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Trovò L, Kouvaros S, Schwenk J, Fernandez-Fernandez D, Fritzius T, Rem PD, Früh S, Gassmann M, Fakler B, Bischofberger J, Bettler B. Synaptotagmin-11 facilitates assembly of a presynaptic signaling complex in post-Golgi cargo vesicles. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2610-2634. [PMID: 38698221 PMCID: PMC11169412 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00147-0] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
GABAB receptors (GBRs), the G protein-coupled receptors for GABA, regulate synaptic transmission throughout the brain. A main synaptic function of GBRs is the gating of Cav2.2-type Ca2+ channels. However, the cellular compartment where stable GBR/Cav2.2 signaling complexes form remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the vesicular protein synaptotagmin-11 (Syt11) binds to both the auxiliary GBR subunit KCTD16 and Cav2.2 channels. Through these dual interactions, Syt11 recruits GBRs and Cav2.2 channels to post-Golgi vesicles, thus facilitating assembly of GBR/Cav2.2 signaling complexes. In addition, Syt11 stabilizes GBRs and Cav2.2 channels at the neuronal plasma membrane by inhibiting constitutive internalization. Neurons of Syt11 knockout mice exhibit deficits in presynaptic GBRs and Cav2.2 channels, reduced neurotransmitter release, and decreased GBR-mediated presynaptic inhibition, highlighting the critical role of Syt11 in the assembly and stable expression of GBR/Cav2.2 complexes. These findings support that Syt11 acts as a vesicular scaffold protein, aiding in the assembly of signaling complexes from low-abundance components within transport vesicles. This mechanism enables insertion of pre-assembled functional signaling units into the synaptic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Trovò
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jochen Schwenk
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Simon Früh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Gassmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Fakler
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Tesfaye M, Spindola LM, Stavrum AK, Shadrin A, Melle I, Andreassen OA, Le Hellard S. Sex effects on DNA methylation affect discovery in epigenome-wide association study of schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02513-9. [PMID: 38503926 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of schizophrenia are well-known; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Further, the potential advantages of sex-stratified meta-analyses of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of schizophrenia have not been investigated. Here, we performed sex-stratified EWAS meta-analyses to investigate whether sex stratification improves discovery, and to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in schizophrenia. Peripheral blood-derived DNA methylation data from 1519 cases of schizophrenia (male n = 989, female n = 530) and 1723 controls (male n = 997, female n = 726) from three publicly available datasets, and the TOP cohort were meta-analyzed to compare sex-specific, sex-stratified, and sex-adjusted EWAS. The predictive power of each model was assessed by polymethylation score (PMS). The number of schizophrenia-associated differentially methylated positions identified was higher for the sex-stratified model than for the sex-adjusted one. We identified 20 schizophrenia-associated DMRs in the sex-stratified analysis. PMS from sex-stratified analysis outperformed that from sex-adjusted analysis in predicting schizophrenia. Notably, PMSs from the sex-stratified and female-only analyses, but not those from sex-adjusted or the male-only analyses, significantly predicted schizophrenia in males. The findings suggest that sex-stratified EWAS meta-analyses improve the identification of schizophrenia-associated epigenetic changes and highlight an interaction between sex and schizophrenia status on DNA methylation. Sex-specific DNA methylation may have potential implications for precision psychiatry and the development of stratified treatments for schizophrenia.
