1
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Benarroch E. What Is the Role of the "GABA Tone" in Normal and Pathological Conditions? Neurology 2024; 102:e209152. [PMID: 38252909 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
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2
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Ali DN, Ali HM, Lopez MR, Kang S, Choi DS. Astrocytic GABAergic Regulation in Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:318. [PMID: 38391931 PMCID: PMC10887002 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Most GABAergic neurons synthesize GABA from glutamate and release it in the synaptic cleft in the CNS. However, astrocytes can also synthesize and release GABA, activating GABA receptors in the neighboring neurons in physiological and pathological conditions. As the primary homeostatic glial cells in the brain, astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating GABA homeostasis and synaptic neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that astrocytic GABA dysregulation is implicated in psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), the most prevalent co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Several current medications and emerging pharmacological agents targeting GABA levels are in clinical trials for treating AUD and MDD. This review offers a concise summary of the role of astrocytic GABA regulation in AUD and MDD. We also provide an overview of the current understanding and areas of debate regarding the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate GABA in the CNS and their potential significance in the molecular basis of AUD and MDD, paving the way toward future research directions and potential therapeutic target areas within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina N. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Hossam M. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew R. Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Shinwoo Kang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
- Neuroscience Program, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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3
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Villalobos N. Disinhibition Is an Essential Network Motif Coordinated by GABA Levels and GABA B Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1340. [PMID: 38279339 PMCID: PMC10816949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Network dynamics are crucial for action and sensation. Changes in synaptic physiology lead to the reorganization of local microcircuits. Consequently, the functional state of the network impacts the output signal depending on the firing patterns of its units. Networks exhibit steady states in which neurons show various activities, producing many networks with diverse properties. Transitions between network states determine the output signal generated and its functional results. The temporal dynamics of excitation/inhibition allow a shift between states in an operational network. Therefore, a process capable of modulating the dynamics of excitation/inhibition may be functionally important. This process is known as disinhibition. In this review, we describe the effect of GABA levels and GABAB receptors on tonic inhibition, which causes changes (due to disinhibition) in network dynamics, leading to synchronous functional oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Villalobos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
- Sección de Estudios Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
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4
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Di Palma M, Catalano M, Serpe C, De Luca M, Monaco L, Kunzelmann K, Limatola C, Conti F, Fattorini G. Lipopolysaccharide augments microglial GABA uptake by increasing GABA transporter-1 trafficking and bestrophin-1 expression. Glia 2023; 71:2527-2540. [PMID: 37431178 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24437] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, affects numerous immune cell functions. Microglia, the brain's resident innate immune cells, regulate GABA signaling through GABA receptors and express the complete GABAergic machinery for GABA synthesis, uptake, and release. Here, the use of primary microglial cell cultures and ex vivo brain tissue sections allowed for demonstrating that treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased microglial GABA uptake as well as GABA transporter (GAT)-1 trafficking. This effect was not entirely abolished by treatment with GAT inhibitors (GAT-Is). Notably, LPS also induced microglial upregulation of bestrophin-1 (BEST-1), a Ca2+ -activated Cl- channel permeable to GABA. Combined administration of GAT-Is and a BEST-1 inhibitor completely abolished LPS-induced microglial GABA uptake. Interestingly, increased microglial GAT-1 membrane turnover via syntaxin 1A was detected in LPS-treated cultures after BEST-1 blockade. Altogether, these findings provided evidence for a novel mechanism through which LPS may trigger the inflammatory response by directly altering microglial GABA clearance and identified the GAT-1/BEST-1 interplay as a potential novel mechanism involved in brain inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Di Palma
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Serpe
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariassunta De Luca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Monaco
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Karl Kunzelmann
- Physiological Institute, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, Italy
- Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Fattorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, Italy
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5
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Zhang YM, Qi YB, Gao YN, Chen WG, Zhou T, Zang Y, Li J. Astrocyte metabolism and signaling pathways in the CNS. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1217451. [PMID: 37732313 PMCID: PMC10507181 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1217451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes comprise half of the cells in the central nervous system and play a critical role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes has been indicated as the primary cause of neurological diseases, such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Although the metabolic functionalities of astrocytes are well known, their relationship to neurological disorders is poorly understood. The ways in which astrocytes regulate the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids have all been implicated in neurological diseases. Metabolism in astrocytes has also exhibited a significant influence on neuron functionality and the brain's neuro-network. In this review, we focused on metabolic processes present in astrocytes, most notably the glucose metabolic pathway, the fatty acid metabolic pathway, and the amino-acid metabolic pathway. For glucose metabolism, we focused on the glycolysis pathway, pentose-phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In fatty acid metabolism, we followed fatty acid oxidation, ketone body metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. For amino acid metabolism, we summarized neurotransmitter metabolism and the serine and kynurenine metabolic pathways. This review will provide an overview of functional changes in astrocyte metabolism and provide an overall perspective of current treatment and therapy for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-mei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-bei Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-nan Gao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-gang Chen
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Koh W, Kwak H, Cheong E, Lee CJ. GABA tone regulation and its cognitive functions in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:523-539. [PMID: 37495761 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter released at GABAergic synapses, mediating fast-acting phasic inhibition. Emerging lines of evidence unequivocally indicate that a small amount of extracellular GABA - GABA tone - exists in the brain and induces a tonic GABA current that controls neuronal activity on a slow timescale relative to that of phasic inhibition. Surprisingly, studies indicate that glial cells that synthesize GABA, such as astrocytes, release GABA through non-vesicular mechanisms, such as channel-mediated release, and thereby act as the source of GABA tone in the brain. In this Review, we first provide an overview of major advances in our understanding of the cell-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of GABA synthesis, release and clearance that regulate GABA tone in various brain regions. We next examine the diverse ways in which the tonic GABA current regulates synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity through extrasynaptic GABAA-receptor-mediated mechanisms. Last, we discuss the physiological mechanisms through which tonic inhibition modulates cognitive function on a slow timescale. In this Review, we emphasize that the cognitive functions of tonic GABA current extend beyond mere inhibition, laying a foundation for future research on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of GABA tone regulation in normal and abnormal psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhyun Koh
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hankyul Kwak
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea.
