Sodium channel beta4, a new disulfide-linked auxiliary subunit with similarity to beta2

Co-expression of Na(V)β subunits alters the kinetics of inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels by pore-blocking μ-conotoxins

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are assembled from two classes of subunits, a pore-bearing α-subunit (NaV 1) and one or two accessory β-subunits (NaV βs). Neurons in mammals can express one or more of seven isoforms of NaV 1 and one or more of four isoforms of NaV β. The peptide μ-conotoxins, like the guanidinium alkaloids tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX), inhibit VGSCs by blocking the pore in NaV 1. Hitherto, the effects of NaV β-subunit co-expression on the activity of these toxins have not been comprehensively assessed.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Four μ-conotoxins (μ-TIIIA, μ-PIIIA, μ-SmIIIA and μ-KIIIA), TTX and STX were tested against NaV 1.1, 1.2, 1.6 or 1.7, each co-expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with one of NaV β1, β2, β3 or β4 and, for NaV 1.7, binary combinations of thereof.

KEY RESULTS

Co-expression of NaV β-subunits modifies the block by μ-conotoxins: in general, NaV β1 or β3 co-expression tended to increase kon (in the most extreme instance by ninefold), whereas NaV β2 or β4 co-expression decreased kon (in the most extreme instance by 240-fold). In contrast, the block by TTX and STX was only minimally, if at all, affected by NaV β-subunit co-expression. Tests of NaV β1 : β2 chimeras co-expressed with NaV 1.7 suggest that the extracellular portion of the NaV β subunit is largely responsible for altering μ-conotoxin kinetics.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results are the first indication that NaV β subunit co-expression can markedly influence μ-conotoxin binding and, by extension, the outer vestibule of the pore of VGSCs. μ-Conotoxins could, in principle, be used to pharmacologically probe the NaV β subunit composition of endogenously expressed VGSCs.

The cellular building blocks of breathing

Respiratory brainstem neurons fulfill critical roles in controlling breathing: they generate the activity patterns for breathing and contribute to various sensory responses including changes in O2 and CO2. These complex sensorimotor tasks depend on the dynamic interplay between numerous cellular building blocks that consist of voltage-, calcium-, and ATP-dependent ionic conductances, various ionotropic and metabotropic synaptic mechanisms, as well as neuromodulators acting on G-protein coupled receptors and second messenger systems. As described in this review, the sensorimotor responses of the respiratory network emerge through the state-dependent integration of all these building blocks. There is no known respiratory function that involves only a small number of intrinsic, synaptic, or modulatory properties. Because of the complex integration of numerous intrinsic, synaptic, and modulatory mechanisms, the respiratory network is capable of continuously adapting to changes in the external and internal environment, which makes breathing one of the most integrated behaviors. Not surprisingly, inspiration is critical not only in the control of ventilation, but also in the context of "inspiring behaviors" such as arousal of the mind and even creativity. Far-reaching implications apply also to the underlying network mechanisms, as lessons learned from the respiratory network apply to network functions in general.

Altered PKA modulation in the Nav1.1 epilepsy variant I1656M

Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is an inherited epilepsy that can result from mutations in at least four ion channel subunits. The majority of the known GEFS+ mutations have been identified in SCN1A, the gene encoding Nav1.1 α-subunit. Protein kinases as critical modulators of sodium channels have been closely related to the genesis of epilepsy. However, little is known about how protein kinases affect the GEFS+ mutant sodium channel. To gain insight into the protein kinases effect on channel properties and neuronal excitability of SCN1A mutant channels, we investigated the human SCN1A GEFS+ mutation I1656M by using whole cell patch-clamp technique and an established computational neuron model. The results showed that the PKA inhibition of sodium current amplitude significantly decreased in the I1656M mutant channels, but the PKC inhibition did not. The responses of the voltage-dependent activation and fast inactivation to PKA activator disappeared in the I1656M mutant channels, but the response of the voltage dependence of the slow inactivation did not. Computational model analysis suggested that changes of the I1656M mutant channel gating behaviors in response to PKA activation altered neuronal excitability. These results indicate that altered responses of the mutant channels to PKA signaling may impair the delicate balances between chemical and electrical harmony and lead to abnormal neuronal excitability.

Correlations in timing of sodium channel expression, epilepsy, and sudden death in Dravet syndrome

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is an intractable genetic epilepsy caused by loss-of-function mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding brain sodium channel Nav 1.1. DS is associated with increased frequency of sudden unexpected death in humans and in a mouse genetic model of this disease. Here we correlate the time course of declining expression of the murine embryonic sodium channel Nav 1.3 and the rise in expression of the adult sodium channel Nav 1.1 with susceptibility to epileptic seizures and increased incidence of sudden death in DS mice. Parallel studies with unaffected human brain tissue demonstrate similar decline in Nav 1.3 and increase in Nav 1.1 with age. In light of these results, we introduce the hypothesis that the natural loss Nav 1.3 channel expression in brain development, coupled with the failure of increase in functional Nav 1.1 channels in DS, defines a tipping point that leads to disinhibition of neural circuits, intractable seizures, co-morbidities, and premature death in this disease.

[ICU acquired neuromyopathy]

ICU acquired neuromyopathy (IANM) is the most frequent neurological pathology observed in ICU. Nerve and muscle defects are merged with neuromuscular junction abnormalities. Its physiopathology is complex. The aim is probably the redistribution of nutriments and metabolism towards defense against sepsis. The main risk factors are sepsis, its severity and its duration of evolution. IANM is usually diagnosed in view of difficulties in weaning from mechanical ventilation, but electrophysiology may allow an earlier diagnosis. There is no curative therapy, but early treatment of sepsis, glycemic control as well as early physiotherapy may decrease its incidence. The outcomes of IANM are an increase in morbi-mortality and possibly long-lasting neuromuscular abnormalities as far as tetraplegia.

Interactions among DIV voltage-sensor movement, fast inactivation, and resurgent Na current induced by the NaVβ4 open-channel blocking peptide

Resurgent Na current flows as voltage-gated Na channels recover through open states from block by an endogenous open-channel blocking protein, such as the NaVβ4 subunit. The open-channel blocker and fast-inactivation gate apparently compete directly, as slowing the onset of fast inactivation increases resurgent currents by favoring binding of the blocker. Here, we tested whether open-channel block is also sensitive to deployment of the DIV voltage sensor, which facilitates fast inactivation. We expressed NaV1.4 channels in HEK293t cells and assessed block by a free peptide replicating the cytoplasmic tail of NaVβ4 (the "β4 peptide"). Macroscopic fast inactivation was disrupted by mutations of DIS6 (L443C/A444W; "CW" channels), which reduce fast-inactivation gate binding, and/or by the site-3 toxin ATX-II, which interferes with DIV movement. In wild-type channels, the β4 peptide competed poorly with fast inactivation, but block was enhanced by ATX. With the CW mutation, large peptide-induced resurgent currents were present even without ATX, consistent with increased open-channel block upon depolarization and slower deactivation after blocker unbinding upon repolarization. The addition of ATX greatly increased transient current amplitudes and further enlarged resurgent currents, suggesting that pore access by the blocker is actually decreased by full deployment of the DIV voltage sensor. ATX accelerated recovery from block at hyperpolarized potentials, however, suggesting that the peptide unbinds more readily when DIV voltage-sensor deployment is disrupted. These results are consistent with two open states in Na channels, dependent on the DIV voltage-sensor position, which differ in affinity for the blocking protein.

