Neurotransmitter transporters: three distinct gene families

Post-translational modifications of serotonin transporter

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is an oligomeric glycoprotein with two sialic acid residues on each of two complex oligosaccharide molecules. Studies using in vivo and in vitro model systems demonstrated that diverse post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, serotonylation, and disulfide bond formation, all favorably influences SERT conformation and allows the transporter to function most efficiently. This review discusses the post-translational modifications and their importance on the structure, maturation, and serotonin (5-HT) uptake ability of SERT. Finally, we discuss how these modifications are altered in diabetes mellitus and subsequently impairs the 5-HT uptake ability of SERT.

Serotonin transporter protects the placental cells against apoptosis in caspase 3-independent pathway

Serotonin (5-HT) and its specific transporter, SERT play important roles in pregnancy. Using placentas dissected from 18d gestational SERT-knock out (KO), peripheral 5-HT (TPH1)-KO, and wild-type (WT) mice, we explored the role of 5-HT and SERT in placental functions in detail. An abnormal thick band of fibrosis and necrosis under the giant cell layer in SERT-KO placentas appeared only moderately in TPH1-KO and minimally present in WT placentas. The majority of the changes were located at the junctional zone of the placentas in SERT. The etiology of these findings was tested with TUNEL assays. The placentas from SERT-KO and TPH1-KO showed 49- and 8-fold increase in TUNEL-positive cells without a concurrent change in the DNA repair or cell proliferation compared to WT placentas. While the proliferation rate in the embryos of TPH1-KO mice was 16-fold lower than the rate in gestational age matched embryos of WT or SERT-KO mice. These findings highlight an important role of continuous 5-HT signaling on trophoblast cell viability. SERT may contribute to protecting trophoblast cells against cell death via terminating the 5-HT signaling which changes cell death ratio in trophoblast as well as proliferation rate in embryos. However, the cell death in SERT-KO placentas is in caspase 3-independent pathway.

Localization patterns of dopamine active transporter synthesizing cells during development of brine shrimp

There have been many studies on dopamine active transporter (DAT) in humans and laboratory animals; however, there is a lack of information on DAT in brine shrimp. In this study, we demonstrated the neuronal and nonneuronal characteristics of DAT-synthesizing (DAT⁺ cells) during development of brine shrimp. In neuronal cells, the DAT⁺ neurons in the central body and lobes of a protocerebrum (PC) controlled the deutocerebrum. The sensory cells of nauplius eyes projected their decussated axons to the PC, and the DAT⁺ cells at the posterior region were associated with migration and control of the 10 posterior neurons during the early nauplius stage. In nonneuronal cells, the five types of glands, that is, the salt, antennal, mandible, and accessory glands and posterior gland1 and gland2 synthesized DAT protein. In addition, the gut and rectum dilator muscles and renal cells expressed DAT protein. Thus, DAT protein acts in the development of several types of cells during development of brine shrimp.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of the Solute Carrier 6 Gene Family in Silkworm (Bombyx mori)

The solute carrier 6 (SLC6) gene family, initially known as the neurotransmitter transporters, plays vital roles in the regulation of neurotransmitter signaling, nutrient absorption and motor behavior. In this study, a total of 16 candidate genes were identified as SLC6 family gene homologs in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome. Spatio-temporal expression patterns of silkworm SLC6 gene transcripts indicated that these genes were highly and specifically expressed in midgut, brain and gonads; moreover, these genes were expressed primarily at the feeding stage or adult stage. Levels of expression for most midgut-specific and midgut-enriched gene transcripts were down-regulated after starvation but up-regulated after re-feeding. In addition, we observed that expression levels of these genes except for BmSLC6-15 and BmGT1 were markedly up-regulated by a juvenile hormone analog. Moreover, brain-enriched genes showed differential expression patterns during wandering and mating processes, suggesting that these genes may be involved in modulating wandering and mating behaviors. Our results improve our understanding of the expression patterns and potential physiological functions of the SLC6 gene family, and provide valuable information for the comprehensive functional analysis of the SLC6 gene family.

Monoamine Transporters: Basic Biology with Clinical Implications

Biogenic amine transporters mediate two important steps in the reuptake and recycling of monoamines released by neurons in the central nervous system. First, high-affinity transporters found in the plasma membrane of neurons and glial cells mediate the removal of neurotransmitter from the extracellular space, thus terminating the action of the monoamines serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Within the cell, vesicular transporters repackage monoamines into vesicles for additional cycles of release. Two gene families are involved in the transport of the biogenic amines—the Na+/Cl--dependent plasma membrane carriers and the H+-dependent vesicular amine carriers. These transporters are known to regulate neurotransmitter con centrations in monoaminergic pathways and are the primary targets for a wide variety of clinically important antidepressants, antihypertensives, stimulants, and stimulant drugs of abuse. The Neuroscientist 1:259-267, 1995

Discrepancy in Insulin Regulation between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Platelets and Placenta

Earlier findings have identified the requirement of insulin signaling on maturation and the translocation of serotonin (5-HT) transporter, SERT to the plasma membrane of the trophoblast in placenta. Because of the defect on insulin receptor (IR) in the trophoblast of the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)-associated placenta, SERT is found entrapped in the cytoplasm of the GDM-trophoblast. SERT is encoded by the same gene expressed in trophoblast and platelets. Additionally, alteration in plasma 5-HT levels and the 5-HT uptake rates are associated with the aggregation rates of platelets. Therefore, here, we investigated a novel hypothesis that GDM-associated defects in platelet IR should change their 5-HT uptake rates, and this should be a leading factor for thrombosis in GDM maternal blood. The maternal blood and the placentas were obtained at the time of cesarean section from the GDM and non-diabetic subjects (n = 6 for each group), and the platelets and trophoblasts were isolated to determine the IR activity, surface level of SERT, and their 5-HT uptake rates.Interestingly, no significant differences were evident in IR tyrosine phosphorylation or the downstream elements, AKT and S6K in platelets and their aggregation rates in both groups. Furthermore, insulin stimulation up-regulated 5-HT uptake rates of GDM-platelets as it does in the control group. However, the phosphorylation of IR and the downstream elements were significantly lower in GDM-trophoblast and showed no response to the insulin stimulation while they showed 4-fold increase to insulin stimulation in control group. Similarly, the 5-HT uptake rates of GDM-trophoblast and the SERT expression on their surface were severalfold lower compared with control subjects. IR is expressed in all tissues, but it is not known if diabetes affects IR in all tissues equally. Here, for the first time, our findings with clinical samples show that in GDM-associated defect on IR is tissue type-dependent. While IR is impaired in GDM-placenta, it is unaffected in GDM-platelet.

