1
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Shore AN, Li K, Safari M, Qunies AM, Spitznagel BD, Weaver CD, Emmitte K, Frankel W, Weston MC. Heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 gain-of-function variant has differential effects on somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing cortical GABAergic neurons. eLife 2024; 13:RP92915. [PMID: 39392867 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 20 recurrent missense gain-of-function (GOF) mutations have been identified in the sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channel gene KCNT1 in patients with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), most of which are resistant to current therapies. Defining the neuron types most vulnerable to KCNT1 GOF will advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and provide refined targets for precision therapy efforts. Here, we assessed the effects of heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 GOF variant (Kcnt1Y777H) on KNa currents and neuronal physiology among cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in mice, including those expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and parvalbumin (PV), to identify and model the pathogenic mechanisms of autosomal dominant KCNT1 GOF variants in DEEs. Although the Kcnt1Y777H variant had no effects on glutamatergic or VIP neuron function, it increased subthreshold KNa currents in both SST and PV neurons but with opposite effects on neuronal output; SST neurons became hypoexcitable with a higher rheobase current and lower action potential (AP) firing frequency, whereas PV neurons became hyperexcitable with a lower rheobase current and higher AP firing frequency. Further neurophysiological and computational modeling experiments showed that the differential effects of the Kcnt1Y777H variant on SST and PV neurons are not likely due to inherent differences in these neuron types, but to an increased persistent sodium current in PV, but not SST, neurons. The Kcnt1Y777H variant also increased excitatory input onto, and chemical and electrical synaptic connectivity between, SST neurons. Together, these data suggest differential pathogenic mechanisms, both direct and compensatory, contribute to disease phenotypes, and provide a salient example of how a pathogenic ion channel variant can cause opposite functional effects in closely related neuron subtypes due to interactions with other ionic conductances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Shore
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, United States
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | - Keyong Li
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, United States
| | - Mona Safari
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, United States
| | - Alshaima'a M Qunies
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States
| | - Brittany D Spitznagel
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - C David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - Kyle Emmitte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States
| | - Wayne Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, United States
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
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2
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Shore AN, Li K, Safari M, Qunies AM, Spitznagel BD, Weaver CD, Emmitte KA, Frankel WN, Weston MC. Heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 gain-of-function variant has differential effects on SST- and PV-expressing cortical GABAergic neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.11.561953. [PMID: 37873369 PMCID: PMC10592778 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.11.561953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
More than twenty recurrent missense gain-of-function (GOF) mutations have been identified in the sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channel gene KCNT1 in patients with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), most of which are resistant to current therapies. Defining the neuron types most vulnerable to KCNT1 GOF will advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and provide refined targets for precision therapy efforts. Here, we assessed the effects of heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 GOF variant (Y777H) on KNa currents and neuronal physiology among cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in mice, including those expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and parvalbumin (PV), to identify and model the pathogenic mechanisms of autosomal dominant KCNT1 GOF variants in DEEs. Although the Kcnt1-Y777H variant had no effects on glutamatergic or VIP neuron function, it increased subthreshold KNa currents in both SST and PV neurons but with opposite effects on neuronal output; SST neurons became hypoexcitable with a higher rheobase current and lower action potential (AP) firing frequency, whereas PV neurons became hyperexcitable with a lower rheobase current and higher AP firing frequency. Further neurophysiological and computational modeling experiments showed that the differential effects of the Y777H variant on SST and PV neurons are not likely due to inherent differences in these neuron types, but to an increased persistent sodium current in PV, but not SST, neurons. The Y777H variant also increased excitatory input onto, and chemical and electrical synaptic connectivity between, SST neurons. Together, these data suggest differential pathogenic mechanisms, both direct and compensatory, contribute to disease phenotypes, and provide a salient example of how a pathogenic ion channel variant can cause opposite functional effects in closely related neuron subtypes due to interactions with other ionic conductances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N. Shore
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Keyong Li
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Mona Safari
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Alshaima’a M. Qunies
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Brittany D. Spitznagel
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C. David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kyle A. Emmitte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Wayne N. Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew C. Weston
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Neurobiology Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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3
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Wu J, Quraishi IH, Zhang Y, Bromwich M, Kaczmarek LK. Disease-causing Slack potassium channel mutations produce opposite effects on excitability of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113904. [PMID: 38457342 PMCID: PMC11013952 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The KCNT1 gene encodes the sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (KCNT1, KNa1.1), a regulator of neuronal excitability. Gain-of-function mutations in humans cause cortical network hyperexcitability, seizures, and severe intellectual disability. Using a mouse model expressing the Slack-R455H mutation, we find that Na+-dependent K+ (KNa) and voltage-dependent sodium (NaV) currents are increased in both excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons. These increased currents, however, enhance the firing of excitability neurons but suppress that of inhibitory neurons. We further show that the expression of NaV channel subunits, particularly that of NaV1.6, is upregulated and that the length of the axon initial segment and of axonal NaV immunostaining is increased in both neuron types. Our study on the coordinate regulation of KNa currents and the expression of NaV channels may provide an avenue for understanding and treating epilepsies and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Imran H Quraishi
- Department of Neurology, Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mark Bromwich
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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4
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Cui F, Wulan T, Zhang Q, Zhang VW, Jiang Y. Identification of a novel KCNT2 variant in a family with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: a case report and literature review. Front Genet 2024; 15:1371282. [PMID: 38510274 PMCID: PMC10951377 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1371282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases characterized mainly by developmental delay/intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy. Researchers have identified variations in the KCNT2 gene (OMIM* 610044) as the cause of DEE type 57 (MIM# 617771). Case presentation: We report in this study a 46-year-old woman who presented with early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, hypertrichosis, coarse facial features, and short stature. Besides, there were four other affected individuals in her family history, including two elder brothers, a younger brother, and their mother. We collected blood samples from the proband, her two affected brothers, and her clinically normal daughter for genetic analysis. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant in the KCNT2 gene (NM_198503: c.188G>A, p.Arg63His) in the proband and her two affected brothers, while her daughter did not carry this variant. Furthermore, we reviewed all 25 patients identified in the literature with KCNT2 variants and compared their phenotypes. Conclusion: Epilepsy and intellectual disability/developmental delay occur in almost all patients with KCNT2 variants. KCNT2-relevant DEEs partially overlap with the clinical phenotypes of KATP channel diseases, particularly in hypertrichosis and distinctive coarse facial features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengji Cui
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Tuoya Wulan
- Department of Reproduction, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | | | | | - Yuhua Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
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5
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Physiological role of potassium channels in mammalian germ cell differentiation, maturation, and capacitation. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436215 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channels are essential for differentiation and maturation of germ cells, and even for fertilization in mammals. Different types of potassium channels have been identified, which are grouped into voltage-gated channels (Kv), ligand-gated channels (Kligand ), inwardly rectifying channels (Kir ), and tandem pore domain channels (K2P ). MATERIAL-METHODS The present review includes recent findings on the role of potassium channels in sperm physiology of mammals. RESULTS-DISCUSSION While most studies conducted thus far have been focused on the physiological role of voltage- (Kv1, Kv3, and Kv7) and calcium-gated channels (SLO1 and SLO3) during sperm capacitation, especially in humans and rodents, little data about the types of potassium channels present in the plasma membrane of differentiating germ cells exist. In spite of this, recent evidence suggests that the content and regulation mechanisms of these channels vary throughout spermatogenesis. Potassium channels are also essential for the regulation of sperm cell volume during epididymal maturation and for preventing premature membrane hyperpolarization. It is important to highlight that the nature, biochemical properties, localization, and regulation mechanisms of potassium channels are species-specific. In effect, while SLO3 is the main potassium channel involved in the K+ current during sperm capacitation in rodents, different potassium channels are implicated in the K+ outflow and, thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization during sperm capacitation in other mammalian species, such as humans and pigs. CONCLUSIONS Potassium conductance is essential for male fertility, not only during sperm capacitation but throughout the spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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6
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Hussain R, Lim CX, Shaukat Z, Islam A, Caseley EA, Lippiat JD, Rychkov GY, Ricos MG, Dibbens LM. Drosophila expressing mutant human KCNT1 transgenes make an effective tool for targeted drug screening in a whole animal model of KCNT1-epilepsy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3357. [PMID: 38336906 PMCID: PMC10858247 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the KCNT1 potassium channel cause severe forms of epilepsy which are poorly controlled with current treatments. In vitro studies have shown that KCNT1-epilepsy mutations are gain of function, significantly increasing K+ current amplitudes. To investigate if Drosophila can be used to model human KCNT1 epilepsy, we generated Drosophila melanogaster lines carrying human KCNT1 with the patient mutation G288S, R398Q or R928C. Expression of each mutant channel in GABAergic neurons gave a seizure phenotype which responded either positively or negatively to 5 frontline epilepsy drugs most commonly administered to patients with KCNT1-epilepsy, often with little or no improvement of seizures. Cannabidiol showed the greatest reduction of the seizure phenotype while some drugs increased the seizure phenotype. Our study shows that Drosophila has the potential to model human KCNT1- epilepsy and can be used as a tool to assess new treatments for KCNT1- epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Hussain
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Chiao Xin Lim
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Zeeshan Shaukat
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Anowarul Islam
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Emily A Caseley
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jonathan D Lippiat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Grigori Y Rychkov
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Michael G Ricos
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Leanne M Dibbens
- Epilepsy Research Group, Clinical and Health Sciences, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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7
