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Cao HM, Wu JH, Li S, Zhou X, Zheng LB, Chi CF. A Na + channel receptor of FMRFamide in the cephalopod Sepiella japonica: Identification, characterisation, and expression profiling during different stages of gonadal development. Neuropeptides 2024; 106:102437. [PMID: 38776655 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
FMRFamide, a member of the neuropeptide family, is involved in numerous physiological processes. FMRFamide-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs) are a family of non-voltage-gated, amiloride-sensitive, Na+-selective channels triggered by the neuropeptide FMRFamide. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of the FaNaC receptor of Sepiella japonica (SjFaNaC) was cloned. The cDNA of SjFaNaC was 3004 bp long with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1812 bp, encoding 603 amino acid residues with no signal peptide at the N-terminus. Sequence analysis indicated that SjFaNaC shared a high identity with other cephalopods FaNaCs and formed a sister clade with bivalves. The protein structure was predicted using SWISS-MODEL with AcFaNaC as the template. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that SjFaNaC transcripts were highly expressed in both female and male reproductive organs, as well as in the optic lobe and brain of the central nervous system (CNS). Results of in situ hybridisation (ISH) showed that SjFaNaC mRNA was mainly distributed in the medulla and deep retina of the optic lobe and in both the supraesophageal and subesophageal masses of the brain. Subcellular localisation indicated that the SjFaNaC protein was localised intracellularly and on the cell surface of HEK293T cells. In summary, these findings may lay the foundation for future exploration of the functions of SjFaNaC in cephalopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Cao
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Jun-Hong Wu
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Shuang Li
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Li-Bing Zheng
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Chang-Feng Chi
- National and Provincial Joint Engineering Research Centre for Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, School of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, 1st Haidanan Road, Changzhi Island, Lincheng, Zhoushan 316022, China.
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2
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Liu F, Dang Y, Li L, Feng H, Li J, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Ye S, Tian Y, Chen Q. Structure and mechanism of a neuropeptide-activated channel in the ENaC/DEG superfamily. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1276-1285. [PMID: 37550431 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide)-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs) are a family of channels activated by the neuropeptide FMRFamide, and, to date, the underlying ligand gating mechanism remains unknown. Here we present the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of Aplysia californica FaNaC in both apo and FMRFamide-bound states. AcFaNaC forms a chalice-shaped trimer and possesses several notable features, including two FaNaC-specific insertion regions, a distinct finger domain and non-domain-swapped transmembrane helix 2 in the transmembrane domain (TMD). One FMRFamide binds to each subunit in a cleft located in the top-most region of the extracellular domain, with participation of residues from the neighboring subunit. Bound FMRFamide adopts an extended conformation. FMRFamide binds tightly to A. californica FaNaC in an N terminus-in manner, which causes collapse of the binding cleft and induces large local conformational rearrangements. Such conformational changes are propagated downward toward the TMD via the palm domain, possibly resulting in outward movement of the TMD and dilation of the ion conduction pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT) and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT) and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haowei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Sheng Ye
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yutao Tian
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT) and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
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Furukawa Y, Tagashira I. Aromatic amino acids in the finger domain of the FMRFamide-gated Na[Formula: see text] channel are involved in the FMRFamide recognition and the activation. Pflugers Arch 2023:10.1007/s00424-023-02817-9. [PMID: 37289212 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02817-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
FMRFamide-gated Na[Formula: see text] channel (FaNaC) is a member of the DEG/ENaC family and activated by a neuropeptide, FMRFamide. Structural information about the FMRFamide-dependent gating is, however, still elusive. Because two phenylalanines of FMRFamide are essential for the activation of FaNaC, we hypothesized that aromatic-aromatic interaction between FaNaC and FMRFamide is critical for FMRFamide recognition and/or the activation gating. Here, we focused on eight conserved aromatic residues in the finger domain of FaNaCs and tested our hypothesis by mutagenic analysis and in silico docking simulations. The mutation of conserved aromatic residues in the finger domain reduced the FMRFamide potency, suggesting that the conserved aromatic residues are involved in the FMRFamide-dependent activation. The kinetics of the FMRFamide-gated currents were also modified substantially in some mutants. Some results of docking simulations were consistent with a hypothesis that the aromatic-aromatic interaction between the aromatic residues in FaNaC and FMRFamide is involved in the FMRFamide recognition. Collectively, our results suggest that the conserved aromatic residues in the finger domain of FaNaC are important determinants of the ligand recognition and/or the activation gating in FaNaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Furukawa
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences of Life, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-7-1, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521, Japan.
