1
|
Ng ACH, Chahine M, Scantlebury MH, Appendino JP. Channelopathies in epilepsy: an overview of clinical presentations, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic insights. J Neurol 2024; 271:3063-3094. [PMID: 38607431 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12352-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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in genes encoding ion channels are causal for various pediatric and adult neurological conditions. In particular, several epilepsy syndromes have been identified to be caused by specific channelopathies. These encompass a spectrum from self-limited epilepsies to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies spanning genetic and acquired causes. Several of these channelopathies have exquisite responses to specific antiseizure medications (ASMs), while others ASMs may prove ineffective or even worsen seizures. Some channelopathies demonstrate phenotypic pleiotropy and can cause other neurological conditions outside of epilepsy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathophysiology of seizure generation, ion channels implicated in epilepsy, and several genetic epilepsies due to ion channel dysfunction. We outline the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and the current state of basic science and clinical research for these channelopathies. In addition, we briefly look at potential precision therapy approaches emerging for these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta and Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO, Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Morris H Scantlebury
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
| | - Juan P Appendino
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Felício D, du Mérac TR, Amorim A, Martins S. Functional implications of paralog genes in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1651-1676. [PMID: 37845370 PMCID: PMC10676324 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by (CAG/CAA)n expansions. The elongated stretches of adjacent glutamines alter the conformation of the native proteins inducing neurotoxicity, and subsequent motor and neurological symptoms. Although the etiology and neuropathology of most polyQ SCAs have been extensively studied, only a limited selection of therapies is available. Previous studies on SCA1 demonstrated that ATXN1L, a human duplicated gene of the disease-associated ATXN1, alleviated neuropathology in mice models. Other SCA-associated genes have paralogs (i.e., copies at different chromosomal locations derived from duplication of the parental gene), but their functional relevance and potential role in disease pathogenesis remain unexplored. Here, we review the protein homology, expression pattern, and molecular functions of paralogs in seven polyQ dominant ataxias-SCA1, SCA2, MJD/SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA17, and DRPLA. Besides ATXN1L, we highlight ATXN2L, ATXN3L, CACNA1B, ATXN7L1, ATXN7L2, TBPL2, and RERE as promising functional candidates to play a role in the neuropathology of the respective SCA, along with the parental gene. Although most of these duplicates lack the (CAG/CAA)n region, if functionally redundant, they may compensate for a partial loss-of-function or dysfunction of the wild-type genes in SCAs. We aim to draw attention to the hypothesis that paralogs of disease-associated genes may underlie the complex neuropathology of dominant ataxias and potentiate new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Felício
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tanguy Rubat du Mérac
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - António Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Banderali U, Moreno M, Martina M. The elusive Na v1.7: From pain to cancer. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:47-69. [PMID: 38007269 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are protein complexes that play fundamental roles in the transmission of signals in the nervous system, at the neuromuscular junction and in the heart. They are mainly present in excitable cells where they are responsible for triggering action potentials. Dysfunctions in Nav ion conduction give rise to a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders, hypertension, arrhythmia, pain and cancer. Nav family 1 is composed of nine members, named numerically from 1 to 9. A Nax family also exists and is involved in body-fluid homeostasis. Of particular interest is Nav1.7 which is highly expressed in the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglions, where it is involved in the propagation of pain sensation. Gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 cause pathologies associated with increased pain sensitivity, while loss-of-function mutations cause reduced sensitivity to pain. The last decade has seen considerable effort in developing highly specific Nav1.7 blockers as pain medications, nonetheless, sufficient efficacy has yet to be achieved. Evidence is now conclusively showing that Navs are also present in many types of cancer cells, where they are involved in cell migration and invasiveness. Nav1.7 is anomalously expressed in endometrial, ovarian and lung cancers. Nav1.7 is also involved in Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). We propose that the knowledge and tools developed to study the role of Nav1.7 in pain can be exploited to develop novel cancer therapies. In this chapter, we illustrate the various aspects of Nav1.7 function in pain, cancer and CIPN, and outline therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Banderali