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Liu R, Sun L, Shi X, Li C, Guo X, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhang K, Wang Y, Wang Q, Wu J. Increased Expression of K Na1.2 Channel by MAPK Pathway Regulates Neuronal Activity Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:427-440. [PMID: 37875713 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that functional abnormalities in the KNa1.2 channel are linked to epileptic encephalopathies. However, the role of KNa1.2 channel in traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains limited. We collected brain tissue from the TBI mice and patients with post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) to determine changes in KNa1.2 channel following TBI. We also investigated whether the MAPK pathway, which was activated by the released cytokines after injury, regulated KNa1.2 channel in in vitro. Finally, to elucidate the physiological significance of KNa1.2 channel in neuronal excitability, we utilized the null mutant-Kcnt2-/- mice and compared their behavior patterns, seizure susceptibility, and neuronal firing properties to wild type (WT) mice. TBI was induced in both Kcnt2-/- and WT mice to investigate any differences between the two groups under pathological condition. Our findings revealed that the expression of KNa1.2 channel was notably increased only during the acute phase following TBI, while no significant elevation was observed during the late phase. Furthermore, we identified the released cytokines and activated MAPK pathway in the neurons after TBI and confirmed that KNa1.2 channel was enhanced by the MAPK pathway via stimulation of TNF-α. Subsequently, compared to WT mice, neurons from Kcnt2-/- mice showed increased neuronal excitability and Kcnt2-/- mice displayed motor deficits and enhanced seizure susceptibility, which suggested that KNa1.2 channel may be neuroprotective. Therefore, this study suggests that enhanced KNa1.2 channel, facilitated by the inflammatory response, may exert a protective role in an acute phase of the TBI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Xiaorui Shi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Ci Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yingting Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xiu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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8
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Yuan T, Wang Y, Jin Y, Yang H, Xu S, Zhang H, Chen Q, Li N, Ma X, Song H, Peng C, Geng Z, Dong J, Duan G, Sun Q, Yang Y, Yang F, Huang Z. Coupling of Slack and Na V1.6 sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade and guides anti-seizure strategy development. eLife 2024; 12:RP87559. [PMID: 38289338 PMCID: PMC10942592 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Quinidine has been used as an anticonvulsant to treat patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy by targeting gain-of-function KCNT1 pathogenic mutant variants. However, the detailed mechanism underlying quinidine's blockade against KCNT1 (Slack) remains elusive. Here, we report a functional and physical coupling of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.6 and Slack. NaV1.6 binds to and highly sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade. Homozygous knockout of NaV1.6 reduces the sensitivity of native sodium-activated potassium currents to quinidine blockade. NaV1.6-mediated sensitization requires the involvement of NaV1.6's N- and C-termini binding to Slack's C-terminus and is enhanced by transient sodium influx through NaV1.6. Moreover, disrupting the Slack-NaV1.6 interaction by viral expression of Slack's C-terminus can protect against SlackG269S-induced seizures in mice. These insights about a Slack-NaV1.6 complex challenge the traditional view of 'Slack as an isolated target' for anti-epileptic drug discovery efforts and can guide the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for KCNT1-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yuchen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shuai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Heng Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xinyue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Huifang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Chao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Ze Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Guifang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Qi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
- Department of Biophysics, Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
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9
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Hill SF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Reduction of Kcnt1 is therapeutic in mouse models of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282201. [PMID: 37901435 PMCID: PMC10603267 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe seizure disorders with inadequate treatment options. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations of neuronal ion channel genes, including potassium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, are common causes of DEE. We previously demonstrated that reduced expression of the sodium channel gene Scn8a is therapeutic in mouse models of sodium and potassium channel mutations. In the current study, we tested whether reducing expression of the potassium channel gene Kcnt1 would be therapeutic in mice with mutation of the sodium channel genes Scn1a or Scn8a. A Kcnt1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) prolonged survival of both Scn1a and Scn8a mutant mice, suggesting a modulatory effect for KCNT1 on the balance between excitation and inhibition. The cation channel blocker quinidine was not effective in prolonging survival of the Scn8a mutant. Our results implicate KCNT1 as a therapeutic target for treatment of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F. Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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10
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Skrabak D, Bischof H, Pham T, Ruth P, Ehinger R, Matt L, Lukowski R. Slack K + channels limit kainic acid-induced seizure severity in mice by modulating neuronal excitability and firing. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1029. [PMID: 37821582 PMCID: PMC10567740 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the Na+-activated K+ channel Slack (KCNT1) are associated with terrible epilepsy syndromes that already begin in infancy. Here we report increased severity of acute kainic acid-induced seizures in adult and juvenile Slack knockout mice (Slack-/-) in vivo. Fittingly, we find exacerbation of cell death following kainic acid exposure in organotypic hippocampal slices as well as dissociated hippocampal cultures from Slack-/- in vitro. Furthermore, in cultured Slack-/- neurons, kainic acid-triggered Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux as well as depolarization-induced tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward currents are higher compared to the respective controls. This apparent changes in ion homeostasis could possibly explain altered action potential kinetics of Slack-/- neurons: steeper rise slope, decreased threshold, and duration of afterhyperpolarization, which ultimately lead to higher action potential frequencies during kainic acid application or injection of depolarizing currents. Based on our data, we propose Slack as crucial gatekeeper of neuronal excitability to acutely limit seizure severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Skrabak
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut Bischof
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pham
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Ehinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Matt
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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11
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Tobin WF, Weston MC. Distinct Features of Interictal Activity Predict Seizure Localization and Burden in a Mouse Model of Childhood Epilepsy. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5076-5091. [PMID: 37290938 PMCID: PMC10324994 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2205-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The epileptic brain is distinguished by spontaneous seizures and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). Basic patterns of mesoscale brain activity outside of seizures and IEDs are also frequently disrupted in the epileptic brain and likely influence disease symptoms, but are poorly understood. We aimed to quantify how interictal brain activity differs from that in healthy individuals, and identify what features of interictal activity influence seizure occurrence in a genetic mouse model of childhood epilepsy. Neural activity across the majority of the dorsal cortex was monitored with widefield Ca2+ imaging in mice of both sexes expressing a human Kcnt1 variant (Kcnt1m/m ) and wild-type controls (WT). Ca2+ signals during seizures and interictal periods were classified according to their spatiotemporal features. We identified 52 spontaneous seizures, which emerged and propagated within a consistent set of susceptible cortical areas, and were predicted by a concentration of total cortical activity within the emergence zone. Outside of seizures and IEDs, similar events were detected in Kcnt1m/m and WT mice, suggesting that the spatial structure of interictal activity is similar. However, the rate of events whose spatial profile overlapped with where seizures and IEDs emerged was increased, and the characteristic global intensity of cortical activity in individual Kcnt1m/m mice predicted their epileptic activity burden. This suggests that cortical areas with excessive interictal activity are vulnerable to seizures, but epilepsy is not an inevitable outcome. Global scaling of the intensity of cortical activity below levels found in the healthy brain may provide a natural mechanism of seizure protection.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Defining the scope and structure of an epilepsy-causing gene variant's effects on mesoscale brain activity constitutes a major contribution to our understanding of how epileptic brains differ from healthy brains, and informs the development of precision epilepsy therapies. We provide a clear roadmap for measuring how severely brain activity deviates from normal, not only in pathologically active areas, but across large portions of the brain and outside of epileptic activity. This will indicate where and how activity needs to be modulated to holistically restore normal function. It also has the potential to reveal unintended off-target treatment effects and facilitate therapy optimization to deliver maximal benefit with minimal side-effect potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F Tobin
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016
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12
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The emergence of genotypic divergence and future precision medicine applications. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 192:87-99. [PMID: 36796950 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85538-9.00013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Genotypic divergence is a term adapted from population genetics and intimately linked to evolution. We use divergence here to emphasize the differences that set individuals apart in any cohort. The history of genetics is filled with descriptions of genotypic differences, but causal inference of interindividual biological variation has been scarce. We suggest that the practice of precision medicine requires a divergent approach, an approach dependent on the causal interpretation of previous convergent (and preliminary) knowledge in the field. This knowledge has relied on convergent descriptive syndromology (lumping), which has overemphasized a reductionistic gene determinism on the quest of seeking associations without causal understanding. Regulatory variants with small effect and somatic mutations are some of the modifying factors that lead to incomplete penetrance and intrafamilial variable expressivity often observed in apparently monogenic clinical disorders. A truly divergent approach to precision medicine requires splitting, that is, the consideration of different layers of genetic phenomena that interact causally in a nonlinear fashion. This chapter reviews convergences and divergences in genetics and genomics, aiming to discuss what can be causally understood to approximate the as-yet utopian lands of Precision Medicine for patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
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13
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Wu J, Quraishi IH, Zhang Y, Bromwich M, Kaczmarek LK. Disease-causing Slack potassium channel mutations produce opposite effects on excitability of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.14.528229. [PMID: 36824888 PMCID: PMC9948954 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.14.528229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
KCNT1 encodes the sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (KCNT1, K Na 1.1), an important mediator of neuronal membrane excitability. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in humans lead cortical network hyperexcitability and seizures, as well as very severe intellectual disability. Using a mouse model of Slack GOF-associated epilepsy, we found that both excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the cerebral cortex have increased Na + -dependent K + (K Na ) currents and voltage-dependent sodium (Na V ) currents. The characteristics of the increased K Na currents were, however, different in the two cell types such that the intrinsic excitability of excitatory neurons was enhanced but that of inhibitory neurons was suppressed. We further showed that the expression of Na V channel subunits, particularly that of Na V 1.6, is upregulated and that the length of the axon initial segment (AIS) and of axonal Na V immunostaining is increased in both neuron types. We found that the proximity of the AIS to the soma is shorter in excitatory neurons than in inhibitory neurons of the mutant animals, potentially contributing to the different effects on membrane excitability. Our study on the coordinate regulation of K Na currents and the expression of Na V channels may provide a new avenue for understanding and treating epilepsies and other neurological disorders. In brief In a genetic mouse model of Na + -activated K + potassium channel gene Slack -related childhood epilepsy, Wu et al . show that a disease-causing gain-of-function (GOF) mutation R455H in Slack channel causes opposite effects on excitability of cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In contrast to heterologous expression systems, they find that the increase in potassium current substantially alters the expression of sodium channel subunits, resulting in increased lengths of axonal initial segments. Highlights GOF mutations in Slack potassium channel cause elevated outward K + currents and inward voltage-dependent Na + (Na V ) currents in cortical neurons Slack GOF does not alter the expression of Slack channel but upregulates the expression of Na V channel Slack GOF enhances the excitability of excitatory neurons but suppresses the firing of inhibitory interneuronsSlack GOF alters the length of AIS in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronsProximity of AIS to the soma is different between excitatory neuron and inhibitory neuron.