| | - Iori Tagashira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
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Hauser F, Koch TL, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. Review: The evolution of peptidergic signaling in Cnidaria and Placozoa, including a comparison with Bilateria. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:973862. [PMID: 36213267 PMCID: PMC9545775 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.973862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bilateria have bilateral symmetry and are subdivided into Deuterostomia (animals like vertebrates) and Protostomia (animals like insects and mollusks). Neuropeptides occur in both Proto- and Deuterostomia and they are frequently structurally related across these two lineages. For example, peptides belonging to the oxytocin/vasopressin family exist in both clades. The same is true for the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) of these peptides. These observations suggest that these neuropeptides and their GPCRs were already present in the common ancestor of Proto- and Deuterostomia, which lived about 700 million years ago (MYA). Furthermore, neuropeptides and their GPCRs occur in two early-branching phyla that diverged before the emergence of Bilateria: Cnidaria (animals like corals and sea anemones), and Placozoa (small disk-like animals, feeding on algae). The sequences of these neuropeptides and their GPCRs, however, are not closely related to those from Bilateria. In addition, cnidarian neuropeptides and their receptors are not closely related to those from Placozoa. We propose that the divergence times between Cnidaria, Placozoa, and Bilateria might be too long for recognizing sequence identities. Leucine-rich repeats-containing GPCRs (LGRs) are a special class of GPCRs that are characterized by a long N-terminus containing 10-20 leucine-rich domains, which are used for ligand binding. Among the ligands for LGRs are dimeric glycoprotein hormones, and insulin-like peptides, such as relaxin. LGRs have been found not only in Proto- and Deuterostomia, but also in early emerging phyla, such as Cnidaria and Placozoa. Humans have eight LGRs. In our current review, we have revisited the annotations of LGRs from the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis and the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens. We identified 13 sea anemone LGRs and no less than 46 LGRs from T. adhaerens. All eight human LGRs appear to have orthologues in sea anemones and placozoans. LGRs and their ligands, therefore, have a long evolutionary history, going back to the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Placozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas L. Koch
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bai S, Fan S, Liu D, Zhang Z, Zhang Z. Identification and expression analysis of receptors that mediate MIP regulating larval settlement in Urechis unicinctus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 260:110732. [PMID: 35278715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110732] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Larval attachment and metamorphosis are important processes during the development of some marine invertebrates. Myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs), a class of small molecular neuropeptides, have been revealed to be involved in regulating the larval settlement. In this paper, we identified two types of MIP membrane receptors, G-protein coupled receptor SPR and MIP-gated ion channel receptors MGIC1 and MGIC2 based on sequence homology with other species in the transcriptome database of Echiuroidea Urechis unicinctus (Xenopneusta, Urechidae). The results of in situ hybridization showed that positive signals of these receptors were obviously located in the apex of the segmentation larvae, a critical stage of U. unicinctus larval settlement. Further, these receptors were determined on the membrane of HEK293 cells by immunohistochemistry. Also, we verified that U. unicinctus MIP can activate its SPR receptor based on the results of the significantly decreased cAMP concentration in HEK293 cells. Our data will provide scientific reference for elucidating mechanism of neuropeptide regulating the larval attachment and metamorphosis in marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumiao Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shutong Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Danwen Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhengrui Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breesing Engineering, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China.
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6
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Dandamudi M, Hausen H, Lynagh T. Comparative analysis defines a broader FMRFamide-gated sodium channel family and determinants of neuropeptide sensitivity. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102086. [PMID: 35636513 PMCID: PMC9234716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide, FMRFa) and similar neuropeptides are important physiological modulators in most invertebrates, but the molecular basis of FMRFa activity at its receptors is unknown. We therefore sought to identify the molecular determinants of FMRFa potency against one of its native targets, the excitatory FMRFa-gated sodium channel (FaNaC) from gastropod mollusks. Using molecular phylogenetics and electrophysiological measurement of neuropeptide activity, we identified a broad FaNaC family that includes mollusk and annelid channels gated by FMRFa, FVRIamides, and/or Wamides (or myoinhibitory peptides). A comparative analysis of this broader FaNaC family and other channels from the overarching degenerin (DEG)/epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) superfamily, incorporating mutagenesis and experimental dissection of channel function, identified a pocket of amino acid residues that determines activation of FaNaCs by neuropeptides. Although this pocket has diverged in distantly related DEG/ENaC channels that are activated by other ligands but enhanced by FMRFa, such as mammalian acid-sensing ion channels, we show that it nonetheless contains residues that determine enhancement of those channels by similar peptides. This study thus identifies amino acid residues that determine FMRFa neuropeptide activity at FaNaC receptor channels and illuminates the evolution of ligand recognition in one branch of the DEG/ENaC superfamily of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mowgli Dandamudi
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Harald Hausen
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Timothy Lynagh
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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7