Distribution and function of sodium channel subtypes in human atrial myocardium

Voltage-gated sodium channels composed of a pore-forming α subunit and auxiliary β subunits are responsible for the upstroke of the action potential in cardiac muscle. However, their localization and expression patterns in human myocardium have not yet been clearly defined. We used immunohistochemical methods to define the level of expression and the subcellular localization of sodium channel α and β subunits in human atrial myocytes. Nav1.2 channels are located in highest density at intercalated disks where β1 and β3 subunits are also expressed. Nav1.4 and the predominant Nav1.5 channels are located in a striated pattern on the cell surface at the z-lines together with β2 subunits. Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6 channels are located in scattered puncta on the cell surface in a pattern similar to β3 and β4 subunits. Nav1.5 comprised approximately 88% of the total sodium channel staining, as assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry. Functional studies using whole cell patch-clamp recording and measurements of contractility in human atrial cells and tissue showed that TTX-sensitive (non-Nav1.5) α subunit isoforms account for up to 27% of total sodium current in human atrium and are required for maximal contractility. Overall, our results show that multiple sodium channel α and β subunits are differentially localized in subcellular compartments in human atrial myocytes, suggesting that they play distinct roles in initiation and conduction of the action potential and in excitation-contraction coupling. TTX-sensitive sodium channel isoforms, even though expressed at low levels relative to TTX-sensitive Nav1.5, contribute substantially to total cardiac sodium current and are required for normal contractility. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Na(+) Regulation in Cardiac Myocytes".

Channelopathies from mutations in the cardiac sodium channel protein complex

The cardiac sodium current underlies excitability in heart, and inherited abnormalities of the proteins regulating and conducting this current cause inherited arrhythmia syndromes. This review focuses on inherited mutations in non-pore forming proteins of sodium channel complexes that cause cardiac arrhythmia, and the deduced mechanisms by which they affect function and dysfunction of the cardiac sodium current. Defining the structure and function of these complexes and how they are regulated will contribute to understanding the possible roles for this complex in normal and abnormal physiology and homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Na(+) Regulation in Cardiac Myocytes".

A missense mutation in the sodium channel β2 subunit reveals SCN2B as a new candidate gene for Brugada syndrome

Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a familial disease associated with sudden cardiac death. A 20%-25% of BrS patients carry genetic defects that cause loss-of-function of the voltage-gated cardiac sodium channel. Thus, 70%-75% of patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. In this work, we identified a novel missense mutation (p.Asp211Gly) in the sodium β2 subunit encoded by SCN2B, in a woman diagnosed with BrS. We studied the sodium current (INa ) from cells coexpressing Nav 1.5 and wild-type (β2WT) or mutant (β2D211G) β2 subunits. Our electrophysiological analysis showed a 39.4% reduction in INa density when Nav 1.5 was coexpressed with the β2D211G. Single channel analysis showed that the mutation did not affect the Nav 1.5 unitary channel conductance. Instead, protein membrane detection experiments suggested that β2D211G decreases Nav 1.5 cell surface expression. The effect of the mutant β2 subunit on the INa strongly suggests that SCN2B is a new candidate gene associated with BrS.

Mutations of the SCN4B-encoded sodium channel β4 subunit in familial atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia and accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality. Mutations in the cardiac sodium channel α, β1, β2 and β3 subunit genes (SCN5A, SCN1B, SCN2B and SCN3B) have been associated with AF, which suggests that mutations in the sodium channel β4 subunit gene, SCN4B, are also involved in the pathogenesis of AF. To examine this hypothesis, the coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of SCN4B were sequenced in 170 unrelated index patients with familial AF. The available relatives of the probands carrying the identified mutations and 200 unrelated ethnically matched healthy individuals used as the controls were subsequently genotyped. The pathogenic potential of a SCN4B sequence variation was predicted using MutationTaster. As a result, 2 novel heterozygous SCN4B mutations, p.V162G and p.I166L, were identified in 2 unrelated families with AF transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern, respectively. In each family the mutation co-segregated with AF and was absent in the 400 control chromosomes. The mutations altered the amino acids evolutionarily highly conserved across species and were both predicted to be disease-causing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association of SCN4B mutations with AF, suggesting SCN4B as a novel AF susceptibility gene.

Neurological perspectives on voltage-gated sodium channels

The activity of voltage-gated sodium channels has long been linked to disorders of neuronal excitability such as epilepsy and chronic pain. Recent genetic studies have now expanded the role of sodium channels in health and disease, to include autism, migraine, multiple sclerosis, cancer as well as muscle and immune system disorders. Transgenic mouse models have proved useful in understanding the physiological role of individual sodium channels, and there has been significant progress in the development of subtype selective inhibitors of sodium channels. This review will outline the functions and roles of specific sodium channels in electrical signalling and disease, focusing on neurological aspects. We also discuss recent advances in the development of selective sodium channel inhibitors.

Biophysical properties of Na(v) 1.8/Na(v) 1.2 chimeras and inhibition by µO-conotoxin MrVIB

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Voltage-gated sodium channels are expressed primarily in excitable cells and play a pivotal role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials. Nine subtypes of the pore-forming α-subunit have been identified, each with a distinct tissue distribution, biophysical properties and sensitivity to tetrodotoxin (TTX). Na(v) 1.8, a TTX-resistant (TTX-R) subtype, is selectively expressed in sensory neurons and plays a pathophysiological role in neuropathic pain. In comparison with TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) Na(v) α-subtypes in neurons, Na(v) 1.8 is most strongly inhibited by the µO-conotoxin MrVIB from Conus marmoreus. To determine which domain confers Na(v) 1.8 α-subunit its biophysical properties and MrVIB binding, we constructed various chimeric channels incorporating sequence from Na(v) 1.8 and the TTX-S Na(v) 1.2 using a domain exchange strategy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Wild-type and chimeric Na(v) channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and depolarization-activated Na⁺ currents were recorded using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique.

KEY RESULTS

MrVIB (1 µM) reduced Na(v) 1.2 current amplitude to 69 ± 12%, whereas Na(v) 1.8 current was reduced to 31 ± 3%, confirming that MrVIB has a binding preference for Na(v) 1.8. A similar reduction in Na⁺ current amplitude was observed when MrVIB was applied to chimeras containing the region extending from S6 segment of domain I through the S5-S6 linker of domain II of Na(v) 1.8. In contrast, MrVIB had only a small effect on Na⁺ current for chimeras containing the corresponding region of Na(v) 1.2.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, these results suggest that domain II of Na(v) 1.8 is an important determinant of MrVIB affinity, highlighting a region of the α-subunit that may allow further nociceptor-specific ligand targeting.