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7
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Zhu A, Huang J, Kong F, Tan J, Lei J, Yuan Y, Yan C. Molecular basis for substrate recognition and transport of human GABA transporter GAT1. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023:10.1038/s41594-023-00983-z. [PMID: 37400655 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is recycled through specific GABA transporters (GATs). GAT1, which is mainly expressed in the presynaptic terminals of axons, is a potential drug target of neurological disorders due to its essential role in GABA transport. Here we report four cryogenic electron microscopy structures of human GAT1, at resolutions of 2.2-3.2 Å. GAT1 in substrate-free form or in complex with the antiepileptic drug tiagabine exhibits an inward-open conformation. In the presence of GABA or nipecotic acid, inward-occluded structures are captured. The GABA-bound structure reveals an interaction network bridged by hydrogen bonds and ion coordination for GABA recognition. The substrate-free structure unwinds the last helical turn of transmembrane helix TM1a to release sodium ions and substrate. Complemented by structure-guided biochemical analyses, our studies reveal detailed mechanism of GABA recognition and transport, and elucidate mode of action of the inhibitors, nipecotic acid and tiagabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chuangye Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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8
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Astrocytes regulate inhibitory neurotransmission through GABA uptake, metabolism, and recycling. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:77-91. [PMID: 36806927 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic regulation of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is essential for brain function. Cerebral GABA homeostasis is tightly regulated through multiple mechanisms and is directly coupled to the metabolic collaboration between neurons and astrocytes. In this essay, we outline and discuss the fundamental roles of astrocytes in regulating synaptic GABA signaling. A major fraction of synaptic GABA is removed from the synapse by astrocytic uptake. Astrocytes utilize GABA as a metabolic substrate to support glutamine synthesis. The astrocyte-derived glutamine is subsequently transferred to neurons where it serves as the primary precursor of neuronal GABA synthesis. The flow of GABA and glutamine between neurons and astrocytes is collectively termed the GABA-glutamine cycle and is essential to sustain GABA synthesis and inhibitory signaling. In certain brain areas, astrocytes are even capable of synthesizing and releasing GABA to modulate inhibitory transmission. The majority of oxidative GABA metabolism in the brain takes place in astrocytes, which also leads to synthesis of the GABA-related metabolite γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). The physiological roles of endogenous GHB remain unclear, but may be related to regulation of tonic inhibition and synaptic plasticity. Disrupted inhibitory signaling and dysfunctional astrocyte GABA handling are implicated in several diseases including epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Synaptic GABA homeostasis is under astrocytic control and astrocyte GABA uptake, metabolism, and recycling may therefore serve as relevant targets to ameliorate pathological inhibitory signaling.
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9
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Kruyer A, Kalivas PW, Scofield MD. Astrocyte regulation of synaptic signaling in psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:21-36. [PMID: 35577914 PMCID: PMC9700696 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01338-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, the field of neuroscience has evolved toward recognizing the critical role of astroglia in shaping neuronal synaptic activity and along with the pre- and postsynapse is now considered an equal partner in tripartite synaptic transmission and plasticity. The relative youth of this recognition and a corresponding deficit in reagents and technologies for quantifying and manipulating astroglia relative to neurons continues to hamper advances in understanding tripartite synaptic physiology. Nonetheless, substantial advances have been made and are reviewed herein. We review the role of astroglia in synaptic function and regulation of behavior with an eye on how tripartite synapses figure into brain pathologies underlying behavioral impairments in psychiatric disorders, both from the perspective of measures in postmortem human brains and more subtle influences on tripartite synaptic regulation of behavior in animal models of psychiatric symptoms. Our goal is to provide the reader a well-referenced state-of-the-art understanding of current knowledge and predict what we may discover with deeper investigation of tripartite synapses using reagents and technologies not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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10
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Bhatt M, Gauthier-Manuel L, Lazzarin E, Zerlotti R, Ziegler C, Bazzone A, Stockner T, Bossi E. A comparative review on the well-studied GAT1 and the understudied BGT-1 in the brain. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1145973. [PMID: 37123280 PMCID: PMC10137170 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1145973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Its homeostasis is maintained by neuronal and glial GABA transporters (GATs). The four GATs identified in humans are GAT1 (SLC6A1), GAT2 (SLC6A13), GAT3 (SLC6A11), and betaine/GABA transporter-1 BGT-1 (SLC6A12) which are all members of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family of sodium-dependent transporters. While GAT1 has been investigated extensively, the other GABA transporters are less studied and their role in CNS is not clearly defined. Altered GABAergic neurotransmission is involved in different diseases, but the importance of the different transporters remained understudied and limits drug targeting. In this review, the well-studied GABA transporter GAT1 is compared with the less-studied BGT-1 with the aim to leverage the knowledge on GAT1 to shed new light on the open questions concerning BGT-1. The most recent knowledge on transporter structure, functions, expression, and localization is discussed along with their specific role as drug targets for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. We review and discuss data on the binding sites for Na+, Cl-, substrates, and inhibitors by building on the recent cryo-EM structure of GAT1 to highlight specific molecular determinants of transporter functions. The role of the two proteins in GABA homeostasis is investigated by looking at the transport coupling mechanism, as well as structural and kinetic transport models. Furthermore, we review information on selective inhibitors together with the pharmacophore hypothesis of transporter substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manan Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Centre for Neuroscience—University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Laure Gauthier-Manuel
- Department of Biophysics II/Structural Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Erika Lazzarin
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstr, Vienna
| | - Rocco Zerlotti
- Department of Biophysics II/Structural Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Ziegler
- Department of Biophysics II/Structural Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Stockner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstr, Vienna
- *Correspondence: Thomas Stockner, ; Elena Bossi,
| | - Elena Bossi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Centre for Neuroscience—University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- *Correspondence: Thomas Stockner, ; Elena Bossi,
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11
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Activity-dependent translation dynamically alters the proteome of the perisynaptic astrocyte process. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111474. [PMID: 36261025 PMCID: PMC9624251 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Within eukaryotic cells, translation is regulated independent of transcription, enabling nuanced, localized, and rapid responses to stimuli. Neurons respond transcriptionally and translationally to synaptic activity. Although transcriptional responses are documented in astrocytes, here we test whether astrocytes have programmed translational responses. We show that seizure activity rapidly changes the transcripts on astrocyte ribosomes, some predicted to be downstream of BDNF signaling. In acute slices, we quantify the extent to which cues of neuronal activity activate translation in astrocytes and show that this translational response requires the presence of neurons, indicating that the response is non-cell autonomous. We also show that this induction of new translation extends into the periphery of astrocytes. Finally, synaptic proteomics show that new translation is required for changes that occur in perisynaptic astrocyte protein composition after fear conditioning. Regulation of translation in astrocytes by neuronal activity suggests an additional mechanism by which astrocytes may dynamically modulate nervous system functioning.
