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Lu Z, Barberio C, Fernandez-Villegas A, Withers A, Wheeler A, Kallitsis K, Martinelli E, Savva A, Hess BM, Pappa AM, Schierle GSK, Owens RM. Microelectrode Arrays Measure Blocking of Voltage-Gated Calcium Ion Channels on Supported Lipid Bilayers Derived from Primary Neurons. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304301. [PMID: 38039435 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Drug studies targeting neuronal ion channels are crucial to understand neuronal function and develop therapies for neurological diseases. The traditional method to study neuronal ion-channel activities heavily relies on the whole-cell patch clamp as the industry standard. However, this technique is both technically challenging and labour-intensive, while involving the complexity of keeping cells alive with low throughput. Therefore, the shortcomings are limiting the efficiency of ion-channel-related neuroscience research and drug testing. Here, this work reports a new system of integrating neuron membranes with organic microelectrode arrays (OMEAs) for ion-channel-related drug studies. This work demonstrates that the supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) derived from both neuron-like (neuroblastoma) cells and primary neurons are integrated with OMEAs for the first time. The increased expression of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) ion channels on differentiated SH-SY5Y SLBs compared to non-differentiated ones is sensed electrically. Also, dose-response of the CaV ion-channel blocking effect on primary cortical neuronal SLBs from rats is monitored. The dose range causing ion channel blocking is comparable to literature. This system overcomes the major challenges from traditional methods (e.g., patch clamp) and showcases an easy-to-test, rapid, ultra-sensitive, cell-free, and high-throughput platform to monitor dose-dependent ion-channel blocking effects on native neuronal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Chiara Barberio
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Ana Fernandez-Villegas
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Aimee Withers
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Alexandra Wheeler
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Konstantinos Kallitsis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Eleonora Martinelli
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Achilleas Savva
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Becky M Hess
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA, 99 354, USA
| | - Anna-Maria Pappa
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127 788, UAE
| | - Gabriele S Kaminski Schierle
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
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Russo S, Claar L, Marks L, Krishnan G, Furregoni G, Zauli FM, Hassan G, Solbiati M, d’Orio P, Mikulan E, Sarasso S, Rosanova M, Sartori I, Bazhenov M, Pigorini A, Massimini M, Koch C, Rembado I. Thalamic feedback shapes brain responses evoked by cortical stimulation in mice and humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578243. [PMID: 38352535 PMCID: PMC10862802 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Cortical stimulation with single pulses is a common technique in clinical practice and research. However, we still do not understand the extent to which it engages subcortical circuits which contribute to the associated evoked potentials (EPs). Here we find that cortical stimulation generates remarkably similar EPs in humans and mice, with a late component similarly modulated by the subject's behavioral state. We optogenetically dissect the underlying circuit in mice, demonstrating that the late component of these EPs is caused by a thalamic hyperpolarization and rebound. The magnitude of this late component correlates with the bursting frequency and synchronicity of thalamic neurons, modulated by the subject's behavioral state. A simulation of the thalamo-cortical circuit highlights that both intrinsic thalamic currents as well as cortical and thalamic GABAergic neurons contribute to this response profile. We conclude that the cortical stimulation engages cortico-thalamo-cortical circuits highly preserved across different species and stimulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Russo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
- Department of Philosophy ‘Piero Martinetti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Brain and Consciousness, Allen Institute, Seattle, United States
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leslie Claar
- Brain and Consciousness, Allen Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Lydia Marks
- Brain and Consciousness, Allen Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Giri Krishnan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Giulia Furregoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - Flavia Maria Zauli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
- Department of Philosophy ‘Piero Martinetti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Gabriel Hassan
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
- Department of Philosophy ‘Piero Martinetti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Solbiati
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio d’Orio
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Italy
- University of Parma, Parma 43121, Italy
| | - Ezequiel Mikulan
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - Simone Sarasso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - Ivana Sartori
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Maxim Bazhenov
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrea Pigorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-facial Surgery and dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Massimini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20157, Italy
- Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan 20122, Italy
- Azrieli Program in Brain, Mind and Consciousness, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Christof Koch
- Brain and Consciousness, Allen Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Irene Rembado
- Brain and Consciousness, Allen Institute, Seattle, United States
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3
