering with the action of a phosphatase. However, association of hSERT with protein phosphatase 2A was not decreased in the I425V mutant.

Heating induces aggregation and decreases detection of serotonin transporter protein on western blots

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of Western blot analysis to monitor changes in the abundance of the serotonin transporter (SERT) protein. In the Western blot procedure, heat denaturation is a common, early step. We now report that heating samples to 90 degrees C decreases the abundance of the SERT protein band and causes dispersion of a majority of the SERT signal to a high molecular weight smear. These observations are in keeping with the fact that heating can influence the electrophoretic behavior of some proteins. By omitting the heat denaturation step in the Western blot procedure, better detection of the SERT protein is achieved.