Targeted, noninvasive blockade of cortical neuronal activity

Here we describe a novel method to noninvasively modulate targeted brain areas through the temporary disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via focused ultrasound, enabling focal delivery of a neuroactive substance. Ultrasound was used to locally disrupt the BBB in rat somatosensory cortex, and intravenous administration of GABA then produced a dose-dependent suppression of somatosensory-evoked potentials in response to electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. No suppression was observed 1-5 days afterwards or in control animals where the BBB was not disrupted. This method has several advantages over existing techniques: it is noninvasive; it is repeatable via additional GABA injections; multiple brain regions can be affected simultaneously; suppression magnitude can be titrated by GABA dose; and the method can be used with freely behaving subjects. We anticipate that the application of neuroactive substances in this way will be a useful tool for noninvasively mapping brain function, and potentially for surgical planning or novel therapies.

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: transporters

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. Transporters are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.

The role of ERp44 in maturation of serotonin transporter protein

In heterologous and endogenous expression systems, we studied the role of ERp44 and its complex partner endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidase 1-α (Ero1-Lα) in mechanisms regulating disulfide bond formation for serotonin transporter (SERT), an oligomeric glycoprotein. ERp44 is an ER lumenal chaperone protein that favors the maturation of disulfide-linked oligomeric proteins. ERp44 plays a critical role in the release of proteins from the ER via binding to Ero1-Lα. Mutation in the thioredoxin-like domain hampers the association of ERp44C29S with SERT, which has three Cys residues (Cys-200, Cys-209, and Cys-109) on the second external loop. We further explored the role of the protein chaperones through shRNA knockdown experiments for ERp44 and Ero1-Lα. Those efforts resulted in increased SERT localization to the plasma membrane but decreased serotonin (5-HT) uptake rates, indicating the importance of the ERp44 retention mechanism in the proper maturation of SERT proteins. These data were strongly supported with the data received from the N-biotinylaminoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSEA-biotin) labeling of SERT on ERp44 shRNA cells. MTSEA-biotin only interacts with the free Cys residues from the external phase of the plasma membrane. Interestingly, it appears that Cys-200 and Cys-209 of SERT in ERp44-silenced cells are accessible to labeling by MTSEA-biotin. However, in the control cells, these Cys residues are occupied and produced less labeling with MTSEA-biotin. Furthermore, ERp44 preferentially associated with SERT mutants (C200S, C209S, and C109A) when compared with wild type. These interactions with the chaperone may reflect the inability of Cys-200 and Cys-209 SERT mutants to form a disulfide bond and self-association as evidenced by immunoprecipitation assays. Based on these collective findings, we hypothesize that ERp44 together with Ero1-Lα plays an important role in disulfide formation of SERT, which may be a prerequisite step for the assembly of SERT molecules in oligomeric form.

α-synuclein regulation of dopamine transporter

The development of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration requires a better understanding of the early events that precede neuronal loss. Recent work in various disease models has begun to emphasize the significance of presynaptic dysfunction as an early event that occurs before manifestation of neurological disorders. Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for the maintenance of DA homeostasis in the brain. α-synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that forms a stable complex with DAT and is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. In this review we will examine the prevailing hypotheses for α-synuclein-regulation of DAT biology.

α-Synuclein stimulates a dopamine transporter-dependent chloride current and modulates the activity of the transporter

Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for the maintenance of DA homeostasis in the brain. α-Synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that forms a stable complex with DAT and is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. To elucidate the potential functional consequences of DAT/α-synuclein interaction, we explored α-synuclein modulation of DAT activity in midbrain dopaminergic neurons obtained from TH::RFP mice, immortalized DA neurons, and a heterologous system expressing DAT. We used dual pipette whole cell patch clamp recording to measure the DAT-mediated current before and after dialysis of recombinant α-synuclein into immortalized DA neurons. Our data suggest that intracellular α-synuclein induces a Na+ independent but Cl--sensitive inward current in DAT-expressing cells. This current is blocked by DAT blocker GBR12935 and is absent when heat-inactivated α-synuclein is dialyzed into these cells. The functional consequence of this interaction on DAT activity was further examined with real-time monitoring of transport function using a fluorescent substrate of DAT, 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP+). Overexpression of α-synuclein in DAT-positive immortalized DA neurons and CHO cells expressing DAT decreased the magnitude and rate of DAT-mediated substrate uptake without a decrease in the initial binding of the substrate at the plasma membrane. Taken together our findings are consistent with the interpretation that DAT/α-synuclein interaction at the cell surface results in a DAT-dependent, Na+-insensitive, Cl-sensitive inward current with a decrease in substrate uptake, suggesting that DAT/α-synuclein interaction can modulate dopamine transmission and thus neuronal function.