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14
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Guerrini R, Conti V, Mantegazza M, Balestrini S, Galanopoulou AS, Benfenati F. Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: from genetic heterogeneity to phenotypic continuum. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:433-513. [PMID: 35951482 PMCID: PMC9576177 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00063.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by early-onset, often severe epileptic seizures and EEG abnormalities on a background of developmental impairment that tends to worsen as a consequence of epilepsy. DEEs may result from both nongenetic and genetic etiologies. Genetic DEEs have been associated with mutations in many genes involved in different functions including cell migration, proliferation, and organization, neuronal excitability, and synapse transmission and plasticity. Functional studies performed in different animal models and clinical trials on patients have contributed to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying many DEEs and have explored the efficacy of different treatments. Here, we provide an extensive review of the phenotypic spectrum included in the DEEs and of the genetic determinants and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. We also provide a brief overview of the most effective treatment now available and of the emerging therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valerio Conti
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- CNRS UMR727, Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- INSERM, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Simona Balestrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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15
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Miziak B, Czuczwar SJ. Approaches for the discovery of drugs that target K Na 1.1 channels in KCNT1-associated epilepsy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1313-1328. [PMID: 36408599 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2150164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are approximately 70 million people with epilepsy and about 30% of patients are not satisfactorily treated. A link between gene mutations and epilepsy is well documented. A number of pathological variants of KCNT1 gene (encoding the weakly voltage-dependent sodium-activated potassium channel - KNa 1.1) mutations has been found. For instance, epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures, autosomal sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy or Ohtahara syndrome have been associated with KCNT1 gene mutations. AREAS COVERED Several methods for studies on KNa 1.1 channels have been reviewed - patch clamp analysis, Förster resonance energy transfer spectroscopy and whole-exome sequencing. The authors also review available drugs for the management of KCNT1 epilepsies. EXPERT OPINION The current methods enable deeper insights into electrophysiology of KNa 1.1 channels or its functioning in different activation states. It is also possible to identify a given KCNT1 mutation. Quinidine and cannabidiol show variable efficacy as add-on to baseline antiepileptic drugs so more effective treatments are required. A combined approach with the methods shown above, in silico methods and the animal model of KCNT1 epilepsies seems likely to create personalized treatment of patients with KCNT1 gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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16
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Beine Z, Wang Z, Tsoulfas P, Blackmore MG. Single Nuclei Analyses Reveal Transcriptional Profiles and Marker Genes for Diverse Supraspinal Populations. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8780-8794. [PMID: 36202615 PMCID: PMC9698772 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1197-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain contains numerous neurons distributed across forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain that project axons to the lower spinal cord and work in concert to control movement and achieve homeostasis. Extensive work has mapped the anatomic location of supraspinal cell types and continues to establish specific physiological functions. The patterns of gene expression that typify and distinguish these disparate populations, however, are mostly unknown. Here, using adult mice of mixed sex, we combined retrograde labeling of supraspinal cell nuclei with fluorescence-activated nuclei sorting and single-nuclei RNA sequencing analyses to transcriptionally profile neurons that project axons from the brain to lumbar spinal cord. We identified 14 transcriptionally distinct cell types and used a combination of established and newly identified marker genes to assign an anatomic location to each. To validate the putative marker genes, we visualized selected transcripts and confirmed selective expression within lumbar-projecting neurons in discrete supraspinal regions. Finally, we illustrate the potential utility of these data by examining the expression of transcription factors that distinguish different supraspinal cell types and by surveying the expression of receptors for growth and guidance cues that may be present in the spinal cord. Collectively, these data establish transcriptional differences between anatomically defined supraspinal populations, identify a new set of marker genes of use in future experiments, and provide insight into potential differences in cellular and physiological activity across the supraspinal connectome.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The brain communicates with the body through a wide variety of neuronal populations with distinct functions and differential sensitivity to damage and disease. We have used single-nuclei RNA sequencing technology to distinguish patterns of gene expression within a diverse set of neurons that project axons from the mouse brain to the lumbar spinal cord. The results reveal transcriptional differences between populations previously defined on the basis of anatomy, provide new marker genes to facilitate rapid identification of cell type in future work, and suggest distinct responsiveness of different supraspinal populations to external growth and guidance cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Beine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
| | - Zimei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
| | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136
| | - Murray G Blackmore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
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17
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Liu R, Sun L, Wang Y, Jia M, Wang Q, Cai X, Wu J. Double-edged Role of K Na Channels in Brain Tuning: Identifying Epileptogenic Network Micro-Macro Disconnection. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:916-928. [PMID: 34911427 PMCID: PMC9881102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211215104829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is commonly recognized as a disease driven by generalized hyperexcited and hypersynchronous neural activity. Sodium-activated potassium channels (KNa channels), which are encoded by the Slo 2.2 and Slo 2.1 genes, are widely expressed in the central nervous system and considered as "brakes" to adjust neuronal adaptation through regulating action potential threshold or after-hyperpolarization under physiological condition. However, the variants in KNa channels, especially gain-of-function variants, have been found in several childhood epileptic conditions. Most previous studies focused on mapping the epileptic network on the macroscopic scale while ignoring the value of microscopic changes. Notably, paradoxical role of KNa channels working on individual neuron/microcircuit and the macroscopic epileptic expression highlights the importance of understanding epileptogenic network through combining microscopic and macroscopic methods. Here, we first illustrated the molecular and physiological function of KNa channels on preclinical seizure models and patients with epilepsy. Next, we summarized current hypothesis on the potential role of KNa channels during seizures to provide essential insight into what emerged as a micro-macro disconnection at different levels. Additionally, we highlighted the potential utility of KNa channels as therapeutic targets for developing innovative anti-seizure medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Liu
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | | | - Meng Jia
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Cai
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,Address correspondence to these authors at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tel: +0086-18062552085; E-mail: Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tel: +0086-13319285082; E-mail:
| | - Jianping Wu
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China;,Address correspondence to these authors at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tel: +0086-18062552085; E-mail: Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tel: +0086-13319285082; E-mail:
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18
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Gertler TS, Cherian S, DeKeyser JM, Kearney JA, George AL. K Na1.1 gain-of-function preferentially dampens excitability of murine parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105713. [PMID: 35346832 PMCID: PMC9169414 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNT1 encodes the sodium-activated potassium channel KNa1.1, expressed preferentially in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem. Pathogenic missense variants in KCNT1 are associated with intractable epilepsy, namely epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), and sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE). In vitro studies of pathogenic KCNT1 variants support predominantly a gain-of-function molecular mechanism, yet how these variants behave in a neuron or ultimately drive formation of an epileptogenic circuit is an important and timely question. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we introduced a gain-of-function variant into the endogenous mouse Kcnt1 gene. Compared to wild-type (WT) littermates, heterozygous and homozygous knock-in mice displayed greater seizure susceptibility to the chemoconvulsants kainate and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), but not to flurothyl. Using acute slice electrophysiology in heterozygous and homozygous Kcnt1 knock-in and WT littermates, we demonstrated that CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons exhibit greater amplitude of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in mutant mice with no difference in frequency, suggesting greater inhibitory tone associated with the Kcnt1 mutation. To address alterations in GABAergic signaling, we bred Kcnt1 knock-in mice to a parvalbumin-tdTomato reporter line, and found that parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons failed to fire repetitively with large amplitude current injections and were more prone to depolarization block. These alterations in firing can be recapitulated by direct application of the KNa1.1 channel activator loxapine in WT but are occluded in knock-in littermates, supporting a direct channel gain-of-function mechanism. Taken together, these results suggest that KNa1.1 gain-of-function dampens interneuron excitability to a greater extent than it impacts pyramidal neuron excitability, driving seizure susceptibility in a mouse model of KCNT1-associated epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy S Gertler
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America.