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Abd-Allah WH, El-Mohsen Anwar MA, Mohammed ER, El Moghazy SM. Anticonvulsant Classes and Possible Mechanism of Actions. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4076-4092. [PMID: 37948544 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide; it needs long-term or life-long treatment. Despite the presence of several novel antiepileptic drugs, approximately 30% patients still suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. Subsequently, searching for new anticonvulsants with lower toxicity and better efficacy is still in paramount demand. Using target-based studies in the discovery of novel antiepileptics is uncommon owing to the insufficient information on the molecular pathway of epilepsy and complex mode of action for most of known antiepileptic drugs. In this review, we investigated the properties of anticonvulsants, types of epileptic seizures, and mechanism of action for anticonvulsants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Hamada Abd-Allah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Collage of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, P.O. 77, 12568 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Abd El-Mohsen Anwar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Collage of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, P.O. 77, 12568 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman R Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samir M El Moghazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
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4
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Gauberg J, Elkhatib W, Smith CL, Singh A, Senatore A. Divergent Ca 2+/calmodulin feedback regulation of Ca V1 and Ca V2 voltage-gated calcium channels evolved in the common ancestor of Placozoa and Bilateria. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101741. [PMID: 35182524 PMCID: PMC8980814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
CaV1 and CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels evolved from an ancestral CaV1/2 channel via gene duplication somewhere near the stem animal lineage. The divergence of these channel types led to distinguishing functional properties that are conserved among vertebrates and bilaterian invertebrates and contribute to their unique cellular roles. One key difference pertains to their regulation by calmodulin (CaM), wherein bilaterian CaV1 channels are uniquely subject to pronounced, buffer-resistant Ca2+/CaM-dependent inactivation, permitting negative feedback regulation of calcium influx in response to local cytoplasmic Ca2+ rises. Early diverging, nonbilaterian invertebrates also possess CaV1 and CaV2 channels, but it is unclear whether they share these conserved functional features. The most divergent animals to possess both CaV1 and CaV2 channels are placozoans such as Trichoplax adhaerens, which separated from other animals over 600 million years ago shortly after their emergence. Hence, placozoans can provide important insights into the early evolution of CaV1 and CaV2 channels. Here, we build upon previous characterization of Trichoplax CaV channels by determining the cellular expression and ion-conducting properties of the CaV1 channel orthologue, TCaV1. We show that TCaV1 is expressed in neuroendocrine-like gland cells and contractile dorsal epithelial cells. In vitro, this channel conducts dihydropyridine-insensitive, high-voltage–activated Ca2+ currents with kinetics resembling those of rat CaV1.2 but with left-shifted voltage sensitivity for activation and inactivation. Interestingly, TCaV1, but not TCaV2, exhibits buffer-resistant Ca2+/CaM-dependent inactivation, indicating that this functional divergence evolved prior to the emergence of bilaterian animals and may have contributed to their unique adaptation for cytoplasmic Ca2+ signaling within various cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gauberg
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Wassim Elkhatib
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Carolyn L Smith
- NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland, 20892 USA
| | - Anhadvir Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Adriano Senatore
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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5
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Kim Y, Song S, Kim M, Sim E. Soft‐wall
ion transfer channel accurately predicts sterically hindered ion channel permeability. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youngsam Kim
- Department of Chemistry Yonsei University Seoul South Korea
| | - Suhwan Song
- Department of Chemistry Yonsei University Seoul South Korea
| | - Min‐Cheol Kim
- Department of Chemistry Yonsei University Seoul South Korea
| | - Eunji Sim
- Department of Chemistry Yonsei University Seoul South Korea
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6
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How Epigenetics Can Enhance Pig Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010032. [PMID: 35011138 PMCID: PMC8749669 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics works as an interface between the individual and its environment to provide phenotypic plasticity to increase individual adaptation capabilities. Recently, a wide variety of epi-genetic findings have indicated evidence for its application in the development of putative epi-biomarkers of stress in farm animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported stress epi-biomarkers in swine and encourage researchers to investigate potential paths for the development of a robust molecular tool for animal welfare certification. In this literature review, we report on the scientific concerns in the swine production chain, the management carried out on the farms, and the potential implications of these practices for the animals' welfare and their epigenome. To assess reported epi-biomarkers, we identified, from previous studies, potentially stress-related genes surrounding epi-biomarkers. With those genes, we carried out a functional enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the DNA of swine subjected to different stress-related conditions (e.g., heat stress, intrauterine insult, and sanitary challenges). We identified potential epi-biomarkers for target analysis, which could be added to the current guidelines and certification schemes to guarantee and certify animal welfare on farms. We believe that this technology may have the power to increase consumers' trust in animal welfare.