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12
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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13
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Liu J, Feng X, Wang Y, Xia X, Zheng JC. Astrocytes: GABAceptive and GABAergic Cells in the Brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:892497. [PMID: 35755777 PMCID: PMC9231434 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.892497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cells in the brain, play an important role in preserving normal neural functions and mediating the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes are GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes express GABAA receptors, GABAB receptors, and GABA transporter proteins to capture and internalize GABA. GABAceptive astrocytes thus influence both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission by controlling the levels of extracellular GABA. Furthermore, astrocytes synthesize and release GABA to directly regulate brain functions. In this review, we highlight recent research progresses that support astrocytes as GABAceptive and GABAergic cells. We also summarize the roles of GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes that serve as an inhibitory node in the intercellular communication in the brain. Besides, we discuss future directions for further expanding our knowledge on the GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocyte signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanran Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Translational Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Kruyer A, Dixon D, Angelis A, Amato D, Kalivas PW. Astrocytes in the ventral pallidum extinguish heroin seeking through GAT-3 upregulation and morphological plasticity at D1-MSN terminals. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:855-864. [PMID: 34642457 PMCID: PMC9054673 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic projections from the nucleus accumbens core to the dorsolateral ventral pallidum are necessary for drug-conditioned cues to initiate relapse-like drug seeking. Astrocytes in the ventral pallidum are situated perisynaptically and regulate GABA transmission through expression of GABA uptake transporters, but whether they are involved in regulating drug seeking is unknown. To determine the contribution of ventral pallidal astrocytes to heroin seeking, we labeled astrocytes in male and female rats with a membrane-bound fluorescent tag and used confocal microscopy to quantify astroglial expression of the GABA transporter GAT-3 and astrocyte synaptic proximity after withdrawal from heroin self-administration and during 15 min of cued heroin seeking. We found that GAT-3 was upregulated in rats that had extinguished heroin seeking, but not in animals that were withdrawn from heroin without extinction training or in rats that extinguished sucrose seeking. When GAT-3 upregulation was reversed using a vivo-morpholino oligo, heroin seeking was restored in the extinguished context and extinction of cued heroin seeking was disrupted compared to control animals. Although astrocyte synaptic proximity was not altered overall after heroin withdrawal, examination of astrocyte proximity to accumbens D1- or D2-expressing afferents revealed a selective increase in astrocyte proximity with D1-expressing terminals during extinction of heroin self-administration. Experimentally-induced reduction of astrocyte synaptic proximity through knockdown of the astrocyte-selective actin-binding protein ezrin also markedly disrupted extinction of heroin seeking. Notably, GAT-3 or ezrin knockdown had no impact on context- or cue-induced seeking in sucrose-trained animals. These data show that astrocytes in the ventral pallidum undergo plasticity after extinction of heroin use that reduces seeking and highlight the importance of astrocyte-neuron interactions in shaping behaviors associated with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Danielle Dixon
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ariana Angelis
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Davide Amato
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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15
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Bukina ES, Kondratyev NV, Kozin SV, Golimbet VE, Artyuhov AS, Dashinimaev EB. SLC6A1 and Neuropsychiatric Diseases: The Role of Mutations and Prospects for Treatment with Genome Editing Systems. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Abstract
Astroglia are key regulators of synaptic function, playing central roles in homeostatic ion buffering, energy dynamics, transmitter uptake, maintenance of neurotransmitter pools, and regulation of synaptic plasticity through release of neuroactive chemicals. Given the myriad of crucial homeostatic and signaling functions attributed to astrocytes and the variety of neurotransmitter receptors expressed by astroglia, they serve as prime cellular candidates for establishing maladaptive synaptic plasticity following drug exposure. Initial studies on astroglia and addiction have placed drug-mediated disruptions in the homeostatic regulation of glutamate as a central aspect of relapse vulnerability. However, the generation of sophisticated tools to study and manipulate astroglia have proven that the interaction between addictive substances, astroglia, and relapse-relevant synaptic plasticity extends far beyond the homeostatic regulation of glutamate. Here we present astroglial systems impacted by drug exposure and discuss how changes in astroglial biology contribute to addiction biology.
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17
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Ozsvár A, Komlósi G, Oláh G, Baka J, Molnár G, Tamás G. Predominantly linear summation of metabotropic postsynaptic potentials follows coactivation of neurogliaform interneurons. eLife 2021; 10:65634. [PMID: 34308838 PMCID: PMC8360660 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Summation of ionotropic receptor-mediated responses is critical in neuronal computation by shaping input-output characteristics of neurons. However, arithmetics of summation for metabotropic signals are not known. We characterized the combined ionotropic and metabotropic output of neocortical neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) using electrophysiological and anatomical methods in the rat cerebral cortex. These experiments revealed that GABA receptors are activated outside release sites and confirmed coactivation of putative NGFCs in superficial cortical layers in vivo. Triple recordings from presynaptic NGFCs converging to a postsynaptic neuron revealed sublinear summation of ionotropic GABAA responses and linear summation of metabotropic GABAB responses. Based on a model combining properties of volume transmission and distributions of all NGFC axon terminals, we predict that in 83% of cases one or two NGFCs can provide input to a point in the neuropil. We suggest that interactions of metabotropic GABAergic responses remain linear even if most superficial layer interneurons specialized to recruit GABAB receptors are simultaneously active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Ozsvár
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Komlósi
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gáspár Oláh
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judith Baka
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Molnár
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Tamás
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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18
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Panthi S, Lyons NMA, Leitch B. Impact of Dysfunctional Feed-Forward Inhibition on Glutamate Decarboxylase Isoforms and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147740. [PMID: 34299369 PMCID: PMC8306481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence seizures are associated with generalised synchronous 2.5–4 Hz spike-wave discharges causing brief and sudden alteration of awareness during childhood, which is known as childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). CAE is also associated with impaired learning, psychosocial challenges, and physical danger. Absence seizures arise from disturbances within the cortico-thalamocortical (CTC) network, including dysfunctional feed-forward inhibition (FFI); however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In epileptic stargazers, a genetic mouse model of CAE with chronic seizures, levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and expression of GABA receptors are altered within the CTC network, implicating altered GABAergic transmission in absence seizures. However, the expression of GABA synthesising enzymes (GAD65 and GAD67) and GABA transporters (GAT-1 and 3) have not yet been characterised within absence seizure models. We found a specific upregulation of GAD65 in the somatosensory cortex but not the thalamus of epileptic stargazer mice. No differences were detected in GAD67 and GAT-3 levels in the thalamus or somatosensory cortex. Then, we assessed if GAD65 upregulation also occurred in Gi-DREADD mice exhibiting acute absence seizures, but we found no change in the expression profiles of GAD65/67 or GAT-3. Thus, the upregulation of GAD65 in stargazers may be a compensatory mechanism in response to long-term dysfunctional FFI and chronic absence seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beulah Leitch
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-479-7618; Fax: +64-3-479-7254
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19
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Adotevi N, Su A, Peiris D, Hassan M, Leitch B. Altered Neurotransmitter Expression in the Corticothalamocortical Network of an Absence Epilepsy Model with impaired Feedforward Inhibition. Neuroscience 2021; 467:73-80. [PMID: 34048799 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The episodes of brief unconsciousness in patients with childhood absence epilepsy are a result of corticothalamocortical circuitry dysfunction. This dysfunction may arise from multifactorial mechanisms in patients from different genetic backgrounds. In previous studies using the epileptic stargazer mutant mouse, which experience frequent absence seizures, we reported a deficit in AMPAR-mediated feed-forward inhibition of parvalbumin-containing (PV+) interneurons. Currently, in order to determine the downstream effects of this impairment on neurotransmitter expression, we performed HPLC of tissue lysates and post-embedding electron microscopy from the cortical and thalamic regions. We report region-specific alterations in GABA expression, but not of glutamate, and most prominently at PV+ synaptic terminals. These results suggest that impaired feed forward inhibition may occur via reduced activation of these interneurons and concomitant decreased GABAergic signaling. Further investigations into GABAergic control of corticothalamocortical network activity could be key in our understanding of absence seizure pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Adotevi