| | - Suraj Cherian
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc DeKeyser
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America.
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Zhang Q, Liu Y, Xu J, Teng Y, Zhang Z. The Functional Properties, Physiological Roles, Channelopathy and Pharmacological Characteristics of the Slack (KCNT1) Channel. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1349:387-400. [PMID: 35138624 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The KCNT1 gene encodes the sodium-activated potassium channel that is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system of mammalians and plays an important role in reducing neuronal excitability. Structurally, the KCNT1 channel is absent of voltage sensor but possesses a long C-terminus including RCK1 and RCK2domain, to which the intracellular sodium and chloride bind to activate the channel. Recent publications using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) revealed the open and closed structural characteristics of the KCNT1 channel and co-assembly of functional domains. The activation of the KCNT1 channel regulates various physiological processes including nociceptive behavior, itch, spatial learning. Meanwhile, malfunction of this channel causes important pathophysiological consequences, including Fragile X syndrome and a wide spectrum of seizure disorders. This review comprehensively describes the structure, expression patterns, physiological functions of the KCNT1 channel and emphasizes the channelopathy of gain-of-function KCNT1 mutations in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Teng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Slo2/K Na Channels in Drosophila Protect against Spontaneous and Induced Seizure-like Behavior Associated with an Increased Persistent Na + Current. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9047-9063. [PMID: 34544836 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0290-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+ sensitivity is a unique feature of Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channels, making them naturally suited to counter a sudden influx in Na+ ions. As such, it has long been suggested that KNa channels may serve a protective function against excessive excitation associated with neuronal injury and disease. This hypothesis, however, has remained largely untested. Here, we examine KNa channels encoded by the Drosophila Slo2 (dSlo2) gene in males and females. We show that dSlo2/KNa channels are selectively expressed in cholinergic neurons in the adult brain, as well as in glutamatergic motor neurons, where dampening excitation may function to inhibit global hyperactivity and seizure-like behavior. Indeed, we show that effects of feeding Drosophila a cholinergic agonist are exacerbated by the loss of dSlo2/KNa channels. Similar to mammalian Slo2/KNa channels, we show that dSlo2/KNa channels encode a TTX-sensitive K+ conductance, indicating that dSlo2/KNa channels can be activated by Na+ carried by voltage-dependent Na+ channels. We then tested the role of dSlo2/KNa channels in established genetic seizure models in which the voltage-dependent persistent Na+ current (INap) is elevated. We show that the absence of dSlo2/KNa channels increased susceptibility to mechanically induced seizure-like behavior. Similar results were observed in WT flies treated with veratridine, an enhancer of INap Finally, we show that loss of dSlo2/KNa channels in both genetic and pharmacologically primed seizure models resulted in the appearance of spontaneous seizures. Together, our results support a model in which dSlo2/KNa channels, activated by neuronal overexcitation, contribute to a protective threshold to suppress the induction of seizure-like activity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Slo2/KNa channels are unique in that they constitute a repolarizing K+ pore that is activated by the depolarizing Na+ ion, making them naturally suited to function as a protective "brake" against overexcitation and Na+ overload. Here, we test this hypothesis in vivo by examining how a null mutation of the Drosophila Slo2 (dSlo2)/KNa gene affects seizure-like behavior in genetic and pharmacological models of epilepsy. We show that indeed the loss of dSlo2/KNa channels results in increased incidence and severity of induced seizure behavior, as well as the appearance of spontaneous seizure activity. Our results advance our understanding of neuronal excitability and protective mechanisms that preserve normal physiology and the suppression of seizure susceptibility.
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21
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Ehinger R, Kuret A, Matt L, Frank N, Wild K, Kabagema-Bilan C, Bischof H, Malli R, Ruth P, Bausch AE, Lukowski R. Slack K + channels attenuate NMDA-induced excitotoxic brain damage and neuronal cell death. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21568. [PMID: 33817875 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002308rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal Na+ -activated K+ channel Slack (aka Slo2.2, KNa 1.1, or Kcnt1) has been implicated in setting and maintaining the resting membrane potential and defining excitability and firing patterns, as well as in the generation of the slow afterhyperpolarization following bursts of action potentials. Slack activity increases significantly under conditions of high intracellular Na+ levels, suggesting this channel may exert important pathophysiological functions. To address these putative roles, we studied whether Slack K+ channels contribute to pathological changes and excitotoxic cell death caused by glutamatergic overstimulation of Ca2+ - and Na+ -permeable N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDAR). Slack-deficient (Slack KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to intrastriatal microinjections of the NMDAR agonist NMDA. NMDA-induced brain lesions were significantly increased in Slack KO vs WT mice, suggesting that the lack of Slack renders neurons particularly susceptible to excitotoxicity. Accordingly, excessive neuronal cell death was seen in Slack-deficient primary cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures exposed to glutamate and NMDA. Differences in neuronal survival between WT and Slack KO CGCs were largely abolished by the NMDAR antagonist MK-801, but not by NBQX, a potent and highly selective competitive antagonist of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type ionotropic glutamate receptors. Interestingly, NMDAR-evoked Ca2+ signals did not differ with regard to Slack genotype in CGCs. However, real-time monitoring of K+ following NMDAR activation revealed a significant contribution of this channel to the intracellular drop in K+ . Finally, TrkB and TrkC neurotrophin receptor transcript levels were elevated in NMDA-exposed Slack-proficient CGCs, suggesting a mechanism by which this K+ channel contributes to the activation of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (Erk) pathway and thereby to neuroprotection. Combined, our findings suggest that Slack-dependent K+ signals oppose the NMDAR-mediated excitotoxic neuronal injury by promoting pro-survival signaling via the BDNF/TrkB and Erk axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Ehinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Kuret
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Matt
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nadine Frank
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Wild
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clement Kabagema-Bilan
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut Bischof
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland Malli
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne E Bausch
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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22
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Boscia F, Elkjaer ML, Illes Z, Kukley M. Altered Expression of Ion Channels in White Matter Lesions of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: What Do We Know About Their Function? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:685703. [PMID: 34276310 PMCID: PMC8282214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.685703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), knowledge about contribution of individual ion channels to axonal impairment and remyelination failure in progressive MS remains incomplete. Ion channel families play a fundamental role in maintaining white matter (WM) integrity and in regulating WM activities in axons, interstitial neurons, glia, and vascular cells. Recently, transcriptomic studies have considerably increased insight into the gene expression changes that occur in diverse WM lesions and the gene expression fingerprint of specific WM cells associated with secondary progressive MS. Here, we review the ion channel genes encoding K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl- channels; ryanodine receptors; TRP channels; and others that are significantly and uniquely dysregulated in active, chronic active, inactive, remyelinating WM lesions, and normal-appearing WM of secondary progressive MS brain, based on recently published bulk and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing datasets. We discuss the current state of knowledge about the corresponding ion channels and their implication in the MS brain or in experimental models of MS. This comprehensive review suggests that the intense upregulation of voltage-gated Na+ channel genes in WM lesions with ongoing tissue damage may reflect the imbalance of Na+ homeostasis that is observed in progressive MS brain, while the upregulation of a large number of voltage-gated K+ channel genes may be linked to a protective response to limit neuronal excitability. In addition, the altered chloride homeostasis, revealed by the significant downregulation of voltage-gated Cl- channels in MS lesions, may contribute to an altered inhibitory neurotransmission and increased excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Louise Elkjaer
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Kukley
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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23
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Cole BA, Clapcote SJ, Muench SP, Lippiat JD. Targeting K Na1.1 channels in KCNT1-associated epilepsy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:700-713. [PMID: 34074526 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gain-of-function (GOF) pathogenic variants of KCNT1, the gene encoding the largest known potassium channel subunit, KNa1.1, are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies accompanied by severe psychomotor and intellectual disabilities. Blocking hyperexcitable KNa1.1 channels with quinidine, a class I antiarrhythmic drug, has shown variable success in patients in part because of dose-limiting off-target effects, poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and low potency. In recent years, high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the chicken KNa1.1 channel in different activation states have been determined, and animal models of the diseases have been generated. Alongside increasing information about the functional effects of GOF pathogenic variants on KNa1.1 channel behaviour and how they lead to hyperexcitability, these tools will facilitate the development of more effective treatment strategies. We review the range of KCNT1 variants and their functional effects, the challenges posed by current treatment strategies, and recent advances in finding more potent and selective therapeutic interventions for KCNT1-related epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan A Cole
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Steven J Clapcote
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen P Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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24
