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Mei D, Lin Z, Fu J, He B, Gao W, Ma L, Dai W, Zhang H, Wang X, Wang J, Zhang X, Lu W, Zhou D, Zhang Q. The use of α-conotoxin ImI to actualize the targeted delivery of paclitaxel micelles to α7 nAChR-overexpressing breast cancer. Biomaterials 2014; 42:52-65. [PMID: 25542793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), a ligand-gated ion channel, is increasingly emerging as a new tumor target owing to its expression specificity and significancy for cancer. In an attempt to increase the targeted drug delivery to the α7 nAChR-overexpressing tumors, herein, α-conotoxin ImI, a disulfide-rich toxin with highly affinity for α7 nAChR, was modified on the PEG-DSPE micelles (ImI-PMs) for the first time. The DLS, TEM and HPLC detections showed the spherical nanoparticle morphology about 20 nm with negative charge and high drug encapsulation. The ligand modification did not induce significant differences. The immunofluorescence assay confirmed the expression level of α7 nAChR in MCF-7 cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the α7 nAChR-targeted nanomedicines could deliver more specifically and faster into α7 nAChR-overexpressing MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, fluo-3/AM fluorescence imaging technique indicated that the increased specificity was attributed to the ligand-receptor interaction, and the inducitivity for intracellular Ca(2+) transient by ImI was still remained after modification. Moreover, paclitaxel, a clinical frequently-used anti-tumor drug for breast cancer, was loaded in ImI-modified nanomedicines to evaluate the targeting efficacy. Besides of exhibiting greater cytotoxicity and inducing more cell apoptosis in vitro, paclitaxel-loaded ImI-PMs displayed stronger anti-tumor efficacy in MCF-7 tumor-bearing nu/nu mice. Finally, the active targeting system showed low systemic toxicity and myelosuppression evidenced by less changes in body weight, white blood cells, neutrophilic granulocyte and platelet counts. In conclusion, α7 nAChR is also a promising target for anti-tumor drug delivery and in this case, α-conotoxin ImI-modified nanocarrier is a potential delivery system for targeting α7 nAChR-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jijun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bing He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenbing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wanliang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Demin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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2
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Millard EL, Nevin ST, Loughnan ML, Nicke A, Clark RJ, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Daly NL. Inhibition of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes by alpha-Conotoxin GID and analogues. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:4944-51. [PMID: 19098004 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m804950200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
alpha-Conotoxins are small disulfide-rich peptides from the venom of the Conus species that target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). They are valuable pharmacological tools and also have potential therapeutic applications particularly for the treatment of chronic pain. alpha-Conotoxin GID is isolated from the venom of Conus geographus and has an unusual N-terminal tail sequence that has been shown to be important for binding to the alpha4beta2 subtype of the nAChR. To date, only four conotoxins that inhibit the alpha4beta2 subtype have been characterized, but they are of considerable interest as it is the most abundant nAChR subtype in the mammalian brain and has been implicated in a range of diseases. In this study, analysis of alanine-scan and truncation mutants of GID reveals that a conserved proline in alpha-conotoxins is important for activity at the alpha7, alpha3beta2, and alpha4beta2 subtypes. Although the proline residue was the most critical residue for activity at the alpha3beta2 subtype, Asp(3), Arg(12), and Asn(14) are also critical at the alpha7 subtype. Interestingly, very few of the mutations tested retained activity at the alpha4beta2 subtype indicating a tightly defined binding site. This lack of tolerance to sequence variation may explain the lack of selective ligands discovered for the alpha4beta2 subtype to date. Overall, our findings contribute to the understanding of the structure-activity relationships of alpha-conotoxins and may be beneficial for the ongoing attempts to exploit modulators of the neuronal nAChRs as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Millard
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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3