Identification of the cysteine residue responsible for disulfide linkage of Na+ channel α and β2 subunits

Voltage-gated Na(+) channels in the brain are composed of a single pore-forming α subunit, one non-covalently linked β subunit (β1 or β3), and one disulfide-linked β subunit (β2 or β4). The final step in Na(+) channel biosynthesis in central neurons is concomitant α-β2 disulfide linkage and insertion into the plasma membrane. Consistent with this, Scn2b (encoding β2) null mice have reduced Na(+) channel cell surface expression in neurons, and action potential conduction is compromised. Here we generated a series of mutant β2 cDNA constructs to investigate the cysteine residue(s) responsible for α-β2 subunit covalent linkage. We demonstrate that a single cysteine-to-alanine substitution at extracellular residue Cys-26, located within the immunoglobulin (Ig) domain, abolishes the covalent linkage between α and β2 subunits. Loss of α-β2 covalent complex formation disrupts the targeting of β2 to nodes of Ranvier in a myelinating co-culture system and to the axon initial segment in primary hippocampal neurons, suggesting that linkage with α is required for normal β2 subcellular localization in vivo. WT β2 subunits are resistant to live cell Triton X-100 detergent extraction from the hippocampal axon initial segment, whereas mutant β2 subunits, which cannot form disulfide bonds with α, are removed by detergent. Taken together, our results demonstrate that α-β2 covalent association via a single, extracellular disulfide bond is required for β2 targeting to specialized neuronal subcellular domains and for β2 association with the neuronal cytoskeleton within those domains.

The immunoglobulin domain of the sodium channel β3 subunit contains a surface-localized disulfide bond that is required for homophilic binding

The β subunits of voltage-gated sodium (Na_v) channels possess an extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) domain that is related to the L1 family of cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs). Here we show that in HEK293 cells, secretion of the free Ig domain of the β3 subunit is reduced significantly when it is coexpressed with the full-length β3 and β1 subunits but not with the β2 subunit. Using immunoprecipitation, we show that the β3 subunit can mediate trans homophilic-binding via its Ig domain and that the β3-Ig domain can associate heterophilically with the β1 subunit. Evolutionary tracing analysis and structural modeling identified a cluster of surface-localized amino acids fully conserved between the Ig domains of all known β3 and β1 sequences. A notable feature of this conserved surface cluster is the presence of two adjacent cysteine residues that previously we have suggested may form a disulfide bond. We now confirm the presence of the disulfide bond in β3 using mass spectrometry, and we show that its integrity is essential for the association of the full-length, membrane-anchored β3 subunit with itself. However, selective reduction of this surface disulfide bond did not inhibit homophilic binding of the purified β3-Ig domain in free solution. Hence, the disulfide bond itself is unlikely to be part of the homophilic binding site. Rather, we suggest that its integrity ensures the Ig domain of the membrane-tethered β3 subunit adopts the correct orientation for productive association to occur in vivo.—Yereddi, N. R., Cusdin, F. S., Namadurai, S., Packman, L. C., Monie, T. P., Slavny, P., Clare, J. C., Powell, A. J., Jackson, A. P. The immunoglobulin domain of the sodium channel β3 subunit contains a surface-localized disulfide bond that is required for homophilic binding.

Cardiac sodium channel NaV1.5 distribution in myocytes via interacting proteins: the multiple pool model

The cardiac sodium current (INa) is responsible for the rapid depolarization of cardiac cells, thus allowing for their contraction. It is also involved in regulating the duration of the cardiac action potential (AP) and propagation of the impulse throughout the myocardium. Cardiac INa is generated by the voltage-gated Na(+) channel, NaV1.5, a 2016-residue protein which forms the pore of the channel. Over the past years, hundreds of mutations in SCN5A, the human gene coding for NaV1.5, have been linked to many cardiac electrical disorders, including the congenital and acquired long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, conduction slowing, sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Similar to many membrane proteins, NaV1.5 has been found to be regulated by several interacting proteins. In some cases, these different proteins, which reside in distinct membrane compartments (i.e. lateral membrane vs. intercalated disks), have been shown to interact with the same regulatory domain of NaV1.5, thus suggesting that several pools of NaV1.5 channels may co-exist in cardiac cells. The aim of this review article is to summarize the recent works that demonstrate its interaction with regulatory proteins and illustrate the model that the sodium channel NaV1.5 resides in distinct and different pools in cardiac cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Cardiac Pathways of Differentiation, Metabolism and Contraction.

Sodium channels and the neurobiology of epilepsy

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are integral membrane proteins. They are essential for normal neurologic function and are, currently, the most common recognized cause of genetic epilepsy. This review summarizes the neurobiology of VGSCs, their association with different epilepsy syndromes, and the ways in which we can experimentally interrogate their function. The most important sodium channel subunit of relevance to epilepsy is SCN1A, in which over 650 genetic variants have been discovered. SCN1A mutations are associated with a variety of epilepsy syndromes; the more severe syndromes are associated with truncation or complete loss of function of the protein. SCN2A is another important subtype associated with epilepsy syndromes, across a range of severe and less severe epilepsies. This subtype is localized primarily to excitatory neurons, and mutations have a range of functional effects on the channel. SCN8A is the other main adult subtype found in the brain and has recently emerged as an epilepsy gene, with the first human mutation discovered in a severe epilepsy syndrome. Mutations in the accessory β subunits, thought to modulate trafficking and function of the α subunits, have also been associated with epilepsy. Genome sequencing is continuing to become more affordable, and as such, the amount of incoming genetic data is continuing to increase. Current experimental approaches have struggled to keep pace with functional analysis of these mutations, and it has proved difficult to build associations between disease severity and the precise effect on channel function. These mutations have been interrogated with a range of experimental approaches, from in vitro, in vivo, to in silico. In vitro techniques will prove useful to scan mutations on a larger scale, particularly with the advance of high-throughput automated patch-clamp techniques. In vivo models enable investigation of mutation in the context of whole brains with connected networks and more closely model the human condition. In silico models can help us incorporate the impact of multiple genetic factors and investigate epistatic interactions and beyond.

A voltage-gated sodium channel is essential for the positive selection of CD4(+) T cells

Sustained Ca²⁺ entry into CD4⁺CD8⁺ double-positive thymocytes is required for positive selection. We identified a voltage-gated Na⁺ channel (VGSC), essential for positive selection of CD4⁺ T cells. Pharmacological inhibition of VGSC activity inhibitedsustained Ca²⁺ influx induced by positive-selecting ligands and in vitro positive selection of CD4⁺ but not CD8⁺ T cells. In vivo shRNA knockdown of Scn5a specifically inhibited positive selection of CD4⁺ T cells. Ectopic expression of VGSC in peripheral AND CD4⁺ T cells bestowed the ability to respond to a positively selecting ligand, directly demonstrating VGSC expression was responsible for increased sensitivity. Thus active VGSCs in thymocytes provide a mechanism by which a weak positive selecting signal can induce sustained Ca²⁺ signals required for CD4⁺ T cell development.

Overexpression of the VSSC-associated CAM, β-2, enhances LNCaP cell metastasis associated behavior

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men. This is due largely to the "silent" nature of the disease until it has progressed to a highly metastatic and castrate resistant state. Voltage sensitive sodium channels (VSSCs) are multimeric transmembrane protein complexes comprised of a pore-forming α subunit and one or two β subunits. The β-subunits modulate surface expression and gating kinetics of the channels but also have inherent cell adhesion molecule (CAM) functions. We hypothesize that PCa cells use VSSC β-subunits as CAMs during PCa progression and metastasis.