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Kuchenbuch M, Nabbout R, Yochum M, Sauleau P, Modolo J, Wendling F, Benquet P. In silico model reveals the key role of GABA in KCNT1-epilepsy in infancy with migrating focal seizures. Epilepsia 2021; 62:683-697. [PMID: 33617692 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to investigate how gain of function (GOF) of slack channel due to a KCNT1 pathogenic variant induces abnormal neuronal cortical network activity and generates specific electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns of epilepsy in infancy with migrating focal seizures. METHODS We used detailed microscopic computational models of neurons to explore the impact of GOF of slack channel (explicitly coded) on each subtype of neurons and on a cortical micronetwork. Then, we adapted a thalamocortical macroscopic model considering results obtained in detailed models and immature properties related to epileptic brain in infancy. Finally, we compared simulated EEGs resulting from the macroscopic model with interictal and ictal patterns of affected individuals using our previously reported EEG markers. RESULTS The pathogenic variants of KCNT1 strongly decreased the firing rate properties of γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) interneurons and, to a lesser extent, those of pyramidal cells. This change led to hyperexcitability with increased synchronization in a cortical micronetwork. At the macroscopic scale, introducing slack GOF effect resulted in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) EEG interictal patterns. Increased excitation-to-inhibition ratio triggered seizure, but we had to add dynamic depolarizing GABA between somatostatin-positive interneurons and pyramidal cells to obtain migrating seizure. The simulated migrating seizures were close to EIMFS seizures, with similar values regarding the delay between the different ictal activities (one of the specific EEG markers of migrating focal seizures due to KCNT1 pathogenic variants). SIGNIFICANCE This study illustrates the interest of biomathematical models to explore pathophysiological mechanisms bridging the gap between the functional effect of gene pathogenic variants and specific EEG phenotype. Such models can be complementary to in vitro cellular and animal models. This multiscale approach provides an in silico framework that can be further used to identify candidate innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Kuchenbuch
- LTSI-U1099, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Rennes, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, member of European Network EPICARE, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders (UMR 1163), IHU Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases, INSERM, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, member of European Network EPICARE, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders (UMR 1163), IHU Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases, INSERM, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Yochum
- LTSI-U1099, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Rennes, France
| | - Paul Sauleau
- CHU de Rennes (Department of Neurophysiology), "Behavior and Basal Ganglia" Research Unit (EA4712), University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Julien Modolo
- LTSI-U1099, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Rennes, France
| | | | - Pascal Benquet
- LTSI-U1099, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Rennes, France
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25
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The Na +-activated K + channel Slack contributes to synaptic development and plasticity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7569-7587. [PMID: 34664085 PMCID: PMC8629810 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human mutations of the Na+-activated K+ channel Slack (KCNT1) are associated with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Accordingly, Slack knockout mice (Slack-/-) exhibit cognitive flexibility deficits in distinct behavioral tasks. So far, however, the underlying causes as well as the role of Slack in hippocampus-dependent memory functions remain enigmatic. We now report that infant (P6-P14) Slack-/- lack both hippocampal LTD and LTP, likely due to impaired NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signaling. Postsynaptic GluN2B levels are reduced in infant Slack-/-, evidenced by lower amplitudes of NMDAR-meditated excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Low GluN2B affected NMDAR-mediated Ca2+-influx, rendering cultured hippocampal Slack-/-neurons highly insensitive to the GluN2B-specific inhibitor Ro 25-6981. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of the AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA1 at S845, which is involved in AMPAR endocytosis during homeostatic and neuromodulator-regulated plasticity, is reduced after chemical LTD (cLTD) in infant Slack-/-. We additionally detect a lack of mGluR-induced LTD in infant Slack-/-, possibly caused by upregulation of the recycling endosome-associated small GTPase Rab4 which might accelerate AMPAR recycling from early endosomes. Interestingly, LTP and mGluR LTD, but not LTD and S845 dephosphorylation after cLTD are restored in adult Slack-/-. This together with normalized expression levels of GluN2B and Rab4 hints to developmental "restoration" of LTP expression despite Slack ablation, whereas in infant and adult brain, NMDAR-dependent LTD induction depends on this channel. Based on the present findings, NMDAR and vesicular transport might represent novel targets for the therapy of intellectual disability associated with Slack mutations. Consequently, careful modulation of hippocampal Slack activity should also improve learning abilities.
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26
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Shore AN, Colombo S, Tobin WF, Petri S, Cullen ER, Dominguez S, Bostick CD, Beaumont MA, Williams D, Khodagholy D, Yang M, Lutz CM, Peng Y, Gelinas JN, Goldstein DB, Boland MJ, Frankel WN, Weston MC. Reduced GABAergic Neuron Excitability, Altered Synaptic Connectivity, and Seizures in a KCNT1 Gain-of-Function Mouse Model of Childhood Epilepsy. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108303. [PMID: 33113364 PMCID: PMC7712469 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function (GOF) variants in K+ channels cause severe childhood epilepsies, but there are no mechanisms to explain how increased K+ currents lead to network hyperexcitability. Here, we introduce a human Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channel variant (KCNT1-Y796H) into mice and, using a multiplatform approach, find motor cortex hyperexcitability and early-onset seizures, phenotypes strikingly similar to those of human patients. Although the variant increases KNa currents in cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurons, there is an increase in the KNa current across subthreshold voltages only in inhibitory neurons, particularly in those with non-fast-spiking properties, resulting in inhibitory-neuron-specific impairments in excitability and action potential (AP) generation. We further observe evidence of synaptic rewiring, including increases in homotypic synaptic connectivity, accompanied by network hyperexcitability and hypersynchronicity. These findings support inhibitory-neuron-specific mechanisms in mediating the epileptogenic effects of KCNT1 channel GOF, offering cell-type-specific currents and effects as promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Shore
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Sophie Colombo
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William F Tobin
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Sabrina Petri
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Erin R Cullen
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Soledad Dominguez
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Michael A Beaumont
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Axion BioSystems, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - Damian Williams
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dion Khodagholy
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Yueqing Peng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jennifer N Gelinas
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michael J Boland
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wayne N Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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27
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Kessi M, Chen B, Peng J, Tang Y, Olatoutou E, He F, Yang L, Yin F. Intellectual Disability and Potassium Channelopathies: A Systematic Review. Front Genet 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32655623 PMCID: PMC7324798 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) manifests prior to adulthood as severe limitations to intellectual function and adaptive behavior. The role of potassium channelopathies in ID is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between ID and potassium channelopathies. We hypothesized that potassium channelopathies are strongly associated with ID initiation, and that both gain- and loss-of-function mutations lead to ID. This systematic review explores the burden of potassium channelopathies, possible mechanisms, advancements using animal models, therapies, and existing gaps. The literature search encompassed both PubMed and Embase up to October 2019. A total of 75 articles describing 338 cases were included in this review. Nineteen channelopathies were identified, affecting the following genes: KCNMA1, KCNN3, KCNT1, KCNT2, KCNJ10, KCNJ6, KCNJ11, KCNA2, KCNA4, KCND3, KCNH1, KCNQ2, KCNAB1, KCNQ3, KCNQ5, KCNC1, KCNB1, KCNC3, and KCTD3. Twelve of these genes presented both gain- and loss-of-function properties, three displayed gain-of-function only, three exhibited loss-of-function only, and one had unknown function. How gain- and loss-of-function mutations can both lead to ID remains largely unknown. We identified only a few animal studies that focused on the mechanisms of ID in relation to potassium channelopathies and some of the few available therapeutic options (channel openers or blockers) appear to offer limited efficacy. In conclusion, potassium channelopathies contribute to the initiation of ID in several instances and this review provides a comprehensive overview of which molecular players are involved in some of the most prominent disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Eleonore Olatoutou
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
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28
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Cole BA, Johnson RM, Dejakaisaya H, Pilati N, Fishwick CWG, Muench SP, Lippiat JD. Structure-Based Identification and Characterization of Inhibitors of the Epilepsy-Associated K Na1.1 (KCNT1) Potassium Channel. iScience 2020; 23:101100. [PMID: 32408169 PMCID: PMC7225746 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies of infancy have been associated with KCNT1 gain-of-function mutations, which increase the activity of KNa1.1 sodium-activated potassium channels. Pharmacological inhibition of hyperactive KNa1.1 channels by quinidine has been proposed as a stratified treatment, but mostly this has not been successful, being linked to the low potency and lack of specificity of the drug. Here we describe the use of a previously determined cryo-electron microscopy-derived KNa1.1 structure and mutational analysis to identify how quinidine binds to the channel pore and, using computational methods, screened for compounds predicated to bind to this site. We describe six compounds that inhibited KNa1.1 channels with low- and sub-micromolar potencies, likely also through binding in the intracellular pore vestibule. In hERG inhibition and cytotoxicity assays, two compounds were ineffective. These may provide starting points for the development of new pharmacophores and could become tool compounds to study this channel further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan A Cole
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Rachel M Johnson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Hattapark Dejakaisaya