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Jékely G. The chemical brain hypothesis for the origin of nervous systems. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20190761. [PMID: 33550946 PMCID: PMC7935135 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In nervous systems, there are two main modes of transmission for the propagation of activity between cells. Synaptic transmission relies on close contact at chemical or electrical synapses while volume transmission is mediated by diffusible chemical signals and does not require direct contact. It is possible to wire complex neuronal networks by both chemical and synaptic transmission. Both types of networks are ubiquitous in nervous systems, leading to the question which of the two appeared first in evolution. This paper explores a scenario where chemically organized cellular networks appeared before synapses in evolution, a possibility supported by the presence of complex peptidergic signalling in all animals except sponges. Small peptides are ideally suited to link up cells into chemical networks. They have unlimited diversity, high diffusivity and high copy numbers derived from repetitive precursors. But chemical signalling is diffusion limited and becomes inefficient in larger bodies. To overcome this, peptidergic cells may have developed projections and formed synaptically connected networks tiling body surfaces and displaying synchronized activity with pulsatile peptide release. The advent of circulatory systems and neurohemal organs further reduced the constraint imposed on chemical signalling by diffusion. This could have contributed to the explosive radiation of peptidergic signalling systems in stem bilaterians. Neurosecretory centres in extant nervous systems are still predominantly chemically wired and coexist with the synaptic brain. This article is part of the theme issue 'Basal cognition: multicellularity, neurons and the cognitive lens'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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8
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Schmidt A, Bauknecht P, Williams EA, Augustinowski K, Gründer S, Jékely G. Dual signaling of Wamide myoinhibitory peptides through a peptide‐gated channel and a GPCR in
Platynereis. FASEB J 2018; 32:5338-5349. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800274r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Schmidt
- Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch‐Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | | | | | - Katrin Augustinowski
- Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch‐Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch‐Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of ExeterExeterUnited Kingdom
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9
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DeLaney K, Buchberger AR, Atkinson L, Gründer S, Mousley A, Li L. New techniques, applications and perspectives in neuropeptide research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151167. [PMID: 29439063 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the most diverse classes of signaling molecules and have attracted great interest over the years owing to their roles in regulation of a wide range of physiological processes. However, there are unique challenges associated with neuropeptide studies stemming from the highly variable molecular sizes of the peptides, low in vivo concentrations, high degree of structural diversity and large number of isoforms. As a result, much effort has been focused on developing new techniques for studying neuropeptides, as well as novel applications directed towards learning more about these endogenous peptides. The areas of importance for neuropeptide studies include structure, localization within tissues, interaction with their receptors, including ion channels, and physiological function. Here, we discuss these aspects and the associated techniques, focusing on technologies that have demonstrated potential in advancing the field in recent years. Most identification and structural information has been gained by mass spectrometry, either alone or with confirmations from other techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic tools. While mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools have proven to be the most powerful for large-scale analyses, they still rely heavily on complementary methods for confirmation. Localization within tissues, for example, can be probed by mass spectrometry imaging, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassays. Functional information has been gained primarily from behavioral studies coupled with tissue-specific assays, electrophysiology, mass spectrometry and optogenetic tools. Concerning the receptors for neuropeptides, the discovery of ion channels that are directly gated by neuropeptides opens up the possibility of developing a new generation of tools for neuroscience, which could be used to monitor neuropeptide release or to specifically change the membrane potential of neurons. It is expected that future neuropeptide research will involve the integration of complementary bioanalytical technologies and functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen DeLaney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amanda R Buchberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Louise Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA .,School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Jékely G, Melzer S, Beets I, Kadow ICG, Koene J, Haddad S, Holden-Dye L. The long and the short of it - a perspective on peptidergic regulation of circuits and behaviour. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb166710. [PMID: 29439060 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.166710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are the most diverse class of chemical modulators in nervous systems. They contribute to extensive modulation of circuit activity and have profound influences on animal physiology. Studies on invertebrate model organisms, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, have enabled the genetic manipulation of peptidergic signalling, contributing to an understanding of how neuropeptides pattern the output of neural circuits to underpin behavioural adaptation. Electrophysiological and pharmacological analyses of well-defined microcircuits, such as the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, have provided detailed insights into neuropeptide functions at a cellular and circuit level. These approaches can be increasingly applied in the mammalian brain by focusing on circuits with a defined and identifiable sub-population of neurons. Functional analyses of neuropeptide systems have been underpinned by systematic studies to map peptidergic networks. Here, we review the general principles and mechanistic insights that have emerged from these studies. We also highlight some of the challenges that remain for furthering our understanding of the functional relevance of peptidergic modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sarah Melzer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabel Beets
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ilona C Grunwald Kadow
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Joris Koene