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Aini Su
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Danushi Peiris
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Muhammad Hassan
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Beulah Leitch
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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20
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Ryan RM, Ingram SL, Scimemi A. Regulation of Glutamate, GABA and Dopamine Transporter Uptake, Surface Mobility and Expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:670346. [PMID: 33927596 PMCID: PMC8076567 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.670346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters limit spillover between synapses and maintain the extracellular neurotransmitter concentration at low yet physiologically meaningful levels. They also exert a key role in providing precursors for neurotransmitter biosynthesis. In many cases, neurons and astrocytes contain a large intracellular pool of transporters that can be redistributed and stabilized in the plasma membrane following activation of different signaling pathways. This means that the uptake capacity of the brain neuropil for different neurotransmitters can be dynamically regulated over the course of minutes, as an indirect consequence of changes in neuronal activity, blood flow, cell-to-cell interactions, etc. Here we discuss recent advances in the mechanisms that control the cell membrane trafficking and biophysical properties of transporters for the excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitters glutamate, GABA, and dopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renae M. Ryan
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan L. Ingram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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21
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Parker PD, Suryavanshi P, Melone M, Sawant-Pokam PA, Reinhart KM, Kaufmann D, Theriot JJ, Pugliese A, Conti F, Shuttleworth CW, Pietrobon D, Brennan KC. Non-canonical glutamate signaling in a genetic model of migraine with aura. Neuron 2021; 109:611-628.e8. [PMID: 33321071 PMCID: PMC7889497 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Migraine with aura is a common but poorly understood sensory circuit disorder. Monogenic models allow an opportunity to investigate its mechanisms, including spreading depolarization (SD), the phenomenon underlying migraine aura. Using fluorescent glutamate imaging, we show that awake mice carrying a familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2) mutation have slower clearance during sensory processing, as well as previously undescribed spontaneous "plumes" of glutamate. Glutamatergic plumes overlapped anatomically with a reduced density of GLT-1a-positive astrocyte processes and were mimicked in wild-type animals by inhibiting glutamate clearance. Plume pharmacology and plume-like neural Ca2+ events were consistent with action-potential-independent spontaneous glutamate release, suggesting plumes are a consequence of inefficient clearance following synaptic release. Importantly, a rise in basal glutamate and plume frequency predicted the onset of SD in both FHM2 and wild-type mice, providing a novel mechanism in migraine with aura and, by extension, the other neurological disorders where SD occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Parker
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Pratyush Suryavanshi
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Marcello Melone
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy; Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Punam A Sawant-Pokam
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Katelyn M Reinhart
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Dan Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Jeremy J Theriot
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Arianna Pugliese
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy; Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona 60020, Italy; Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - C William Shuttleworth
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Daniela Pietrobon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - K C Brennan
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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22
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Sears SM, Hewett SJ. Influence of glutamate and GABA transport on brain excitatory/inhibitory balance. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1069-1083. [PMID: 33554649 DOI: 10.1177/1535370221989263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An optimally functional brain requires both excitatory and inhibitory inputs that are regulated and balanced. A perturbation in the excitatory/inhibitory balance-as is the case in some neurological disorders/diseases (e.g. traumatic brain injury Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy and substance abuse) and disorders of development (e.g. schizophrenia, Rhett syndrome and autism spectrum disorder)-leads to dysfunctional signaling, which can result in impaired cognitive and motor function, if not frank neuronal injury. At the cellular level, transmission of glutamate and GABA, the principle excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system control excitatory/inhibitory balance. Herein, we review the synthesis, release, and signaling of GABA and glutamate followed by a focused discussion on the importance of their transport systems to the maintenance of excitatory/inhibitory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Ms Sears
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, 2029Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Sandra J Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, 2029Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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23
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Lin Y, Yao M, Wu H, Wu F, Cao S, Ni H, Dong J, Yang D, Sun Y, Kou X, Li J, Xiao H, Chang L, Wu J, Liu Y, Luo C, Zhu D. Environmental enrichment implies GAT-1 as a potential therapeutic target for stroke recovery. Theranostics 2021; 11:3760-3780. [PMID: 33664860 PMCID: PMC7914370 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability worldwide, but no drug provides functional recovery during the repair phase. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that environmental enrichment (EE) promotes stroke recovery by enhancing network excitability. However, the complexities of utilizing EE in a clinical setting limit its translation. Methods: We used multifaceted approaches combining electrophysiology, chemogenetics, optogenetics, and floxed mice in a mouse photothrombotic stroke model to reveal the key target of EE-mediated stroke recovery. Results: EE reduced tonic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition and facilitated phasic GABA inhibition in the peri-infarct cortex, thereby promoting network excitability and stroke recovery. These beneficial effects depended on GAT-1, a GABA transporter regulating both tonic and phasic GABA signaling, as EE positively regulated GAT-1 expression, trafficking, and function. Furthermore, GAT-1 was necessary for EE-induced network plasticity, including structural neuroplasticity, input synaptic strengthening in the peri-infarct cortex, output synaptic strengthening in the corticospinal tract, and sprouting of uninjured corticospinal axons across the midline into the territory of denervated spinal cord, and functional recovery from stroke. Moreover, restoration of GAT-1 function in the peri-infarct cortex by its overexpression showed similar beneficial effects on stroke recovery as EE exposure. Conclusion: GAT-1 is a key molecular substrate of the effects of EE on network excitability and consequent stroke recovery and can serve as a novel therapeutic target for stroke treatment during the repair phase.
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24
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Lyu S, Guo Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Tang G, Li R, Yang J, Gao S, Ma B, Liu J. Blockade of GABA transporter-1 and GABA transporter-3 in the lateral habenula improves depressive-like behaviors in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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25
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Salazar AM, Leisgang AM, Ortiz AA, Murtishaw AS, Kinney JW. Alterations of GABA B receptors in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 97:129-143. [PMID: 33232936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive decline of memory and cognitive function. The disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, tau tangles, altered inflammatory signaling, and alterations in numerous neurotransmitter signaling systems, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Given the extensive role of GABA in regulating neuronal activity, a careful investigation of GABA-related changes is needed. Further, given persistent inflammation has been demonstrated to drive AD pathology, the presence of GABA B receptor expressed on glia that serve a role regulation of the immune response adds to potential implications of altered GABA in AD. There has not previously been a systematic evaluation of GABA-related changes in an amyloid model of AD that specifically focuses on examining changes in GABA B receptors. In the present study, we examined alterations in several GABA-specific targets in the APP/PS1 mouse model at different ages. In the 4-month-old cohort, no significant deficits in spatial learning and memory or alterations in any of the GABAergic targets were observed compared with wild-type controls. However, we identified significant alterations in several GABA-related targets in the 6-month-old cohort that exhibited spatial learning deficits that include changes in glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, GABA transporter type 3, and GABA B receptors protein and mRNA levels. This was the same cohort at which learning and memory deficits and significant amyloid pathology was observed. Overall, our study provides evidence of altered GABAergic signaling in an amyloid model of AD at a time point consistent with AD-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold M Salazar
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Amanda M Leisgang
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Andrew A Ortiz
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Andrew S Murtishaw
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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26