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Grants
- 273291, 273446, 326813, 223273 Norges Forskningsråd (Research Council of Norway)
- 273291, 273446, 326813, 223273 Norges Forskningsråd (Research Council of Norway)
- 273291, 273446, 326813, 223273 Norges Forskningsråd (Research Council of Norway)
- 273291, 273446, 326813, 223273 Norges Forskningsråd (Research Council of Norway)
- 273291, 273446, 326813, 223273 Norges Forskningsråd (Research Council of Norway)
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Affiliation(s)
- Markos Tesfaye
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Leticia M Spindola
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne-Kristin Stavrum
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexey Shadrin
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie Le Hellard
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Tipps ME, Haider B, Souders A, Aguado C, Rose TR, Vo BN, DeBaker MC, Luján R, Wickman K. Ethanol-Induced Suppression of G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying K +-Dependent Signaling in the Basal Amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:863-874. [PMID: 37068702 PMCID: PMC10576835 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The basolateral amygdala (BLA) regulates mood and associative learning and has been linked to the development and persistence of alcohol use disorder. The GABABR (gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor) is a promising therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder, and previous work suggests that exposure to ethanol and other drugs can alter neuronal GABABR-dependent signaling. The effect of ethanol on GABABR-dependent signaling in the BLA is unknown. METHODS GABABR-dependent signaling in the mouse BLA was examined using slice electrophysiology following repeated ethanol exposure. Neuron-specific viral genetic manipulations were then used to understand the relevance of ethanol-induced neuroadaptations in the basal amygdala subregion (BA) to mood-related behavior. RESULTS The somatodendritic inhibitory effect of GABABR activation on principal neurons in the basal but not the lateral subregion of the BLA was diminished following ethanol exposure. This adaptation was attributable to the suppression of GIRK (G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+) channel activity and was mirrored by a redistribution of GABABR and GIRK channels from the surface membrane to internal sites. While GIRK1 and GIRK2 subunits are critical for GIRK channel formation in BA principal neurons, GIRK3 is necessary for the ethanol-induced neuroadaptation. Viral suppression of GIRK channel activity in BA principal neurons from ethanol-naïve mice recapitulated some mood-related behaviors observed in C57BL/6J mice during ethanol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS The ethanol-induced suppression of GIRK-dependent signaling in BA principal neurons contributes to some of the mood-related behaviors associated with ethanol withdrawal in mice. Approaches designed to prevent this neuroadaptation and/or strengthen GIRK-dependent signaling may prove useful for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E Tipps
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bushra Haider
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anna Souders
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Carolina Aguado
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Timothy R Rose
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Baovi N Vo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Margot C DeBaker
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rafael Luján
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Unravelling biological roles and mechanisms of GABA BR on addiction and depression through mood and memory disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113700. [PMID: 36152411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabotropic γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) remains a hotspot in the recent research area. Being an idiosyncratic G-protein coupled receptor family member, the GABABR manifests adaptively tailored functionality under multifarious modulations by a constellation of agents, pointing to cross-talk between receptors and effectors that converge on the domains of mood and memory. This review systematically summarizes the latest achievements in signal transduction mechanisms of the GABABR-effector-regulator complex and probes how the up-and down-regulation of membrane-delimited GABABRs are associated with manifold intrinsic and extrinsic agents in synaptic strength and plasticity. Neuropsychiatric conditions depression and addiction share the similar pathophysiology of synapse inadaptability underlying negative mood-related processes, memory formations, and impairments. In the attempt to emphasize all convergent discoveries, we hope the insights gained on the GABABR system mechanisms of action are conducive to designing more therapeutic candidates so as to refine the prognosis rate of diseases and minimize side effects.
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Avoli M, Lévesque M. GABA B Receptors: are they Missing in Action in Focal Epilepsy Research? Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1704-1716. [PMID: 34429053 PMCID: PMC9881065 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210823102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA, the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult forebrain, activates pre- and postsynaptic receptors that have been categorized as GABAA, which directly open ligand-gated (or receptor-operated) ion-channels, and GABAB, which are metabotropic since they operate through second messengers. Over the last three decades, several studies have addressed the role of GABAB receptors in the pathophysiology of generalized and focal epileptic disorders. Here, we will address their involvement in focal epileptic disorders by mainly reviewing in vitro studies that have shown: (i) how either enhancing or decreasing GABAB receptor function can favour epileptiform synchronization and thus ictogenesis, although with different features; (ii) the surprising ability of GABAB receptor antagonism to disclose ictal-like activity when the excitatory ionotropic transmission is abolished; and (iii) their contribution to controlling seizure-like discharges during repetitive electrical stimuli delivered in limbic structures. In spite of this evidence, the role of GABAB receptor function in focal epileptic disorders has been attracting less interest when compared to the numerous studies that have addressed GABAA receptor signaling. Therefore, the main aim of our mini-review is to revive interest in the function of GABAB receptors in focal epilepsy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and of; ,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Rome, Italy,Address correspondence to this author at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, 3801 University Street, Montréal, Canada, H3A 2B4, QC; Tels: +1 514 998 6790; +39 333 483 1060; E-mail:
| | - Maxime Lévesque
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and of;