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7
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Gauberg J, Abdallah S, Elkhatib W, Harracksingh AN, Piekut T, Stanley EF, Senatore A. Conserved biophysical features of the Ca V2 presynaptic Ca 2+ channel homologue from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:18553-18578. [PMID: 33097592 PMCID: PMC7939481 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dominant role of CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels for driving neurotransmitter release is broadly conserved. Given the overlapping functional properties of CaV2 and CaV1 channels, and less so CaV3 channels, it is unclear why there have not been major shifts toward dependence on other CaV channels for synaptic transmission. Here, we provide a structural and functional profile of the CaV2 channel cloned from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens, which lacks a nervous system but possesses single gene homologues for CaV1-CaV3 channels. Remarkably, the highly divergent channel possesses similar features as human CaV2.1 and other CaV2 channels, including high voltage-activated currents that are larger in external Ba2+ than in Ca2+; voltage-dependent kinetics of activation, inactivation, and deactivation; and bimodal recovery from inactivation. Altogether, the functional profile of Trichoplax CaV2 suggests that the core features of presynaptic CaV2 channels were established early during animal evolution, after CaV1 and CaV2 channels emerged via proposed gene duplication from an ancestral CaV1/2 type channel. The Trichoplax channel was relatively insensitive to mammalian CaV2 channel blockers ω-agatoxin-IVA and ω-conotoxin-GVIA and to metal cation blockers Cd2+ and Ni2+ Also absent was the capacity for voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition by co-expressed Trichoplax Gβγ subunits, which nevertheless inhibited the human CaV2.1 channel, suggesting that this modulatory capacity evolved via changes in channel sequence/structure, and not G proteins. Last, the Trichoplax channel was immunolocalized in cells that express an endomorphin-like peptide implicated in cell signaling and locomotive behavior and other likely secretory cells, suggesting contributions to regulated exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gauberg
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salsabil Abdallah
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wassim Elkhatib
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alicia N Harracksingh
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Piekut
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elise F Stanley
- Laboratory of Synaptic Transmission, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriano Senatore
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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8
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Are antibacterial effects of non-antibiotic drugs random or purposeful because of a common evolutionary origin of bacterial and mammalian targets? Infection 2020; 49:569-589. [PMID: 33325009 PMCID: PMC7737717 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Advances in structural biology, genetics, bioinformatics, etc. resulted in the availability of an enormous pool of information enabling the analysis of the ancestry of pro- and eukaryotic genes and proteins. Methods This review summarizes findings of structural and/or functional homologies of pro- and eukaryotic enzymes catalysing analogous biological reactions because of their highly conserved active centres so that non-antibiotics interacted with bacterial targets. Results Protease inhibitors such as staurosporine or camostat inhibited bacterial serine/threonine or serine/tyrosine protein kinases, serine/threonine phosphatases, and serine/threonine kinases, to which penicillin-binding-proteins are linked, so that these drugs synergized with β-lactams, reverted aminoglycoside-resistance and attenuated bacterial virulence. Calcium antagonists such as nitrendipine or verapamil blocked not only prokaryotic ion channels but interacted with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes thus disrupting membrane energetics and inducing membrane stress response resulting in inhibition of P-glycoprotein such as bacterial pumps thus improving anti-mycobacterial activities of rifampicin, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, bedaquilin and imipenem-activity against Acinetobacter spp. Ciclosporine and tacrolimus attenuated bacterial virulence. ACE-inhibitors like captopril interacted with metallo-β-lactamases thus reverting carbapenem-resistance; prokaryotic carbonic anhydrases were inhibited as well resulting in growth impairment. In general, non-antibiotics exerted weak antibacterial activities on their own but synergized with antibiotics, and/or reverted resistance and/or attenuated virulence. Conclusions Data summarized in this review support the theory that prokaryotic proteins represent targets for non-antibiotics because of a common evolutionary origin of bacterial- and mammalian targets resulting in highly conserved active centres of both, pro- and eukaryotic proteins with which the non-antibiotics interact and exert antibacterial actions.