METHODS

We overexpressed the beta-2 isoform as a C-terminal fusion protein with enhanced cyan fluorescence protein (ECFP) in the weakly metastatic LNCaP cells. The effect of beta-2 overexpression on cell morphology was examined using confocal microscopy while metastasis-associated behavior was tested by performing several in vitro metastatic functional assays and in vivo subcutaneous tumor studies.

RESULTS

We found that cells overexpressing beta-2 (2BECFP) converted to a bipolar fibroblastic morphology. 2BECFP cells were more adhesive than control (ECFP) to vitronectin (twofold) and Matrigel® (1.3-fold), more invasive through Matrigel® (3.6-fold in 72 hr), and had enhanced migration (2.1-fold in 96 hr) independent of proliferation in wound-healing assays. In contrast, 2BECFP cells have a reduced tumor-take and tumor volume in vivo even though the overexpression of beta-2 was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional overexpression of VSSC β-subunits in PCa may be one mechanism leading to increased metastatic behavior while decreasing the ability to form localized tumor masses.

Anticancer drug oxaliplatin induces acute cooling-aggravated neuropathy via sodium channel subtype Na(V)1.6-resurgent and persistent current

Infusion of the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin leads to an acute and a chronic form of peripheral neuropathy. Acute oxaliplatin neuropathy is characterized by sensory paresthesias and muscle cramps that are notably exacerbated by cooling. Painful dysesthesias are rarely reported for acute oxaliplatin neuropathy, whereas a common symptom of chronic oxaliplatin neuropathy is pain. Here we examine the role of the sodium channel isoform Na(V)1.6 in mediating the symptoms of acute oxaliplatin neuropathy. Compound and single-action potential recordings from human and mouse peripheral axons showed that cooling in the presence of oxaliplatin (30-100 μM; 90 min) induced bursts of action potentials in myelinated A, but not unmyelinated C-fibers. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed enhanced tetrodotoxin-sensitive resurgent and persistent current amplitudes in large, but not small, diameter DRG neurons when cooled (22 °C) in the presence of oxaliplatin. In DRG neurons and peripheral myelinated axons from Scn8a(med/med) mice, which lack functional Na(V)1.6, no effect of oxaliplatin and cooling was observed. Oxaliplatin significantly slows the rate of fast inactivation at negative potentials in heterologously expressed mNa(V)1.6r in ND7 cells, an effect consistent with prolonged Na(V) open times and increased resurgent and persistent current in native DRG neurons. This finding suggests that Na(V)1.6 plays a central role in mediating acute cooling-exacerbated symptoms following oxaliplatin, and that enhanced resurgent and persistent sodium currents may provide a general mechanistic basis for cold-aggravated symptoms of neuropathy.

Voltage-gated sodium channels at 60: structure, function and pathophysiology

Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate action potentials in nerve, muscle and other excitable cells. The sodium current that initiates the nerve action potential was discovered by Hodgkin and Huxley using the voltage clamp technique in their landmark series of papers in The Journal of Physiology in 1952. They described sodium selectivity, voltage-dependent activation and fast inactivation, and they developed a quantitative model for action potential generation that has endured for many decades. This article gives an overview of the legacy that has evolved from their work, including development of conceptual models of sodium channel function, discovery of the sodium channel protein, analysis of its structure and function, determination of its structure at high resolution, definition of the mechanism and structural basis for drug block, and exploration of the role of the sodium channel as a target for disease mutations. Structural models for sodium selectivity and conductance, voltage-dependent activation, fast inactivation and drug block are discussed. A perspective for the future envisions new advances in understanding the structural basis for sodium channel function, the role of sodium channels in disease and the opportunity for discovery of novel therapeutics.

Differential expression of sodium channel β subunits in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons

The small-diameter (<25 μm) and large-diameter (>30 μm) sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) express distinct combinations of tetrodotoxin sensitive and tetrodotoxin-resistant Na(+) channels that underlie the unique electrical properties of these neurons. In vivo, these Na(+) channels are formed as complexes of pore-forming α and auxiliary β subunits. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of β subunits in DRG sensory neurons. Quantitative single-cell RT-PCR revealed that β subunit mRNA is differentially expressed in small (β(2) and β(3)) and large (β(1) and β(2)) DRG neurons. This raises the possibility that β subunit availability and Na(+) channel composition and functional regulation may differ in these subpopulations of sensory neurons. To further explore these possibilities, we quantitatively compared the mRNA expression of the β subunit with that of Na(v)1.7, a TTX-sensitive Na(+) channel widely expressed in both small and large DRG neurons. Na(v)1.7 and β subunit mRNAs were significantly correlated in small (β(2) and β(3)) and large (β(1) and β(2)) DRG neurons, indicating that these subunits are coexpressed in the same populations. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry indicated that Na(v)1.7 formed stable complexes with the β(1)-β(3) subunits in vivo and that Na(v)1.7 and β(3) co-localized within the plasma membranes of small DRG neurons. Heterologous expression studies showed that β(3) induced a hyperpolarizing shift in Na(v)1.7 activation, whereas β(1) produced a depolarizing shift in inactivation and faster recovery. The data indicate that β(3) and β(1) subunits are preferentially expressed in small and large DRG neurons, respectively, and that these auxiliary subunits differentially regulate the gating properties of Na(v)1.7 channels.

Identification of an intra-molecular disulfide bond in the sodium channel β1-subunit

The sodium channel β1 subunit is non-covalently associated with the pore-forming α-subunits, and has been proposed to act as a modulator of channel activity, regulator of channel cell surface expression and cell adhesion molecule. Its importance is evident since mutations of the β1 subunit cause neurologic and cardiovascular disorders. The first described β1 subunit mutation is the C121W, that is related to generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), a childhood genetic epilepsy syndrome. This mutation changed a conserved cysteine residue in position 121 into a tryptophan, putatively disrupting a disulfide bridge that should normally maintain the β1 extracellular immunoglobulin-like fold. Using the 2-D-diagonal-SDS-PAGE technique, we demonstrated the existence of this putative disulfide bridge in the Ig-like extracellular domain of the β1 subunit and its disruption in the epileptogenic C121W mutant.

Cloning and expression of the two new variants of Nav1.5/SCN5A in rat brain

The α-subunit of tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) voltage-gated sodium channel (VSGC, Nav1.5/SCN5A) has been found from the rat heart and human neuroblastoma cell line NB-1, but its expression in rat brain has not been identified radically. In this study, a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to clone the full sequence of Nav1.5 (designated as rN1) α-subunit in rat brain and compared the distribution in different lobe of brain in different developmental stages. The open reading frame of rN1 encodes 2,016 amino acid residues and sequence analysis indicated that rN1 is highly homologous with 96.53% amino acids identity to rat cardiac Nav1.5 (rH1) and 96.13% amino acids identity to human neuroblastoma Nav1.5 (hNbR1). It has all the structural features of a VSGC and the presence of a cysteine residue (C373) in the pore loop region of domain I suggests that this channel is resistant to TTX. A new exon (exon6A) that is distinct from rH1 was found in DI-S3-S4, meanwhile an isomer of alternative splicing that deleted 53 amino acids (exon18) was found for the first time in domain DII-III in rN1. (designated as rN1-2). Distribution results demonstrated that rN1 expressed discrepancy in different ages and lobe in brain. The expression level of rN1 was gradually more stable in adult than in neonatal; these results suggest that rN1 has a newly identified exon for alternative splicing that is differentfrom rat heart and is more widely expressed in rat brain than previously thought.