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Wei B, Zhu Y, Yang P, Han Y, Wang S, Wang X, Xia S, Song X, Zhang Z, Wang S, Rondard P, Pin JP, Jiang X, Liu J. GABA B1e promotes the malignancy of human cancer cells by targeting the tyrosine phosphatase PTPN12. iScience 2021; 24:103311. [PMID: 34778730 PMCID: PMC8577127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter receptors are involved in cancer progression. Among them, the heterodimeric GABAB receptor, activated by the main inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, is composed of the transmembrane GABAB1 and GABAB2 subunits. The oncogenic role of the isoform GABAB1e (GB1e) containing only the extracellular domain of GABAB1 remains unclear. We revealed that GB1e is largely expressed in human breast cancer (BrCa) cell lines as well as in BrCa tissues where it is upregulated. Moreover, GB1e promoted the malignancy of BrCa cells both in vitro and in vivo. We propose that GB1e favors EGFR signaling by interacting with PTPN12 to disrupt the interaction between EGFR and PTPN12, and phosphorylation of Y230 and Y404 on GB1e is required in this process. Our data highlight that the GABBR1 gene through the expression of the GB1e isoform might play an important oncogenic role in BrCa and that GB1e is of interest for the treatment of some cancers. GABAB1e promotes the malignancy of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo Specific phosphorylation of GABAB1e is critical for its association with PTPN12 GABAB1e disrupts EGFR interacting with PTPN12 and induces EGFR-PI3K/Akt signaling
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yini Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Department of Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Suyun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoguang Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhongling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Philippe Rondard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Xinnong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
- Corresponding author
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Vlachou S. A Brief History and the Significance of the GABA B Receptor. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 52:1-17. [PMID: 34595739 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA type B (GABAB) receptors (GABABRs) are the only metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors for GABA and can be found distributed not only in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. This chapter introduces important, fundamental knowledge related to GABABR function and the various potential therapeutic applications of the development of novel GABABR-active compounds, as documented through extensive studies presented in subsequent chapters of this Current Topic in Behavioral Neurosciences volume on the role of the neurobiology of GABABR function. The compounds that have received increased attention in the last few years compared to GABABR agonists and antagonists - the positive allosteric modulators - exhibit better pharmacological profiles and fewer side effects. As we continue to unveil the mystery of GABABRs at the molecular and cellular levels, we further understand the significance of these receptors. Future directions should aim for developing highly selective GABABR compounds for treating neuropsychiatric disorders and their symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Vlachou
- Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
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8
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Bony AR, McArthur JR, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Adams DJ. Analgesic α-conotoxins modulate native and recombinant GIRK1/2 channels via activation of GABA B receptors and reduce neuroexcitability. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:179-198. [PMID: 34599513 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15690] [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: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of GIRK channels via G protein-coupled GABAB receptors has been shown to attenuate nociceptive transmission. The analgesic α-conotoxin Vc1.1 activates GABAB receptors resulting in inhibition of Cav 2.2 and Cav 2.3 channels in mammalian primary afferent neurons. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α-conotoxins on recombinant and native GIRK-mediated K+ currents and on neuronal excitability. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of analgesic α-conotoxins, Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA, were investigated on inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly co-expressing either heteromeric human GIRK1/2 or homomeric GIRK2 subunits, with GABAB receptors. The effects of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 and baclofen were studied on GIRK-mediated K+ currents and the passive and active electrical properties of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. KEY RESULTS Analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA potentiate inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly expressing human GIRK1/2 channels and GABAB receptors. GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen occurs via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and is inhibited by the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 55845. In adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen hyperpolarizes the cell membrane potential and reduces excitability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first report of GIRK channel potentiation via allosteric α-conotoxin Vc1.1-GABAB receptor agonism, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Such action potentially contributes to the analgesic effects of Vc1.1 and baclofen observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
GABAB receptors are implicated in numerous central nervous system-based behaviours and mechanisms, including cognitive processing in preclinical animal models. Homeostatic changes in the expression and function of these receptors across brain structures have been found to affect cognitive processing. Numerous preclinical studies have focused on the role of GABAB receptors in learning, memory and cognition per se with some interesting, although sometimes contradictory, findings. The majority of the existing clinical literature focuses on alterations in GABAB receptor function in conditions and disorders whose main symptomatology includes deficits in cognitive processing. The aim of this chapter is to delineate the role of GABAB receptors in cognitive processes in health and disease of animal models and human clinical populations. More specifically, this review aims to present literature on the role of GABAB receptors in animal models with cognitive deficits, especially those of learning and memory. Further, it aims to capture the progress and advances of research studies on the effects of GABAB receptor compounds in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions with cognitive dysfunctions. The neurodevelopmental conditions covered include autism spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome and Down's syndrome and the neurodegenerative conditions discussed are Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and autoimmune anti-GABAB encephalitis. Although some findings are contradictory, results indicate a possible therapeutic role of GABAB receptor compounds for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and learning/memory impairments for some of these conditions, especially in neurodegeneration. Moreover, future research efforts should aim to develop selective GABAB receptor compounds with minimal, if any, side effects.
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