Primary structure and functional expression of a choline transporter expressed in the rat nervous system

Suggestion of creatine as a new neurotransmitter by approaches ranging from chemical analysis and biochemistry to electrophysiology

The discovery of a new neurotransmitter, especially one in the central nervous system, is both important and difficult. We have been searching for new neurotransmitters for 12 y. We detected creatine (Cr) in synaptic vesicles (SVs) at a level lower than glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid but higher than acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. SV Cr was reduced in mice lacking either arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (a Cr synthetase) or SLC6A8, a Cr transporter with mutations among the most common causes of intellectual disability in men. Calcium-dependent release of Cr was detected after stimulation in brain slices. Cr release was reduced in Slc6a8 and Agat mutants. Cr inhibited neocortical pyramidal neurons. SLC6A8 was necessary for Cr uptake into synaptosomes. Cr was found by us to be taken up into SVs in an ATP-dependent manner. Our biochemical, chemical, genetic, and electrophysiological results are consistent with the possibility of Cr as a neurotransmitter, though not yet reaching the level of proof for the now classic transmitters. Our novel approach to discover neurotransmitters is to begin with analysis of contents in SVs before defining their function and physiology.

Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review

Creatine (Cr) is a ubiquitous molecule that is synthesized mainly in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Most of the Cr pool is found in tissues with high-energy demands. Cr enters target cells through a specific symporter called Na⁺/Cl⁻-dependent Cr transporter (CRT). Once within cells, creatine kinase (CK) catalyzes the reversible transphosphorylation reaction between [Mg²⁺:ATP⁴⁻]²⁻ and Cr to produce phosphocreatine (PCr) and [Mg²⁺:ADP³⁻]⁻. We aimed to perform a comprehensive and bioinformatics-assisted review of the most recent research findings regarding Cr metabolism. Specifically, several public databases, repositories, and bioinformatics tools were utilized for this endeavor. Topics of biological complexity ranging from structural biology to cellular dynamics were addressed herein. In this sense, we sought to address certain pre-specified questions including: (i) What happens when creatine is transported into cells? (ii) How is the CK/PCr system involved in cellular bioenergetics? (iii) How is the CK/PCr system compartmentalized throughout the cell? (iv) What is the role of creatine amongst different tissues? and (v) What is the basis of creatine transport? Under the cellular allostasis paradigm, the CK/PCr system is physiologically essential for life (cell survival, growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration/motility) by providing an evolutionary advantage for rapid, local, and temporal support of energy- and mechanical-dependent processes. Thus, we suggest the CK/PCr system acts as a dynamic biosensor based on chemo-mechanical energy transduction, which might explain why dysregulation in Cr metabolism contributes to a wide range of diseases besides the mitigating effect that Cr supplementation may have in some of these disease states.

Choline on the Move: Perspectives on the Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology of the Presynaptic Choline Transporter

Genetic, biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological approaches have advanced our understanding of cholinergic biology for over 100 years. High-affinity choline uptake (HACU) was one of the last features of cholinergic signaling to be defined at a molecular level, achieved through the cloning of the choline transporter (CHT, SLC5A7). In retrospect, the molecular era of CHT studies initiated with the identification of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a potent, competitive CHT antagonist, though it would take another 30 years before HC-3, in radiolabeled form, was used by Joseph Coyle's laboratory to identify and monitor the dynamics of CHT proteins. Though HC-3 studies provided important insights into CHT distribution and regulation, another 15 years would pass before the structure of CHT genes and proteins were identified, a full decade after the cloning of most other neurotransmitter-associated transporters. The availability of CHT gene and protein probes propelled the development of cell and animal models as well as efforts to gain insights into how human CHT gene variation affects the risk for brain and neuromuscular disorders. Most recently, our group has pursued a broadening of CHT pharmacology, elucidating novel chemical structures that may serve to advance cholinergic diagnostics and medication development. Here we provide a short review of the transformation that has occurred in HACU research and how such advances may promote the development of novel therapeutics.

The solute carrier 6 family of transporters

The solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family of the human genome comprises transporters for neurotransmitters, amino acids, osmolytes and energy metabolites. Members of this family play critical roles in neurotransmission, cellular and whole body homeostasis. Malfunction or altered expression of these transporters is associated with a variety of diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of the neurotransmitter transporters in this family is an important strategy in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review provides an overview of the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the SLC6 family transporters.

Gene expression profiling in whole liver of bile duct ligated rats: VEGF-A expression is up-regulated in hepatocytes adjacent to the portal tracts

BACKGROUND AND AIM

It would be of clinical importance to clarify molecular mechanisms of cholangiocytes proliferation for the treatment of intractable cholestatic diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate gene expression profiling in the whole liver of bile duct ligated (BDL) rats using microarray analysis. In addition, the localization and time course of up-regulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The whole liver was removed from BDL and sham-operated rats at day 2 after the procedure, and microarray analysis was performed using an array on which 3757 rat cDNA clones spotted. The up-regulation of VEGF expression was investigated by RT-PCR using livers at day 1, 2, 4 and 7, and immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry at day 2.

RESULTS

Marked proliferation of bile ducts was observed in livers of BDL rats. By microarray analysis, 38 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated transcripts were detected in whole liver of the BDL rat. The expression of VEGF-A was significantly elevated in the BDL rats at day 2; the VEGF-A/GAPDH ratio was 4.030 +/- 2.493 in BDL rats and 1.159 +/- 0.125 in sham-operated rats (P = 0.0330). The up-regulation of VEGF-A expression was maximal at day 2. Immunoblotting also demonstrated up-regulated expression of VEGF-A at the protein level. Immunostaining of VEGF revealed that the expression was evident in hepatocytes adjacent to the portal tracts, and scarcely observed in hepatocytes at the centrilobular area or cholangiocytes.

CONCLUSION

Gene expression profiling in the whole liver of the BDL rats revealed 38 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated transcripts. In addition, the up-regulated expression of VEGF was mainly observed in hepatocytes surrounding to the portal tracts.

Functional insights into the creatine transporter

Creatine and phosphocreatine provide an intracellular, high-energy phosphate buffering system, essential to maintain ATP levels in tissues with high energy demands. A specific plasma membrane creatine transporter (CRT) is required for the cellular uptake of creatine. This transporter is related to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters and is part of a large gene family of Na(+) - and Cl(-) -dependent neurotransmitter transporters, now known as solute carrier family 6 (SLC6). CRT is essential for normal brain function as mutations in the CRT gene (SLC6A8) result in X-linked mental retardation, associated with the almost complete lack of creatine in the brain, severe speech and language delay, epilepsy, and autistic behaviour. Insight into the structure and function of the CRT has come from studies of creatine transport by tissues and cells, in vitro studies of CRT mutations, identification of mutations associated with CRT deficiency, and from the recent high resolution structure of a prokaryotic homologue of the SLC6 transporters. CRT antibodies have been developed enabling the localization of creatine uptake sites in the brain, retina, muscle and other tissues. These tools in conjunction with the use of appropriate cell models should allow further progress in our knowledge on the regulation and cellular trafficking of the CRT. Development of suitable mouse models may allow improved understanding of the importance of the CRT for normal brain function and how the transporter is regulated in vivo.