- Vrije Universiteit - Ecological Science, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Haddad
- Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Mailstop 013, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- Biological Sciences, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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11
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Yang XN, Niu YY, Liu Y, Yang Y, Wang J, Cheng XY, Liang H, Wang HS, Hu YM, Lu XY, Zhu MX, Xu TL, Tian Y, Yu Y. The nonproton ligand of acid-sensing ion channel 3 activates mollusk-specific FaNaC channels via a mechanism independent of the native FMRFamide peptide. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:21662-21675. [PMID: 29123030 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.814707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (DEG/ENaC) superfamily of ion channels contains subfamilies with diverse functions that are fundamental to many physiological and pathological processes, ranging from synaptic transmission to epileptogenesis. The absence in mammals of some DEG/ENaCs subfamily orthologues such as FMRFamide peptide-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs), which have been identified only in mollusks, indicates that the various subfamilies diverged early in evolution. We recently reported that the nonproton agonist 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ) activates acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), a DEG/ENaC subfamily mainly in mammals, in the absence of acidosis. Here, we show that GMQ also could directly activate the mollusk-specific FaNaCs. Differences in ion selectivity and unitary conductance and effects of substitutions at key residues revealed that GMQ and FMRFamide activate FaNaCs via distinct mechanisms. The presence of two activation mechanisms in the FaNaC subfamily diverging early in the evolution of DEG/ENaCs suggested that dual gating is an ancient feature in this superfamily. Notably, the GMQ-gating mode is still preserved in the mammalian ASIC subfamily, whereas FMRFamide-mediated channel gating was lost during evolution. This implied that GMQ activation may be essential for the functions of mammalian DEG/ENaCs. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of DEG/ENaCs and may facilitate the discovery and characterization of their endogenous agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Yang
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.,Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - You-Ya Niu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.,Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Cheng
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China, and
| | - Heng-Shan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China, and
| | - You-Min Hu
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Lu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Michael X Zhu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.,Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yun Tian
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China,
| | - Ye Yu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China, .,Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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12
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Modulation of the FMRFamide-gated Na + channel by external Ca 2. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:1335-1347. [PMID: 28674755 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
FMRFamide-gated Na+ channel (FaNaC) is a member of the DEG/ENaC family. Amino acid sequence of the second transmembrane region (TM2) of FaNaC is quite similar to that of the acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) of the same family. In the upper part of TM2, there are two aspartate residues (D552 and D556 in Aplysia FaNaC, AkFaNaC) which construct two negative rings in the external vestibule. In the present study, we examined the function of D552/D556 mutants of AkFaNaC in Xenopus oocytes with special interest in Ca2+ sensitivity of FaNaC. The FMRFamide-evoked current through AkFaNaC was depressed by submillimolar Ca2+ such that the current in Ca2+-free condition was 2-3-fold larger than that in the control solution which contained 1.8 mM CaCl 2. Both D552 and D556 were found to be indispensable for the sensitivity of FaNaC to submillimolar Ca2+. Unexpectedly, however, both acidic residues were not essential for the inhibition by millimolar Ca2+ concentrations. The Ca2+-sensitive gating of FaNaC was recapitulated by an allosteric model in which Ca2+-bound channels are more difficult to open. The desensitization of FaNaC was also inhibited by Ca2+, which was abolished in some D552/D556 mutants. Structural models of FaNaC made by homology modeling showed that the distance between oxygen atoms of D552 and D556 on the adjacent subunits is close enough to coordinate Ca2+ in the nonconducting desensitized channel but not in the open channel. The results suggest that Ca2+ coordination between oxygen atoms of D552 and D556 disturbs the opening transition as well as the desensitization of FaNaC.
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13
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Identification of a cono-RFamide from the venom of Conus textile that targets ASIC3 and enhances muscle pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3507-E3515. [PMID: 28396446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616232114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated Na+ channels that are expressed throughout the nervous system. ASICs have been implicated in several neuronal disorders, like ischemic stroke, neuronal inflammation, and pathological pain. Several toxins from venomous animals have been identified that target ASICs with high specificity and potency. These toxins are extremely useful in providing protein pharmacophores and to characterize function and structure of ASICs. Marine cone snails contain a high diversity of toxins in their venom such as conotoxins, which are short polypeptides stabilized by disulfide bonds, and conopeptides, which have no or only one disulfide bond. Whereas conotoxins selectively target specific neuronal proteins, mainly ion channels, the targets of conopeptides are less well known. Here, we perform an in vitro screen of venoms from 18 cone snail species to identify toxins targeting ASICs. We identified a small conopeptide of only four amino acids from the venom of Conus textile that strongly potentiated currents of ASIC3, which has a specific role in the pain pathway. This peptide, RPRFamide, belongs to the subgroup of cono-RFamides. Electrophysiological characterization of isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed that RPRFamide increases their excitability. Moreover, injection of the peptide into the gastrocnemius muscle strongly enhanced acid-induced muscle pain in mice that was abolished by genetic inactivation of ASIC3. In summary, we identified a conopeptide that targets the nociceptor-specific ion channel ASIC3.