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nadia Pilati
- Autifony Srl, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Citta' della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti, 4f, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Colin W G Fishwick
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen P Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jonathan D Lippiat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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29
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Niu LG, Liu P, Wang ZW, Chen B. Slo2 potassium channel function depends on RNA editing-regulated expression of a SCYL1 protein. eLife 2020; 9:53986. [PMID: 32314960 PMCID: PMC7195191 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Slo2 potassium channels play important roles in neuronal function, and their mutations in humans may cause epilepsies and cognitive defects. However, it is largely unknown how Slo2 is regulated by other proteins. Here we show that the function of C. elegans Slo2 (SLO-2) depends on adr-1, a gene important to RNA editing. ADR-1 promotes SLO-2 function not by editing the transcripts of slo-2 but those of scyl-1, which encodes an orthologue of mammalian SCYL1. Transcripts of scyl-1 are greatly decreased in adr-1 mutants due to deficient RNA editing at a single adenosine in their 3’-UTR. SCYL-1 physically interacts with SLO-2 in neurons. Single-channel open probability (Po) of neuronal SLO-2 is ~50% lower in scyl-1 knockout mutant than wild type. Moreover, human Slo2.2/Slack Po is doubled by SCYL1 in a heterologous expression system. These results suggest that SCYL-1/SCYL1 is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of Slo2 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Gang Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
| | - Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
| | - Bojun Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, United States
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Impaired motor skill learning and altered seizure susceptibility in mice with loss or gain of function of the Kcnt1 gene encoding Slack (K Na1.1) Na +-activated K + channels. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3213. [PMID: 32081855 PMCID: PMC7035262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in KCNT1, the gene encoding Slack (KNa1.1) channels, result in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) and several other forms of epilepsy associated with severe intellectual disability. We have generated a mouse model of this condition by replacing the wild type gene with one encoding Kcnt1R455H, a cytoplasmic C-terminal mutation homologous to a human R474H variant that results in EIMFS. We compared behavior patterns and seizure activity in these mice with those of wild type mice and Kcnt1-/- mice. Complete loss of Kcnt1 produced deficits in open field behavior and motor skill learning. Although their thresholds for electrically and chemically induced seizures were similar to those of wild type animals, Kcnt1-/- mice were significantly protected from death after maximum electroshock-induced seizures. In contrast, homozygous Kcnt1R455H/R455H mice were embryonic lethal. Video-EEG monitoring of heterozygous Kcnt1+/R455H animals revealed persistent interictal spikes, spontaneous seizures and a substantially decreased threshold for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Surprisingly, Kcnt1+/R455H mice were not impaired in tasks of exploratory behavior or procedural motor learning. These findings provide an animal model for EIMFS and suggest that Slack channels are required for the development of procedural learning and of pathways that link cortical seizures to other regions required for animal survival.
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Mao X, Bruneau N, Gao Q, Becq H, Jia Z, Xi H, Shu L, Wang H, Szepetowski P, Aniksztejn L. The Epilepsy of Infancy With Migrating Focal Seizures: Identification of de novo Mutations of the KCNT2 Gene That Exert Inhibitory Effects on the Corresponding Heteromeric K Na1.1/K Na1.2 Potassium Channel. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:1. [PMID: 32038177 PMCID: PMC6992647 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS; previously called Malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy) are early-onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEE) that associate multifocal ictal discharges and profound psychomotor retardation. EIMFS have a genetic origin and are mostly caused by de novo mutations in the KCNT1 gene, and much more rarely in the KCNT2 gene. KCNT1 and KCNT2 respectively encode the KNa1.1 (Slack) and KNa1.2 (Slick) subunits of the sodium-dependent voltage-gated potassium channel KNa. Functional analyses of the corresponding mutant homomeric channels in vitro suggested gain-of-function effects. Here, we report two novel, de novo truncating mutations of KCNT2: one mutation is frameshift (p.L48Qfs43), is situated in the N-terminal domain, and was found in a patient with EOEE (possibly EIMFS); the other mutation is nonsense (p.K564*), is located in the C-terminal region, and was found in a typical EIMFS patient. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we have analyzed the functional consequences of those two novel KCNT2 mutations on reconstituted KNa1.2 homomeric and KNa1.1/KNa1.2 heteromeric channels in transfected chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We report that both mutations significantly impacted on KNa function; notably, they decreased the global current density of heteromeric channels by ~25% (p.K564*) and ~55% (p.L48Qfs43). Overall our data emphasize the involvement of KCNT2 in EOEE and provide novel insights into the role of heteromeric KNa channel in the severe KCNT2-related epileptic phenotypes. This may have important implications regarding the elaboration of future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Mao
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Nadine Bruneau
- INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, INMED, UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Quwen Gao
- Department of Epilepsy, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hélène Becq
- INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, INMED, UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Zhengjun Jia
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Xi
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Li Shu
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Changsha, China
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Gertler TS, Thompson CH, Vanoye CG, Millichap JJ, George AL. Functional consequences of a KCNT1 variant associated with status dystonicus and early-onset infantile encephalopathy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1606-1615. [PMID: 31560846 PMCID: PMC6764634 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We identified a novel de novo KCNT1 variant in a patient with early‐infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) and status dystonicus, a life‐threatening movement disorder. We determined the functional consequences of this variant on the encoded KNa1.1 channel to investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for this disorder. Methods A retrospective case review of the proband is presented. We performed manual and automated electrophysiologic analyses of the KCNT1‐L437F variant expressed heterologously in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the presence of channel activators/blockers. Results The KCNT1‐L437F variant, identified in a patient with refractory EIEE and status dystonicus, confers a gain‐of‐function channel phenotype characterized by instantaneous, voltage‐dependent activation. Channel openers do not further increase L437F channel function, suggesting maximal activation, whereas channel blockers similarly block wild‐type and variant channels. We further demonstrated that KCNT1 current can be measured on a high‐throughput automated electrophysiology platform with potential value for future screening of novel and repurposed pharmacotherapies. Interpretation A novel pathogenic variant in KCNT1 associated with early‐onset, medication‐refractory epilepsy and dystonia causes gain‐of‐function with rapid activation kinetics. Our findings extend the genotype–phenotype relationships of KCNT1 variants to include severe dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy S Gertler
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher H Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Carlos G Vanoye
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John J Millichap
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Kuchenbuch M, Benquet P, Kaminska A, Roubertie A, Carme E, de Saint Martin A, Hirsch E, Dubois F, Laroche C, Barcia G, Chemaly N, Milh M, Villeneuve N, Sauleau P, Modolo J, Wendling F, Nabbout R. Quantitative analysis and EEG markers of KCNT1 epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures. Epilepsia 2018; 60:20-32. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Kuchenbuch
- CHU Rennes (Department of Pediatric and Clinical Neurophysiology); INSERM; LTSI - UMR 1099; University of Rennes; Rennes France
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
| | - Pascal Benquet
- INSERM; LTSI - UMR 1099; University of Rennes; Rennes France
| | - Anna Kaminska
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies; Department of Pediatric Neurophysiology; Imagine Institute; Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital; APHP; Paris France
| | - Agathe Roubertie
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Montpellier University; Montpellier France
| | - Emilie Carme
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Montpellier University; Montpellier France
| | - Anne de Saint Martin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Strasbourg University Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Strasbourg University Hospital; Strasbourg France
| | - Fanny Dubois
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; CHU Grenoble Alpes; Grenoble France
| | - Cécile Laroche
- Department of Clinical Genetics; Imagine Institute; Necker Enfants Malades Hospital; Paris France
| | - Giulia Barcia
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
- CHU de Rennes (Department of Neurophysiology); “Behavior and Basal Ganglia” Research Unit, EA4712; University of Rennes; Rennes France
| | - Nicole Chemaly
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies; Department of Pediatric Neurology; Imagine Institute; Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital; APHP; Paris France
| | - Matthieu Milh
- Pediatric Neurology Department; AP-HM; Timone Children Hospital; Marseille France
| | - Nathalie Villeneuve
- Pediatric Neurology Department; AP-HM; Timone Children Hospital; Marseille France
| | - Paul Sauleau
- CHU de Rennes (Department of Neurophysiology); “Behavior and Basal Ganglia” Research Unit, EA4712; University of Rennes; Rennes France
| | - Julien Modolo
- INSERM; LTSI - UMR 1099; University of Rennes; Rennes France
| | | | - Rima Nabbout
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies; Department of Pediatric Neurology; Imagine Institute; Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital; APHP; Paris France