Na+ channelopathies and epilepsy: recent advances and new perspectives

Mutations of ion channel genes have a major role in the pathogenesis of several epilepsies, confirming that some epilepsies are disorders due to the impairment of ion channel function (channelopathies). Voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs) play an essential role in neuronal excitability; it is, therefore, not surprising that most mutations associated with epilepsy have been identified in genes coding for VGSCs subunits. Epilepsies linked to VGSCs mutations range in severity from mild disorders, such as benign neonatal-infantile familial seizures and febrile seizures, to severe and drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies. SCN1A is the most clinically relevant of all of the known epilepsy genes, several hundred mutations have been identified in this gene. This review will summarize recent advances and new perspectives on Na(+) channels and epilepsy. A better understanding of the genetic basis and of how gene defects cause seizures is mandatory to direct future research for newer selective and more efficacious treatments.

Elucidation of the molecular basis of selective recognition uncovers the interaction site for the core domain of scorpion alpha-toxins on sodium channels

Neurotoxin receptor site-3 at voltage-gated Na(+) channels is recognized by various peptide toxin inhibitors of channel inactivation. Despite extensive studies of the effects of these toxins, their mode of interaction with the channel remained to be described at the molecular level. To identify channel constituents that interact with the toxins, we exploited the opposing preferences of LqhαIT and Lqh2 scorpion α-toxins for insect and mammalian brain Na(+) channels. Construction of the DIV/S1-S2, DIV/S3-S4, DI/S5-SS1, and DI/SS2-S6 external loops of the rat brain rNa(v)1.2a channel (highly sensitive to Lqh2) in the background of the Drosophila DmNa(v)1 channel (highly sensitive to LqhαIT), and examination of toxin activity on the channel chimera expressed in Xenopus oocytes revealed a substantial decrease in LqhαIT effect, whereas Lqh2 was as effective as at rNa(v)1.2a. Further substitutions of individual loops and specific residues followed by examination of gain or loss in Lqh2 and LqhαIT activities highlighted the importance of DI/S5-S6 (pore module) and the C-terminal region of DIV/S3 (gating module) of rNa(v)1.2a for Lqh2 action and selectivity. In contrast, a single substitution of Glu-1613 to Asp at DIV/S3-S4 converted rNa(v)1.2a to high sensitivity toward LqhαIT. Comparison of depolarization-driven dissociation of Lqh2 and mutant derivatives off their binding site at rNa(v)1.2a mutant channels has suggested that the toxin core domain interacts with the gating module of DIV. These results constitute the first step in better understanding of the way scorpion α-toxins interact with voltage-gated Na(+)-channels at the molecular level.

Sodium channels and microglial function

Microglia are resident immune cells that provide continuous surveillance within the central nervous system (CNS) and respond to perturbations of brain and spinal cord parenchyma with an array of effector functions, including proliferation, migration, phagocytosis, secretions of multiple cytokines/chemokines and promotion of repair. To sense alterations within their environment, microglia express a large number of cell surface receptors, ion channels and adhesion molecules, which activate complex and dynamic signaling pathways. In the present chapter, we review studies that demonstrate that microglia in vivo and in vitro express specific voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms, and that blockade of sodium channel activity can attenuate several effector functions of microglia. These studies also provide strong evidence that Nav1.6 is the predominant sodium channel isoform expressed in microglia and that its activity contributes to the response of microglia to multiple activating signals.

Molecular and functional differences in voltage-activated sodium currents between GABA projection neurons and dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra

GABA projection neurons (GABA neurons) in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and dopamine projection neurons (DA neurons) in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) have strikingly different firing properties. SNc DA neurons fire low-frequency, long-duration spikes, whereas SNr GABA neurons fire high-frequency, short-duration spikes. Since voltage-activated sodium (Na(V)) channels are critical to spike generation, the different firing properties raise the possibility that, compared with DA neurons, Na(V) channels in SNr GABA neurons have higher density, faster kinetics, and less cumulative inactivation. Our quantitative RT-PCR analysis on immunohistochemically identified nigral neurons indicated that mRNAs for pore-forming Na(V)1.1 and Na(V)1.6 subunits and regulatory Na(V)β1 and Na(v)β4 subunits are more abundant in SNr GABA neurons than SNc DA neurons. These α-subunits and β-subunits are key subunits for forming Na(V) channels conducting the transient Na(V) current (I(NaT)), persistent Na current (I(NaP)), and resurgent Na current (I(NaR)). Nucleated patch-clamp recordings showed that I(NaT) had a higher density, a steeper voltage-dependent activation, and a faster deactivation in SNr GABA neurons than in SNc DA neurons. I(NaT) also recovered more quickly from inactivation and had less cumulative inactivation in SNr GABA neurons than in SNc DA neurons. Furthermore, compared with nigral DA neurons, SNr GABA neurons had a larger I(NaR) and I(NaP). Blockade of I(NaP) induced a larger hyperpolarization in SNr GABA neurons than in SNc DA neurons. Taken together, these results indicate that Na(V) channels expressed in fast-spiking SNr GABA neurons and slow-spiking SNc DA neurons are tailored to support their different spiking capabilities.

Post-transcriptional silencing of SCN1B and SCN2B genes modulates late sodium current in cardiac myocytes from normal dogs and dogs with chronic heart failure

The emerging paradigm for Na(+) current in heart failure (HF) is that its transient component (I(NaT)) responsible for the action potential (AP) upstroke is decreased, whereas the late component (I(NaL)) involved in AP plateau is augmented. Here we tested whether Na(v)β(1)- and Na(v)β(2)-subunits can modulate I(NaL) parameters in normal and failing ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCMs). Chronic HF was produced in nine dogs by multiple sequential coronary artery microembolizations, and six dogs served as a control. I(Na) and APs were measured by the whole cell and perforated patch-clamp in freshly isolated and cultured VCMs, respectively. I(NaL) was augmented with slower decay in HF VCMs compared with normal heart VCMs, and these properties remained unchanged within 5 days of culture. Post-transcriptional silencing SCN1B and SCN2B were achieved by virally delivered short interfering RNA (siRNA) specific to Na(v)β(1) and Na(v)β(2). The delivery and efficiency of siRNA were evaluated by green fluorescent protein expression, by the real-time RT-PCR, and Western blots, respectively. Five days after infection, the levels of mRNA and protein for Na(v)β(1) and Na(v)β(2) were reduced by >80%, but mRNA and protein of Na(v)1.5, as well as I(NaT), remained unchanged in HF VCMs. Na(v)β(1)-siRNA reduced I(NaL) density and accelerated I(NaL) two-exponential decay, whereas Na(v)β(2)-siRNA produced an opposite effect in VCMs from both normal and failing hearts. Physiological importance of the discovered I(NaL) modulation to affect AP shape and duration was illustrated both experimentally and by numerical simulations of a VCM excitation-contraction coupling model. We conclude that in myocytes of normal and failing dog hearts Na(v)β(1) and Na(v)β(2) exhibit oppositely directed modulation of I(NaL).