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Maria Moreno
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marzia Martina
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonsalez SR, Gomes DS, de Souza AM, Ferrão FM, Vallotton Z, Gogulamudi VR, Lowe J, Casarini DE, Prieto MC, Lara LS. The Triad Na + Activated Na + Channel (Nax)-Salt Inducible KINASE (SIK) and (Na + + K +)-ATPase: Targeting the Villains to Treat Salt Resistant and Sensitive Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097887. [PMID: 37175599 PMCID: PMC10178781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097887] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Na+-activated Na+ channel (Nax) and salt-inducible kinase (SIK) are stimulated by increases in local Na+ concentration, affecting (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. To test the hypothesis that the triad Nax/SIK/(Na+ + K+)-ATPase contributes to kidney injury and salt-sensitive hypertension (HTN), uninephrectomized male Wistar rats (200 g; n = 20) were randomly divided into 4 groups based on a salt diet (normal salt diet; NSD-0.5% NaCl-or high-salt diet; HSD-4% NaCl) and subcutaneous administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA, 8 mg/kg), as follows: Control (CTRL), CTRL-Salt, DOCA, and DOCA-Salt, respectively. After 28 days, the following were measured: kidney function, blood pressure, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and SIK1 kidney activities, and Nax and SIK1 renal expression levels. SIK isoforms in kidneys of CTRL rats were present in the glomerulus and tubular epithelia; they were not altered by HSD and/or HTN. CTRL-Salt rats remained normotensive but presented slight kidney function decay. HSD rats displayed augmentation of the Nax/SIK/(Na+ + K+)-ATPase pathway. HTN, kidney injury, and kidney function decay were present in all DOCA rats; these were aggravated by HSD. DOCA rats presented unaltered (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, diminished total SIK activity, and augmented SIK1 and Nax content in the kidney cortex. DOCA-Salt rats expressed SIK1 activity and downregulation in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity in the kidney cortex despite augmented Nax content. The data of this study indicate that the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity response to SIK is attenuated in rats under HSD, independent of HTN, as a mechanism contributing to kidney injury and salt-sensitive HTN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R Gonsalez
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Dayene S Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| | - Alessandro M de Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Ferrão
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biologia (NUMPEX-BIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Caxias, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Zoe Vallotton
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Venkateswara R Gogulamudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jennifer Lowe
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Dulce E Casarini
- Departamento de Medicina, Disciplina de Nefrologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Minolfa C Prieto
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Tulane Renal and Hypertension Center of Excellence, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lucienne S Lara
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang G, Xu L, Chen H, Liu Y, Pan P, Hou T. Recent advances in computational studies on voltage‐gated sodium channels: Drug design and mechanism studies. WIRES COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaoang Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology Changzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Haiyi Chen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Yifei Liu
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Peichen Pan
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao Z, Pan T, Chen S, Harvey PJ, Zhang J, Li X, Yang M, Huang L, Wang S, Craik DJ, Jiang T, Yu R. Design, synthesis, and mechanism of action of novel μ-conotoxin KIIIA analogues for inhibition of the voltage-gated sodium channel Na v1.7. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103068. [PMID: 36842500 PMCID: PMC10074208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
μ-Conotoxin KIIIA, a selective blocker of sodium channels, has strong inhibitory activity against several Nav isoforms, including Nav1.7, and has potent analgesic effects, but it contains three pairs of disulfide bonds, making structural modification difficult and synthesis complex. To circumvent these difficulties, we designed and synthesized three KIIIA analogues with one disulfide bond deleted. The most active analogue, KIIIA-1, was further analyzed, and its binding pattern to hNav1.7 was determined by molecular dynamics simulations. Guided by the molecular dynamics computational model, we designed and tested 32 second-generation and 6 third-generation analogues of KIIIA-1 on hNav1.7 expressed in HEK293 cells. Several analogues showed significantly improved inhibitory activity on hNav1.7, and the most potent peptide, 37, was approximately 4-fold more potent than the KIIIA Isomer I and 8-fold more potent than the wildtype (WT) KIIIA in inhibiting hNav1.7 current. Intraperitoneally injected 37 exhibited potent in vivo analgesic activity in a formalin-induced inflammatory pain model, with activity reaching ∼350-fold of the positive control drug morphine. Overall, peptide 37 has a simplified disulfide-bond framework and exhibits potent in vivo analgesic effects and has promising potential for development as a pain therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Teng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Linhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shoushi Wang