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Evely KM, Pryce KD, Bausch AE, Lukowski R, Ruth P, Haj-Dahmane S, Bhattacharjee A. Slack K Na Channels Influence Dorsal Horn Synapses and Nociceptive Behavior. Mol Pain 2018; 13:1744806917714342. [PMID: 28604221 PMCID: PMC5486487 DOI: 10.1177/1744806917714342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (Kcnt1, Slo2.2) is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons where it regulates neuronal firing. Several studies have implicated the Slack channel in pain processing, but the precise mechanism or the levels within the sensory pathway where channels are involved remain unclear. Here, we furthered the behavioral characterization of Slack channel knockout mice and for the first time examined the role of Slack channels in the superficial, pain-processing lamina of the dorsal horn. We performed whole-cell recordings from spinal cord slices to examine the intrinsic and synaptic properties of putative inhibitory and excitatory lamina II interneurons. Slack channel deletion altered intrinsic properties and synaptic drive to favor an overall enhanced excitatory tone. We measured the amplitudes and paired pulse ratio of paired excitatory post-synaptic currents at primary afferent synapses evoked by electrical stimulation of the dorsal root entry zone. We found a substantial decrease in the paired pulse ratio at synapses in Slack deleted neurons compared to wildtype, indicating increased presynaptic release from primary afferents. Corroborating these data, plantar test showed Slack knockout mice have an enhanced nociceptive responsiveness to localized thermal stimuli compared to wildtype mice. Our findings suggest that Slack channels regulate synaptic transmission within the spinal cord dorsal horn and by doing so establishes the threshold for thermal nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Evely
- Program in Neuroscience, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerri D Pryce
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne E Bausch
- Institut für Pharmazie, Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie der Universität Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- Institut für Pharmazie, Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie der Universität Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Ruth
- Institut für Pharmazie, Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie der Universität Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Program in Neuroscience, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
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35
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Bausch AE, Ehinger R, Straubinger J, Zerfass P, Nann Y, Lukowski R. Loss of Sodium-Activated Potassium Channel Slack and FMRP Differentially Affect Social Behavior in Mice. Neuroscience 2018; 384:361-374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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36
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Gururaj S, Palmer EE, Sheehan GD, Kandula T, Macintosh R, Ying K, Morris P, Tao J, Dias KR, Zhu Y, Dinger ME, Cowley MJ, Kirk EP, Roscioli T, Sachdev R, Duffey ME, Bye A, Bhattacharjee A. A De Novo Mutation in the Sodium-Activated Potassium Channel KCNT2 Alters Ion Selectivity and Causes Epileptic Encephalopathy. Cell Rep 2018; 21:926-933. [PMID: 29069600 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Early infantile epileptic encephalopathies (EOEE) are a debilitating spectrum of disorders associated with cognitive impairments. We present a clinical report of a KCNT2 mutation in an EOEE patient. The de novo heterozygous variant Phe240Leu SLICK was identified by exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Phe240Leu rSlick and hSLICK channels were electrophysiologically, heterologously characterized to reveal three significant alterations to channel function. First, [Cl-]i sensitivity was reversed in Phe240Leu channels. Second, predominantly K+-selective WT channels were made to favor Na+ over K+ by Phe240Leu. Third, and consequent to altered ion selectivity, Phe240Leu channels had larger inward conductance. Further, rSlick channels induced membrane hyperexcitability when expressed in primary neurons, resembling the cellular seizure phenotype. Taken together, our results confirm that Phe240Leu is a "change-of-function" KCNT2 mutation, demonstrating unusual altered selectivity in KNa channels. These findings establish pathogenicity of the Phe240Leu KCNT2 mutation in the reported EOEE patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Gururaj
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Elizabeth Emma Palmer
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Garrett D Sheehan
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Tejaswi Kandula
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | | | - Kevin Ying
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Paula Morris
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Jiang Tao
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Kerith-Rae Dias
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Ying Zhu
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia; SEALS Pathology, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Mark J Cowley
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Edwin P Kirk
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; SEALS Pathology, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Tony Roscioli
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; SEALS Pathology, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Rani Sachdev
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Michael E Duffey
- Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Ann Bye
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Arin Bhattacharjee
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Program for Neuroscience, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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37
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Tiwari MN, Mohan S, Biala Y, Yaari Y. Differential contributions of Ca 2+ -activated K + channels and Na + /K + -ATPases to the generation of the slow afterhyperpolarization in CA1 pyramidal cells. Hippocampus 2018; 28:338-357. [PMID: 29431274 PMCID: PMC5947627 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In many types of CNS neurons, repetitive spiking produces a slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP), providing sustained, intrinsically generated negative feedback to neuronal excitation. Changes in the sAHP have been implicated in learning behaviors, in cognitive decline in aging, and in epileptogenesis. Despite its importance in brain function, the mechanisms generating the sAHP are still controversial. Here we have addressed the roles of M-type K+ current (IM ), Ca2+ -gated K+ currents (ICa(K) 's) and Na+ /K+ -ATPases (NKAs) current to sAHP generation in adult rat CA1 pyramidal cells maintained at near-physiological temperature (35 °C). No evidence for IM contribution to the sAHP was found in these neurons. Both ICa(K) 's and NKA current contributed to sAHP generation, the latter being the predominant generator of the sAHP, particularly when evoked with short trains of spikes. Of the different NKA isoenzymes, α1 -NKA played the key role, endowing the sAHP a steep voltage-dependence. Thus normal and pathological changes in α1 -NKA expression or function may affect cognitive processes by modulating the inhibitory efficacy of the sAHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Nath Tiwari
- Department of Medical Neurobiology; Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaThe Hebrew University‐Hadassah School of MedicineJerusalem91120Israel
| | - Sandesh Mohan
- Department of Medical Neurobiology; Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaThe Hebrew University‐Hadassah School of MedicineJerusalem91120Israel
| | - Yoav Biala
- Department of Medical Neurobiology; Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaThe Hebrew University‐Hadassah School of MedicineJerusalem91120Israel
| | - Yoel Yaari
- Department of Medical Neurobiology; Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaThe Hebrew University‐Hadassah School of MedicineJerusalem91120Israel
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38
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Tomasello DL, Hurley E, Wrabetz L, Bhattacharjee A. Slick (Kcnt2) Sodium-Activated Potassium Channels Limit Peptidergic Nociceptor Excitability and Hyperalgesia. J Exp Neurosci 2017; 11:1179069517726996. [PMID: 28943756 PMCID: PMC5602212 DOI: 10.1177/1179069517726996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Slick (Kcnt2) sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channel is a rapidly gating and weakly voltage-dependent and sodium-dependent potassium channel with no clearly defined physiological function. Within the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), we show Slick channels are exclusively expressed in small-sized and medium-sized calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP)-containing DRG neurons, and a pool of channels are localized to large dense-core vesicles (LDCV)-containing CGRP. We stimulated DRG neurons for CGRP release and found Slick channels contained within CGRP-positive LDCV translocated to the neuronal membrane. Behavioral studies in Slick knockout (KO) mice indicated increased basal heat detection and exacerbated thermal hyperalgesia compared with wild-type littermate controls during neuropathic and chronic inflammatory pain. Electrophysiologic recordings of DRG neurons from Slick KO mice revealed that Slick channels contribute to outward current, propensity to fire action potentials (APs), and to AP properties. Our data suggest that Slick channels restrain the excitability of CGRP-containing neurons, diminishing pain behavior after inflammation and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Tomasello
- Neuroscience Program, The State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Arin Bhattacharjee
- Neuroscience Program, The State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Enhanced Excitatory Connectivity and Disturbed Sound Processing in the Auditory Brainstem of Fragile X Mice. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7403-7419. [PMID: 28674175 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2310-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypersensitivity to sounds is one of the prevalent symptoms in individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). It manifests behaviorally early during development and is often used as a landmark for treatment efficacy. However, the physiological mechanisms and circuit-level alterations underlying this aberrant behavior remain poorly understood. Using the mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 KO), we demonstrate that functional maturation of auditory brainstem synapses is impaired in FXS. Fmr1 KO mice showed a greatly enhanced excitatory synaptic input strength in neurons of the lateral superior olive (LSO), a prominent auditory brainstem nucleus, which integrates ipsilateral excitation and contralateral inhibition to compute interaural level differences. Conversely, the glycinergic, inhibitory input properties remained unaffected. The enhanced excitation was the result of an increased number of cochlear nucleus fibers converging onto one LSO neuron, without changing individual synapse properties. Concomitantly, immunolabeling of excitatory ending markers revealed an increase in the immunolabeled area, supporting abnormally elevated excitatory input numbers. Intrinsic firing properties were only slightly enhanced. In line with the disturbed development of LSO circuitry, auditory processing was also affected in adult Fmr1 KO mice as shown with single-unit recordings of LSO neurons. These processing deficits manifested as an increase in firing rate, a broadening of the frequency response area, and a shift in the interaural level difference function of LSO neurons. Our results suggest that this aberrant synaptic development of auditory brainstem circuits might be a major underlying cause of the auditory processing deficits in FXS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common inheritable form of intellectual impairment, including autism. A core symptom of FXS is extreme sensitivity to loud sounds. This is one reason why individuals with FXS tend to avoid social interactions, contributing to their isolation. Here, a mouse model of FXS was used to investigate the auditory brainstem where basic sound information is first processed. Loss of the Fragile X mental retardation protein leads to excessive excitatory compared with inhibitory inputs in neurons extracting information about sound levels. Functionally, this elevated excitation results in increased firing rates, and abnormal coding of frequency and binaural sound localization cues. Imbalanced early-stage sound level processing could partially explain the auditory processing deficits in FXS.