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9
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Changes in Ion Selectivity Following the Asymmetrical Addition of Charge to the Selectivity Filter of Bacterial Sodium Channels. ENTROPY 2020; 22:e22121390. [PMID: 33316962 PMCID: PMC7764494 DOI: 10.3390/e22121390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) play fundamental roles in eukaryotes, but their exceptional size hinders their structural resolution. Bacterial NaVs are simplified homologues of their eukaryotic counterparts, but their use as models of eukaryotic Na+ channels is limited by their homotetrameric structure at odds with the asymmetric Selectivity Filter (SF) of eukaryotic NaVs. This work aims at mimicking the SF of eukaryotic NaVs by engineering radial asymmetry into the SF of bacterial channels. This goal was pursued with two approaches: the co-expression of different monomers of the NaChBac bacterial channel to induce the random assembly of heterotetramers, and the concatenation of four bacterial monomers to form a concatemer that can be targeted by site-specific mutagenesis. Patch-clamp measurements and Molecular Dynamics simulations showed that an additional gating charge in the SF leads to a significant increase in Na+ and a modest increase in the Ca2+ conductance in the NavMs concatemer in agreement with the behavior of the population of random heterotetramers with the highest proportion of channels with charge -5e. We thus showed that charge, despite being important, is not the only determinant of conduction and selectivity, and we created new tools extending the use of bacterial channels as models of eukaryotic counterparts.
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10
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Guidelli R. The common features of tetrameric ion channels and the role of electrostatic interactions. Electrochem commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2020.106866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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11
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Wong E, Mölter J, Anggono V, Degnan SM, Degnan BM. Co-expression of synaptic genes in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica uncovers ancient neural submodules. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15781. [PMID: 31673079 PMCID: PMC6823388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The synapse is a complex cellular module crucial to the functioning of neurons. It evolved largely through the exaptation of pre-existing smaller submodules, each of which are comprised of ancient sets of proteins that are conserved in modern animals and other eukaryotes. Although these ancient submodules themselves have non-neural roles, it has been hypothesized that they may mediate environmental sensing behaviors in aneural animals, such as sponges. Here we identify orthologues in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica of genes encoding synaptic submodules in neural animals, and analyse their cell-type specific and developmental expression to determine their potential to be co-regulated. We find that genes comprising certain synaptic submodules, including those involved in vesicle trafficking, calcium-regulation and scaffolding of postsynaptic receptor clusters, are co-expressed in adult choanocytes and during metamorphosis. Although these submodules may contribute to sensory roles in this cell type and this life cycle stage, total synaptic gene co-expression profiles do not support the existence of a functional synapse in A. queenslandica. The lack of evidence for the co-regulation of genes necessary for pre- and post-synaptic functioning in A. queenslandica suggests that sponges, and perhaps the last common ancestor of sponges and other extant animals, had the ability to promulgate sensory inputs without complete synapse-like functionalities. The differential co-expression of multiple synaptic submodule genes in sponge choanocytes, which have sensory and feeding roles, however, is consistent with the metazoan ancestor minimally being able to undergo exo- and endocytosis in a controlled and localized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jan Mölter
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Victor Anggono
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Sandie M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
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12
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Fenninger F, Jefferies WA. What's Bred in the Bone: Calcium Channels in Lymphocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:1021-1030. [PMID: 30718290 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is an important second messenger in lymphocytes and is essential in regulating various intracellular pathways that control critical cell functions. Ca2+ channels are located in the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes, facilitating Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm. Upon Ag receptor stimulation, Ca2+ can enter the lymphocyte via the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel found in the plasma membrane. The increase of cytosolic Ca2+ modulates signaling pathways, resulting in the transcription of target genes implicated in differentiation, activation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis of lymphocytes. Along with Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels, several other channels have been found in the membranes of T and B lymphocytes contributing to key cellular events. Among them are the transient receptor potential channels, the P2X receptors, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor as well as the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. In this article, we review the contributions of these channels to mediating Ca2+ currents that drive specific lymphocyte functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Fenninger