Ontogeny up-regulates renal Na(+)/Cl(-)/creatine transporter in rat

Creatine plays a role in energy storage and transport/shuttle of high-energy phosphate in heart, brain, retina, testis and skeletal muscle. These tissues take creatine from the plasma via a 2Na(+)/1Cl(-)/1creatine cotransporter (CRT). We have previously demonstrated that renal apical membrane presents a 2Na(+)/1Cl(-)/1creatine cotransport activity. The goal of this study was to determine whether this transporter is ontogenically regulated. Na(+)/Cl(-)/creatine transport activity was evaluated by measuring [(14)C]-creatine uptake into renal brush-border membrane vesicles. CRT mRNA expression was measured by Northern and real-time PCR assays. E20 foetuses, newborn, suckling, weaning and adult (2- and 8-month-old) Wistar rats were used. The results revealed that neither the vesicular volume, the binding of creatine to the brush-border membrane vesicles, nor the purity of the brush-border membrane vesicle preparations was affected by maturation. Fetal and neonatal kidneys contained a creatine transporter that was qualitatively indistinguishable from that in the adult: it was concentrative, Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, electrogenic and inhibited by guanidinopropionic acid. Maturation increased this transport activity by increasing the maximal rate of transport (V(max)) without significantly changing the apparent K(m). Northern analysis revealed two transcripts for CRT of 2.7 kb and 4.2 kb in all the ages tested. Northern and real-time PCR assays showed that, as seen with NaCl-dependent creatine transport activity, maturation increased CRT mRNA expression. This study reports for the first time that: (i) an apical renal Na(+)/Cl(-)/creatine cotransporter is already active in rat foetuses and (ii) development regulates Na(+)/Cl(-)/creatine cotransport activity by increasing the density and/or turnover of the transporters.

Extraneuronal monoamine transporter and organic cation transporters 1 and 2: a review of transport efficiency

The extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) corresponds to the classical steroid-sensitive monoamine transport mechanism that was first described as "uptake2" in rat heart with noradrenaline as substrate. The organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 are related to EMT. The three carriers share basic structural and functional characteristics. Hence, EMT, OCT1 and OCT2 constitute a group referred to as non-neuronal monoamine transporters or organic cation transporters. After a brief general introduction, this review focuses on the critical analysis of substrate specificity. We calculate from the available literature and compare consensus transport efficiency (clearance) data for human and rat EMT, OCT1 and OCT2, expressed in transfected cell lines. From the plethora of inhibitors that have been tested, the casual observer likely gets the impression that these carriers indiscriminately transport very many compounds. However, our knowledge about actual substrates is rather limited. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) is an excellent substrate for all three carriers, with clearances typically in the range of 20-50 microl min(-1) mg protein(-1). The second-best general substrate is tyramine with a transport efficiency (TE) range relative to MPP+ of 20%-70%. The TEs of OCT1 and OCT2 for dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and 5-HT in general are rather low, in the range relative to MPP+ of 5%-15%. This suggests that OCT1 and OCT2 are not primarily dedicated to transport these monoamine transmitters; only EMT may play a significant role in catecholamine inactivation. For many substrates, such as tetraethylammonium, histamine, agmatine, guanidine, cimetidine, creatinine, choline and acetylcholine, the transport efficiencies are markedly different among the carriers.

A Creatine Transporter Is Operative at the Brush Border Level of the Rat Jejunal Enterocyte

Although ergogenic effects and health benefits have been reported for creatine used as nutritional supplement, to date little is known about the mechanism of creatine absorption in the small intestine. Thus the current study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of creatine intake in rat jejunum with the use of well-purified brush border membrane vesicles, isolated from jejunal enterocyte. Creatine uptake was found markedly stimulated by inwardly directed Na(+) and Cl(- )gradients, potential-sensitive, strongly reduced by the substitution of Na(+) and Cl(-) with various cations and anions and positively affected by intravesicular K(+). Moreover, creatine uptake is: 1) significantly inhibited by creatine structural analogs, 2) abolished by low concentrations of 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA), 3) saturable as a function of creatine concentration with an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of 24.08 +/- 0.80 muM and a maximal velocity of 391.30 +/- 6.19 pmoles mg protein(-1) 30 s(-1). The transport is electrogenic since at least two Na(+) and one Cl(-) are required to transport one creatine molecule. Western blot analysis showed the same amount of creatine transport protein in the jejunal apical membrane when compared to ileum. Thus, these data demonstrate the existence of a Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, membrane potential-sensitive, electrogenic carrier-mediated mechanism for creatine absorption in rat jejunal apical membrane vesicles, which is biochemically and pharmacologically similar to those observed in other tissues. However, in other cell types the stimulatory effect of intravesicular K(+) was never detected.

Identification and expression of a mouse muscle-specific CTL1 gene

In this study, a mouse gene and cDNA encoding for a novel skeletal muscle-specific choline transporter-like protein 1 (mCTL1) were identified and mCTL1 mRNA and protein expression characterized. The mCTL1 cDNA is 2888-bp long; consisting of a 653-amino-acid open-reading frame, 8-11 putative transmembrane domains, three N-glycosylation sites and seven protein kinase C phosphorylation sites. The mCTL1 gene is localized to chromosome 4B2, at 182 kb in length, and encoded by 17 exons. Although the mCTL1 mRNA was expressed in several mouse tissues such as muscle, brain, heart and testis, the protein analyses of multiple tissues and membrane vesicles reveal that mCTL1 is exclusively expressed in skeletal muscle. Expression of His-tagged mCTL1 in Cos-7 cells produces an increase in saturable choline uptake that is sensitive to a Na(+)-ion gradient, ethanolamine and the Ca(2+)-channel blocker verapamil, and insensitive to low concentrations of hemicholinium-3.

Growth hormone induces myocardial expression of creatine transporter and decreases plasma levels of IL-1beta in rats during early postinfarct cardiac remodeling

Growth hormone has been proposed as a potential new therapeutic agent for treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) and congestive heart failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of GH on: (a) myocardial expression of creatine transporter (CreaT) during early postinfarct remodeling, (b) myocardial levels of total creatine (TCr) and adenine pool (TAN) and (c) plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat model of postinfarct cardiac remodeling. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g). Three different groups were studied: MI rats treated with GH (n=11) (3 mg/kg/day), MI rats treated with saline (n=10), and sham operated rats (n=7). In the myocardium from GH treated rats the level of mRNA CreaT expression was significantly increased (p<0.01). There was no difference in TCr between the rats with MI and sham-operated rats. Treatment with GH had no effect on TCr. GH had no effect on TAN in left ventricle. All three groups had similar levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in plasma. In the rats with MI, treatment with GH normalized the levels of IL-1beta (p<0.05). In conclusion GH increased the expression of CreaT and decreased levels of plasma IL-1beta during postinfarct remodeling in rats. These mechanisms may be responsible for the previously reported beneficial effects of GH on myocardial energy metabolism and preservation of cardiac function in the settings of postinfarct remodeling and CHF.