Resurgent Na+ current: a new avenue to neuronal excitability control

Integrative and firing properties are important characteristics of neuronal circuits and these responses are determined in large part by the repertoire of ion channels they express, which can vary considerably between cell types. Recently, a new mode of operation of voltage dependent sodium channels has been described that generates a so-called resurgent Na+ current. Accumulating evidence suggests resurgent Na current participates in the generation of sub-threshold inward Na+ current causing membrane depolarization which provides the necessary drive to fire high-frequency action potentials. Recent studies indicate that resurgent Na+ current could be a more widespread feature than previously thought.

Regulation of Nav1.6 and Nav1.8 peripheral nerve Na+ channels by auxiliary β-subunits

Voltage-gated Na(+) (Na(v)) channels are composed of a pore-forming α-subunit and one or more auxiliary β-subunits. The present study investigated the regulation by the β-subunit of two Na(+) channels (Na(v)1.6 and Na(v)1.8) expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Single cell RT-PCR was used to show that Na(v)1.8, Na(v)1.6, and β(1)-β(3) subunits were widely expressed in individually harvested small-diameter DRG neurons. Coexpression experiments were used to assess the regulation of Na(v)1.6 and Na(v)1.8 by β-subunits. The β(1)-subunit induced a 2.3-fold increase in Na(+) current density and hyperpolarizing shifts in the activation (-4 mV) and steady-state inactivation (-4.7 mV) of heterologously expressed Na(v)1.8 channels. The β(4)-subunit caused more pronounced shifts in activation (-16.7 mV) and inactivation (-9.3 mV) but did not alter the current density of cells expressing Na(v)1.8 channels. The β(3)-subunit did not alter Na(v)1.8 gating but significantly reduced the current density by 31%. This contrasted with Na(v)1.6, where the β-subunits were relatively weak regulators of channel function. One notable exception was the β(4)-subunit, which induced a hyperpolarizing shift in activation (-7.6 mV) but no change in the inactivation or current density of Na(v)1.6. The β-subunits differentially regulated the expression and gating of Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.6. To further investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism, β-subunit chimeras containing portions of the strongly regulating β(1)-subunit and the weakly regulating β(2)-subunit were generated. Chimeras retaining the COOH-terminal domain of the β(1)-subunit produced hyperpolarizing shifts in gating and increased the current density of Na(v)1.8, similar to that observed for wild-type β(1)-subunits. The intracellular COOH-terminal domain of the β(1)-subunit appeared to play an essential role in the regulation of Na(v)1.8 expression and gating.

Increased expression of the beta3 subunit of voltage-gated Na+ channels in the spinal cord of the SOD1G93A mouse

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of motoneurons (MNs). Altered electrical properties have been described in familial and sporadic ALS patients. Cortical and spinal neurons cultured from the mutant Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) mouse, a murine model of ALS, exhibit a marked increase in the persistent Na+ currents. Here, we investigated the effects of the SOD1G93A mutation on the expression of the voltage-gated Na+ channel alpha subunit SCN8A (Nav1.6) and the beta subunits SCN1B (beta1), SCN2B (beta2), and SCN3B (beta3) in MNs of the spinal cord in presymptomatic (P75) and symptomatic (P120) mice. We observed a significant increase, within lamina IX, of the beta3 transcript and protein expression. On the other hand, the beta1 transcript was significantly decreased, in the same area, at the symptomatic stage, while the beta2 transcript levels were unaltered. The SCN8A transcript was significantly decreased at P120 in the whole spinal cord. These data suggest that the SOD1G93A mutation alters voltage-gated Na+ channel subunit expression. Moreover, the increased expression of the beta3 subunit support the hypothesis that altered persistent Na+ currents contribute to the hyperexcitability observed in the ALS-affected MNs.

The role of spiking and bursting pacemakers in the neuronal control of breathing

Breathing is controlled by a distributed network involving areas in the neocortex, cerebellum, pons, medulla, spinal cord, and various other subcortical regions. However, only one area seems to be essential and sufficient for generating the respiratory rhythm: the preBötzinger complex (preBötC). Lesioning this area abolishes breathing and following isolation in a brain slice the preBötC continues to generate different forms of respiratory activities. The use of slice preparations led to a thorough understanding of the cellular mechanisms that underlie the generation of inspiratory activity within this network. Two types of inward currents, the persistent sodium current (I(NaP)) and the calcium-activated non-specific cation current (I(CAN)), play important roles in respiratory rhythm generation. These currents give rise to autonomous pacemaker activity within respiratory neurons, leading to the generation of intrinsic spiking and bursting activity. These membrane properties amplify as well as activate synaptic mechanisms that are critical for the initiation and maintenance of inspiratory activity. In this review, we describe the dynamic interplay between synaptic and intrinsic membrane properties in the generation of the respiratory rhythm and we relate these mechanisms to rhythm generating networks involved in other behaviors.

β-Site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) cleaves cerebellar Na+ channel β4-subunit and promotes Purkinje cell firing by slowing the decay of resurgent Na+ current

In cerebellar Purkinje cells, the β4-subunit of voltage-dependent Na(+) channels has been proposed to serve as an open-channel blocker giving rise to a "resurgent" Na(+) current (I (NaR)) upon membrane repolarization. Notably, the β4-subunit was recently identified as a novel substrate of the β-secretase, BACE1, a key enzyme of the amyloidogenic pathway in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we asked whether BACE1-mediated cleavage of β4-subunit has an impact on I (NaR) and, consequently, on the firing properties of Purkinje cells. In cerebellar tissue of BACE1-/- mice, mRNA levels of Na(+) channel α-subunits 1.1, 1.2, and 1.6 and of β-subunits 1-4 remained unchanged, but processing of β4 peptide was profoundly altered. Patch-clamp recordings from acutely isolated Purkinje cells of BACE1-/- and WT mice did not reveal any differences in steady-state properties and in current densities of transient, persistent, and resurgent Na(+) currents. However, I (NaR) was found to decay significantly faster in BACE1-deficient Purkinje cells than in WT cells. In modeling studies, the altered time course of I (NaR) decay could be replicated when we decreased the efficiency of open-channel block. In current-clamp recordings, BACE1-/- Purkinje cells displayed lower spontaneous firing rate than normal cells. Computer simulations supported the hypothesis that the accelerated decay kinetics of I (NaR) are responsible for the slower firing rate. Our study elucidates a novel function of BACE1 in the regulation of neuronal excitability that serves to tune the firing pattern of Purkinje cells and presumably other neurons endowed with I (NaR).