A putative amino acid transporter of the solute carrier 6 family is upregulated by lithium and is required for resistance to lithium toxicity in Drosophila

Lithium is an efficacious drug for the treatment of mood disorders, and its application is also considered a potential therapy for brain damage. However, the mechanisms underlying lithium's therapeutic action and toxic effects in the nervous system remain largely elusive. Here we report on the use of a versatile genetic model, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, to discover novel molecular components involved in the lithium-responsive neurobiological process. We previously identified CG15088, which encodes a putative nutrient amino acid transporter of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family, as one of the genes most significantly upregulated in response to lithium treatment. This gene was the only SLC6 gene induced by lithium, and was thus designated as Lithium-inducible SLC6 transporter or List. Either RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown or complete deletion of List resulted in a remarkable increase in the susceptibility of adult flies to lithium's toxic effects, whereas transgenic expression of wild-type List significantly suppressed the lithium hypersensitive phenotype of List-deficient flies. Other ions such as sodium, potassium and chloride did not induce List upregulation, nor did they affect the viability of flies with suppressed List expression. These results indicate that lithium's biochemical or physical properties, rather than general osmotic responses, are responsible for the lithium-induced upregulation of List, as well as for the lithium-susceptible phenotype observed in List knockdown flies. Interestingly, flies became significantly more susceptible to lithium toxicity when List RNAi was specifically expressed in glia than when it was expressed in neurons or muscles, which is consistent with potential glial expression of List. These results show that the List transporter confers resistance to lithium toxicity, possibly as a consequence of its amino acid transporter activity in CNS glia. Our results have provided a new avenue of investigation toward a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie lithium-responsive neurobiological process.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 as a monoaminergic modulator in brain

Brain monoaminergic systems play critical roles in mood, cognition, emotion, reward, learning and attention, and aberrance in brain monoaminergic activity is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders/diseases. The present commentary focuses on trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and its potential regulatory roles in brain monoaminergic systems. TAAR1 was discovered in 2001 and has been established to be a G-protein-coupled receptor signaling through the cAMP pathway. This receptor is activated by a broad spectrum of agonists, although there are notable species differences in ligand efficacy and potency. TAAR1 is expressed and widely distributed in brain monoaminergic systems and co-localized with the dopamine transporter in a subset of dopaminergic neurons in rhesus monkey and mouse brain substantia nigra. TAAR1 activation by the common biogenic amines, the trace amine beta-phenylethylamine and methamphetamine alters the monoamine transporter function in both mouse and rhesus monkey brain synaptosomes, suggesting a modulatory role for this receptor in the presynaptic regulation of monoaminergic activity. However, little is known about other functional roles of TAAR1 in the brain. With a purpose to promote further studies on this receptor, we herein discuss the recent findings that provide insights into the functional significance and biological relevance of this receptor as a modulator in brain monoaminergic systems.

Role of the dopamine transporter in the action of psychostimulants, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse

A number of studies over the last two decades have demonstrated the critical importance of dopamine (DA) in the behavioral pharmacology and addictive properties of abused drugs. The DA transporter (DAT) is a major target for drugs of abuse in the category of psychostimulants, and for methylphenidate (MPH), a drug used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can also be a psychostimulant drug of abuse. Other drugs of abuse such as nicotine, ethanol, heroin and morphine interact with the DAT in more indirect ways. Despite the different ways in which drugs of abuse can affect DAT function, one evolving theme in all cases is regulation of the DAT at the level of surface expression. DAT function is dynamically regulated by multiple intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways and several protein-protein interactions. In addition, DAT expression is regulated through the removal (internalization) and recycling of the protein from the cell surface. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that individual differences in response to novel environments and psychostimulants can be predicted based on individual basal functional DAT expression. Although current knowledge of multiple factors regulating DAT activity has greatly expanded, many aspects of this regulation remain to be elucidated; these data will enable efforts to identify drugs that might be used therapeutically for drug dependence therapeutics.

Antidepressants modulate the in vitro inhibitory effects of propofol and ketamine on norepinephrine and serotonin transporter function

Norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) proteins regulate norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin via their reuptake function and are targets of antidepressants action. Several intravenous (IV) anesthetics have been shown to inhibit NET and SERT. The interactions between antidepressants and anesthetics on transporter function, however, are not well studied. We examined the effect of different IV anesthetics on NET and SERT function, with and without chronic antidepressant pretreatment, by measuring NE or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake and determined NET and SERT protein expression via immunoblotting. Both ketamine and propofol inhibited NET dose-dependently (propofol 10(-4)M -22%+/-5.6%, and propofol 10(-3)M -35%+/-5.7%; ketamine 10(-4)M -23%+/-4.1% and ketamine 10(-3)M -73%+/-2.9%); and SERT (propofol 10(-4)M -11%+/-4.3% and propofol 10(-3)M -23%+/-3.8%; ketamine 10(-4)M -29%+/-5.2% and ketamine 10(-3)M -63%+/-6.4%). Etomidate and thiopental had no effect on either NET or SERT function. Desipramine and fluoxetine, specific inhibitors of NET and SERT, respectively, both enhanced the inhibitory effects of propofol but reduced the inhibitory effects of ketamine on NET and SERT functions. IV anesthetics treatment did not change transporter protein expression in the presence of its respective inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that both ketamine and propofol inhibited SERT and NET function, but the inhibition was differentially modulated by antidepressants. Therefore, in the clinical context, this would suggest that patients receiving antidepressant treatments might have altered response to IV anesthetics in an agent-specific manner.

Theory of active antidepressants: A nonsynaptic approach to the treatment of depression

Although depression is one of the major neuropsychiatric disorders, the success rate of medication for any drug is about 60%, which means that approximately 40% of the patients does not respond to the initial treatment. The major aim of this review is to provide a possible explanation for the relative inefficacy of currently used antidepressants and to propose a novel mechanism of action, which might improve the success rate of clinical treatment. According to the monoamine theory the most important neurochemical process in depression is the impairment of monoaminergic neurotransmission and the concomitant decrease of extracellular concentration of noradrenaline and/or serotonin. Since the vast majority of monoaminergic varicosities makes no synaptic contact but is able to release transmitters directly into the extrasynaptic space, the monoaminergic neurotransmission is predominantly nonsynaptic in nature. Depression can be regarded, therefore, as a disease, which is developed (at least in part) on the basis of the impairment of nonsynaptic interactions and the effective treatment has to improve this non-conventional communication in the nervous system. The currently used antidepressants (reuptake inhibitors, negative feedback inhibitors, monoamino oxidase inhibitors) can increase the monoamine levels in the extracellular space only if the monoaminergic cells are electrically active and without an action potential-induced vesicular exocytosis these compounds are ineffective. It is proposed that a selective and moderate induction of the carrier-mediated release of NA and 5-HT might be a better therapeutic approach to the treatment of depression, since this new class of antidepressants, the so-called 'active antidepressants' have a mechanism of action, which is independent from the electrical activity of monoaminergic cells, therefore the extrasynaptic concentration of monoamines and thereby the nonsynaptic communication can be enhanced more efficiently.