High-affinity choline transporter

The cholinergic neurons have long been a model for biochemical studies of neurotransmission. The components responsible for cholinergic neurotransmission, such as choline acetyltransferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and acetylcholine esterase, have long been defined as functional units and then identified as molecular entities. Another essential component in the cholinergic synapses is the one responsible for choline uptake from the synaptic cleft, which is thought to be the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. A choline uptake system with a high affinity for choline has long been assumed to be present in cholinergic neurons. Very recently, the molecular entity for the high-affinity choline transporter was identified and is designated CHT1. CHT1 mediates Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent choline uptake with high sensitivity to hemicholinium-3. CHT1 has been characterized both at the molecular and functional levels and was confirmed to be specifically expressed in cholinergic neurons.

Oral creatine supplementation and skeletal muscle metabolism in physical exercise

Creatine is the object of growing interest in the scientific literature. This is because of the widespread use of creatine by athletes, on the one hand, and to some promising results regarding its therapeutic potential in neuromuscular disease on the other. In fact, since the late 1900s, many studies have examined the effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance. This article reviews the literature on creatine supplementation as an ergogenic aid, including some basic aspects relating to its metabolism, pharmacokinetics and side effects. The use of creatine supplements to increase muscle creatine content above approximately 20 mmol/kg dry muscle mass leads to improvements in high-intensity, intermittent high-intensity and even endurance exercise (mainly in nonweightbearing endurance activities). An effective supplementation scheme is a dosage of 20 g/day for 4-6 days, and 5 g/day thereafter. Based on recent pharmacokinetic data, new regimens of creatine supplementation could be used. Although there are opinion statements suggesting that creatine supplementation may be implicated in carcinogenesis, data to prove this effect are lacking, and indeed, several studies showing anticarcinogenic effects of creatine and its analogues have been published. There is a shortage of scientific evidence concerning the adverse effects following creatine supplementation in healthy individuals even with long-term dosage. Therefore, creatine may be considered as a widespread, effective and safe ergogenic aid.

Human, rat and chicken small intestinal Na+ - Cl- -creatine transporter: functional, molecular characterization and localization

In spite of all the fascinating properties of oral creatine supplementation, the mechanism(s) mediating its intestinal absorption has(have) not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to characterize intestinal creatine transport. [(14)C] creatine uptake was measured in chicken enterocytes and rat ileum, and expression of the creatine transporter CRT was examined in human, rat and chicken small intestine by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Northern blot, in situ hybridization, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results show that enterocytes accumulate creatine against its concentration gradient. This accumulation was electrogenic, Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, with a probable stoichiometry of 2 Na(+): 1 Cl(-): 1 creatine, and inhibited by ouabain and iodoacetic acid. The kinetic study revealed a K(m) for creatine of 29 microM. [(14)C] creatine uptake was efficiently antagonized by non-labelled creatine, guanidinopropionic acid and cyclocreatine. More distant structural analogues of creatine, such as GABA, choline, glycine, beta-alanine, taurine and betaine, had no effect on intestinal creatine uptake, indicating a high substrate specificity of the creatine transporter. Consistent with these functional data, messenger RNA for CRT was detected only in the cells lining the intestinal villus. The sequences of partial clones, and of the full-length cDNA clone, isolated from human and rat small intestine were identical to previously cloned CRT cDNAs. Immunological analysis revealed that CRT protein was mainly associated with the apical membrane of the enterocytes. This study reports for the first time that mammalian and avian enterocytes express CRT along the villus, where it mediates high-affinity, Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, apical creatine uptake.

Cysteine 144 in the third transmembrane domain of the creatine transporter is located close to a substrate-binding site

All creatine transporters contain a cysteine residue (Cys(144)) in the third transmembrane domain that is not present in other members of the Na+,Cl(-)-dependent family of neurotransmitter transporters. Site-directed mutagenesis and reaction with methane thiosulfonates were used to investigate the importance of Cys(144) for transporter function. Replacement of Cys(144) with Ser did not significantly affect the kinetics or activity of the transporter, whereas a C144A mutant had a higher K(m) (0.33 compared with 0.18 mm). Substitution of Cys(144) with Leu gave a mutant with a 5-fold higher K(m) and a reduced specificity for substrate. Low concentrations of 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSEA) resulted in rapid inactivation of the creatine transporter. The C144S mutant was resistant to inactivation, indicating that modification of Cys(144) was responsible for the loss of transport activity. Creatine and analogues that function as substrates of the creatine transporter were able to protect from MTSEA inactivation. Na+ and Cl(-) ions were not necessary for MTSEA inactivation, but Na+ was found to be important for creatine protection from inactivation. Our results indicate that cysteine 144 is close to the binding site or part of a permeation channel for creatine.

Creatine transport in brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from rat kidney cortex

The kidney efficiently salvages creatine from the urine; however, the mechanism(s) that mediates renal creatine reabsorption has not been investigated. This study characterizes the creatine transport mechanism in brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from the rat renal cortex. An osmolality plot revealed that creatine is transported into an osmotically active space and that it is also bound to the membranes. An inwardly directed NaCl gradient stimulated creatine uptake and the time course of uptake exhibited an overshoot phenomenon, which indicates the presence of an active process for creatine in these membranes. The uptake of creatine showed an absolute requirement for both Na(+) and Cl(-). The NaCl gradient-dependent creatine uptake was stimulated by a valinomycin-induced, inside-negative, K(+)-diffusion potential, which suggests that the uptake process is electrogenic. Stoichiometric analyses indicated a probable couple ratio of 2 Na(+):1 Cl(-):1 creatine molecule. The kinetic study showed that creatine is transported by a high-affinity system (K(m) of 15 microM). Creatine uptake was inhibited by a 100-fold excess of various compounds with the following potency order: cold creatine = guanidinopropionic acid > nipecotic acid > gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) = beta-alanine = betaine, whereas carnitine, glycine, taurine, and choline were without effect. This pattern of inhibition differs from that observed for GABA uptake (unlabeled GABA = GPA > beta-alanine > nipecotic acid >> creatine). The conclusion drawn was that the apical membrane of the renal cortical tubules contains an active, high-affinity, electrogenic, 2 Na(+)/1 Cl(-)/creatine cotransporter.