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wilfred A Jefferies
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada; .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada.,Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada.,The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada; and.,Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Cao-Pham AH, Hiong KC, Boo MV, Choo CYL, Wong WP, Chew SF, Ip YK. Calcium absorption in the fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, may involve a homolog of voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α1 (CACNA1) that has an apical localization and displays light-enhanced protein expression in the ctenidium. J Comp Physiol B 2019; 189:693-706. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-019-01238-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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14
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Alshehri AM, Mendis T, Jackson MW. A cell-based assay for the detection of pathogenic anti-voltage-gated calcium channel autoantibodies in immunoglobulin G from patients with type 1 diabetes. J Immunol Methods 2018; 460:79-86. [PMID: 29940155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have postulated the presence of functional autoantibodies (Abs) against L-type voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in the serum of patients with type 1 diabetes, with various proposed physiological consequences, both islet cell associated and extra-glandular. Arguably, the most potentially damaging effect reported for these Abs is induction of apoptosis in pancreatic beta (β) cells, yet a convincing pathogenic mechanism remains to be demonstrated. In the current study, we report an assay of reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress induction in the rat insulinoma cell line Rin A12, as determined by 2', 7'-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence detection by flow cytometry. We demonstrate that incubation of Rin A12 cells with immunoglobulin G (IgG) containing anti-VGCC activity from patients with T1D mediates a significant increase in ROS, with subsequent induction of apoptosis, as determined by positivity for annexin V expression. Neither T1D patient-derived IgG lacking anti-VGCC activity or IgG from healthy donors altered ROS or annexin V expression, indicating the new assay is specific for the detection of functional anti-VGCC Abs. Subsequent screening of IgG samples derived from individual patients indicated a prevalence of approximately 75% in a cohort of 20 patients with T1D. The new cell-based assay provides, for the first time, experimental evidence supporting a plausible pathophysiological mechanism underlying anti-VGCC Ab-mediated apoptosis induction in β cells. Additionally, the assay is a considerable advance on previously published methods for detecting and characterising the functional activity of anti-VGCC Abs in patient-derived samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Alshehri
- Department of Immunology, Allergy & Arthritis, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thilini Mendis
- Department of Immunology, Allergy & Arthritis, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael W Jackson
- Department of Immunology, Allergy & Arthritis, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, South Australia, Australia.
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15
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Jeans AF, van Heusden FC, Al-Mubarak B, Padamsey Z, Emptage NJ. Homeostatic Presynaptic Plasticity Is Specifically Regulated by P/Q-type Ca 2+ Channels at Mammalian Hippocampal Synapses. Cell Rep 2018; 21:341-350. [PMID: 29020622 PMCID: PMC5643522 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VGCC) represent the principal source of Ca2+ ions driving evoked neurotransmitter release at presynaptic boutons. In mammals, presynaptic Ca2+ influx is mediated mainly via P/Q-type and N-type VGCC, which differ in their properties. Changes in their relative contributions tune neurotransmission both during development and in Hebbian plasticity. However, whether this represents a functional motif also present in other forms of activity-dependent regulation is unknown. Here, we study the role of VGCC in homeostatic plasticity (HSP) in mammalian hippocampal neurons using optical techniques. We find that changes in evoked Ca2+ currents specifically through P/Q-type, but not N-type, VGCC mediate bidirectional homeostatic regulation of both neurotransmitter release efficacy and the size of the major synaptic vesicle pools. Selective dependence of HSP on P/Q-type VGCC in mammalian terminals has important implications for phenotypes associated with P/Q-type channelopathies, including migraine and epilepsy. P/Q-type VGCC regulate homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) in mammals Changes in synaptic vesicle pool sizes during HSP are also mediated via P/Q-type VGCC Expression of HSP is independent of N-type VGCC regulation P/Q-type regulation of HSP may explain phenotypes of P/Q-type channelopathies
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Jeans
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - Fran C van Heusden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Bashayer Al-Mubarak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK; Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, PO Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahid Padamsey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Nigel J Emptage