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The Phe932Ile mutation in KCNT1 channels associated with severe epilepsy, delayed myelination and leukoencephalopathy produces a loss-of-function channel phenotype. Neuroscience 2017; 351:65-70. [PMID: 28366665 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channels contribute to firing frequency adaptation and slow after hyperpolarization. The KCNT1 gene (also known as SLACK) encodes a KNa subunit that is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Missense mutations of the SLACK C-terminus have been reported in several patients with rare forms of early onset epilepsy and in some cases severely delayed myelination. To date, such mutations identified in patients with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) and Ohtahara syndrome (OS) have been reported to be gain-of-function mutations (Villa and Combi, 2016). An exome sequencing study identified a p.Phe932Ile KCNT1 mutation as the disease-causing change in a child with severe early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and abnormal myelination (Vanderver et al., 2014). We characterized an analogous mutation in the rat Slack channel and unexpectedly found this mutation to produce a loss-of-function phenotype. In an effort to restore current, we tested the known Slack channel opener loxapine. Loxapine exhibited no effect, indicating that this mutation either caused the channel to be insensitive to this established opener or proper translation and trafficking to the membrane was disrupted. Protein analysis confirmed that while total mutant protein did not differ from wild type, membrane expression of the mutant channel was substantially reduced. Although gain-of-function mutations to the Slack channel are linked to epileptic phenotypes, this is the first reported loss-of-function mutation linked to severe epilepsy and delayed myelination.
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Tejada MA, Hashem N, Calloe K, Klaerke DA. Heteromeric Slick/Slack K+ channels show graded sensitivity to cell volume changes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169914. [PMID: 28222129 PMCID: PMC5319697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Slick and Slack high-conductance K+ channels are found in the CNS, kidneys, pancreas, among other organs, where they play an important role in cell excitability as well as in ion transport processes. They are both activated by Na+ and Cl- but show a differential regulation by cell volume changes. Slick has been shown to be regulated by cell volume changes, whereas Slack is insensitive. α-subunits of these channels form homomeric as well as heteromeric channels. It is the aim of this work to explore whether the subunit composition of the Slick/Slack heteromeric channel affects the response to osmotic challenges. In order to provide with the adequate water permeability to the cell membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes, mRNA of aquaporin 1 was co-expressed with homomeric or heteromeric Slick and Slack α-subunits. Oocytes were superfused with hypotonic or hypertonic buffers and changes in currents were measured by two-electrode voltage clamp. This work presents the first heteromeric K+ channel with a characteristic graded sensitivity to small and fast changes in cell volume. Our results show that the cell volume sensitivity of Slick/Slack heteromeric channels is dependent on the number of volume sensitive Slick α-subunits in the tetrameric channels, giving rise to graded cell volume sensitivity. Regulation of the subunit composition of a channel may constitute a novel mechanism to determine volume sensitivity of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Tejada
- Department of Physiology, IKVH, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Nadia Hashem
- Department of Physiology, IKVH, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Physiology, IKVH, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Dan A. Klaerke
- Department of Physiology, IKVH, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Kaczmarek LK, Aldrich RW, Chandy KG, Grissmer S, Wei AD, Wulff H. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. C. Nomenclature and Properties of Calcium-Activated and Sodium-Activated Potassium Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:1-11. [PMID: 28267675 PMCID: PMC11060434 DOI: 10.1124/pr.116.012864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A subset of potassium channels is regulated primarily by changes in the cytoplasmic concentration of ions, including calcium, sodium, chloride, and protons. The eight members of this subfamily were originally all designated as calcium-activated channels. More recent studies have clarified the gating mechanisms for these channels and have documented that not all members are sensitive to calcium. This article describes the molecular relationships between these channels and provides an introduction to their functional properties. It also introduces a new nomenclature that differentiates between calcium- and sodium-activated potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
| | - Richard W Aldrich
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
| | - K George Chandy
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
| | - Stephan Grissmer
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
| | - Aguan D Wei
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
| | - Heike Wulff
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (L.K.K.); Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (R.W.A.); Laboratory of Molecular Physiology in the Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (K.G.C.); Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany (S.G.); Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington (A.D.W.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California (H.W.)
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Giese MH, Gardner A, Hansen A, Sanguinetti MC. Molecular mechanisms of Slo2 K + channel closure. J Physiol 2016; 595:2321-2336. [PMID: 27682982 DOI: 10.1113/jp273225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Intracellular Na+ -activated Slo2 potassium channels are in a closed state under normal physiological conditions, although their mechanisms of ion permeation gating are not well understood. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of Slo2.2 suggests that the ion permeation pathway of these channels is closed by a single constriction of the inner pore formed by the criss-crossing of the cytoplasmic ends of the S6 segments (the S6 bundle crossing) at a conserved Met residue. Functional characterization of mutant Slo2 channels suggests that hydrophobic interactions between Leu residues in the upper region of the S6 segments contribute to stabilizing the inner pore in a non-conducting state. Mutation of the conserved Met residues in the S6 segments to the negatively-charged Glu did not induce constitutive opening of Slo2.1 or Slo2.2, suggesting that ion permeation of Slo2 channels is not predominantly gated by the S6 bundle crossing. ABSTRACT Large conductance K+ -selective Slo2 channels are in a closed state unless activated by elevated [Na+ ]i . Our previous studies suggested that the pore helix/selectivity filter serves as the activation gate in Slo2 channels. In the present study, we evaluated two other potential mechanisms for stabilization of Slo2 channels in a closed state: (1) dewetting and collapse of the inner pore (hydrophobic gating) and (2) constriction of the inner pore by tight criss-crossing of the cytoplasmic ends of the S6 α-helical segments. Slo2 channels contain two conserved Leu residues in each of the four S6 segments that line the inner pore region nearest the bottom of the selectivity filter. To evaluate the potential role of these residues in hydrophobic gating, Leu267 and Leu270 in human Slo2.1 were each replaced by 15 different residues. The relative conductance of mutant channels was highly dependent on hydrophilicity and volume of the amino acid substituted for Leu267 and was maximal with L267H. Consistent with their combined role in hydrophobic gating, replacement of both Leu residues with the isosteric but polar residue Asn (L267N/L270N) stabilized channels in a fully open state. In a recent cryo-electron microscopy structure of chicken Slo2.2, the ion permeation pathway of the channel is closed by a constriction of the inner pore formed by criss-crossing of the S6 segments at a conserved Met. Inconsistent with the S6 segment crossing forming the activation gate, replacement of the homologous Met residues in human Slo2.1 or Slo2.2 with the negatively-charged Glu did not induce constitutive channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hunter Giese
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research & Training Institute
| | - Alison Gardner
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research & Training Institute
| | - Angela Hansen
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research & Training Institute
| | - Michael C Sanguinetti
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research & Training Institute.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Lim CX, Ricos MG, Dibbens LM, Heron SE. KCNT1mutations in seizure disorders: the phenotypic spectrum and functional effects. J Med Genet 2016; 53:217-25. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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