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Goodspeed K, Pérez-Palma E, Iqbal S, Cooper D, Scimemi A, Johannesen KM, Stefanski A, Demarest S, Helbig KL, Kang J, Shaffo FC, Prentice B, Brownstein CA, Lim B, Helbig I, De Los Reyes E, McKnight D, Crunelli V, Campbell AJ, Møller RS, Freed A, Lal D. Current knowledge of SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa170. [PMID: 33241211 PMCID: PMC7677605 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in gene discovery have identified genetic variants in the solute carrier family 6 member 1 gene as a monogenic cause of neurodevelopmental disorders, including epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The solute carrier family 6 member 1 gene encodes for the GABA transporter protein type 1, which is responsible for the reuptake of the neurotransmitter GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, from the extracellular space. GABAergic inhibition is essential to counterbalance neuronal excitation, and when significantly disrupted, it negatively impacts brain development leading to developmental differences and seizures. Aggregation of patient variants and observed clinical manifestations expand understanding of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of this disorder. Here, we assess genetic and phenotypic features in 116 individuals with solute carrier family 6 member 1 variants, the vast majority of which are likely to lead to GABA transporter protein type 1 loss-of-function. The knowledge acquired will guide therapeutic decisions and the development of targeted therapies that selectively enhance transporter function and may improve symptoms. We analysed the longitudinal and cell type-specific expression of solute carrier family 6 member 1 in humans and localization of patient and control missense variants in a novel GABA transporter protein type 1 protein structure model. In this update, we discuss the progress made in understanding and treating solute carrier family 6 member 1-related disorders thus far, through the concerted efforts of clinicians, scientists and family support groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Goodspeed
- Children's Health, Medical Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Palma
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sumaiya Iqbal
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Center for Development of Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dominique Cooper
- Children's Health, Medical Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Annalisa Scimemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Katrine M Johannesen
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, Danish Epilepsy Center Filadelfia, Dianalund 4293, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arthur Stefanski
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Scott Demarest
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katherine L Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jingqiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, USA
| | - Frances C Shaffo
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | | | - Catherine A Brownstein
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Byungchan Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Emily De Los Reyes
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Malta University, Msida, Malta
| | - Arthur J Campbell
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Center for Development of Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, Danish Epilepsy Center Filadelfia, Dianalund 4293, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Amber Freed
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis Lal
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Neurological Institute, Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Melone M, Ciriachi C, Pietrobon D, Conti F. Heterogeneity of Astrocytic and Neuronal GLT-1 at Cortical Excitatory Synapses, as Revealed by its Colocalization With Na+/K+-ATPase α Isoforms. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:3331-3350. [PMID: 30260367 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter, is expressed at perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAP) and axon terminals (AxT). GLT-1 is coupled to Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) α1-3 isoforms, whose subcellular distribution and spatial organization in relationship to GLT-1 are largely unknown. Using several microscopy techniques, we showed that at excitatory synapses α1 and α3 are exclusively neuronal (mainly in dendrites and in some AxT), while α2 is predominantly astrocytic. GLT-1 displayed a differential colocalization with α1-3. GLT-1/α2 and GLT-1/α3 colocalization was higher in GLT-1 positive puncta partially (for GLT-1/α2) or almost totally (for GLT-1/α3) overlapping with VGLUT1 positive terminals than in nonoverlapping ones. GLT-1 colocalized with α2 at PAP, and with α1 and α3 at AxT. GLT-1 and α2 gold particles were ∼1.5-2 times closer than GLT-1/α1 and GLT-1/α3 particles. GLT-1/α2 complexes (edge to edge interdistance of gold particles ≤50 nm) concentrated at the perisynaptic region of PAP membranes, whereas neuronal GLT-1/α1 and GLT-1/α3 complexes were fewer and more uniformly distributed in AxT. These data unveil different composition of GLT-1 and α subunits complexes in the glial and neuronal domains of excitatory synapses. The spatial organization of GLT-1/α1-3 complexes suggests that GLT-1/NKA interaction is more efficient in astrocytes than in neurons, further supporting the dominant role of astrocytic GLT-1 in glutamate homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Melone
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciriachi
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pietrobon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, and CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.,Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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28
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Fattorini G, Melone M, Conti F. A Reappraisal of GAT-1 Localization in Neocortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:9. [PMID: 32116556 PMCID: PMC7031676 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (GAT)-1, the major GABA transporter in the brain, plays a key role in modulating GABA signaling and is involved in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including epilepsy. The original description of GAT-1 as a neuronal transporter has guided the interpretation of the findings of all physiological, pharmacological, genetic, or clinical studies. However, evidence published in the past few years, some of which is briefly reviewed herein, does not seem to be consistent with a neurocentric view of GAT-1 function and calls for more detailed analysis of its localization. We therefore performed a thorough systematic assessment of GAT-1 localization in neocortex and subcortical white matter. In line with earlier work, we found that GAT-1 was robustly expressed in axon terminals forming symmetric synapses and in astrocytic processes, whereas its astrocytic expression was more diffuse than expected and, even more surprisingly, immature and mature oligodendrocytes and microglial cells also expressed the transporter. These data indicate that the era of “neuronal” and “glial” GABA transporters has finally come to a close and provide a wider perspective from which to view GABA-mediated physiological phenomena. In addition, given the well-known involvement of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells in physiological as well as pathological conditions, the demonstration of functional GAT-1 in these cells is expected to provide greater insight into the phenomena occurring in the diseased brain as well as to prompt a reassessment of earlier findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Fattorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.,Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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29
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Fattorini G, Catalano M, Melone M, Serpe C, Bassi S, Limatola C, Conti F. Microglial expression of GAT-1 in the cerebral cortex. Glia 2019; 68:646-655. [PMID: 31692106 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the immune cells of the brain that, by sensing the microenvironment, permit a correct brain development and function. They communicate with other glial cells and with neurons, releasing and responding to a number of molecules that exert effects on surrounding cells. Among these, neurotransmitters and, in particular, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has recently gained interest in this context. We demonstrated the expression of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) in microglial cells both in soma and cell processes. We show that microglial cell treatment with 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-[2-[[(diphenylmethylene)amino]oxy]ethyl]-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (NNC-711), a potent and selective GAT-1 inhibitor, significantly reduced Na+ -dependent GABA uptake. On the other hand, GABA uptake was significantly increased by cell treatment with (S)-1-[2-[tris(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (SNAP-5114), a GAT-2/3 inhibitor, and this effect was completely blocked by the botulinum toxin BoNT/C1, that specifically cleaves and inactives syntaxin 1A (STX1A). Overall, these findings show that microglial cells express GAT-1 and indicate that STX1A plays an important role in the regulation of GAT-1-dependent GABA uptake in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Fattorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carmela Serpe
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
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30