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Gotti C, Clementi F. Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from structure to pathology. Prog Neurobiol 2005; 74:363-96. [PMID: 15649582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2004.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 707] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2004] [Accepted: 09/29/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic receptors (NAChRs) form a heterogeneous family of ion channels that are differently expressed in many regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. These different receptor subtypes, which have characteristic pharmacological and biophysical properties, have a pentameric structure consisting of the homomeric or heteromeric combination of 12 different subunits (alpha2-alpha10, beta2-beta4). By responding to the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine, NAChRs contribute to a wide range of brain activities and influence a number of physiological functions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that the perturbation of cholinergic nicotinic neurotransmission can lead to various diseases involving nAChR dysfunction during development, adulthood and ageing. In recent years, it has been discovered that NAChRs are present in a number of non-neuronal cells where they play a significant functional role and are the pathogenetic targets in several diseases. NAChRs are also the target of natural ligands and toxins including nicotine (Nic), the most widespread drug of abuse. This review will attempt to survey the major achievements reached in the study of the structure and function of NAChRs by examining their regional and cellular localisation and the molecular basis of their functional diversity mainly in pharmacological and biochemical terms. The recent availability of mice with the genetic ablation of single or double nicotinic subunits or point mutations have shed light on the role of nAChRs in major physiological functions, and we will here discuss recent data relating to their behavioural phenotypes. Finally, the role of NAChRs in disease will be considered in some details.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gotti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Section, Department of Medical Pharmacology and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy
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4
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Millard EL, Daly NL, Craik DJ. Structure-activity relationships of alpha-conotoxins targeting neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 271:2320-6. [PMID: 15182347 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04148.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
alpha-Conotoxins that target the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor have a range of potential therapeutic applications and are valuable probes for examining receptor subtype selectivity. The three-dimensional structures of about half of the known neuronal specific alpha-conotoxins have now been determined and have a consensus fold containing a helical region braced by two conserved disulfide bonds. These disulfide bonds define the two-loop framework characteristic for alpha-conotoxins, CCX(m)CX(n)C, where loop 1 comprises four residues (m = 4) and loop 2 between three and seven residues (n = 3, 6 or 7). Structural studies, particularly using NMR spectroscopy have provided an insight into the role and spatial location of residues implicated in receptor binding and biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Millard
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Nicke A, Wonnacott S, Lewis RJ. Alpha-conotoxins as tools for the elucidation of structure and function of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 271:2305-19. [PMID: 15182346 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails comprise approximately 500 species of venomous molluscs, which have evolved the ability to generate multiple toxins with varied and often exquisite selectivity. One class, the alpha-conotoxins, is proving to be a powerful tool for the differentiation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These comprise a large family of complex subtypes, whose significance in physiological functions and pathological conditions is increasingly becoming apparent. After a short introduction into the structure and diversity of nAChRs, this overview summarizes the identification and characterization of alpha-conotoxins with selectivity for neuronal nAChR subtypes and provides examples of their use in defining the compositions and function of neuronal nAChR subtypes in native vertebrate tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Nicke
- Max Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Chen GQ, Lin B, Dawson MI, Zhang XK. Nicotine modulates the effects of retinoids on growth inhibition and RAR beta expression in lung cancer cells. Int J Cancer 2002; 99:171-8. [PMID: 11979430 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and animal studies have demonstrated that vitamin A and its natural and synthetic derivatives, retinoids, are effective agents in preventing the development of tobacco-associated cancers. Unfortunately, clinical trials of retinoids on cigarette smokers have shown lack of efficacy in preventing lung cancer. In our study, we investigated the effect of nicotine on the anti-cancer activity of all trans-retinoic acid (trans-RA) in human lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that nicotine could abrogate the growth inhibitory effect of trans-RA by suppressing its ability to induce the expression of RA receptor beta (RAR beta), a tumor suppressor. The inhibitory effect of nicotine was accompanied with induction of orphan receptor TR3. Inhibition of TR3 expression by overexpression of TR3 anti-sense RNA in H460 lung cancer cells strongly prevented the suppressive effect of nicotine on trans-RA activity. Treatment with nicotine or the cotransfection of TR3 expression vector inhibited the induction of RAR beta promoter activity by trans-RA in transient transfection assays. The inhibition of RAR beta promoter activity was due to the interaction of TR3 with orphan receptor COUP-TF, resulting in inhibition of COUP-TF DNA binding and transactivation on the RAR beta promoter. Furthermore, we found that nicotine failed to suppress the effect of a retinoid X receptor (RXR)-selective retinoid SR11237 on inducing both growth inhibition and RAR beta promoter activity, due to the ability of SR11237 to activate the RAR beta promoter through the RXR/TR3 heterodimer. Together, our results demonstrate that nicotine suppresses the growth inhibitory effects of trans-RA by inhibiting RAR beta expression through its induction of TR3 expression and suggest that RXR-selective retinoids may be more effective than classical retinoids for preventing and treating tobacco-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-quan Chen