Creatine and the creatine transporter: a review

The cellular role of creatine (Cr) and Cr phosphate (CrP) has been studied extensively in neural, cardiac and skeletal muscle. Several studies have demonstrated that alterations in the cellular total Cr (Cr + CrP) concentration in these tissues can produce marked functional and/or structural change. The primary aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature that has examined the regulation of cellular total Cr content. In particular, the review focuses on the regulation of the activity and gene expression of the Cr transporter (CreaT), which is primarily responsible for cellular Cr uptake. Two CreaT genes (CreaT1 and CreaT2) have been identified and their chromosomal location and DNA sequencing have been completed. From these data, putative structures of the CreaT proteins have been formulated. Transcription products of the CreaT2 gene are expressed exclusively in the testes, whereas CreaT1 transcripts are found in a variety of tissues. Recent research has measured the expression of the CreaT1 protein in several tissues including neural, cardiac and skeletal muscle. There is very little information available about the factors regulating CreaT gene expression. There is some evidence that suggests the intracellular Cr concentration may be involved in the regulatory process but there is much more to learn before this process is understood. The activity of the CreaT protein is controlled by many factors. These include substrate concentration, transmembrane Na+ gradients, cellular location, and various hormones. It is also likely that transporter activity is influenced by its phosphorylation state and by its interaction with other plasma membrane proteins. The extent of CreaT protein glycosylation may vary within cells, the functional significance of which remains unclear.

Transport of choline and its relationship to the expression of the organic cation transporters in a rat brain microvessel endothelial cell line (RBE4)

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the functional characteristics of choline uptake and deduce the relationship between choline uptake and the expression of organic cation transporters in the rat brain microvessel endothelial cell line RBE4. Confluent RBE4 cells were found to express a high affinity choline uptake system. The system is Na(+)-independent and shows a Michaelis-Menten constant of approx. 20 microM for choline. The choline analogue hemicholinium-3 inhibits choline uptake in these cells with an inhibition constant of approx. 50 microM. The uptake system is also susceptible for inhibition by various organic cations, including 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, clonidine, procainamide, and tetramethylammonium. The prototypical organic cation tetraethylammonium shows very little affinity for the choline uptake system in these cells. The inhibition of choline uptake by hemicholinium-3 is competitive. Northern analysis and RT-PCR show that these cells do not express the organic cation transporters OCT2 and OCT3. These cells do express, however, low levels of OCT1, but the functional characteristics of choline uptake in these cells are very different from the known properties of choline uptake via OCT1. The Na(+)-coupled high affinity choline transporter CHT1 is not expressed in these cells as evidenced by RT-PCR. This corroborates the Na(+)-independent nature of choline uptake in these cells. It is concluded that RBE4 cells express an organic cation transporter that is responsible for choline uptake in these cells and that this transporter is not identical to any of the organic cation transporters thus far identified at the molecular level in mammalian cells.

Amyloid beta peptide 1-40 and the function of rat hippocampal hemicholinium-3 sensitive choline carriers: effects of a proteolytic degradation in vitro

Effects of amyloid beta peptide 1-40 (Abeta) and of plant cysteine proteases bromelain and papain on the high-affinity uptake of choline (HACU) and the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HC-3) have been investigated on hippocampal synaptosomes from young adult male Wistar rats under basal and stimulated conditions (55 mM KCl). Depolarization increased significantly the HACU levels (the changes were predominantly in Vmax) and mildly the [3H]HC-3 binding (the changes especially in K(D)). Nonaggregated Abeta at low nM concentrations suppressed the depolarization effects but was ineffective under basal conditions during a short-term incubation. Higher microM concentrations decreased the HACU and binding under basal conditions in a time-dependent manner. The binding changes were firstly associated with alterations in K(D) and secondarily were accompanied also by a drop in Bmax. The results suggest that Abeta directly influences high-affinity carriers, inhibits their transport activity and enhances their sensitivity to proteoLytic cleavage. Stimulation increases the sensitivity of carriers to the interaction with Abeta.

Endogenous synthesis and transport of creatine in the rat brain: an in situ hybridization study

Creatine is synthesized from arginine by L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine:N-guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) and can be taken up by cells by creatine transporters (CRT). While creatine is mainly synthesized by the liver and the kidney, most of other tissues, including the brain, also express AGAT and GAMT. There is evidence that the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for creatine is limited, suggesting that the brain is dependent on its own creatine synthesis. In order to better understand creatine synthesis and transport in the central nervous system (CNS), we studied the regional distribution of cells expressing AGAT, GAMT and the creatine transporter CRT1 in the adult rat brain by non-radioisotopic in situ hybridization. AGAT and GAMT presented an ubiquitous neuronal and glial expression, whereas CRT1 was present in neurons and oligodendrocytes throughout the brain, but not in astrocytes. This indicates that all cells in the CNS can synthesize creatine from arginine. The absence of expression of CRT1 in astrocytes and particularly in those contacting capillary endothelial cells (BBB) reinforces the idea that under normal conditions the creatine used by the brain is synthesized mainly in the CNS. Furthermore, the expression of CRT1 by neurons and oligodendrocytes indicates that creatine trafficking is possible in those brain areas of main creatine consumption.

Cyclosporin A inhibits creatine uptake by altering surface expression of the creatine transporter

The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibited the hCRT-1 cDNA-induced creatine uptake in Xenopus oocytes and the endogenous creatine uptake in cultured C(2)C(12) muscle cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. FK506, another potent immunosuppressant, was unable to mimic the effect of CsA suggesting that the inhibitory effect of CsA was specific. To delineate the mechanism underlying, we investigated the effect of CsA on the K(m) and V(max) of creatine transport and also on the cell surface distribution of the creatine transporter. Although CsA treatment did not affect the K(m) (20-24 microm) for creatine, it significantly decreased the V(max) of creatine uptake in both oocytes and muscle cells. CsA treatment reduced the cell surface expression level of the creatine transporter in the muscle cells by approximately 60% without significantly altering its total expression level, and the reduction in the cell surface expression paralleled the decrease in creatine uptake. Taken together, our results suggest that CsA inhibited creatine uptake by altering the surface abundance of the creatine transporter. We propose that CsA impairs the targeting of the creatine transporter by inhibiting the function of an associated cyclophilin, resulting in an apparent loss in surface expression of the creatine transporter. Our results also suggest that prolonged exposure to CsA may result in chronically creatine-depleted muscle, which may be a cause for the development of CsA-associated clinical myopathies in organ transplant patients.

Molecular cloning of a human, hemicholinium-3-sensitive choline transporter

Under many physiological circumstances, Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, hemicholinium-3 (HC-3)-sensitive, high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in cholinergic neurons is thought to be rate-limiting in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). Based on sequence information provided by the Human Genome Project and the recently reported rat CHT1 (rCHT1), we cloned a human CHT cDNA from spinal cord. The hCHT cDNA encodes a protein of 580 amino acids having 93% identity to rCHT1 and 51% identity to the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog CHO-1, and is distantly related to members of the Na(+)-coupled glucose transporter (SGLT) gene family of Na(+)-coupled glucose (SGLT), nucleoside and iodide transporters. Northern blot analysis reveals the expression of a approximately 5 kb transcript in human brain regions rich in cholinergic neurons including the putamen, spinal cord, and medulla. Expression of hCHT cDNA in COS-7 cells results in saturable, Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent choline uptake (K(m) = 1.2 microM) in membrane vesicles and [(3)H] HC-3 binding (K(d) = 4 nM) in membrane fractions, consistent with characteristics reported in mammalian cholinergic neurons. Using radiation hybrid mapping techniques, we localized the hCHT gene to human chromosome 2q12. These studies elucidate the primary structure and chromosomal localization of hCHT and provide a basis for mechanistic analysis of HACU regulation and an investigation of the role of hCHT in disease states.