Monoamine transporters and psychostimulant addiction

Psychostimulants are a broadly defined class of drugs that stimulate the central and peripheral nervous systems as their primary pharmacological effect. The abuse liability of psychostimulants is well established and represents a significant public health concern. An extensive literature documents the critical importance of monoamines (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) in the behavioral pharmacology and addictive properties of psychostimulants. In particular, the dopamine transporter plays a primary role in the reinforcing and behavioral-stimulant effects of psychostimulants in animals and humans. Moreover, both serotonin and norepinephrine systems can reliably modulate the neurochemical and behavioral effects of psychostimulants. However, there is a growing body of evidence that highlights complex interactions among additional neurotransmitter systems. Cortical glutamatergic systems provide important regulation of dopamine function, and inhibitory amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems can modulate basal dopamine and glutamate release. Repeated exposure to psychostimulants can lead to robust and enduring changes in neurobiological substrates, including monoamines, and corresponding changes in sensitivity to acute drug effects on neurochemistry and behavior. Significant advances in the understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychostimulant abuse and dependence have guided pharmacological treatment strategies to improve clinical outcome. In particular, functional agonist treatments may be used effectively to stabilize monoamine neurochemistry, influence behavior and lead to long-term abstinence. However, additional clinical studies are required in order to identify safe and efficacious pharmacotherapies.

Voltammetric characterization of the effect of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin uptake in mouse caudate-putamen and substantia nigra slices

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry is an electrochemical technique used to measure dynamics of transporter-mediated monoamine uptake in real time and provides a tool to evaluate the detailed effects of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin transporter function. We measured the effects of cocaine, methylphenidate, 2beta-propanoyl-3beta-(4tolyl) tropane (PTT), fluoxetine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phentermine and fenfluramine on dopamine and serotonin uptake following electrically stimulated release in mouse caudate-putamen and substantia nigra pars reticulata slices. We determined rank orders of uptake inhibition effects based on two variables; increases in apparent K(m) for dopamine and serotonin uptake and inhibition constant (K(i)) values. For example, the rank order of uptake inhibition based on apparent K(m) values at the dopamine transporter was amphetamine>or=PTT>or=methylphenidate>>methamphetamine=phentermine=MDMA>cocaine>>fluoxetine=fenfluramine, and at the serotonin transporter was fluoxetine=methamphetamine=fenfluramine=MDMA > amphetamine=cocaine=PTT>or=methylphenidate>phentermine. Additionally, changes in electrically stimulated release were documented. This is the first study using voltammetry to measure the effects of a wide range of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin uptake in mouse brain slices. These studies also highlight methodological considerations for comparison of effects between heterogeneous brain regions.

Aqueous polymer two-phase systems: effective tools for plasma membrane proteomics

Plasma membranes (PMs) are of particular importance for all living cells. They form a selectively permeable barrier to the environment. Many essential tasks of PMs are carried out by their proteinaceous components, including molecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and signal transduction. Due to the key role of these proteins for cellular function, they take center-stage in basic and applied research. A major problem towards in-depth identification and characterization of PM proteins by modern proteomic approaches is their low abundance and immense heterogeneity in different cells. Highly selective and efficient purification protocols are hence essential to any PM proteome analysis. An effective tool for preparative isolation of PMs is partitioning in aqueous polymer two-phase systems. In two-phase systems, membranes are separated according to differences in surface properties rather than size and density. Despite their rare application to the fractionation of animal tissues and cells, they represent an attractive alternative to conventional fractionation protocols. Here, we review the principles of partitioning using aqueous polymer two-phase systems and compare aqueous polymer two-phase systems with other methods currently used for the isolation of PMs.

Comparative sequence analysis and tissue localization of members of the SLC6 family of transporters in adult Drosophila melanogaster

The SLC6 family comprises proteins that move extracellular neurotransmitters, amino acids and osmolytes across the plasma membrane into the cytosol. In mammals, deletion of SLC6 family members has dramatic physiologic consequences, but in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, little is known about this family of proteins. Therefore, in this study we carried out an initial analysis of 21 known or putative SLC6 family members from the Drosophila genome. Protein sequences from these genes segregated into either well-defined subfamilies, including the novel insect amino acid transporter subfamily, or into a group of weakly related sequences not affiliated with a recognized subfamily. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and in situ hybridization showed that seven of these genes are expressed in the CNS. In situ hybridization revealed that two previously cloned SLC6 members, the serotonin and dopamine transporters, were localized to presumptive presynaptic neurons that previously immunolabelled for these transmitters. RNA for CG1732 (the putative GABA transporter) and CG15088 (a member of the novel insect amino acid transporter family) was localized in cells likely to be subtypes of glia, while RNA for CG5226, CG10804 (both members of the orphan neurotransmitter transporter subfamily) and CG5549 (a putative glycine transporter) were expressed broadly throughout the cellular cortex of the CNS. Eight of the 21 sequences were localized outside the CNS in the alimentary canal, Malpighian tubules and reproductive organs. Localization for six sequences was not found or not attempted in the adult fly. We used the Drosophila ortholog of the mammalian vesicular monoamine transporter 2, CG33528, to independently identify monoaminergic neurons in the adult fly. RNA for CG33528 was detected in a limited number of cells in the central brain and in a beaded stripe at the base of the photoreceptors in the position of glia, but not in the photoreceptors themselves. The SLC6 localization observations in conjunction with likely substrates based on phylogenetic inferences are a first step in defining the role of Na/Cl-dependent transporters in Drosophila physiology.