- The Burnham Institute, Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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7
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Wang Y, Pereira EF, Maus AD, Ostlie NS, Navaneetham D, Lei S, Albuquerque EX, Conti-Fine BM. Human bronchial epithelial and endothelial cells express alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2001; 60:1201-9. [PMID: 11723227 DOI: 10.1124/mol.60.6.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial or endothelial cells that line the human bronchi and the aorta express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of alpha3 subtypes. We report here that human bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) and aortic endothelial cells (AEC) express also the nAChR alpha7 subunit, which forms functional nAChRs. Polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization experiments detected alpha7 subunit mRNA in cultured human BEC and AEC and in sections of rat trachea. The binding of radiolabeled alpha-bungarotoxin revealed a few thousand binding sites per cell in cultured human BEC and human and bovine AEC. Western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments demonstrated that cultured BEC and AEC express a protein(s) recognized by anti-alpha7 antibodies. Whole-cell patch-clamp studies of cultured human BEC demonstrated the presence of fast-desensitizing currents activated by choline and nicotine that were blocked reversibly by methyllycaconitine (1 nM) and irreversibly by alpha-bungarotoxin (100 nM), consistent with the expression of functional alpha7 nAChRs. In some cells, choline activated also slowly decaying currents, confirming previous reports that BEC express functional alpha3beta4 nAChRs. Exposure of cultured BEC to nicotine (1 microM) for 3 days up-regulated functional alpha7 and alpha3 nAChRs, as indicated by the increased number of cells responding to acetylcholine and choline, with both fast-desensitizing currents, which were blocked irreversibly by alpha-bungarotoxin, and with slowly desensitizing currents, which are alpha-bungarotoxin-insensitive currents. The presence of alpha7 nAChRs in BEC and AEC suggests that some toxic effects of tobacco smoke could be mediated through these nicotine-sensitive receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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8
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McIntosh JM, Santos AD, Olivera BM. Conus peptides targeted to specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Annu Rev Biochem 2000; 68:59-88. [PMID: 10872444 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.biochem.68.1.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of predatory cone snails represent a rich combinatorial-like library of evolutionarily selected, neuropharmacologically active peptides. A major fraction of the venom components are conotoxins--small, disulfide-rich peptides that potently and specifically target components of the neuromuscular system, particularly ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels. This review focuses on Conus peptides, which act at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These nicotinic antagonist peptides from Conus are broadly divided into two groups: those that act at the neuromuscular junction and those that act at subtypes of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The latter include peptides specific for the alpha 7, alpha 3 beta 2, and alpha 3 beta 4 nicotinic receptor subtypes. The degree of specificity exhibited by these peptides is remarkable, particularly given their relatively small size. As a group the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-targeted Conus peptides represent an increasingly well-defined set of tools for probing the structure, function, and physiological role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112-0840, USA.
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9
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Novak J, Escobedo-Morse A, Kelley K, Boose D, Kautzman-Eades D, Meyer M, Kane MA. Nicotine effects on proliferation and the bombesin-like peptide autocrine system in human small cell lung carcinoma SHP77 cells in culture. Lung Cancer 2000; 29:1-10. [PMID: 10880842 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(00)00117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether nicotine affects the proliferation and expression of the bombesin-like peptide autocrine system in human small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) SHP77 cells compared with nonmalignant human bronchial epithelial BEAS 2B cells as non-neuroendocrine controls. METHODS Human lung cells were cultured in defined serum-free medium with various concentrations of nicotine added for various times. Proliferation was measured by cell counts and colorimetric assay, bombesin-like peptide receptor expression was assayed by specific