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14
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Hanukoglu I, Hanukoglu A. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) family: Phylogeny, structure-function, tissue distribution, and associated inherited diseases. Gene 2016; 579:95-132. [PMID: 26772908 PMCID: PMC4756657 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is composed of three homologous subunits and allows the flow of Na(+) ions across high resistance epithelia, maintaining body salt and water homeostasis. ENaC dependent reabsorption of Na(+) in the kidney tubules regulates extracellular fluid (ECF) volume and blood pressure by modulating osmolarity. In multi-ciliated cells, ENaC is located in cilia and plays an essential role in the regulation of epithelial surface liquid volume necessary for cilial transport of mucus and gametes in the respiratory and reproductive tracts respectively. The subunits that form ENaC (named as alpha, beta, gamma and delta, encoded by genes SCNN1A, SCNN1B, SCNN1G, and SCNN1D) are members of the ENaC/Degenerin superfamily. The earliest appearance of ENaC orthologs is in the genomes of the most ancient vertebrate taxon, Cyclostomata (jawless vertebrates) including lampreys, followed by earliest representatives of Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) including cartilaginous sharks. Among Euteleostomi (bony vertebrates), Actinopterygii (ray finned-fishes) branch has lost ENaC genes. Yet, most animals in the Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) branch including Tetrapoda, amphibians and amniotes (lizards, crocodiles, birds, and mammals), have four ENaC paralogs. We compared the sequences of ENaC orthologs from 20 species and established criteria for the identification of ENaC orthologs and paralogs, and their distinction from other members of the ENaC/Degenerin superfamily, especially ASIC family. Differences between ENaCs and ASICs are summarized in view of their physiological functions and tissue distributions. Structural motifs that are conserved throughout vertebrate ENaCs are highlighted. We also present a comparative overview of the genotype-phenotype relationships in inherited diseases associated with ENaC mutations, including multisystem pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA1B), Liddle syndrome, cystic fibrosis-like disease and essential hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Hanukoglu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Aaron Hanukoglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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15
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Niu YY, Yang Y, Liu Y, Huang LD, Yang XN, Fan YZ, Cheng XY, Cao P, Hu YM, Li L, Lu XY, Tian Y, Yu Y. Exploration of the Peptide Recognition of an Amiloride-sensitive FMRFamide Peptide-gated Sodium Channel. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7571-82. [PMID: 26867576 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.710251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2)-activated sodium channel (FaNaC) is an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel activated by endogenous tetrapeptide in invertebrates, and belongs to the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin (ENaC/DEG) superfamily. The ENaC/DEG superfamily differs markedly in its means of activation, such as spontaneously opening or gating by mechanical stimuli or tissue acidosis. Recently, it has been observed that a number of ENaC/DEG channels can be activated by small molecules or peptides, indicating that the ligand-gating may be an important feature of this superfamily. The peptide ligand control of the channel gating might be an ancient ligand-gating feature in this superfamily. Therefore, studying the peptide recognition of FaNaC channels would advance our understanding of the ligand-gating properties of this superfamily of ion channels. Here we demonstrate that Tyr-131, Asn-134, Asp-154, and Ile-160, located in the putative upper finger domain ofHelix aspersaFaNaC (HaFaNaC) channels, are key residues for peptide recognition of this ion channel. Two HaFaNaC specific-insertion motifs among the ENaC/DEG superfamily, residing at the putative α4-α5 linker of the upper thumb domain and the α6-α7 linker of the upper knuckle domain, are also essential for the peptide recognition of HaFaNaC channels. Chemical modifications and double mutant cycle analysis further indicated that those two specific inserts and key residues in the upper finger domain together participate in peptide recognition of HaFaNaC channels. This ligand recognition site is distinct from that of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) by a longer distance between the recognition site and the channel gate, carrying useful information about the ligand gating and the evolution of the trimeric ENaC/DEG superfamily of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Ya Niu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China, Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Li-Dong Huang
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China, Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Putuo District Center Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Cheng
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China, and Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - You-Min Hu
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lingyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Xiang-Yang Lu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Yun Tian
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China,
| | - Ye Yu
- From the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China, Institute of Medical Sciences and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China,
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16