Identification of BACE1 cleavage sites in human voltage-gated sodium channel beta 2 subunit

Background

The voltage-gated sodium channel β2 subunit (Navβ2) is a physiological substrate of BACE1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme) and γ-secretase, two proteolytic enzymes central to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Previously, we have found that the processing of Navβ2 by BACE1 and γ-secretase regulates sodium channel metabolism in neuronal cells. In the current study we identified the BACE1 cleavage sites in human Navβ2.

Results

We found a major (147-148 L↓M, where ↓ indicates the cleavage site) and a minor (144145 L↓Q) BACE1 cleavage site in the extracellular domain of human Navβ2 using a cell-free BACE1 cleavage assay followed by mass spectrometry. Next, we introduced two different double mutations into the identified major BACE1 cleavage site in human Navβ2: 147LM/VI and 147LM/AA. Both mutations dramatically decreased the cleavage of human Navβ2 by endogenous BACE1 in cell-free BACE1 cleavage assays. Neither of the two mutations affected subcellular localization of Navβ2 as confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation of cholesterol-rich domains. Finally, wildtype and mutated Navβ2 were expressed along BACE1 in B104 rat neuroblastoma cells. In spite of α-secretase still actively cleaving the mutant proteins, Navβ2 cleavage products decreased by ~50% in cells expressing Navβ2 (147LM/VI) and ~75% in cells expressing Navβ2 (147LM/AA) as compared to cells expressing wildtype Navβ2.

Conclusion

We identified a major (147-148 L↓M) and a minor (144-145 L↓Q) BACE1 cleavage site in human Navβ2. Our in vitro and cell-based results clearly show that the 147-148 L↓M is the major BACE1 cleavage site in human Navβ2. These findings expand our understanding of the role of BACE1 in voltage-gated sodium channel metabolism.

Pharmacological modulation of brain Nav1.2 and cardiac Nav1.5 subtypes by the local anesthetic ropivacaine

OBJECTIVE

The present study was aimed to investigate the pharmacological modulatory effects of ropivacaine, an amide-type local anesthetic, on rat Nav1.2 (rNav1.2) and rNav1.5, the two Na(+) channel isoforms heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes and in HEK293t cell line, respectively.

METHODS

Two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were employed to record the whole-cell currents.

RESULTS

Ropivacaine induced tonic inhibition of peak Na(+) currents of both subtypes in a dose- and frequency-dependent manner. rNav1.5 appeared to be more sensitive to ropivacaine. In addition, for both Na(+) channel subtypes, the steady-state inactivation curves, but not the activation curves, were significantly shifted to the hyperpolarizing direction by ropivacaine. Use-dependent blockade of both rNav1.2 and rNav1.5 channels was induced by ropivacaine through a high frequency of depolarization, suggesting that ropivacaine could preferentially bind to the 2 inactivated Na(+) channel isoforms.

CONCLUSION

The results will be helpful in understanding the pharmacological modulation by ropivacaine on Nav1.2 subtype in the central nervous system, and on Nav1.5 subtype abundantly expressed in the heart.

Ion permeation and block of the gating pore in the voltage sensor of NaV1.4 channels with hypokalemic periodic paralysis mutations

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis and normokalemic periodic paralysis are caused by mutations of the gating charge–carrying arginine residues in skeletal muscle Na_V1.4 channels, which induce gating pore current through the mutant voltage sensor domains. Inward sodium currents through the gating pore of mutant R666G are only ∼1% of central pore current, but substitution of guanidine for sodium in the extracellular solution increases their size by 13- ± 2-fold. Ethylguanidine is permeant through the R666G gating pore at physiological membrane potentials but blocks the gating pore at hyperpolarized potentials. Guanidine is also highly permeant through the proton-selective gating pore formed by the mutant R666H. Gating pore current conducted by the R666G mutant is blocked by divalent cations such as Ba²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in a voltage-dependent manner. The affinity for voltage-dependent block of gating pore current by Ba²⁺ and Zn²⁺ is increased at more negative holding potentials. The apparent dissociation constant (K_d) values for Zn²⁺ block for test pulses to −160 mV are 650 ± 150 µM, 360 ± 70 µM, and 95.6 ± 11 µM at holding potentials of 0 mV, −80 mV, and −120 mV, respectively. Gating pore current is blocked by trivalent cations, but in a nearly voltage-independent manner, with an apparent K_d for Gd³⁺ of 238 ± 14 µM at −80 mV. To test whether these periodic paralyses might be treated by blocking gating pore current, we screened several aromatic and aliphatic guanidine derivatives and found that 1-(2,4-xylyl)guanidinium can block gating pore current in the millimolar concentration range without affecting normal Na_V1.4 channel function. Together, our results demonstrate unique permeability of guanidine through Na_V1.4 gating pores, define voltage-dependent and voltage-independent block by divalent and trivalent cations, respectively, and provide initial support for the concept that guanidine-based gating pore blockers could be therapeutically useful.

Sodium channel SCN1A and epilepsy: mutations and mechanisms

Mutations in a number of genes encoding voltage-gated sodium channels cause a variety of epilepsy syndromes in humans, including genetic (generalized) epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and Dravet syndrome (DS, severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy). Most of these mutations are in the SCN1A gene, and all are dominantly inherited. Most of the mutations that cause DS result in loss of function, whereas all of the known mutations that cause GEFS+ are missense, presumably altering channel activity. Family members with the same GEFS+ mutation often display a wide range of seizure types and severities, and at least part of this variability likely results from variation in other genes. Many different biophysical effects of SCN1A-GEFS+ mutations have been observed in heterologous expression systems, consistent with both gain and loss of channel activity. However, results from mouse models suggest that the primary effect of both GEFS+ and DS mutations is to decrease the activity of GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Decreased activity of the inhibitory circuitry is thus likely to be a major factor contributing to seizure generation in patients with GEFS+ and DS, and may be a general consequence of SCN1A mutations.

Mechanism of action of two insect toxins huwentoxin-III and hainantoxin-VI on voltage-gated sodium channels

Selenocosmia huwena and Selenocosmia hainana are two tarantula species found in southern China. Their venoms contain abundant peptide toxins. Two new neurotoxic peptides, huwentoxin-III (HWTX-III) and hainantoxin-VI (HNTX-VI), were obtained from the venom using ion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The mechanism of action of HWTX-III and HNTX-VI on insect neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) was studied via whole-cell patch clamp techniques. In a fashion similar to delta-atracotoxins, HNTX-VI can induce a slowdown of current inactivation of the VGSC and reduction in the peak of Na+ current in cockroach dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons. Meanwhile, 10 micromol/L HNTX-IV caused a positive shift of steady-state inactivation of sodium channel. HWTX-III inhibited VGSCs on DUM neurons (concentration of toxin at half-maximal inhibition (IC(50)) approximately 1.106 micromol/L) in a way much similar to tetrodotoxin (TTX). HWTX-III had no effect on the kinetics of activation and inactivation. The shift in the steady-state inactivation curve was distinct from other depressant spider toxins. The diverse effect and the mechanism of action of the two insect toxins illustrate the diverse biological activities of spider toxins and provide a fresh theoretical foundation to design and develop novel insecticides.