binding assays and quantitative competitive PCR, and bombesin-like peptides determined by ELISA. RESULTS Nicotine significantly stimulated the growth of human SCLC SHP77 and NCI-H865 cells, but not BEAS 2B cells. Bombesin-like peptide receptor specific binding and mRNA expression were not affected by nicotine exposure in SHP77 cells or BEAS 2B cells. An increase in SHP77 cellular bombesin-like peptide content was observed. CONCLUSIONS Human SCLC SHP77 cells express the components of the bombesin-like peptide autocrine system. Increased proliferation in the presence of nicotine may be due in part to increased levels of bombesin-like peptides in SHP77 cultured in nicotine. Nicotine effects on nonmalignant pulmonary neuroendocrine cells may provide additional insight into how nicotine itself may promote lung carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Novak
- Section of Medical Oncology, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center 111F, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and University of Colorado Cancer Center, 1055 Clermont St., Denver, CO 80220, USA
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10
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Arias HR. Localization of agonist and competitive antagonist binding sites on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neurochem Int 2000; 36:595-645. [PMID: 10771117 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(99)00154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of all residues involved in the recognition and binding of cholinergic ligands (e.g. agonists, competitive antagonists, and noncompetitive agonists) is a primary objective to understand which structural components are related to the physiological function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The picture for the localization of the agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites is now clearer in the light of newer and better experimental evidence. These sites are located mainly on both alpha subunits in a pocket approximately 30-35 A above the surface membrane. Since both alpha subunits are identical, the observed high and low affinity for different ligands on the receptor is conditioned by the interaction of the alpha subunit with other non-alpha subunits. This molecular interaction takes place at the interface formed by the different subunits. For example, the high-affinity acetylcholine (ACh) binding site of the muscle-type AChR is located on the alphadelta subunit interface, whereas the low-affinity ACh binding site is located on the alphagamma subunit interface. Regarding homomeric AChRs (e.g. alpha7, alpha8, and alpha9), up to five binding sites may be located on the alphaalpha subunit interfaces. From the point of view of subunit arrangement, the gamma subunit is in between both alpha subunits and the delta subunit follows the alpha aligned in a clockwise manner from the gamma. Although some competitive antagonists such as lophotoxin and alpha-bungarotoxin bind to the same high- and low-affinity sites as ACh, other cholinergic drugs may bind with opposite specificity. For instance, the location of the high- and the low-affinity binding site for curare-related drugs as well as for agonists such as the alkaloid nicotine and the potent analgesic epibatidine (only when the AChR is in the desensitized state) is determined by the alphagamma and the alphadelta subunit interface, respectively. The case of alpha-conotoxins (alpha-CoTxs) is unique since each alpha-CoTx from different species is recognized by a specific AChR type. In addition, the specificity of alpha-CoTxs for each subunit interface is species-dependent. In general terms we may state that both alpha subunits carry the principal component for the agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites, whereas the non-alpha subunits bear the complementary component. Concerning homomeric AChRs, both the principal and the complementary component exist on the alpha subunit. The principal component on the muscle-type AChR involves three loops-forming binding domains (loops A-C). Loop A (from mouse sequence) is mainly formed by residue Y(93), loop B is molded by amino acids W(149), Y(152), and probably G(153), while loop C is shaped by residues Y(190), C(192), C(193), and Y(198). The complementary component corresponding to each non-alpha subunit probably contributes with at least four loops. More specifically, the loops at the gamma subunit are: loop D which is formed by residue K(34), loop E that is designed by W(55) and E(57), loop F which is built by a stretch of amino acids comprising L(109), S(111), C(115), I(116), and Y(117), and finally loop G that is shaped by F(172) and by the negatively-charged amino acids D(174) and E(183). The complementary component on the delta subunit, which corresponds to the high-affinity ACh binding site, is formed by homologous loops. Regarding alpha-neurotoxins, several snake and alpha-CoTxs bear specific residues that are energetically coupled with their corresponding pairs on the AChR binding site. The principal component for snake alpha-neurotoxins is located on the residue sequence alpha1W(184)-D(200), which includes loop C. In addition, amino acid sequence 55-74 from the alpha1 subunit (which includes loop E), and residues gammaL(119) (close to loop F) and gammaE(176) (close to loop G) at the low-affinity binding site, or deltaL(121) (close to the homologous region of loop G) at the high-affinity binding site, are i
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Arias