Direct evidence that two cysteines in the dopamine transporter form a disulfide bond

We have generated a fully functional dopamine transporter (DAT) mutant (dmDATx7) with all cysteines removed except the two cysteines in extracellular loop 2 (EL2). Random mutagenesis at either or both EL2 cysteines did not produce any functional transporter mutants, suggesting that the two cysteines cannot be replaced by any other amino acids. The cysteine-specific reagent MTSEA-biotin labeled dmDATx7 only after a DTT treatment which reduces disulfide bond. Since there are no other cysteines in dmDATx7, the MTSEA-biotin labeling must be on the EL2 cysteines made available by the DTT treatment. This result provides the first direct evidence that the EL2 cysteines form a disulfide bond. Interestingly, the DTT treatment had little effect on transport activity suggesting that the disulfide bond is not necessary for the uptake function of DAT. Our results and previous results are consistent with the notion that the disulfide bond between EL2 cysteines is required for DAT biosynthesis and/or its delivery to the cell surface.

Zn2+ modulation of neurotransmitter transporters

Neurotransmitter transporters located at the presynaptic or glial cell membrane are responsible for the stringent and rapid clearance of the transmitter from the synapse, and hence they terminate signaling and control the duration of synaptic inputs in the brain. Two distinct families of neurotransmitter transporters have been identified based on sequence homology: (1) the neurotransmitter sodium symporter family (NSS), which includes the Na+/C1(-)-dependent transporters for dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin; and (2) the dicarboxylate/amino acid cation symporter family (DAACS), which includes the Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters (excitatory amino acid transporters; EAAT). In this chapter, we describe how the identification of endogenous Zn2(+)-binding sites, as well as engineering of artificial Zn2(+)-binding sites both in the Na+/Cl(-)-dependent transporters and in the EAATs, have proved to be an important tool for studying the molecular function of these proteins. We also interpret the current available data on Zn2(+)-binding sites in the context of the recently published crystal structures. Moreover, we review how the identification of endogenous Zn2(+)-binding sites has indirectly suggested the possibility that several of the transporters are modulated by Zn2+ in vivo, and thus that Zn2+ can play a role as a neuromodulator by affecting the function of neurotransmitter transporters.

Conserved serine residues in serotonin transporter contribute to high-affinity cocaine binding

Serotonin transporter (SERT) is one of the key protein targets of cocaine. Despite intensive studies, it is not clear where cocaine binds to its targets and what residues are involved in cocaine binding. We have cloned the serotonin transporter from silkworm (Bombyx mori, bmSERT). When expressed in cultured cells, bmSERT is over 20-fold less sensitive to cocaine than Drosophila melanogaster SERT (dmSERT). We performed species-scanning mutagenesis using bmSERT and dmSERT. There are two adjacent threonine residues in transmembrane domain 12 of bmSERT where the corresponding residues are two serines in dmSERT and in all known mammalian monoamine transporters. Replacing the serine residues with threonines in dmSERT reduces cocaine sensitivity; while switching the two threonine residues in bmSERT to serines increased cocaine sensitivity. Mutations at the corresponding residues in dopamine transporter also changed cocaine affinity. Our results suggest that the conserved serine residues in SERT contribute to high-affinity cocaine binding.

Comparison of the monoamine transporters from human and mouse in their sensitivities to psychostimulant drugs

Background

The plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporters terminate neurotransmissions by the reuptake of the released neurotransmitters. The transporters for the monoamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (DAT, NET, and SERT) are targets for several popular psychostimulant drugs of abuse. The potencies of the psychostimulant on the monoamine transporters have been studied by several laboratories. However, there are significant discrepancies in the reported data with differences up to 60-fold. In addition, the drug potencies of the 3 monoamine transporters from mouse have not been compared in the same experiments or along side the human transporters. Further studies and systematic comparisons are needed.

Results

In this study, we compared the potencies of five psychostimulant drugs to inhibit human and mouse DAT, SERT and NET in the same cellular background. The K_I values of cocaine to inhibit the 3 transporters are within a narrow range of 0.2 to 0.7 μM. In comparison, methylphenidate inhibited DAT and NET at around 0.1 μM, while it inhibited SERT at around 100 μM. The order of amphetamine potencies was NET (K_I = 0.07–0.1 μM), DAT (K_I ≈ 0.6 μM), and SERT (K_I between 20 to 40 μM). The results for methamphetamine were similar to those for amphetamine. In contrast, another amphetamine derivative, MDMA (3–4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), exhibited higher potency at SERT than at DAT. The human and mouse transporters were similar in their sensitivities to each of the tested drugs (K_I values are within 4-fold).

Conclusion

The current and previous studies support the following conclusions: 1) cocaine blocks all 3 monoamine transporters at similar concentrations; 2) methylphenidate inhibits DAT and NET well but a 1000-fold higher concentration of the drug is required to inhibit SERT; 3) Amphetamine and methamphetamine are most potent at NET, while being 5- to 9-fold less potent at DAT, and 200- to 500-fold less potent at SERT; 4) MDMA has moderately higher apparent affinity for SERT and NET than for DAT. The relative potencies of a drug to inhibit DAT, NET and SERT suggest which neurotransmitter systems are disrupted the most by each of these stimulants and thus the likely primary mechanism of drug action.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the dopamine transporter from Eloria noyesi, a caterpillar pest of cocaine-rich coca plants

Cocaine is produced by coca plants as a chemical defense to deter feeding by insects. It has been shown that cocaine sprayed on tomato leaves reduces insect feeding, causes abnormal behaviors at low doses and kills feeding insects at doses equivalent to that in coca leaves [Nathanson, J.A., Hunnicutt, E.J., Kantham, L., Scavone, C., 1993. Cocaine as a naturally occurring insecticide. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 90, 9645-9648.]. Most insects avoid coca leaves except the larvae of Eloria noyesi, a caterpillar pest of coca plants, which feeds preferentially on coca leaves. In the current study, we cloned and characterized the dopamine transporters (DATs) from caterpillars of E. noyesi (enDAT) and the silkworm, Bombyx mori (B. mori, bmDAT). The two insect DATs shared 88% amino acid sequence homology and functional similarity. Although enDAT and bmDAT showed the highest affinity for dopamine among endogenous amines, they were more sensitive to mammalian NET-selective inhibitors than to mammalian DAT-selective inhibitors. Despite a high cocaine content in the food source for E. noyesi, cocaine sensitivity of enDAT was similar to that of bmDAT, suggesting that mechanisms other than DAT insensitivity to cocaine, such as cocaine sequestration, might be responsible for cocaine resistance in this species. Given the significant differences in pharmacological profile from mammalian DATs, invertebrate DATs provide excellent tools for identifying regions and residues in the transporters that contribute to high-affinity binding of psychostimulants and antidepressants.