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Gulisano W, Melone M, Ripoli C, Tropea MR, Li Puma DD, Giunta S, Cocco S, Marcotulli D, Origlia N, Palmeri A, Arancio O, Conti F, Grassi C, Puzzo D. Neuromodulatory Action of Picomolar Extracellular Aβ42 Oligomers on Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Mechanisms Underlying Synaptic Function and Memory. J Neurosci 2019; 39:5986-6000. [PMID: 31127002 PMCID: PMC6650983 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0163-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure of anti-amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) therapies against Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by high amounts of the peptide in the brain, raised the question of the physiological role of Aβ released at low concentrations in the healthy brain. To address this question, we studied the presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms underlying the neuromodulatory action of picomolar amounts of oligomeric Aβ42 (oAβ42) on synaptic glutamatergic function in male and female mice. We found that 200 pm oAβ42 induces an increase of frequency of miniature EPSCs and a decrease of paired pulse facilitation, associated with an increase in docked vesicle number, indicating that it augments neurotransmitter release at presynaptic level. oAβ42 also produced postsynaptic changes as shown by an increased length of postsynaptic density, accompanied by an increased expression of plasticity-related proteins such as cAMP-responsive element binding protein phosphorylated at Ser133, calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II phosphorylated at Thr286, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, suggesting a role for Aβ in synaptic tagging. These changes resulted in the conversion of early into late long-term potentiation through the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G intracellular cascade consistent with a cGMP-dependent switch from short- to long-term memory observed in vivo after intrahippocampal administration of picomolar amounts of oAβ42 These effects were present upon extracellular but not intracellular application of the peptide and involved α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These observations clarified the physiological role of oAβ42 in synaptic function and memory formation providing solid fundamentals for investigating the pathological effects of high Aβ levels in the AD brains.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT High levels of oligomeric amyloid-β42 (oAβ42) induce synaptic dysfunction leading to memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, at picomolar concentrations, the peptide is needed to ensure long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory. Here, we show that extracellular 200 pm oAβ42 concentrations increase neurotransmitter release, number of docked vesicles, postsynaptic density length, and expression of plasticity-related proteins leading to the conversion of early LTP into late LTP and of short-term memory into long-term memory. These effects require α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are mediated through the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway. The knowledge of Aβ function in the healthy brain might be useful to understand the causes leading to its increase and detrimental effect in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Gulisano
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Cristian Ripoli
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Domenica D Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Nicola Origlia
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), Ancona 60020, Italy
- Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy, and
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy,
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, 94018, Italy
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31
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Héja L, Simon Á, Szabó Z, Kardos J. Feedback adaptation of synaptic excitability via Glu:Na + symport driven astrocytic GABA and Gln release. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107629. [PMID: 31103619 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamatergic transmission composed of the arriving of action potential at the axon terminal, fast vesicular Glu release, postsynaptic Glu receptor activation, astrocytic Glu clearance and Glu→Gln shuttle is an abundantly investigated phenomenon. Despite its essential role, however, much less is known about the consequences of the mechanistic connotations of Glu:Na+ symport. Due to the coupled Na+ transport, Glu uptake results in significantly elevated intracellular astrocytic [Na+] that markedly alters the driving force of other Na+-coupled astrocytic transporters. The resulting GABA and Gln release by reverse transport through the respective GAT-3 and SNAT3 transporters help to re-establish the physiological Na+ homeostasis without ATP dissipation and consequently leads to enhanced tonic inhibition and replenishment of axonal glutamate pool. Here, we place this emerging astrocytic adjustment of synaptic excitability into the centre of future perspectives. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Simon
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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32
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Moritz CP, Mühlhaus T, Tenzer S, Schulenborg T, Friauf E. Poor transcript-protein correlation in the brain: negatively correlating gene products reveal neuronal polarity as a potential cause. J Neurochem 2019; 149:582-604. [PMID: 30664243 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Transcription, translation, and turnover of transcripts and proteins are essential for cellular function. The contribution of those factors to protein levels is under debate, as transcript levels and cognate protein levels do not necessarily correlate due to regulation of translation and protein turnover. Here we propose neuronal polarity as a third factor that is particularly evident in the CNS, leading to considerable distances between somata and axon terminals. Consequently, transcript levels may negatively correlate with cognate protein levels in CNS regions, i.e., transcript and protein levels behave reciprocally. To test this hypothesis, we performed an integrative inter-omics study and analyzed three interconnected rat auditory brainstem regions (cochlear nuclear complex, CN; superior olivary complex, SOC; inferior colliculus, IC) and the rest of the brain as a reference. We obtained transcript and protein sets in these regions of interest (ROIs) by DNA microarrays and label-free mass spectrometry, and performed principal component and correlation analyses. We found 508 transcript|protein pairs and detected poor to moderate transcript|protein correlation in all ROIs, as evidenced by coefficients of determination from 0.34 to 0.54. We identified 57-80 negatively correlating gene products in the ROIs and intensively analyzed four of them for which the correlation was poorest. Three cognate proteins (Slc6a11, Syngr1, Tppp) were synaptic and hence candidates for a negative correlation because of protein transport into axon terminals. Thus, we systematically analyzed the negatively correlating gene products. Gene ontology analyses revealed overrepresented transport/synapse-related proteins, supporting our hypothesis. We present 30 synapse/transport-related proteins with poor transcript|protein correlation. In conclusion, our analyses support that protein transport in polar cells is a third factor that influences the protein level and, thereby, the transcript|protein correlation. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* and *Open Data* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript and because it made the data publicly available. The data can be accessed at https://osf.io/ha28n/. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Moritz
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany.,Synaptopathies and Autoantibodies, Institut NeuroMyoGène INSERM U1217/ CNRS, UMR 5310, Faculty of Medicine, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Timo Mühlhaus
- Computational Systems Biology, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Schulenborg
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany.,Division of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Eckhard Friauf
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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33
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Zafar S, Jabeen I. GRID-independent molecular descriptor analysis and molecular docking studies to mimic the binding hypothesis of γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 (GAT1) inhibitors. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6283. [PMID: 30723616 PMCID: PMC6360079 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT1 is involved in GABA transport across the biological membrane in and out of the synaptic cleft. The efficiency of this Na+ coupled GABA transport is regulated by an electrochemical gradient, which is directed inward under normal conditions. However, in certain pathophysiological situations, including strong depolarization or an imbalance in ion homeostasis, the GABA influx into the cytoplasm is increased by re-uptake transport mechanism. This mechanism may lead to extra removal of extracellular GABA which results in numerous neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Thus, small molecule inhibitors of GABA re-uptake may enhance GABA activity at the synaptic clefts. Methods In the present study, various GRID-independent molecular descriptor (GRIND) models have been developed to shed light on the 3D structural features of human GAT1 (hGAT1) inhibitors using nipecotic acid and N-diarylalkenyl piperidine analogs. Further, a binding hypothesis has been developed for the selected GAT1 antagonists by molecular docking inside the binding cavity of hGAT1 homology model. Results Our results indicate that two hydrogen bond acceptors, one hydrogen bond donor and one hydrophobic region at certain distances from each other play an important role in achieving high inhibitory potency against hGAT1. Our docking results elucidate the importance of the COOH group in hGAT1 antagonists by considering substitution of the COOH group with an isoxazol ring in compound 37, which subsequently leads to a three order of magnitude decrease in biological activity of 37 (IC50 = 38 µM) as compared to compound 1 (IC50 = 0.040 µM). Discussion Our docking results are strengthened by the structure activity relationship of the data series as well as by GRIND models, thus providing a significant structural basis for understanding the binding of antagonists, which may be useful for guiding the design of hGAT1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Zafar
- Research Center for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan
| | - Ishrat Jabeen
- Research Center for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan
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34
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Martins RS, de Freitas IG, Sathler MF, Martins VPPB, Schitine CDS, da Silva Sampaio L, Freitas HR, Manhães AC, dos Santos Pereira M, de Melo Reis RA, Kubrusly RCC. Beta-adrenergic receptor activation increases GABA uptake in adolescent mice frontal cortex: Modulation by cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2. Neurochem Int 2018; 120:182-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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35
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Zafar S, Jabeen I. Structure, Function, and Modulation of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Transporter 1 (GAT1) in Neurological Disorders: A Pharmacoinformatic Prospective. Front Chem 2018; 6:397. [PMID: 30255012 PMCID: PMC6141625 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) Transporters (GATs) belong to sodium and chloride dependent-transporter family and are widely expressed throughout the brain. Notably, GAT1 is accountable for sustaining 75% of the synaptic GABA concentration and entails its transport to the GABAA receptors to initiate the receptor-mediated inhibition of post-synaptic neurons. Imbalance in ion homeostasis has been associated with several neurological disorders related to the GABAergic system. However, inhibition of the GABA uptake by these transporters has been accepted as an effective approach to enhance GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission in the treatment of seizures in epileptic and other neurological disorders. Here, we reviewed computational methodologies including molecular modeling, docking, and molecular dynamic simulations studies to underscore the structure and function of GAT1 in the GABAergic system. Additionally, various SAR and QSAR methodologies have been reviewed to probe the 3D structural features of inhibitors required to modulate GATs activity. Overall, present review provides an overview of crucial role of GAT1 in GABAergic system and its modulation to evade neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ishrat Jabeen