- Instituto de Matemática de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional del Sur, Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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Conti-Fine BM, Navaneetham D, Lei S, Maus AD. Neuronal nicotinic receptors in non-neuronal cells: new mediators of tobacco toxicity? Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 393:279-94. [PMID: 10771024 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are prototypic ionotropic receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission. However, also non-excitable cells, and particularly the tegumental cells that line external and internal body surfaces, express acetylcholine receptors of neuronal type sensitive to nicotine. Bronchial epithelial cells, endothelial cells of blood vessels and skin keratinocytes express neuronal nicotinic receptors composed of alpha(3), alpha(5), beta(2) and beta(4) subunits, similar to those expressed in sympathetic ganglia, and neuronal nicotinic receptors composed of alpha(7) subunits. Neuronal nicotinic receptors in tegumental cells are involved in modulating cell shape and motility, and therefore in maintaining the integrity of the surfaces lined by those cells. Neuronal nicotinic receptors in non-neuronal tissues may modulate other functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation. Acetylcholine is synthesized, secreted and degraded by a variety of cells, including the tegumental cells that express neuronal nicotinic receptors. Thus, acetylcholine may function as a local "hormone" that is able to modulate cell functions that require fast adaptation to new conditions. The presence of neuronal nicotinic receptors sensitive to nicotine in tissues known to be involved in tobacco toxicity, like bronchi and blood vessels, raises the possibility that they mediate some of the toxic effects of smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Conti-Fine
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, and Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Marine cone snails have developed many distinct venoms that contain biologically active peptides as part of an envenomation survival strategy for feeding and defense. These peptides, known as conopeptides, have been optimized through evolution to target specific ion channels and receptors with very high affinities and selectivities. Side effects of currently available therapies often arise from their lack of selectivity between pharmacologically relevant targets and targets that have a similar structure but different function. As conopeptides can be highly selective between closely related receptor subtypes, they could meet specific therapeutic needs with a reduced likelihood of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- GS Shen
- Cognetix, 421 Wakara Way, Suite 201, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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13
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Broxton NM, Down JG, Gehrmann J, Alewood PF, Satchell DG, Livett BG. Alpha-conotoxin ImI inhibits the alpha-bungarotoxin-resistant nicotinic response in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. J Neurochem 1999; 72:1656-62. [PMID: 10098874 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1999.721656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The activity of alpha-conotoxin (alpha-CTX) ImI, from the vermivorous marine snail Conus imperialis, has been studied on mammalian nicotinic receptors on bovine chromaffin cells and at the rat neuromuscular junction. Synthetic alpha-CTX ImI was a potent inhibitor of the neuronal nicotinic response in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (IC50 = 2.5 microM, log IC50 = 0.4 +/- 0.07), showing competitive inhibition of nicotine-evoked catecholamine secretion. Alpha-CTX ImI also inhibited nicotine-evoked 45Ca2+ uptake but not 45Ca2+ uptake stimulated by 56 mM K+. In contrast, alpha-CTX ImI had no effect at the neuromuscular junction over the concentration range 1-20 microM. Bovine chromaffin cells are known to contain the alpha3beta4, alpha7, and (possibly) alpha3beta4alpha5 subtypes. However, the secretory response of bovine chromaffin cells is not inhibited by alpha-bungarotoxin, indicating that alpha7 nicotinic receptors are not involved. We propose that alpha-CTX Iml interacts selectively with the functional (alpha3beta4 or alpha3beta4alpha5) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to inhibit the neuronal-type nicotinic response in bovine chromaffin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Broxton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Rogers JP, Luginbühl P, Shen GS, McCabe RT, Stevens RC, Wemmer DE. NMR solution structure of alpha-conotoxin ImI and comparison to other conotoxins specific for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochemistry 1999; 38:3874-82. [PMID: 10194298 DOI: 10.1021/bi9826254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-Conotoxins, peptides produced by predatory species of Conus marine snails, are potent antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated ion channels involved in synaptic transmission. We determined the NMR solution structure of the smallest known alpha-conotoxin, ImI, a 12 amino acid peptide that binds specifically to neuronal alpha7-containing nAChRs in mammals. Calculation of the structure was based on a total of 80 upper distance constraints and 31 dihedral angle constraints resulting in 20 representative conformers with an average pairwise rmsd of 0.44 A from the mean structure for the backbone atoms N, Calpha, and C' of residues 