Regulation of monoamine transporters: influence of psychostimulants and therapeutic antidepressants

Synaptic neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS) requires the precise control of the duration and the magnitude of neurotransmitter action at specific molecular targets. At the molecular level, neurotransmitter signaling is dynamically regulated by a diverse set of macromolecules including biosynthetic enzymes, secretory proteins, ion channels, pre- and postsynaptic receptors and transporters. Monoamines, 5-hydroxytryptamine or serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) play an important modulatory role in the CNS and are involved in numerous physiological functions and pathological conditions. Presynaptic plasma membrane transporters for 5-HT (SERT), NE (NET), and DA (DAT), respectively, control synaptic actions of these monoamines by rapidly clearing the released amine. Monoamine transporters are the sites of action for widely used antidepressants and are high affinity molecular targets for drugs of abuse including cocaine, amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) "Ecstasy." Monoamine transporters also serve as molecular gateways for neurotoxins. Emerging evidence indicates that regulation of transporter function and surface expression can be rapidly modulated by "intrinsic" transporter activity itself, and antidepressant and psychostimulant drugs that block monoamine transport have a profound effect on transporter regulation. Therefore, disregulations in the functioning of monoamine transporters may underlie many disorders of transmitter imbalance such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. This review integrates recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of monoamine transporter regulation, in particular, posttranscriptional regulation by phosphorylation and trafficking linked to cellular protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and transporter interacting proteins. The review also discusses the possible role of psychostimulants and antidepressants in influencing monoamine transport regulation.

GABA signalling: therapeutic targets for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are neurodegenerative disorders that involve disruptions in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) signalling. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). TLE seizures reflect excess excitation, which may result from local inhibitory circuit dysfunction. PD devastates the input to striatal GABAergic neurones and HD destroys striatal GABAergic neurones. Controlling GABA delivery to specific brain areas should benefit each of these diseases. The molecules responsible for GABA release and signalling are ideal targets for new therapies. In this paper, we discuss the role of GABA in the circuitry affected by each of these diseases and suggest potential sites for intervention. GABA is unique among neurotransmitters because it can be synthesised by either of two related enzymes. Intracellular GABA is found throughout the cytosol and in synaptic vesicles. GABA can be released either through exocytosis, or via the plasma membrane transporter. The synthesising enzyme probably determines the intracellular location and hence the mechanism for GABA release. Directing GABA synthesis, degradation, transport or receptors can control GABA signalling. We propose that new drugs and devices aimed at GABA synthesis, release and binding will offer novel and highly effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Uptake and release of norepinephrine by serotonergic terminals in norepinephrine transporter knock-out mice: implications for the action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Our aim was to investigate the functional properties of the noradrenergic system in genetically modified mice lacking the norepinephrine transporter (NET). We measured the uptake and release of [(3)H]norepinephrine ([(3)H]NE) from hippocampal and cortical slices of NET(-/-) knock-out (KO) and NET(+/+) wild-type (WT) mice and investigated the presynaptic alpha2-adenoceptor-mediated modulation of NE release in vitro and in vivo. The [(3)H]NE uptake was reduced to 12.6% (hippocampus) and 33.5% (frontal cortex) of WT control in KO mice. The neuronal component of this residual uptake was decreased by 79.4 and 100%, respectively, when a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram was present during the loading. The more preserved neuronal release of [(3)H]NE (hippocampus, 28.1%; frontal cortex, 74.4%; compared with WT) almost completely disappeared in both regions (94.1 and 95.3% decrease compared with KO, respectively) in the presence of citalopram, suggesting that [(3)H]NE was taken up and released by serotonergic varicosities. This was further supported by the finding that the release of [(3)H]NE from hippocampal slices of KO mice was not modulated by the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist 7,8-(methylenedioxy)-14-alpha-hydroxyalloberbane HCl, whereas the endogenous release of NE measured by microdialysis was even more efficiently enhanced by this drug in NET-deficient mice. These experiments indicate that serotonergic varicosities can accumulate and release NE as a result of the heterologous uptake of transmitters. Because the diffusion of NE may be spatially limited by serotonin transporters, the SSRIs, despite their selectivity, might enhance not only serotonergic but also noradrenergic neurotransmission, which might contribute to their antidepressant action.

Noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of (+)-amphetamine-like stimulants in the baboonPapio anubis

(+)-Amphetamine, (+/-)-ephedrine, and phentermine are commonly used appetite suppressants that release monoamines from nerve cells by acting as substrates for biogenic amine transporters. One key difference among the three drugs is their selectivity for norepinephrine (NE) release vs. dopamine (DA) release. The NE/DA selectivity ratios for these drugs as determined in vitro [(EC50 NE(-1))/(EC50 DA(-1))] are (+/-)-ephedrine (18.6) > phentermine (6.7) > (+)-amphetamine (3.5). The in vitro data suggest that when administered in vivo, these stimulants might differ in their ability to release DA from nerve terminals in the brain. To test this hypothesis, noradrenergic effects (i.e., plasma NE) and dopaminergic effects (i.e., central DA release) were assessed when each drug was administered intravenously (1.5 mg/kg) to anesthetized baboons. Central DA release was determined via positron emission tomography using the method of [11C]raclopride displacement. In the present investigation, high doses of these stimulants increased plasma NE and DA in parallel, but only (+)-amphetamine released central DA from neurons and decreased plasma prolactin. None of the drugs altered plasma amine metabolite levels, indicating no inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity at the administered doses. Plasma drug levels measured in baboons were higher than those measured in human patients taking prescribed doses of the drugs. Viewed collectively, the present data indicate that typical clinical doses of phentermine and (+/-)-ephedrine may not release central DA in humans, a hypothesis that should ultimately be tested in controlled clinical studies.