Role of plasma membrane transporters in muscle metabolism

Muscle plays a major role in metabolism. Thus it is a major glucose-utilizing tissue in the absorptive state, and changes in muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake alter whole-body glucose disposal. In some conditions, muscle preferentially uses lipid substrates, such as fatty acids or ketone bodies. Furthermore, muscle is the main reservoir of amino acids and protein. The activity of many different plasma membrane transporters, such as glucose carriers and transporters of carnitine, creatine and amino acids, play a crucial role in muscle metabolism by catalysing the influx or the efflux of substrates across the cell surface. In some cases, the membrane transport process is subjected to intense regulatory control and may become a potential pharmacological target, as is the case with the glucose transporter GLUT4. The goal of this review is the molecular characterization of muscle membrane transporter proteins, as well as the analysis of their possible regulatory role.

Creatine and creatinine metabolism

The goal of this review is to present a comprehensive survey of the many intriguing facets of creatine (Cr) and creatinine metabolism, encompassing the pathways and regulation of Cr biosynthesis and degradation, species and tissue distribution of the enzymes and metabolites involved, and of the inherent implications for physiology and human pathology. Very recently, a series of new discoveries have been made that are bound to have distinguished implications for bioenergetics, physiology, human pathology, and clinical diagnosis and that suggest that deregulation of the creatine kinase (CK) system is associated with a variety of diseases. Disturbances of the CK system have been observed in muscle, brain, cardiac, and renal diseases as well as in cancer. On the other hand, Cr and Cr analogs such as cyclocreatine were found to have antitumor, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects and to protect tissues from hypoxic, ischemic, neurodegenerative, or muscle damage. Oral Cr ingestion is used in sports as an ergogenic aid, and some data suggest that Cr and creatinine may be precursors of food mutagens and uremic toxins. These findings are discussed in depth, the interrelationships are outlined, and all is put into a broader context to provide a more detailed understanding of the biological functions of Cr and of the CK system.

Creatine accumulation and exchange by HEK293 cells stably expressing high levels of a creatine transporter

We have generated a stable HEK293 cell line expressing high levels of a creatine transporter (CREAT). This cell line (HEK293-CREAT) was used to study the properties of CREAT in terms of the accumulation and release of creatine. HEK293-CREAT cells accumulated high steady state levels of creatine under saturating creatine levels (approx. 25-fold higher intracellular creatine levels than seen in control cells). The accumulation of high levels of creatine affected [3H]creatine uptake by decreasing the Vmax for transport. High intracellular creatine levels were maintained in the absence of extracellular creatine. External creatine stimulated the release of stored creatine by an exchange mechanism dependent on extracellular Na+. These studies have shown that cellular creatine levels can be affected by the amount of creatine transporter in the membrane and exchange through the creatine transporter. These findings highlight the importance of the creatine transporter in the maintenance of intracellular creatine levels.

Role of submaximal exercise in promoting creatine and glycogen accumulation in human skeletal muscle

We examined the effect of glycogen-depleting exercise on subsequent muscle total creatine (TCr) accumulation and glycogen resynthesis during postexercise periods when the diet was supplemented with carbohydrate (CHO) or creatine (Cr) + CHO. Fourteen subjects performed one-legged cycling exercise to exhaustion. Muscle biopsies were taken from the exhausted (Ex) and nonexhausted (Nex) limbs after exercise and after 6 h and 5 days of recovery, during which CHO (CHO group, n = 7) or Cr + CHO (Cr+CHO group, n = 7) supplements were ingested. Muscle TCr concentration ([TCr]) was unchanged in both groups 6 h after supplementation commenced but had increased in the Ex (P < 0.001) and Nex limbs (P < 0.05) of the Cr+CHO group after 5 days. Greater TCr accumulation was achieved in the Ex limbs (P < 0.01) of this group. Glycogen was increased above nonexercised concentrations in the Ex limbs of both groups after 5 days, with the concentration being greater in the Cr+CHO group (P = 0.06). Thus a single bout of exercise enhanced muscle Cr accumulation, and this effect was restricted to the exercised muscle. However, exercise also diminished CHO-mediated insulin release, which may have attenuated insulin-mediated muscle Cr accumulation. Ingesting Cr with CHO also augmented glycogen supercompensation in the exercised muscle.

Molecular characterization of the human CRT-1 creatine transporter expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The protein sequence encoded by a creatine transporter cDNA cloned from a human heart library was identical to that cloned from a human kidney library (Nash et al., Receptors Channels 2, 165-174, 1994), except that at position 285 the former contained an Ala residue and the latter contained a Pro residue. Expression of this human heart cDNA clone in Xenopus laevis oocytes induced a Na+- and Cl--dependent creatine uptake activity that saturated with a Km of approximately 20 microM for creatine. The induced uptake was inhibited by beta-guanidinopropionic acid (IC50 approximately 44.4 microM), 2-amino-1-imidazolidineacetic acid (cyclocreatine; IC50 approximately 369.8 microM), gamma-guanidinobutyric acid (IC50 approximately 697.9 microM), gamma-aminobutyric acid (IC50 approximately 6.47 mM), and amiloride (IC50 approximately 2.46 mM). The inhibitors beta-guanidinopropionic acid, cyclocreatine, and gamma-guanidinobutyric acid also inhibited the uptake activity of the Ala285 to Pro285 (A285P) mutant as effectively as that of the wild type. In contrast, guanidinoethane sulfonic acid, a potent inhibitor of taurine transport, inhibited the uptake activity of the A285P mutant approx. two times more effectively than that of the wild type. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not its inactive analog, 4alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate, inhibited the creatine uptake, and the inhibitory effect of PMA was both time and concentration dependent. The protein kinase A activator 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, however, had no effect on the creatine uptake. The rate of uptake increased hyperbolically with the increasing concentration of the external Cl- (equilibrium constant KCl- approximately 5 mM) and sigmoidally with the increasing concentration of the external Na+ (equilibrium constant KNa+ approximately 56 mM). Further analyses of the Na+ and Cl- concentration dependence data suggested that at least two Na+ and one Cl- were required to transport one creatine molecule via the creatine transporter.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of the human glycine transporter GlyT2 and chromosomal localisation of the gene in the human genome

Neurotransmitter transport systems are major targets for therapeutic alterations in synaptic function. We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding the human type 2 glycine transporter GlyT2 from human brain and spinal cord. An open reading frame of 2391 nucleotides encodes a 797 amino acid protein that transports glycine in a Na+/Cl--dependent manner. When stably expressed in CHO cells, human GlyT2 displays a dose-dependent uptake of glycine with an apparent Km of 108 microM. This uptake is not affected by sarcosine at concentrations up to 1 mM. Radiation hybrid analysis mapped the GlyT2 gene to D11S1308 (LOD=8.988) on human chromosome 11p15.1-15.2.