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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16
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Lodh S, Yano J, Valentine MS, Van Houten JL. Voltage-gated calcium channels of Paramecium cilia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 219:3028-3038. [PMID: 27707864 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.141234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Paramecium cells swim by beating their cilia, and make turns by transiently reversing their power stroke. Reversal is caused by Ca2+ entering the cilium through voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels that are found exclusively in the cilia. As ciliary Ca2+ levels return to normal, the cell pivots and swims forward in a new direction. Thus, the activation of the CaV channels causes cells to make a turn in their swimming paths. For 45 years, the physiological characteristics of the Paramecium ciliary CaV channels have been known, but the proteins were not identified until recently, when the P. tetraurelia ciliary membrane proteome was determined. Three CaVα1 subunits that were identified among the proteins were cloned and confirmed to be expressed in the cilia. We demonstrate using RNA interference that these channels function as the ciliary CaV channels that are responsible for the reversal of ciliary beating. Furthermore, we show that Pawn (pw) mutants of Paramecium that cannot swim backward for lack of CaV channel activity do not express any of the three CaV1 channels in their ciliary membrane, until they are rescued from the mutant phenotype by expression of the wild-type PW gene. These results reinforce the correlation of the three CaV channels with backward swimming through ciliary reversal. The PwB protein, found in endoplasmic reticulum fractions, co-immunoprecipitates with the CaV1c channel and perhaps functions in trafficking. The PwA protein does not appear to have an interaction with the channel proteins but affects their appearance in the cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Lodh
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Junji Yano
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Megan S Valentine
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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17
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Zhekova HR, Ngo V, da Silva MC, Salahub D, Noskov S. Selective ion binding and transport by membrane proteins – A computational perspective. Coord Chem Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Jacquemet G, Baghirov H, Georgiadou M, Sihto H, Peuhu E, Cettour-Janet P, He T, Perälä M, Kronqvist P, Joensuu H, Ivaska J. L-type calcium channels regulate filopodia stability and cancer cell invasion downstream of integrin signalling. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13297. [PMID: 27910855 PMCID: PMC5146291 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence suggest an important role for filopodia in driving cancer cell invasion. Using a high-throughput microscopic-based drug screen, we identify FDA-approved calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as potent inhibitors of filopodia formation in cancer cells. Unexpectedly, we discover that L-type calcium channels are functional and frequently expressed in cancer cells suggesting a previously unappreciated role for these channels during tumorigenesis. We further demonstrate that, at filopodia, L-type calcium channels are activated by integrin inside-out signalling, integrin activation and Src. Moreover, L-type calcium channels promote filopodia stability and maturation into talin-rich adhesions through the spatially restricted regulation of calcium entry and subsequent activation of the protease calpain-1. Altogether we uncover a novel and clinically relevant signalling pathway that regulates filopodia formation in cancer cells and propose that cycles of filopodia stabilization, followed by maturation into focal adhesions, directs cancer cell migration and invasion. Filopodia have a prominent role in driving cancer cell invasion. Here, the authors show that L-type calcium channels are a druggable target regulating filopodia stability and maturation into focal adhesions in metastatic breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Jacquemet
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Habib Baghirov
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Georgiadou
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Sihto
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Translational Cancer Biology program, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emilia Peuhu
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Tao He
- VTT Medical Biotechnology, Technical Research Centre of Finland, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Merja Perälä
- VTT Medical Biotechnology, Technical Research Centre of Finland, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pauliina Kronqvist
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Heikki Joensuu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Translational Cancer Biology program, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
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19