- Research Center for Modeling and Simulation, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
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36
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Kinjo A, Sassa M, Koito T, Suzuki M, Inoue K. Functional characterization of the GABA transporter GAT-1 from the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 227:1-7. [PMID: 30195015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter subtype 1 (GAT-1) is a specific transporter for GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in GABA-ergic neurons. GAT-1 belongs to the GAT group, in which five related transporters, GAT-2, GAT-3, GAT-4, CT1, and TAUT are known in mammals. By contrast, the deep-sea mussel, Bathymodiolus septemdierum has only two GAT group members, BsGAT-1 and BsTAUT, and their function in environmental adaptation is of interest to better understand the physiology of deep-sea organisms. Compared with BsTAUT, the function of BsGAT-1 is unknown. Here, we report the functional characterization of BsGAT-1. Analyses of BsGAT-1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that it could transport GABA in a Na+- and Cl--dependent manner, with Km and Vmax values of 0.58 μM and 1.97 pmol/oocyte/h, respectively. BsGAT-1 activity was blocked by the GAT-1 selective inhibitors SKF89976A and ACHC. Competition assays indicated that BsGAT-1 has no affinity for taurine and thiotaurine. These characteristics were common with those of mammalian GAT-1, suggesting its conserved function in the nervous system. However, BsGAT-1 showed a certain affinity for hypotaurine, which is involved in sulfide detoxification in hydrothermal vent-specific animals. This result suggests an additional role for BsGAT-1 in sulfide detoxification, which may be specific to the deep-sea mussel. In a tissue distribution analysis, BsGAT-1 mRNA expression was observed in various tissues. The expression in the adductor and byssus retractor muscles, labial palp, and foot, which possibly contain ganglia, suggested a function in the neural system, while BsGAT-1 expression in other tissues might be related to sulfide detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azusa Kinjo
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Mieko Sassa
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8564, Japan; Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8563, Japan
| | - Tomoko Koito
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Miwa Suzuki
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Koji Inoue
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8564, Japan
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37
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Kulik Á, Booker SA, Vida I. Differential distribution and function of GABABRs in somato-dendritic and axonal compartments of principal cells and interneurons in cortical circuits. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Mariotti L, Losi G, Lia A, Melone M, Chiavegato A, Gómez-Gonzalo M, Sessolo M, Bovetti S, Forli A, Zonta M, Requie LM, Marcon I, Pugliese A, Viollet C, Bettler B, Fellin T, Conti F, Carmignoto G. Interneuron-specific signaling evokes distinctive somatostatin-mediated responses in adult cortical astrocytes. Nat Commun 2018; 9:82. [PMID: 29311610 PMCID: PMC5758790 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The signaling diversity of GABAergic interneurons to post-synaptic neurons is crucial to generate the functional heterogeneity that characterizes brain circuits. Whether this diversity applies to other brain cells, such as the glial cells astrocytes, remains unexplored. Using optogenetics and two-photon functional imaging in the adult mouse neocortex, we here reveal that parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons, two key interneuron classes in the brain, differentially signal to astrocytes inducing weak and robust GABAB receptor-mediated Ca2+ elevations, respectively. Furthermore, the astrocyte response depresses upon parvalbumin interneuron repetitive stimulations and potentiates upon somatostatin interneuron repetitive stimulations, revealing a distinguished astrocyte plasticity. Remarkably, the potentiated response crucially depends on the neuropeptide somatostatin, released by somatostatin interneurons, which activates somatostatin receptors at astrocytic processes. Our study unveils, in the living brain, a hitherto unidentified signaling specificity between interneuron subtypes and astrocytes opening a new perspective into the role of astrocytes as non-neuronal components of inhibitory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Mariotti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Losi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Annamaria Lia
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, 60121, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angela Chiavegato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Gómez-Gonzalo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Sessolo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Serena Bovetti
- Optical Approches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Forli
- Optical Approches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Micaela Zonta
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Linda Maria Requie
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Iacopo Marcon
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Arianna Pugliese
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cécile Viollet
- Inserm UMR894, Center for Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Paris-Descartes, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Bernhard Bettler
- Departement of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Fellin
- Optical Approches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, 60121, Ancona, Italy.,Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), 35121, Padova, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
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Brown DA. Norman Bowery's discoveries about extrasynaptic and asynaptic GABA systems and their significance. Neuropharmacology 2017; 136:3-9. [PMID: 29128306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Before discovering the GABA-B receptor, Norman Bowery completed a series of studies on an extrasynaptic or asynaptic "GABA system" in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. First, he discovered an uptake system for GABA in neuroglial cells in the ganglia and in peripheral nerves, with a different substrate specificity than that in neurons. Second, he showed that accumulated GABA in sympathetic glial cells was metabolized to succinate by a transaminase enzyme. Third, he provided detailed structure-activity information about compounds activating an extrasynaptic GABA-A receptor on neurons in the rat sympathetic ganglion. Fourth, he showed that some amino acid substrates for the neuroglial transporter could indirectly stimulate neurons by releasing GABA from adjacent glial cells, and that GABA could also be released from neuroglial cells by membrane depolarization. In this review, these discoveries are briefly described and updated and some of their implications assessed. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Towards a Better Understanding of GABAergic Remodeling in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081813. [PMID: 28825683 PMCID: PMC5578199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. In the past, there has been a major research drive focused on the dysfunction of the glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is now growing evidence in support of a GABAergic contribution to the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. Previous studies paint a complex, convoluted and often inconsistent picture of AD-associated GABAergic remodeling. Given the importance of the GABAergic system in neuronal function and homeostasis, in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance, and in the processes of learning and memory, such changes in GABAergic function could be an important factor in both early and later stages of AD pathogenesis. Given the limited scope of currently available therapies in modifying the course of the disease, a better understanding of GABAergic remodeling in AD could open up innovative and novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Fattorini G, Melone M, Sánchez-Gómez MV, Arellano RO, Bassi S, Matute C, Conti F. GAT-1 mediated GABA uptake in rat oligodendrocytes. Glia 2017; 65:514-522. [PMID: 28071826 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Stimulated by the results of a recent paper on the effects of tiagabine, a selective inhibitor of the main GABA transporter GAT-1, on oligodendrogenesis, we verified the possibility that GAT-1 may be expressed in oligodendrocytes using immunocytochemical methods and functional assays. Light microscopic analysis of the subcortical white matter of all animals revealed the presence of numerous GAT-1+ cells of different size (from 3 to 29 µm) and morphology. An electron microscope analysis revealed that, besides fibrous astrocytes and interstitial neurons, GAT-1 immunoreactivity was present in immature and mature oligodendrocytes. Co-localization studies between GAT-1 and markers specific for oligodendrocytes (NG2 and RIP) showed that about 12% of GAT-1 positive cells in the white matter were immature oligodendrocytes, while about 15% were mature oligodendrocytes. In vitro functional assays showed that oligodendrocytes exhibit tiagabine-sensitive Na+ -dependent GABA uptake. Although relationships between GABA and oligodendrocytes have been known for many years, this is the first demonstration that GAT-1 is expressed in oligodendrocytes. The present results on the one hand definitely closes the era of "neuronal" and "glial" GABA transporters, on the other they suggest that oligodendrocytes may contribute to pathophysiology of the several diseases in which GAT-1 have been implicated to date. GLIA 2017;65:514-522.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Fattorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60026, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, 60121, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60026, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, 60121, Italy
| | - María Victoria Sánchez-Gómez
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, CIBERNED, and Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Rogelio O Arellano
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - Silvia Bassi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60026, Italy
| | - Carlos Matute
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, CIBERNED, and Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60026, Italy.,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, 60121, Italy.,Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60026, Italy