Molecular biology of mammalian plasma membrane amino acid transporters

Molecular biology entered the field of mammalian amino acid transporters in 1990-1991 with the cloning of the first GABA and cationic amino acid transporters. Since then, cDNA have been isolated for more than 20 mammalian amino acid transporters. All of them belong to four protein families. Here we describe the tissue expression, transport characteristics, structure-function relationship, and the putative physiological roles of these transporters. Wherever possible, the ascription of these transporters to known amino acid transport systems is suggested. Significant contributions have been made to the molecular biology of amino acid transport in mammals in the last 3 years, such as the construction of knockouts for the CAT-1 cationic amino acid transporter and the EAAT2 and EAAT3 glutamate transporters, as well as a growing number of studies aimed to elucidate the structure-function relationship of the amino acid transporter. In addition, the first gene (rBAT) responsible for an inherited disease of amino acid transport (cystinuria) has been identified. Identifying the molecular structure of amino acid transport systems of high physiological relevance (e.g., system A, L, N, and x(c)- and of the genes responsible for other aminoacidurias as well as revealing the key molecular mechanisms of the amino acid transporters are the main challenges of the future in this field.

Analysis and comparison of partial sequences of clones from a taste-bud-enriched cDNA library

Differential patterns of cellular development and function are determined, at least in part, by the specific gene expression of particular cells. Thus, determination of differential patterns of gene expression between tissues is likely to help elucidate molecular details of tissue-specific processes. Our hypothesis was that cells of the circumvallate papilla involved in taste perception would express genes that are not expressed in the surrounding epithelium and that determination of the nature of these genes could be helpful in our understanding of the molecular details of taste. Using partial sequencing of clones derived from rat circumvallate papillae, we have begun to characterize genes that could be important in taste. We prepared a cDNA library of whole circumvallate papillae and, by means of a novel subtraction procedure, enriched taste-specific clones. Characterization of the libraries showed that subtraction resulted in good enrichment of taste-specific clones. Here we report the partial sequencing and analysis of 410 cDNA clones from the taste-bud-enriched cDNA library. Approximately 25% of the genes were identified on the basis of their high homology to known transcripts. These included the developmentally important molecules Pax-1, esp1, Notch 1, and Notch 3 that may play roles in the continuous turnover of taste receptor cells. A further 20% of the genes had no significant homology to known DNA sequences and were identified as taste-specific by Southern blot analysis.

In vitro effects of arachidonic and L-glutamic acids on the high-affinity choline transport in rat hippocampus

A second messenger role for arachidonic acid (AA) in the regulation of the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) was suggested. It was reported that micromolar concentrations of AA applied in vitro decreased the HACU values and increased the specific binding of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HCh-3). It was published that L-glutamic acid (GA) applied in vivo produced a fall in the HACU values. In addition, GA liberates free AA. In this study, an ability of GA to influence in vitro the activity of presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals via its effect on the release of AA is investigated in hippocampal synaptosomes of young Wistar rats. Millimolar concentrations of GA decrease both the high- and low-affinity choline uptake, the specific as well as nonspecific binding of [3H]HCh-3 and the activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase. Kinetic analysis (Lineweaver-Burk and Scatchard plots) reveals a change in Vmax and Bmax, but not in KM and KD. It appears very likely that under normal conditions GA applied in vitro is not able to change markedly the choline transport via its effect on the release of AA. Results confirm the hypothesis about an indirect inhibitory role for glutamatergic receptors on cholinergic cells.

Cellular and molecular aspects of monoamine neurotransmitter transporters

Neurotransmitter transporters terminate synaptic neurotransmission by accumulating neurotransmitters once again after release in a sodium- and chloride-dependent fashion. The availability of the cloned neurotransmitter transporters has allowed investigation into the roles of these transporters in neuronal function. Molecular biological and protein engineering studies including in vitro site-directed mutagenesis, chimera formation of several transporter clones, or epitope-tagging various regions of transporter proteins, have revealed the topology and functionally mapped the transporter proteins. Monoamine neurotransmitter transporters such as those for dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are of interest, since they are a target of drugs of abuse and are involved in neuronal disorders including Parkinson's disease and depression. Therefore, elucidating the molecular basis of these transporters may clarify these problems and help develop treatments with which to combat these disorders and drug abuse.

Regional distribution of a creatine transporter in rat auditory brainstem: an in-situ hybridization study

The expression of an mRNA encoding a creatine transporter (CRT1) was investigated in the rat auditory system under ambient sound conditions, using radiolabeled and non-radiolabeled oligonucleotide in-situ hybridization. The results indicated that CRT1 mRNA is widely distributed in auditory nuclei, including the fusiform and deep layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, the ventral cochlear nucleus, the superior olivary complex, the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus and the inferior colliculus. The molecular layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the medial geniculate have low levels of label. Creatine provides cells with a reservoir of high-energy phosphate. Neurons do not synthesize creatine but accumulate it by a transport mechanism, which is probably the limiting step in the regulation of intracellular creatine. Therefore, the quantity of transporter expressed may reflect the utilization of creatine and could serve as an in-vitro indicator of endogenous high-energy metabolism in some cells. Although most auditory nuclei express CRT1 mRNA, the quantity of CRT1 mRNA varies among auditory nuclei, indicating that many auditory nuclei have high and fluctuating energy requirements. The level of CRT1 transcript or protein may be regulated by chronic metabolic changes in the auditory system that may occur, for example, with damage to the acoustic organ or the aging process.