- Qingdao Central Hospital, Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dolivo DM, Sun LS, Rodrigues AE, Galiano RD, Mustoe TA, Hong SJ. Epidermal Potentiation of Dermal Fibrosis: Lessons from Occlusion and Mucosal Healing. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:510-519. [PMID: 36740181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic skin conditions, such as hypertrophic and keloid scars, frequently result from injury to the skin and as sequelae to surgical procedures. The development of skin fibrosis may lead to patient discomfort, limitation in range of motion, and cosmetic disfigurement. Despite the frequency of skin fibrosis, treatments that seek to address the root causes of fibrosis are lacking. Much research into fibrotic pathophysiology has focused on dermal pathology, but less research has been performed to understand aberrations in fibrotic epidermis, leading to an incomplete understanding of dermal fibrosis. The literature on occlusion, a treatment modality known to reduce dermal fibrosis, in part through accelerating wound healing and regulating aberrant epidermal inflammation that otherwise drives fibrosis in the dermis, is reviewed. There is a focus on epidermal-dermal crosstalk, which contributes to the development and maintenance of dermal fibrosis, an underemphasized interplay that may yield novel strategies for treatment if understood in more detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lauren S Sun
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Adrian E Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert D Galiano
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Thomas A Mustoe
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Seok Jong Hong
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A Drug Discovery Approach for an Effective Pain Therapy through Selective Inhibition of Nav1.7. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126793. [PMID: 35743236 PMCID: PMC9223482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126793] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a widespread disorder affecting millions of people and is insufficiently addressed by current classes of analgesics due to significant long-term or high dosage side effects. A promising approach that was recently proposed involves the systemic inhibition of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, capable of cancelling pain perception completely. Notwithstanding numerous attempts, currently no drugs have been approved for the inhibition of Nav1.7. The task is complicated by the difficulty of creating a selective drug for Nav1.7, and avoiding binding to the many human paralogs performing fundamental physiological functions. In our work, we obtained a promising set of ligands with up to 5-40-fold selectivity and reaching 5.2 nanomolar binding affinity by employing a proper treatment of the problem and an innovative differential in silico screening procedure to discriminate for affinity and selectivity against the Nav paralogs. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of our top-scoring ligands were also evaluated, with good to excellent results. Additionally, our study revealed that the top-scoring ligand is a stereoisomer of an already-approved drug. These facts could reduce the time required to bring a new effective and selective Nav1.7 inhibitor to the market.
Collapse
|
9
|
Godbersen GM, Murgaš M, Gryglewski G, Klöbl M, Unterholzner J, Rischka L, Spies M, Baldinger-Melich P, Winkler D, Lanzenberger R. Coexpression of Gene Transcripts with Monoamine Oxidase A Quantified by Human In Vivo Positron Emission Tomography. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:3516-3524. [PMID: 34952543 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab430] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is integral to monoamine metabolism and is thus relevant to the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders; however, associated gene-enzyme relations are not well understood. This study aimed to unveil genes coexpressed with MAO-A. Therefore, 18 179 mRNA expression maps (based on the Allen Human Brain Atlas) were correlated with the cerebral distribution volume (VT) of MAO-A assessed in 36 healthy subjects (mean age ± standard deviation: 32.9 ± 8.8 years, 18 female) using [11C]harmine positron emission tomography scans. Coexpression analysis was based on Spearman's ρ, over-representation tests on Fisher's exact test with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The analysis revealed 35 genes in cortex (including B-cell translocation gene family, member 3, implicated in neuroinflammation) and 247 genes in subcortex (including kallikrein-related peptidase 10, implicated in Alzheimer's disease). Significantly over-represented Gene Ontology terms included "neuron development", "neuron differentiation", and "cell-cell signaling" as well as "axon" and "neuron projection". In vivo MAO-A enzyme distribution and MAOA expression did not correlate in cortical areas (ρ = 0.08) while correlation was found in subcortical areas (ρ = 0.52), suggesting