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Cens T, Rousset M, Collet C, Charreton M, Garnery L, Le Conte Y, Chahine M, Sandoz JC, Charnet P. Molecular characterization and functional expression of the Apis mellifera voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 58:12-27. [PMID: 25602183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels allow the influx of Ca(2+) ions from the extracellular space upon membrane depolarization and thus serve as a transducer between membrane potential and cellular events initiated by Ca(2+) transients. Most insects are predicted to possess three genes encoding Cavα, the main subunit of Ca(2+) channels, and several genes encoding the two auxiliary subunits, Cavβ and Cavα2δ; however very few of these genes have been cloned so far. Here, we cloned three full-length cDNAs encoding the three Cavα subunits (AmelCav1a, AmelCav2a and AmelCav3a), a cDNA encoding a novel variant of the Cavβ subunit (AmelCavβc), and three full-length cDNAs encoding three Cavα2δ subunits (AmelCavα2δ1 to 3) of the honeybee Apis mellifera. We identified several alternative or mutually exclusive exons in the sequence of the AmelCav2 and AmelCav3 genes. Moreover, we detected a stretch of glutamine residues in the C-terminus of the AmelCav1 subunit that is reminiscent of the motif found in the human Cav2.1 subunit of patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6. All these subunits contain structural domains that have been identified as functionally important in their mammalian homologues. For the first time, we could express three insect Cavα subunits in Xenopus oocytes and we show that AmelCav1a, 2a and 3a form Ca(2+) channels with distinctive properties. Notably, the co-expression of AmelCav1a or AmelCav2a with AmelCavβc and AmCavα2δ1 produces High Voltage-Activated Ca(2+) channels. On the other hand, expression of AmelCav3a alone leads to Low Voltage-Activated Ca(2+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Cens
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS UMR 5247, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire (CRBM), CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Université de Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| | - Matthieu Rousset
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS UMR 5247, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire (CRBM), CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Université de Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| | - Claude Collet
- INRA UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 228 Route de l'aérodrome, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, CS40509, 84914 Avignon cedex 9, France.
| | - Mercedes Charreton
- INRA UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 228 Route de l'aérodrome, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, CS40509, 84914 Avignon cedex 9, France.
| | - Lionel Garnery
- Laboratoire Evolution Génome et Spéciation (LEGS), CNRS UPR 9034, Avenue de la Terrasse, Bâtiment 13, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France.
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 228 Route de l'aérodrome, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, CS40509, 84914 Avignon cedex 9, France.
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec Québec G1J 2G3, Canada.
| | - Jean-Christophe Sandoz
- Laboratoire Evolution Génome et Spéciation (LEGS), CNRS UPR 9034, Avenue de la Terrasse, Bâtiment 13, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France.
| | - Pierre Charnet
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS UMR 5247, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire (CRBM), CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Université de Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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20
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Moran Y, Zakon HH. The evolution of the four subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels: ancient roots, increasing complexity, and multiple losses. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:2210-7. [PMID: 25146647 PMCID: PMC4202318 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The alpha subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (Cavs) are large transmembrane proteins responsible for crucial physiological processes in excitable cells. They are assisted by three auxiliary subunits that can modulate their electrical behavior. Little is known about the evolution and roles of the various subunits of Cavs in nonbilaterian animals and in nonanimal lineages. For this reason, we mapped the phyletic distribution of the four channel subunits and reconstructed their phylogeny. Although alpha subunits have deep evolutionary roots as ancient as the split between plants and opistokonths, beta subunits appeared in the last common ancestor of animals and their close-relatives choanoflagellates, gamma subunits are a bilaterian novelty and alpha2/delta subunits appeared in the lineage of Placozoa, Cnidaria, and Bilateria. We note that gene losses were extremely common in the evolution of Cavs, with noticeable losses in multiple clades of subfamilies and also of whole Cav families. As in vertebrates, but not protostomes, Cav channel genes duplicated in Cnidaria. We characterized by in situ hybridization the tissue distribution of alpha subunits in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, a nonbilaterian animal possessing all three Cav subfamilies common to Bilateria. We find that some of the alpha subunit subtypes exhibit distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns. Further, all six sea anemone alpha subunit subtypes are conserved in stony corals, which separated from anemones 500 MA. This unexpected conservation together with the expression patterns strongly supports the notion that these subtypes carry unique functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Harold H Zakon
- Department of Integrative Biology and Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Texas, Austin Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin Josephine Bay Paul Center for Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
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