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de Jonge JC, Vinkers CH, Hulshoff Pol HE, Marsman A. GABAergic Mechanisms in Schizophrenia: Linking Postmortem and In Vivo Studies. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:118. [PMID: 28848455 PMCID: PMC5554536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impairments in cognitive functioning. Evidence from postmortem studies suggests that alterations in cortical γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurons contribute to the clinical features of schizophrenia. In vivo measurement of brain GABA levels using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers the possibility to provide more insight into the relationship between problems in GABAergic neurotransmission and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients. This study reviews and links alterations in the GABA system in postmortem studies, animal models, and human studies in schizophrenia. Converging evidence implicates alterations in both presynaptic and postsynaptic components of GABAergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia, and GABA may thus play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. MRS studies can provide direct insight into the GABAergic mechanisms underlying the development of schizophrenia as well as changes during its course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen C de Jonge
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Vinkers
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anouk Marsman
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Danbolt NC, Zhou Y, Furness DN, Holmseth S. Strategies for immunohistochemical protein localization using antibodies: What did we learn from neurotransmitter transporters in glial cells and neurons. Glia 2016; 64:2045-2064. [PMID: 27458697 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting are still major methods for protein localization, but they rely on the specificity of the antibodies. Validation of antibody specificity remains challenging mostly because ideal negative controls are often unavailable. Further, immunochemical labeling patterns are also influenced by a number of other factors such as postmortem changes, fixation procedures and blocking agents as well as the general assay conditions (e.g., buffers, temperature, etc.). Western blotting similarly depends on tissue collection and sample preparation as well as the electrophoretic separation, transfer to blotting membranes and the immunochemical probing of immobilized molecules. Publication of inaccurate information on protein distribution has downstream consequences for other researchers because the interpretation of physiological and pharmacological observations depends on information on where ion channels, receptors, enzymes or transporters are located. Despite numerous reports, some of which are strongly worded, erroneous localization data are being published. Here we describe the extent of the problem and illustrate the nature of the pitfalls with examples from studies of neurotransmitter transporters. We explain the importance of supplementing immunochemical observations with other measurements (e.g., mRNA levels and distribution, protein activity, mass spectrometry, electrophysiological recordings, etc.) and why quantitative considerations are integral parts of the quality control. Further, we propose a practical strategy for researchers who plan to embark on a localization study. We also share our thoughts about guidelines for quality control. GLIA 2016;64:2045-2064.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David N Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffs, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Holmseth
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Losi G, Mariotti L, Carmignoto G. GABAergic interneuron to astrocyte signalling: a neglected form of cell communication in the brain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130609. [PMID: 25225102 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic interneurons represent a minority of all cortical neurons and yet they efficiently control neural network activities in all brain areas. In parallel, glial cell astrocytes exert a broad control of brain tissue homeostasis and metabolism, modulate synaptic transmission and contribute to brain information processing in a dynamic interaction with neurons that is finely regulated in time and space. As most studies have focused on glutamatergic neurons and excitatory transmission, our knowledge of functional interactions between GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes is largely defective. Here, we critically discuss the currently available literature that hints at a potential relevance of this specific signalling in brain function. Astrocytes can respond to GABA through different mechanisms that include GABA receptors and transporters. GABA-activated astrocytes can, in turn, modulate local neuronal activity by releasing gliotransmitters including glutamate and ATP. In addition, astrocyte activation by different signals can modulate GABAergic neurotransmission. Full clarification of the reciprocal signalling between different GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes will improve our understanding of brain network complexity and has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Losi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Neuroscience Institute and University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Letizia Mariotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Neuroscience Institute and University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Department of Biomedical Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Neuroscience Institute and University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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45
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Pickering C, Alsiö J, Morud J, Ericson M, Robbins TW, Söderpalm B. Ethanol impairment of spontaneous alternation behaviour and associated changes in medial prefrontal glutamatergic gene expression precede putative markers of dependence. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 132:63-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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46
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Yadav R, Yan X, Maixner DW, Gao M, Weng HR. Blocking the GABA transporter GAT-1 ameliorates spinal GABAergic disinhibition and neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. J Neurochem 2015; 133:857-69. [PMID: 25827582 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for treating carcinomas. Patients receiving paclitaxel often develop neuropathic pain and have a reduced quality of life which hinders the use of this life-saving drug. In this study, we determined the role of GABA transporters in the genesis of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain using behavioral tests, electrophysiology, and biochemical techniques. We found that tonic GABA receptor activities in the spinal dorsal horn were reduced in rats with neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. In normal controls, tonic GABA receptor activities were mainly controlled by the GABA transporter GAT-1 but not GAT-3. In the spinal dorsal horn, GAT-1 was expressed at presynaptic terminals and astrocytes while GAT-3 was only expressed in astrocytes. In rats with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, the protein expression of GAT-1 was increased while GAT-3 was decreased. This was concurrently associated with an increase in global GABA uptake. The paclitaxel-induced attenuation of GABAergic tonic inhibition was ameliorated by blocking GAT-1 but not GAT-3 transporters. Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain was significantly attenuated by the intrathecal injection of a GAT-1 inhibitor. These findings suggest that targeting GAT-1 transporters for reversing disinhibition in the spinal dorsal horn may be a useful approach for treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Patients receiving paclitaxel for cancer therapy often develop neuropathic pain and have a reduced quality of life. In this study, we demonstrated that animals treated with paclitaxel develop neuropathic pain, have enhancements of GABA transporter-1 protein expression and global GABA uptake, as well as suppression of GABAergic tonic inhibition in the spinal dorsal horn. Pharmacological inhibition of GABA transporter-1 ameliorates the paclitaxel-induced suppression of GABAergic tonic inhibition and neuropathic pain. Thus, targeting GAT-1 transporters for reversing GABAergic disinhibition in the spinal dorsal horn could be a useful approach for treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Xisheng Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Third Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dylan W Maixner
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Mei Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Han-Rong Weng
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Melone M, Ciappelloni S, Conti F. Plasma membrane transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3 contribute to heterogeneity of GABAergic synapses in neocortex. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:72. [PMID: 25120439 PMCID: PMC4110517 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical GABAergic synapses exhibit a high degree of molecular, anatomical and functional heterogeneity of their neurons of origins, presynaptic mechanisms, receptors, and scaffolding proteins. GABA transporters (GATs) have an important role in regulating GABA levels; among them, GAT-1 and GAT-3 play a prominent role in modulating tonic and phasic GABAAR-mediated inhibition. We asked whether GAT-1 and GAT-3 contribute to generating heterogeneity by studying their ultrastructural localization at cortical symmetric synapses using pre- and post-embedding electron microcopy. GAT-1 and GAT-3 staining at symmetric synapses showed that in some cases the transporters were localized exclusively over axon terminals; in others they were in both axon terminals and perisynaptic astrocytic processes; and in some others GAT-1 and GAT-3 were in perisynaptic astrocytic processes only. Moreover, we showed that the organizational pattern of GAT-1, but not of GAT-3, exhibits a certain degree of specificity related to the post-synaptic target of GABAergic synapses. These findings show that symmetric synapses expressing GAT-1 or GAT-3 are heterogeneous, and indicate that plasma membrane transporters can contribute to synaptic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Melone
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona, Italy ; Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Ciappelloni
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona, Italy ; Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS Ancona, Italy ; Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona, Italy
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