Dopamine transporter: basic aspects and neuroimaging

The plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is found exclusively in dopamine neurones and seems to be the defining molecule of the dopamine neurone. It provides effective control over the intensity of dopamine-mediated signalling by recapturing the neurotransmitter released by presynaptic neurones. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) represent unique techniques for assessing in vivo DAT distribution in humans and offer reliable methods for studying nigrostriatal dopaminergic function in health and disease. The characteristics of different DAT radiotracers, the modifying influences of factors such as age, gender, smoking habit, and dopaminergic drugs on DAT transporters as well as their implication in evaluation of neuroimaging studies are discussed.

Glycosyl modification facilitates homo- and hetero-oligomerization of the serotonin transporter. A specific role for sialic acid residues

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is an oligomeric glycoprotein with two sialic acid residues on each of two complex oligosaccharide molecules. In this study, we investigated the contribution of N-glycosyl modification to the structure and function of SERT in two model systems: wild-type SERT expressed in sialic acid-defective Lec4 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and a mutant form (after site-directed mutagenesis of Asn-208 and Asn-217 to Gln) of SERT, QQ, expressed in parental CHO cells. In both systems, SERT monomers required modification with both complex oligosaccharide residues to associate with each other and to function in homo-oligomeric forms. However, defects in sialylated N-glycans did not alter surface expression of the SERT protein. Furthermore, in heterologous (CHO and Lec4 cells) and endogenous (placental choriocarcinoma JAR cells) expression systems, we tested whether glycosyl modification also manipulates the hetero-oligomeric interactions of SERT, specifically with myosin IIA. SERT is phosphorylated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase G through interactions with anchoring proteins, and myosin is a protein kinase G-anchoring protein. A physical interaction between myosin and SERT was apparent; however, defects in sialylated N-glycans impaired association of SERT with myosin as well as the stimulation of the serotonin uptake function in the cGMP-dependent pathway. We propose that sialylated N-glycans provide a favorable conformation to SERT that allows the transporter to function most efficiently via its protein-protein interactions.

Glucocorticoid-regulated human serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression is modulated by the 5-HTT gene-promotor-linked polymorphic region

Mood, emotion and cognition are modulated by serotonergic neurotransmission, while the physiological function of serotonergic synapses depends on serotonin reuptake, which is mediated by the serotonin transporter (5-HTT). Allelic variation of 5-HTT expression in humans is caused by a functional gene-promoter polymorphism with two predominant variant alleles, which are associated with variations in anxiety measures as previously reported. Here we report that administration of dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticosteroid hormone, results in an increase in 5-HTT expression in immortalized human B-lymphoblastoid cells, which express the human 5-HTT. Functional reporter gene assays as well as 5-HT uptake and inhibitor binding measures revealed a genotype-dependent dose-response to glucocorticosteroid administration, which was antagonized by RU 38486, a non-specific glucocorticosteroid hormone antagonist. The allele-specific differences after administration of dexamethasone depended on the repetitive GC-rich sequence located approximately 1.4 kb upstream of the 5-HTT gene transcription site because of absence of a significant steroid effect after transfecting a deletional mutant reporter gene construct, which lacks this repetitive promoter sequence. Our findings may contribute to explain the vulnerability to stress-related disorders in susceptible individuals, in whom further clinical studies should follow up on these in vitro findings.

Cloning and characterization of the 3'-untranslated region of the human excitatory amino acid transporter 2 transcript

The 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the human excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) transcript was cloned and characterized. The full-length EAAT2 cDNA of 11 692 bp was found to contain 283 bp of 5' UTR, a 1725-bp open reading frame and an unusually long 3'-UTR of 9684 bp. The 3'-UTR of EAAT2 cDNA was well conserved among mammals, and human, macaque, rat and mouse cDNA had nearly identical 3' ends. The human EAAT2 transcripts were detected in brain, spinal cord, liver, adrenal gland, placenta and pancreas by northern hybridization, and many ESTs homologous to the human EAAT2 cDNA were found in numerous tissues. To investigate the role of human EAAT2 3'-UTR in gene expression, we constructed luciferase expression vectors containing 3'-UTR fragments spanning the entire length of the region. The individual fragments varied in their effects on reporter gene expression in human astrocytes by a factor of eight to ten suggesting a complex role of the 3'-UTR in post-transcriptional regulation of EAAT2 gene expression.

Genetic animal models of anxiety

The focus of this review is on progress achieved in identifying specific genes conferring risk for anxiety disorders through the use of genetic animal models. We discuss gene-finding studies as well as those manipulating a candidate gene. Both human and animal studies thus far support the genetic complexity of anxiety. Clinical manifestations of these diseases are likely related to multiple genes. While different anxiety disorders and anxiety-related traits all appear to be genetically influenced, it has been difficult to ascertain genetic influences in common. Mouse studies have provisionally mapped several loci harboring genes that affect anxiety-related behavior. The growing array of mutant mice is providing valuable information about how genes and environment interact to affect anxious behavior via multiple neuropharmacological pathways. Classical genetic methods such as artificial selection of rodents for high or low anxiety are being employed. Expression array technologies have as yet not been employed, but can be expected to implicate novel candidates and neurobiological pathways.