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Kodani Y, Furukawa Y. Electrostatic charge at position 552 affects the activation and permeation of FMRFamide-gated Na+ channels. J Physiol Sci 2014; 64:141-50. [PMID: 24415456 PMCID: PMC10717150 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-013-0303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The FMRFamide-gated Na(+) channel (FaNaC) is a unique peptide-gated sodium channel and a member of the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin family. Previous studies have shown that an aspartate residue (Asp(552)) in the second transmembrane domain is involved in activation of the FaNaC. To examine the significance of a negative charge at position 552, we used a cysteine-modification method. Macroscopic currents of a cysteine mutant (D552C) were potentiated or inhibited by use of positively or negatively charged sulfhydryl reagents ([2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethiosulfonate bromide, MTSET, and sodium (2-sulfonatoethyl)methanethiosulfonate, MTSES, respectively). Dose-response analysis showed that treatment with MTSET increased the potency of the FMRFamide in the FaNaC whereas treatment with MTSES reduced the maximum response. Negative charge at position 552 was necessary for the characteristic inward rectification of the FaNaC. These results suggest that negative electric charge at position 552 is important to the activation and permeation properties of the FaNaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kodani
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-7-1, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521 Japan
- Present Address: Department of Physiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192 Japan
| | - Yasuo Furukawa
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-7-1, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521 Japan
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Zatylny-Gaudin C, Favrel P. Diversity of the RFamide Peptide Family in Mollusks. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:178. [PMID: 25386166 PMCID: PMC4208409 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the initial characterization of the cardioexcitatory peptide FMRFamide in the bivalve mollusk Macrocallista nimbosa, a great number of FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) have been identified in mollusks. FLPs were initially isolated and molecularly characterized in model mollusks using biochemical methods. The development of recombinant technologies and, more recently, of genomics has boosted knowledge on their diversity in various mollusk classes. Today, mollusk FLPs represent approximately 75 distinct RFamide peptides that appear to result from the expression of only five genes: the FMRFamide-related peptide gene, the LFRFamide gene, the luqin gene, the neuropeptide F gene, and the cholecystokinin/sulfakinin gene. FLPs display a complex spatiotemporal pattern of expression in the central and peripheral nervous system. Working as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or neurohormones, FLPs are involved in the control of a great variety of biological and physiological processes including cardiovascular regulation, osmoregulation, reproduction, digestion, and feeding behavior. From an evolutionary viewpoint, the major challenge will then logically concern the elucidation of the FLP repertoire of orphan mollusk classes and the way they are functionally related. In this respect, deciphering FLP signaling pathways by characterizing the specific receptors these peptides bind remains another exciting objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Zatylny-Gaudin
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Normandie Université, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Caen, France
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, BOREA, Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, BOREA, Paris, France
- UMR 7208 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BOREA, Paris, France
- IRD 207, L’Institut de recherche pour le développement, BOREA, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Favrel
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Normandie Université, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Caen, France
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, BOREA, Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, BOREA, Paris, France
- UMR 7208 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BOREA, Paris, France
- IRD 207, L’Institut de recherche pour le développement, BOREA, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Pascal Favrel, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, CS 14032, Caen Cedex 5 14032, France e-mail:
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18
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McVeigh P, Atkinson L, Marks NJ, Mousley A, Dalzell JJ, Sluder A, Hammerland L, Maule AG. Parasite neuropeptide biology: Seeding rational drug target selection? Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2012; 2:76-91. [PMID: 24533265 PMCID: PMC3862435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The rationale for identifying drug targets within helminth neuromuscular signalling systems is based on the premise that adequate nerve and muscle function is essential for many of the key behavioural determinants of helminth parasitism, including sensory perception/host location, invasion, locomotion/orientation, attachment, feeding and reproduction. This premise is validated by the tendency of current anthelmintics to act on classical neurotransmitter-gated ion channels present on helminth nerve and/or muscle, yielding therapeutic endpoints associated with paralysis and/or death. Supplementary to classical neurotransmitters, helminth nervous systems are peptide-rich and encompass associated biosynthetic and signal transduction components - putative drug targets that remain to be exploited by anthelmintic chemotherapy. At this time, no neuropeptide system-targeting lead compounds have been reported, and given that our basic knowledge of neuropeptide biology in parasitic helminths remains inadequate, the short-term prospects for such drugs remain poor. Here, we review current knowledge of neuropeptide signalling in Nematoda and Platyhelminthes, and highlight a suite of 19 protein families that yield deleterious phenotypes in helminth reverse genetics screens. We suggest that orthologues of some of these peptidergic signalling components represent appealing therapeutic targets in parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul McVeigh
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Louise Atkinson
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nikki J. Marks
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Angela Mousley
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Johnathan J. Dalzell
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ann Sluder
- Scynexis Inc., P.O. Box 12878, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2878, USA
| | | | - Aaron G. Maule
- Molecular Biosciences–Parasitology, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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19