influences of region-specific post-transcriptional and -translational modifications. The herein reported information could contribute to guide future genetic studies, deepen the understanding of associated pathomechanisms and assist in the pursuit of novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - M Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - G Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - M Klöbl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - J Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - L Rischka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - M Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - P Baldinger-Melich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - D Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - R Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nicole S, Lory P. New Challenges Resulting From the Loss of Function of Na v1.4 in Neuromuscular Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:751095. [PMID: 34671263 PMCID: PMC8521073 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.751095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.4 is a major actor in the excitability of skeletal myofibers, driving the muscle force in response to nerve stimulation. Supporting further this key role, mutations in SCN4A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α subunit of Nav1.4, are responsible for a clinical spectrum of human diseases ranging from muscle stiffness (sodium channel myotonia, SCM) to muscle weakness. For years, only dominantly-inherited diseases resulting from Nav1.4 gain of function (GoF) were known, i.e., non-dystrophic myotonia (delayed muscle relaxation due to myofiber hyperexcitability), paramyotonia congenita and hyperkalemic or hypokalemic periodic paralyses (episodic flaccid muscle weakness due to transient myofiber hypoexcitability). These last 5 years, SCN4A mutations inducing Nav1.4 loss of function (LoF) were identified as the cause of dominantly and recessively-inherited disorders with muscle weakness: periodic paralyses with hypokalemic attacks, congenital myasthenic syndromes and congenital myopathies. We propose to name this clinical spectrum sodium channel weakness (SCW) as the mirror of SCM. Nav1.4 LoF as a cause of permanent muscle weakness was quite unexpected as the Na+ current density in the sarcolemma is large, securing the ability to generate and propagate muscle action potentials. The properties of SCN4A LoF mutations are well documented at the channel level in cellular electrophysiological studies However, much less is known about the functional consequences of Nav1.4 LoF in skeletal myofibers with no available pertinent cell or animal models. Regarding the therapeutic issues for Nav1.4 channelopathies, former efforts were aimed at developing subtype-selective Nav channel antagonists to block myofiber hyperexcitability. Non-selective, Nav channel blockers are clinically efficient in SCM and paramyotonia congenita, whereas patient education and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are helpful to prevent attacks in periodic paralyses. Developing therapeutic tools able to counteract Nav1.4 LoF in skeletal muscles is then a new challenge in the field of Nav channelopathies. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Nav1.4 LoF and discuss the possible therapeutic strategies to be developed in order to improve muscle force in SCW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Nicole
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx 'Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics (ICST), Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Lory
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx 'Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics (ICST), Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zielinski CE. Regulation of T Cell Responses by Ionic Salt Signals. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092365. [PMID: 34572015 PMCID: PMC8471541 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper cell responses are tailored to their respective antigens and adapted to their specific tissue microenvironment. While a great proportion of T cells acquire a resident identity, a significant proportion of T cells continue circulating, thus encountering changing microenvironmental signals during immune surveillance. One signal, which has previously been largely overlooked, is sodium chloride. It has been proposed to have potent effects on T cell responses in the context of autoimmune, allergic and infectious tissue inflammation in mouse models and humans. Sodium chloride is stringently regulated in the blood by the kidneys but displays differential deposition patterns in peripheral tissues. Sodium chloride accumulation might furthermore be regulated by dietary intake and thus by intentional behavior. Together, these results make sodium chloride an interesting but still controversial signal for immune modulation. Its downstream cellular activities represent a potential therapeutic target given its effects on T cell cytokine production. In this review article, we provide an overview and critical evaluation of the impact of this ionic signal on T helper cell polarization and T helper cell effector functions. In addition, the impact of sodium chloride from the tissue microenvironment is assessed for human health and disease and for its therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina E. Zielinski
- Department of Infection Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|