Luminal transport system for choline+ in relation to the other organic cation transport systems in the rat proximal tubule. Kinetics, specificity: alkyl/arylamines, alkylamines with OH, O, SH, NH2, ROCO, RSCO and H2PO4-groups, methylaminostyryl, rhodamine, acridine, phenanthrene and cyanine compounds

The efflux of [3H] choline+ from the proximal tubular lumen was measured by using the stop-flow microperfusion method. The 2-s efflux of [3H] choline+ follows kinetics with a Michaelis constant, Km = 0.18 mmol x l-1, maximal flux, Jmax = 0.43 pmol x cm-1 x s-1 and a permeability term = 38.0 micron2 small middle dots-1. Replacement of Na+ by N-methyl-D-glucamine+ or Li+, or a change of luminal pH do not alter choline+ efflux. Replacement of Na+ by Cs+ inhibits 2-s choline+ (0. 01 mmol x l-1) efflux by 22% and replacement by K+ inhibits by 49%, indicating that the electrical potential difference across the brush border membrane acts as driving force for choline+ transport. Comparing the apparent luminal inhibitory constant values for choline (app. Ki,l,choline+) with the chemical structure of inhibiting substrates, it was found that the inhibitory potency of amines with high pKa values, i.e. high basicity, and of quaternary ammonium compounds (tetraethyl to tetrahexylammonium) increases with their hydrophobicity in a similar manner as was observed previously against the contraluminal N1-methylnicotinamide (NMeN+) transporter and the luminal H+/organic cation (N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) (MPP+) exchanger. Independently of their hydrophobicity, an increase in the inhibitory potency of the homologous series of aminoquinolines against the choline+ transporter was observed with increasing pKa values, i.e. increasing basicity, as was found previously against the two other organic cation transporters. A third parameter influencing the interaction with the choline+ transporter is the presence of two amino groups with high pKa values or one amino group and a permanent positive charge, as is documented with the two-ring aminostyryl and rhodamine compounds, as well as three-ring aminoacridine, aminophenanthrene and cyanine compounds. Thus with the aminostyryl, pyridinium+, rhodamine, phenanthridium+ and cyanine+ dyes app.Ki,l,choline+ values of between 0.01 and 0.07 mmol x l-1 have been found. A fourth parameter influencing the choline+ transporter is the presence of an OH group on the C atom next to that bearing the N atom (as in choline+) or an ester-OCOR group (acetylcholine+, butyrylcholine+) or a thioester-SCOR-group (acetylthiocholine+, butyrylthiocholine+); or an -OP(OH)2(OR) group (glycerylphosphoryl-choline+), resulting in app.Ki,l,choline+ values of 0.3-1.0 mmol x l-1. Thus the substrates for the luminal choline+ transporter have general features in common with the luminal H+/organic cation exchanger and the contraluminal organic cation transporter, i.e. hydrophobicity and basicity. Additional parameters for interaction are an OH (or similar) group positioned a favourable distance from the N atom or a second amino/ammonium group in multi-ring compounds.

Widespread brain distribution of mRNA encoding the orphan neurotransmitter transporter v7-3

Orphan transporter v7-3 is a member of a new subfamily of Na+, Cl- dependent neurotransmitter transporters with two large extracellular loops. Distribution of v7-3 mRNA was investigated in the rat brain. In situ hybridization study revealed that v7-3 mRNA was widely distributed in the rat central nervous system, including the olfactory bulb, the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the cerebellum. In addition, intense v7-3 mRNA expression was found in the motor nuclei including the oculomotor nucleus, abducens nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, facial nucleus, hypoglossal nucleus and ventral horn of spinal cord. Intense hybridization signals were also observed in the nuclei containing monoaminergic neurons, such as locus coeruleus, the substantia nigra pars compacta, the ventral tegmental area, the dorsal raphe nucleus and the median raphe nucleus. This multifocal and broad nature of the v7-3 distribution suggests widespread roles for this gene product in neurons mediating several important brain function.

Distribution and sites of synthesis of NTT4, an orphan member of the Na+/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family, in the rat CNS

The distribution and sites of synthesis in rat CNS of NTT4, a novel orphan member of the Na+/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family, were determined by immunohistochemistry and hybridization histochemistry. Antibodies raised against recombinant fusion proteins, corresponding to residues of NTT4, and 35S-labelled oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes, were used to delineate the cellular distribution of the transporter at the protein and mRNA levels. High levels of immunoreactivity (mainly in the neuropil) were found in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, thalamus, substantia nigra, pontine nuclei, cerebellum and spinal cord. The lowest levels were associated with the lateral hypothalamic area and deep mesencephalic nuclei. In situ hybridization signals correlated well with the immunoreactivity, and demonstrated a widespread distribution of NTT4 transcripts exclusively in neurons. NTT4 transcripts appeared widely codistributed with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 (1-4b), i.e. spliced variants characterized by a common 5' 63 bp insertion. These results indicate that the transporter was associated with neuronal processes in specific glutamate innervated CNS regions. Although the substrate transported by NTT4 remains unknown, our findings suggest a possible role for this carrier protein in glutamate/glycine neurotransmission.

Identification and partial characterization of the high-affinity choline carrier from rat brain striatum

[3H]Choline mustard aziridinium ion binds irreversibly to the sodium-coupled high-affinity choline transport protein in a sodium-dependent and hemicholinium-sensitive manner, and thus is a useful affinity ligand. In rat striatal synaptosomal membranes, it radiolabels two polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 58 and 35 kDa. Based upon the use of two different experimental approaches, it appears that neither of these polypeptides is glycosylated.

Metabolism and inactivation of neurotransmitters in nematodes

The nematode nervous system employs many of the same neurotransmitters as are found in higher animals. The inactivation of neurotransmitters is absolutely essential for the correct functioning of the nervous system. In this article we discuss the various mechanisms used generally in animal nervous systems for synaptic inactivation of neurotransmitters and review the evidence for similar mechanisms operating in parasitic and free-living nematodes. The sequencing of the entire Caenorhabditis elegans genome means that the sequence of nematode genes can be accessed from the C. elegans database (ACeDB) and this wealth of information together with the increasing knowledge of the genetics of this free-living nematode will have great impact on all aspects of nematode neurobiology. The review will provide an insight into how this information may be exploited to identify and characterize target proteins for the development of novel anti-nematode drugs.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a GABA/betaine transporter from human kidney

The human homologue of the canine GABA/betaine transporter (BGT-1) was isolated from a kidney inner medulla cDNA library. The coding sequence predicts a 614 amino acids protein with the typical features of neurotransmitter transporter family. The gene maps to chromosome 12p13 and, in addition to kidney, is also expressed in brain, liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and placenta. Functional studies reveal a Km = 20 microM for GABA transport and a coupling to Na+ and Cl- with a stoichiometry 3 Na+:2 Cl-:1 GABA. At 500 microM the GABA transport was inhibited by various compounds with the following potency order: quinidine > verapamil > phloretin > betaine.

In vivo characterization of radioiodinated 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol) analogs: potential radioligand for mapping presynaptic cholinergic neurons

Iodovesamicol analogs, radioiodinated at the ortho (1), meta(2) and para(3) positions of the 4-phenylpiperidine moiety, were evaluated as potential presynaptic cholinergic neuron mapping agents. Significant accumulation of m-[125I]iodovesamicol (mIV(2)) (about 3% of the injected dose) was noted in the rat brain with prolonged retention times. The accumulation of mIV(2) in the rat brain was decreased by 67% by 5 min pre-injection of dl-vesamicol(1 mumol/kg). Pre-injection of (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperdine[(+)-3-PPP](0.75 mumol/kg) did not markedly decrease the levels of radiotracers (oIV(1) and mIV(2)) in the rat brain. These results suggest that radioidinated m-iodovesamicol (mIV(2)) is suitable for use in presynaptic cholinergic neuron mapping.

Cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding a novel member of the human brain GABA/noradrenaline neurotransmitter transporter family

Screening of a human hippocampal cDNA library with a rat creatine transporter cDNA-specific probe revealed two types of clones. One identical to the published creatine transporter cDNA sequence (CRT1) and another (CRT2) with four segments of oligodeoxyribonucleotide substitution or addition in different sites of the CRT1 coding sequence. Translation of the CRT2 coding sequence reveals a new protein with regions of perfect homology with the CRT1 amino-acid sequence.

Synaptotagmin I- and II-deficient PC12 cells exhibit calcium-independent, depolarization-induced neurotransmitter release from synaptic-like microvesicles

Synaptotagmin I- and II-deficient PC12 cells (Shoji-Kasai et al. [1]) were used to compare the role of this protein in the calcium-dependent exocytosis of secretory granules and synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMVs). While neither catecholamine nor protein secretion from secretory granules were altered, the depolarization-induced acetylcholine release from SLMVs was no longer calcium-dependent. We propose that within the exocytotic process of SLMVs, there exist two depolarization-induced steps. One is calcium-dependent and no longer present in synaptotagmin I- and II-deficient cells. The other is induced by depolarization, does not require calcium, and suffices to trigger neurotransmitter release from SLMVs in synaptotagmin I- and II-deficient PC12 cells.

Phorbol ester stimulates choline uptake in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts following introduction of the gene encoding protein kinase C alpha

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated radiolabelled choline uptake and incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in wild-type NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The accumulation of labelled choline induced by PMA was paralled by an increase in choline mass. The results implicate protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of choline uptake. In order to address the PKC-subtype specificity of this response, a study was undertaken in Swiss 3T3 fibroblast cells, which normally express very low levels of PKC alpha. A retroviral expression system was used to introduce the genes for PKC alpha and neomycin resistance (used for selection) into the cells. Two resulting lines expressed PKC alpha at levels that were 20-fold higher than those found in the control (neomycin-resistant) line, or in the wild-type cells. In control Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, 1 microM PMA elevated choline levels by only 30%, whereas, in Swiss 3T3 cell lines that stably over-expressed PKC alpha, PMA caused a 5-fold enhancement in [14C]choline accumulation. This concentration of PMA significantly increased [14C]PtdCho levels in both control and PKC alpha-over-expressing lines, although the effect in the latter was significantly greater. The effects of PMA were inhibited by the PKC antagonist sphingosine. These results implicate PKC alpha in the regulation of choline accumulation and phospholipid synthesis in fibroblasts. Although additional PKC subtypes appear to participate in the control of PtdCho synthesis in these cells, PMA-stimulated choline uptake in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts is almost entirely dependent on the presence of PKC alpha.

In situ hybridization analysis of CHOT1, a creatine transporter, in the rat central nervous system

A putative choline transporter (CHOT1) has been cloned from rat brain and is reported to express a high-affinity, sodium-dependent, hemicholinium-3-insensitive choline transporter in oocytes. A second transporter (OCCREATRA) cloned from rabbit brain is 98% homologous to CHOT1 and is reported to transport creatine. We examined the distribution of CHOT1 mRNA in rat brain by in situ hybridization, using a 48 base oligonucleotide probe. In adult rats, the hybridization signal was widespread, but with a distinct pattern. High levels of expression were detected in the cerebellum (Purkinje and granule cell layers), choroid plexus, medial habenula, pontine nuclei, several brainstem nuclei, and hippocampus (pyramidal cell layer). Moderate signal was detected in cortex, globus pallidus, corpus callosum, and most other white matter tracts. Very low levels were present in striatum, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus molecular layer, and cerebellar molecular layer. Emulsion autoradiography indicated cellular localization to both neurons and glia. CHOT1 mRNA was relatively abundant in some cholinergic regions, including the medial habenula, the medial septum, and several brainstem nuclei. However, the overall pattern was distinctly different from that expected for cholinergic markers and correlated well with the localization of creatine kinase. The widespread distribution and poor correlation with cholinergic markers indicates that the CHOT1 gene does not encode the classical choline transporter known to be associated with acetylcholine synthesis. It is possible that CHOT1 is associated with cholinergic neurotransmission in some brain regions. However, it appears to encode that the rat creatine transporter, and its widespread and heterogeneous distribution suggests regions where creatine phosphate is an important energy source.

Cellular expression of glycine transporter 2 messenger RNA exclusively in rat hindbrain and spinal cord

High-affinity transporters mediate the removal of released neurotransmitters from synapses, thereby terminating their synaptic action. A novel glycine transporter has recently been cloned from a rat brain complementary DNA library. In this study we examined, by means of in situ hybridization with 35S-labelled oligodeoxynucleotide probes, the distribution of messenger RNAs encoding glycine transporter 2 in the rat CNS. Moreover, adjacent series of sections were labelled with [3H]strychnine to reveal the regional distribution of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. A very discrete pattern of distribution of the transcripts was found exclusively at the level of the brainstem/cerebellum and spinal cord. In the cerebellum, Golgi cells in the granule cell layer as well as a subpopulation of neurons in the interposed nuclei were consistently labelled. In the brainstem, where the bulk of the labelling was concentrated, several nuclei showed a high level of transcript expression, including the superior olivary complex, nucleus of the trapezoid body and the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. In the spinal cord, many neurons throughout all layers were labelled, including putative Renshaw cells and a few large neurons at the border of layers 7 and 9. No labelled cells were detected at the levels of the fore- and midbrain. The distribution of glycine transporter 2 messenger RNA-containing cell bodies was very different to that of other glycine transporter messenger RNAs (glycine transporter 1a and glycine transporter 1b), but similar to that of known glycine-immunoreactive neurons and correlated very well with that of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in most CNS regions except cerebellum. Our results show that glycine transporter 2 (but not glycine transporter 1) in the brainstem, spinal cord and cerebellum is probably involved in the reuptake of glycine from synapses containing classical strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. Our findings also suggest that glycine acts as a neurotransmitter in cerebellar Golgi neurons. Whether the synaptic concentration of glycine, as co-agonist at NMDA receptors, is regulated (if at all) by transaminase activity or by a glycine transporter (GLYT1a?) distinct from that described here is not yet known.

A putative model of the dopamine transporter

A three-dimensional model of the human dopamine transporter was constructed by molecular modeling techniques from its amino acid sequence, based on sequence analysis of this and 9 other transporter proteins. The model has 12 membrane spanning alpha-helices arranged in two 7-helical bundles, loops between helices and amino- and carboxy termini. The molecular electrostatic potentials were mainly negative at the synaptic side and positive in the cytoplasmic domains of the transporter model, strongly positive in some of the transmembrane domains, and strongly negative in other transmembrane domains. The model suggests specific binding sites for dopamine and cocaine, a functional role for chloride ions, and accounts for known structure-activity relationships of cocaine analogs at the dopamine transporter.