2-11. The structure of ImI is characterized by two compact loops, defined by two disulfide bridges, which form distinct subdomains separated by a deep cleft. Two short 310-helical regions in the first loop are followed by a C-terminal beta-turn in the second. The two disulfide bridges and Ala 9 form a rigid hydrophobic core, orienting the other amino acid side chains toward the surface. Comparison of the three-dimensional structure of ImI to those of the larger, 16 amino acid alpha-conotoxins PnIA, PnIB, MII, and EpI-also specific for neuronal nAChRs-reveals remarkable similarity in local backbone conformations and relative solvent-accessible surface areas. The core scaffold is conserved in all five conotoxins, whereas the residues in solvent-exposed positions are highly variable. The second helical region, and the specific amino acids that the helix exposes to solvent, may be particularly important for binding and selectivity. This comparative analysis provides a three-dimensional structural basis for interpretation of mutagenesis data and structure-activity relationships for ImI as well other neuronal alpha-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Rogers
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
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López MG, Montiel C, Herrero CJ, García-Palomero E, Mayorgas I, Hernández-Guijo JM, Villarroya M, Olivares R, Gandía L, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, García AG. Unmasking the functions of the chromaffin cell alpha7 nicotinic receptor by using short pulses of acetylcholine and selective blockers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:14184-9. [PMID: 9826675 PMCID: PMC24348 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.24.14184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyllycaconitine (MLA), alpha-conotoxin ImI, and alpha-bungarotoxin inhibited the release of catecholamines triggered by brief pulses of acetylcholine (ACh) (100 microM, 5 s) applied to fast-superfused bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, with IC50s of 100 nM for MLA and 300 nM for alpha-conotoxin ImI and alpha-bungarotoxin. MLA (100 nM), alpha-conotoxin ImI (1 microM), and alpha-bungarotoxin (1 microM) halved the entry of 45Ca2+ stimulated by 5-s pulses of 300 microM ACh applied to incubated cells. These supramaximal concentrations of alpha7 nicotinic receptor blockers depressed by 30% (MLA), 25% (alpha-bungarotoxin), and 50% (alpha-conotoxin ImI) the inward current generated by 1-s pulses of 100 microM ACh, applied to voltage-clamped chromaffin cells. In Xenopus oocytes expressing rat brain alpha7 neuronal nicotinic receptor for acetylcholine nAChR, the current generated by 1-s pulses of ACh was blocked by MLA, alpha-conotoxin ImI, and alpha-bungarotoxin with IC50s of 0.1 nM, 100 nM, and 1.6 nM, respectively; the current through alpha3 beta4 nAChR was unaffected by alpha-conotoxin ImI and alpha-bungarotoxin, and weakly blocked by MLA (IC50 = 1 microM). The functions of controlling the electrical activity, the entry of Ca2+, and the ensuing exocytotic response of chromaffin cells were until now exclusively attributed to alpha3 beta4 nAChR; the present results constitute the first evidence to support a prominent role of alpha7 nAChR in controlling such functions, specially under the more physiological conditions used here to stimulate chromaffin cells with brief pulses of ACh.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacología Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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16
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Two distinct nicotinic receptors, one pharmacologically similar to the vertebrate alpha7-containing receptor, mediate Cl currents in aplysia neurons. J Neurosci 1998. [PMID: 9763466 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.18-20-08198.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic, nicotinic receptors have previously been shown to mediate both inhibitory (Cl-dependent) and excitatory (cationic) cholinergic responses in Aplysia neurons. We have used fast perfusion methods of agonist and antagonist application to reevaluate the effects on these receptors of a wide variety of cholinergic compounds, including a number of recently isolated and/or synthesized alpha toxins [alpha-conotoxin (alphaCTx)] from Conus snails. These toxins have been shown in previous studies to discriminate between the many types of nicotinic receptors now known to be expressed in vertebrate muscle, neuroendocrine, and neuronal cells. One of these toxins (alphaCTx ImI from the worm-eating snail Conus imperialis) revealed that two kinetically and pharmacologically distinct elements underlie the ACh-induced Cl-dependent response in Aplysia neurons: one element is a rapidly desensitizing current that is blocked by the toxin; the other is a slowly desensitizing current that is unaffected by the toxin. The two kinetically defined elements were also found to be differentially sensitive to different agonists. Finally, the proportion of the rapidly desensitizing element to the sustained element was found to be cell-specific. These observations led to the conclusion that two distinct nicotinic receptors mediate Cl currents in Aplysia neurons. The receptor mediating the rapidly desensitizing Cl-dependent response shows a strong pharmacological resemblance to the vertebrate alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive, alpha7-containing receptor, which is permeable to calcium and mediates a rapidly desensitizing excitatory response.