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Studer RA, Person E, Robinson-Rechavi M, Rossier BC. Evolution of the epithelial sodium channel and the sodium pump as limiting factors of aldosterone action on sodium transport. Physiol Genomics 2011; 43:844-54. [PMID: 21558422 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00002.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite large changes in salt intake, the mammalian kidney is able to maintain the extracellular sodium concentration and osmolarity within very narrow margins, thereby controlling blood volume and blood pressure. In the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), aldosterone tightly controls the activities of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and Na,K-ATPase, the two limiting factors in establishing transepithelial sodium transport. It has been proposed that the ENaC/degenerin gene family is restricted to Metazoans, whereas the α- and β-subunits of Na,K-ATPase have homologous genes in prokaryotes. This raises the question of the emergence of osmolarity control. By exploring recent genomic data of diverse organisms, we found that: 1) ENaC/degenerin exists in all of the Metazoans screened, including nonbilaterians and, by extension, was already present in ancestors of Metazoa; 2) ENaC/degenerin is also present in Naegleria gruberi, an eukaryotic microbe, consistent with either a vertical inheritance from the last common ancestor of Eukaryotes or a lateral transfer between Naegleria and Metazoan ancestors; and 3) The Na,K-ATPase β-subunit is restricted to Holozoa, the taxon that includes animals and their closest single-cell relatives. Since the β-subunit of Na,K-ATPase plays a key role in targeting the α-subunit to the plasma membrane and has an additional function in the formation of cell junctions, we propose that the emergence of Na,K-ATPase, together with ENaC/degenerin, is linked to the development of multicellularity in the Metazoan kingdom. The establishment of multicellularity and the associated extracellular compartment ("internal milieu") precedes the emergence of other key elements of the aldosterone signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain A Studer
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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20
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Sun Y, Monje FJ, Pollak DD, Lubec G. A first partial Aplysia californica proteome. Amino Acids 2010; 41:955-68. [PMID: 21069399 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aplysia proteins have not been studied systematically and it was therefore the aim of the study to carry out protein profiling in ganglia from Aplysia californica (AC). AC ganglia were extirpated, proteins extracted and run on 2DE with subsequent in-gel digestion, followed by identification of proteins by nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS on an ion trap. Proteins were identified based upon a public Aplysia EST database. Out of 408 picked spots, 276 spots were identified corresponding to 172 ESTs and 118 individual proteins. The range of sequence coverage was between 14 and 80% and the average amount of peptides used for the identification of proteins was 9 (from 3 to 24). Mean score for protein identification was 516. Comparison of protein levels between cerebral, pleural, pedal and abdominal ganglia revealed a series of significant differences including: signaling, metabolism, cytoskeleton and structural, redox, chaperone, replication/transcription and electron/proton transport proteins. The generation of a protein map complements transcriptional studies carried out in AC ganglia. The findings provide the basis for investigation into post-translational modifications, splice variants and assist in the generation of antibodies against AC proteins. Moreover, differences in protein expression between ganglia may be valuable for the design of future studies in neurobiology of AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels are gated directly by physical stimuli and transduce these stimuli into electrical signals. Several criteria must apply for a channel to be considered mechanically gated. Mechanosensitive channels from bacterial systems have met these criteria, but few eukaryotic channels have been confirmed by the same standards. Recent work has suggested or confirmed that diverse types of channels, including TRP channels, K(2P) channels, MscS-like proteins, and DEG/ENaC channels, are mechanically gated. Several studies point to the importance of the plasma membrane for channel gating, but intracellular and/or extracellular structures may also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jóhanna Arnadóttir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.
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22
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Kodani Y, Furukawa Y. Position 552 in a FMRFamide-gated Na(+) channel affects the gating properties and the potency of FMRFamide. Zoolog Sci 2010; 27:440-8. [PMID: 20443692 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.27.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
FMRFamide-gated Na(+) channel (FaNaC) is a peptide-gated sodium channel in the epithelial Na(+) channel/degenerin family. Although there are some data on the location of the putative peptide binding site, there is no structural information on the activation gating of FaNaC. Here, we addressed the function of a conserved aspartate residue in the second transmembrane domain of FaNaC. We used Aplysia kurodai FaNaC (AkFaNaC) and examined the function of the aspartate (D552) by site-directed mutagenesis and electrophysiological recording in Xenopus oocytes. We found that the macroscopic activation, desensitization, and potency of FMRFamide and its modification by external Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) are greatly affected by physicochemical properties of the amino acid at position 552. We conclude that D552 is situated in a key position that affects the gating properties of FaNaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kodani
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-7-1, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
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23