Signaling complexes of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels

Membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca(2+) transients generated by activation of voltage-gated Na+ and Ca(2+) channels are local signals, which initiate physiological processes such as action potential conduction, synaptic transmission, and excitation-contraction coupling. Targeting of effector proteins and regulatory proteins to ion channels is an important mechanism to ensure speed, specificity, and precise regulation of signaling events in response to local stimuli. This article reviews experimental results showing that Na+ and Ca(2+) channels form local signaling complexes, in which effector proteins, anchoring proteins, and regulatory proteins interact directly with ion channels. The intracellular domains of these channels serve as signaling platforms, mediating their participation in intracellular signaling processes. These protein-protein interactions are important for regulation of cellular plasticity through modulation of Na+ channel function in brain neurons, for short-term synaptic plasticity through modulation of presynaptic Ca(V)2 channels, and for the fight-or-flight response through regulation of postsynaptic Ca(V)1 channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle. These localized signaling complexes are essential for normal function and regulation of electrical excitability, synaptic transmission, and excitation-contraction coupling.

BACE1-/- mice exhibit seizure activity that does not correlate with sodium channel level or axonal localization

Background

BACE1 is a key enzyme in the generation of the Aβ peptide that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. While BACE1 is an attractive therapeutic target, its normal physiological function remains largely unknown. Examination of BACE1^-/- mice can provide insight into this function and also help anticipate consequences of BACE1 inhibition. Here we report a seizure-susceptibility phenotype that we have identified and characterized in BACE1^-/- mice.

Results

We find that electroencephalographic recordings reveal epileptiform abnormalities in some BACE1^-/- mice, occasionally including generalized tonic-clonic and absence seizures. In addition, we find that kainic acid injection induces seizures of greater severity in BACE1^-/- mice relative to BACE1^+/+ littermates, and causes excitotoxic cell death in a subset of BACE1^-/- mice. This hyperexcitability phenotype is variable and appears to be manifest in approximately 30% of BACE1^-/- mice. Finally, examination of the expression and localization of the voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit Na_v1.2 reveals no correlation with BACE1 genotype or any measure of seizure susceptibility.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that BACE1 deficiency predisposes mice to spontaneous and pharmacologically-induced seizure activity. This finding has implications for the development of safe therapeutic strategies for reducing Aβ levels in Alzheimer's disease. Further, we demonstrate that altered sodium channel expression and axonal localization are insufficient to account for the observed effect, warranting investigation of alternative mechanisms.

Mutational analysis of SCN2B, SCN3B and SCN4B in a large Chinese Han family with generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Voltage-gated sodium channel genes are associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Our group preciously identified a suggestive new locus on chromosome 11q22.1-23.3 in a five-generational Chinese epileptic family with generalized tonic-clonic seizure. SCN2B, SCN3B and SCN4B, which located at 11q22.1-23.3 locus, were chosen as candidate genes for this family. In the present study, genomic DNA was extracted in six affected family members. All exons of SCN2B, SCN3B and SCN4B were sequenced using direct DNA sequence analysis. The results showed that no mutation or polymorphism of coding regions of SCN2B, SCN3B and SCN4B was detected in the tested family members. Therefore, SCN2B, SCN3B and SCN4B are not major susceptibility genes contributed to our large family.

Electrophysiology and beyond: multiple roles of Na+ channel β subunits in development and disease

Voltage-gated Na+ channel (VGSC) β Subunits are not "auxiliary." These multi-functional molecules not only modulate Na+ current (I(Na)), but also function as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)-playing roles in aggregation, migration, invasion, neurite outgrowth, and axonal fasciculation. β subunits are integral members of VGSC signaling complexes at nodes of Ranvier, axon initial segments, and cardiac intercalated disks, regulating action potential propagation through critical intermolecular and cell-cell communication events. At least in vitro, many β subunit cell adhesive functions occur both in the presence and absence of pore-forming VGSC α subunits, and in vivo β subunits are expressed in excitable as well as non-excitable cells, thus β subunits may play important functional roles on their own, in the absence of α subunits. VGSC β1 subunits are essential for life and appear to be especially important during brain development. Mutations in β subunit genes result in a variety of human neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, some cancer cells exhibit alterations in β subunit expression during metastasis. In short, these proteins, originally thought of as merely accessory to α subunits, are critical players in their own right in human health and disease. Here we discuss the role of VGSC β subunits in the nervous system.

Control of transient, resurgent, and persistent current by open-channel block by Na channel beta4 in cultured cerebellar granule neurons

Voltage-gated Na channels in several classes of neurons, including cells of the cerebellum, are subject to an open-channel block and unblock by an endogenous protein. The Na(V)beta4 (Scn4b) subunit is a candidate blocking protein because a free peptide from its cytoplasmic tail, the beta4 peptide, can block open Na channels and induce resurgent current as channels unblock upon repolarization. In heterologous expression systems, however, Na(V)beta4 fails to produce resurgent current. We therefore tested the necessity of this subunit in generating resurgent current, as well as its influence on Na channel gating and action potential firing, by studying cultured cerebellar granule neurons treated with siRNA targeted against Scn4b. Knockdown of Scn4b, confirmed with quantitative RT-PCR, led to five electrophysiological phenotypes: a loss of resurgent current, a reduction of persistent current, a hyperpolarized half-inactivation voltage of transient current, a higher rheobase, and a decrease in repetitive firing. All disruptions of Na currents and firing were rescued by the beta4 peptide. The simplest interpretation is that Na(V)beta4 itself blocks Na channels of granule cells, making this subunit the first blocking protein that is responsible for resurgent current. The results also demonstrate that a known open-channel blocking peptide not only permits a rapid recovery from nonconducting states upon repolarization from positive voltages but also increases Na channel availability at negative potentials by antagonizing fast inactivation. Thus, Na(V)beta4 expression determines multiple aspects of Na channel gating, thereby regulating excitability in cultured cerebellar granule cells.

Persistent Nav1.6 current at axon initial segments tunes spike timing of cerebellar granule cells

Cerebellar granule (CG) cells generate high-frequency action potentials that have been proposed to depend on the unique properties of their voltage-gated ion channels. To address the in vivo function of Nav1.6 channels in developing and mature CG cells, we combined the study of the developmental expression of Nav subunits with recording of acute cerebellar slices from young and adult granule-specific Scn8a KO mice. Nav1.2 accumulated rapidly at early-formed axon initial segments (AISs). In contrast, Nav1.6 was absent at early postnatal stages but accumulated at AISs of CG cells from P21 to P40. By P40-P65, both Nav1.6 and Nav1.2 co-localized at CG cell AISs. By comparing Na(+) currents in mature CG cells (P66-P74) from wild-type and CG-specific Scn8a KO mice, we found that transient and resurgent Na(+) currents were not modified in the absence of Nav1.6 whereas persistent Na(+) current was strongly reduced. Action potentials in conditional Scn8a KO CG cells showed no alteration in threshold and overshoot, but had a faster repolarization phase and larger post-spike hyperpolarization. In addition, although Scn8a KO CG cells kept their ability to fire action potentials at very high frequency, they displayed increased interspike-interval variability and firing irregularity in response to sustained depolarization. We conclude that Nav1.6 channels at axon initial segments contribute to persistent Na(+) current and ensure a high degree of temporal precision in repetitive firing of CG cells.