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Sher E, Codignola A, Passafaro M, Tarroni P, Magnelli V, Carbone E, Clementi F. Nicotinic receptors and calcium channels in small cell lung carcinoma. Functional role, modulation, and autoimmunity. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 841:606-24. [PMID: 9668305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb10993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Sher
- CNR Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Center, Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milan, Italy
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Codignola A, Missale C, Spano P, Clementi F, Sher E. Downregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by nerve growth factor in human small cell lung carcinoma cell lines. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 841:651-4. [PMID: 9668309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb10997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Codignola
- CNR Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Center, Milan, Italy
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19
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Moffett J, Kratz E, Stachowiak MK. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation and novel cis-acting element mediate activation of the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) gene by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. New mechanism for trans-synaptic regulation of cellular development and plasticity. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1998; 55:293-305. [PMID: 9582440 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(98)00010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
FGF-2, a mitogenic/neurotrophic protein, controls the development and plasticity of many types of neural cells. In neural crest-derived adrenal pheochromatocytes, induction of FGF-2 coincides with the establishment of functional innervation and is reproduced in vitro by stimulating acetylcholine receptors (AChR). The mechanisms by which AChR activate the FGF-2 gene were examined in cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin (BAMC) cells in which AChR induce expression and nuclear accumulation of growth-promoting FGF-2 and FGF-2 receptors. Carbachol or nicotine increased expression of transfected FGF-2 gene promoter-luciferase constructs and were more potent than the muscarinic agonist ABMCB. Deletion analysis has identified a unique -555/-512 bp element that confers AChR stimulation and basal activity to the downstream FGF-2 promoter, and a separate protein kinase C/cAMP-responsive sequence (-625/-555 bp). Stimulation of AChR increased in vitro formation of protein complexes with the AChR-responsive element which were not displaced by target oligonucleotides for common trans-activators. Southwestern analysis identified 50-55, 125, 140 and 170 kDa proteins that interact with the AChR-responsive element in a manner stimulated by AChR. Nicotine increased tyrosine phosphorylation of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, including 50-55 kDa promoter-binding factors. Activation of the FGF-2 promoter was reduced by genistein. Thus, nicotinic AChR activate the FGF-2 gene via a new signaling mechanism separate from the cAMP/PKC pathways. It utilizes tyrosine phosphorylation and interaction of trans-activating factors with a novel cis-acting element. It offers a new pathway through which trans-synaptic signals may control neural development and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Moffett
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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Cattaneo MG, D'atri F, Vicentini LM. Mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation by nicotine in small-cell lung carcinoma cells. Biochem J 1997; 328 ( Pt 2):499-503. [PMID: 9371707 PMCID: PMC1218947 DOI: 10.1042/bj3280499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported that nicotine stimulates cell proliferation of three small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines by activating nicotinic receptors of the neuronal type. Here we report that, in the GLC-8 SCLC cell line, nicotine stimulates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (ED50 = 10 nM). The nicotine effect was antagonized by mecamylamine, an antagonist specific for neuronal nicotinic receptors. The absence of extracellular Ca2+, or pretreatment with pertussis toxin or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein inhibited the action of nicotine on MAP kinase. Moreover, supernatants from nicotine-stimulated cells transferred to cells pretreated with mecamylamine were still capable of activating MAP kinase. On the other hand, the same supernatants transferred to cells pretreated with mecamylamine and pertussis toxin or genistein failed to activate MAP kinase. These findings suggest that nicotine elicits its stimulatory effect on MAP kinase in SCLC cells indirectly by inducing the production and/or release of a factor which then acts via a pertussis toxin- and tyrosine kinase-sensitive route.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
Nicotine is a very widely used drug of abuse, which exerts a number of neurovegetative, behavioural and psychological effects by interacting with neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (NAChRs). These receptors are distributed widely in human brain and ganglia, and form a family of ACh-gated ion channels of different subtypes, each of which has a specific pharmacology and physiology. As human NAChRs have been implicated in a number of human central nervous system disorders (including the neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy), they are suitable potential targets for rational drug therapy. Much of our current knowledge about the structure and function of NAChRs comes from studies carried out in other species, such as rodents and chicks, and information concerning human nicotinic receptors is still incomplete and scattered in the literature. Nevertheless, it is already evident that there are a number of differences in the anatomical distribution, physiology, pharmacology, and expression regulation of certain subtypes between the nicotinic systems of humans and other species. This review will attempt to survey the major achievements reached in the study of the structure and function of NAChRs by examining the molecular basis of their functional diversity viewed mainly from pharmacological and biochemical perspectives. It will also summarize our current knowledge concerning the structure and function of the NAChRs expressed by other species, and the newly discovered drugs used to classify their numerous subtypes. Finally, the role of NAChRs in behaviour and pathology will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gotti
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milan, Italy
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