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Schanuel SM, Bell KA, Henderson SC, McQuiston AR. Heterologous expression of the invertebrate FMRFamide-gated sodium channel as a mechanism to selectively activate mammalian neurons. Neuroscience 2008; 155:374-86. [PMID: 18598740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Considerable effort has been directed toward the development of methods to selectively activate specific subtypes of neurons. Focus has been placed on the heterologous expression of proteins that are capable of exciting neurons in which they are expressed. Here we describe the heterologous expression of the invertebrate FMRFamide (H-phenylalanine-methionine-arginine-phenylalanine-NH2) -gated sodium channel from Helix aspersa (HaFaNaC) in hippocampal slice cultures. HaFaNaC was co-expressed with a fluorescent protein (green fluorescent protein (GFP), red fluorescent protein from Discosoma sp (dsRed) or mutated form of red fluorescent protein from Discosoma sp (tdTomato)) in CA3 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampal slice cultures using single cell electroporation. Pressure application of the agonist FMRFamide to HaFaNaC-expressing neuronal somata produced large prolonged depolarizations and bursts of action potentials (APs). FMRFamide responses were inhibited by amiloride (100 microM). In contrast, pressure application of FMRFamide to the axons of neurons expressing HaFaNaC produced no response. Fusion of GFP to the N-terminus of HaFaNaC showed that GFP-HaFaNaC was absent from axons. Bath application of FMRFamide produced persistent AP firing in HaFaNaC-expressing neurons. This FMRFamide-induced increase in the frequency of APs was dose-dependent. The concentrations of FMRFamide required to activate HaFaNaC-expressing neurons were below that required to activate the homologous acid sensing ion channel normally found in mammalian neurons. Furthermore, the mammalian neuropeptides neuropeptide FF and RFamide-related peptide-1, which have amidated RF C-termini, did not affect HaFaNaC-expressing neurons. Antagonists of NPFF receptors (BIBP3226) also had no effect on HaFaNaC. Therefore, we suggest that heterologous-expression of HaFaNaC in mammalian neurons could be a useful method to selectively and persistently excite specific subtypes of neurons in intact nervous tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Schanuel
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980709, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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24
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Dossey AT, Reale V, Chatwin H, Zachariah C, deBono M, Evans PD, Edison AS. NMR analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans FLP-18 neuropeptides: implications for NPR-1 activation. Biochemistry 2006; 45:7586-97. [PMID: 16768454 PMCID: PMC2517133 DOI: 10.1021/bi0603928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide)-like peptides (FLPs) are the largest neuropeptide family in animals, particularly invertebrates. FLPs are characterized by a C-N-terminal gradient of decreasing amino acid conservation. Neuropeptide receptor 1 (NPR-1) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), which has been shown to be a strong regulator of foraging behavior and aggregation responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Recently, ligands for NPR-1 were identified as neuropeptides coded by the precursor genes flp-18 and flp-21 in C. elegans. The flp-18 gene encodes eight FLPs including DFDGAMPGVLRF-NH2 and EMPGVLRF-NH2. These peptides exhibit considerably different activities on NPR-1, with the longer one showing a lower potency. We have used nuclear magnetic resonance and biological activity to investigate structural features that may explain these activity differences. Our data demonstrate that long-range electrostatic interactions exist between N-terminal aspartates and the C-terminal penultimate arginine as well as N-terminal hydrogen-bonding interactions that form transient loops within DFDGAMPGVLRF-NH2. We hypothesize that these loops, along with peptide charge, diminish the activity of this peptide on NPR-1 relative to that of EMPGVLRF-NH2. These results provide some insight into the large amino acid diversity in FLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Dossey
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 100 South Newell Drive, Building 59, Room LG-150, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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Lingueglia E, Deval E, Lazdunski M. FMRFamide-gated sodium channel and ASIC channels: a new class of ionotropic receptors for FMRFamide and related peptides. Peptides 2006; 27:1138-52. [PMID: 16516345 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
FMRFamide and related peptides typically exert their action through G-protein coupled receptors. However, two ionotropic receptors for these peptides have recently been identified. They are both members of the epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel and degenerin (ENaC/DEG) family of ion channels. The invertebrate FMRFamide-gated Na+ channel (FaNaC) is a neuronal Na+-selective channel which is directly gated by micromolar concentrations of FMRFamide and related tetrapeptides. Its response is fast and partially desensitizing, and FaNaC has been proposed to participate in peptidergic neurotransmission. On the other hand, mammalian acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are not gated but are directly modulated by FMRFamide and related mammalian peptides like NPFF and NPSF. ASICs are activated by external protons and are therefore extracellular pH sensors. They are expressed both in the central and peripheral nervous system and appear to be involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes such as hippocampal long-term potentiation and defects in learning and memory, acquired fear-related behavior, retinal function, brain ischemia, pain sensation in ischemia and inflammation, taste perception, hearing functions, and mechanoperception. The potentiation of ASIC activity by endogenous RFamide neuropeptides probably participates in the response to noxious acidosis in sensory and central neurons. Available data also raises the possibility of the existence of still unknown FMRFamide related endogenous peptides acting as direct agonists for ASICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lingueglia
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS-Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis UMR 6097, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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