Decreased limbic vesicular monoamine transporter 2 in a genetic rat model of depression

Psychopharmacological and neurochemical research suggests that alterations in monoamine transporters may be involved in the etiology of depression. We studied the expression of the brain-type vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) in the Flinders sensitive line (FSL) rats, which represent a genetic animal model for clinical depression in humans. VMAT2 expression at the protein level was assessed by autoradiography using [(3)H]dihydrotetrabenazine ([(3)H]TBZOH) binding, in the prefrontal cortex, the striatum and its subregions, nucleus accumbens (NAC), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC). The VMAT2 mRNA level was analyzed by in situ hybridization, in the VTA, SNC and the dorsal raphe (DR) nucleus. Reduced levels of [(3)H]TBZOH binding were detected in the striatum and its subregions, NAC shell but not in the NAC core. A marked reduction of 21% was found in the VTA while only a slight reduction (13%) was observed in the SNC. The reduced levels of VMAT2 protein binding capacity were not accompanied by a parallel alteration in VMAT2 mRNA levels in the VTA, the SNC and the DR. Since the VMAT2 is responsible for the intracellular storage and regulated release of monoamines, the reduced [(3)H]TBZOH binding levels in limbic brain regions of FSL rats may imply a reduced density of vesicular monoamine transporters, which can result in reduced monoamine transmission. Such reduction in the limbic neurotransmission, especially in NAC shell and VTA regions, may be involved in the depressive features of anhedonia and lack of motivation reported in the FSL rats.

Cocaine affinity decreased by mutations of aromatic residue phenylalanine 105 in the transmembrane domain 2 of dopamine transporter

Dopamine transporter (DAT) is a major target of cocaine, one of the most abused drugs. Major efforts have been focused on defining residues in DAT involved in cocaine binding. We have isolated the Drosophila melanogaster DAT (dDAT) cDNA, which is 10-fold less sensitive to cocaine than the mammalian DATs. Replacing transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) of mouse DAT (mDAT) with dDAT sequence reduced cocaine sensitivity. The reciprocal construct exhibited increased cocaine sensitivity. Switching residue 105 in TM2, a phenylalanine conserved in all mammalian DATs, to methionine, the corresponding residue in dDAT, resulted in a functional transporter with cocaine sensitivity 4-fold lower. Replacing F105 with alanine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, asparagine, or glutamine resulted in transporters with low transport activity. In contrast, changing F105 to the other aromatic residues tyrosine or tryptophan retained more than 75% transport activity and high cocaine sensitivity. Most significantly, the reciprocal construct, switching the methionine in dDAT at the corresponding residue to phenylalanine, increased cocaine sensitivity 3-fold. Finally, the mDAT mutant with a cysteine at this position had normal transport activity but exhibited cocaine sensitivity that was 15-fold lower. These results suggest that F105 in mDAT contributes to high-affinity cocaine binding. The functional cocaine-insensitive mutants provide tools for the study of the mechanism of cocaine addiction.

Wnt-1 has multiple effects on the expression of glutamate transporters

Central Glia-4 (CG-4) glioma cells exhibit Na(+)-dependent glutamate uptake, and mRNA for each of the GLT, GLAST, and EAAC glutamate transporters was found in the cells by RT-PCR. However, GLT protein in CG-4 cells was not detected by Western blotting. The Wnt-1 oncogene markedly decreased the expression of the mRNAs for GLT and GLAST glutamate transporters in CG-4 glioma cells. This effect of Wnt-1 is in direct contrast to its previously published effects on C6 astrocytoma cells where Wnt-1 induces the expression of GLT, but not protein, and on PC12 pheochromocytoma cells where Wnt-1 induces GLAST. We suggest that these differences in the ability of Wnt-1 to induce or repress GLT and GLAST are due to differences in Wnt-1 dosages or Wnt-1-induced signaling pathways in these cells. The abnormal translation of the GLT RNA in Wnt-1-expressing C6 cells was ascribed to some abnormality in the processing of the GLT transcript. Consistent with this idea is the finding that GLT mRNA was translated in Wnt-1-expressing C6 cells when the GLT mRNA required no splicing before translation occurred.

tan and ebony genes regulate a novel pathway for transmitter metabolism at fly photoreceptor terminals

In Drosophila melanogaster, ebony and tan, two cuticle melanizing mutants, regulate the conjugation (ebony) of beta-alanine to dopamine or hydrolysis (tan) of the beta-alanyl conjugate to liberate dopamine. beta-alanine biosynthesis is regulated by black. ebony and tan also exert unexplained reciprocal defects in the electroretinogram, at ON and OFF transients attributable to impaired transmission at photoreceptor synapses, which liberate histamine. Compatible with this impairment, we show that both mutants have reduced histamine contents in the head, as measured by HPLC, and have correspondingly reduced numbers of synaptic vesicles in their photoreceptor terminals. Thus, the histamine phenotype is associated with sites of synaptic transmission at photoreceptors. We demonstrate that when they receive microinjections into the head, wild-type Sarcophaga bullata (in whose larger head such injections are routinely possible) rapidly (<5 sec) convert exogenous [3H]histamine into its beta-alanine conjugate, carcinine, a novel metabolite. Drosophila tan has an increased quantity of [3H]carcinine, the hydrolysis of which is blocked; ebony lacks [3H]carcinine, which it cannot synthesize. Confirming these actions, carcinine rescues the histamine phenotype of ebony, whereas beta-alanine rescues the carcinine phenotype of black;tan double mutants. The equilibrium ratio between [3H]carcinine and [3H]histamine after microinjecting wild-type Sarcophaga favors carcinine hydrolysis, increasing to only 0.5 after 30 min. Our findings help resolve a longstanding conundrum of the involvement of tan and ebony in photoreceptor function. We suggest that reversible synthesis of carcinine occurs in surrounding glia, serving to trap histamine after its release at photoreceptor synapses; subsequent hydrolysis liberates histamine for reuptake.

Cocaine treatment increases expression of a 40 kDa catecholamine-regulated protein in discrete brain regions

Previous reports from our laboratory have described brain-specific catecholamine-regulated proteins, which bind dopamine and related catecholamines. Evidence from the molecular cloning of a 40 kDa catecholamine-regulated protein (CRP40) revealed that CRP40 is dopamine-inducible and has properties similar to those of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) family. The present study investigates the effects of acute and chronic cocaine treatment on CRP40 expression in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and medulla. Acute treatment with cocaine increased CRP40 expression in the nucleus accumbens and striatum, whereas chronic treatment with cocaine increased CRP40 expression in the nucleus accumbens only. Neither of these treatments affected CRP40 levels in the prefrontal cortex or medulla. In addition, pretreatment with the spin-trapping agent alpha-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone did not attenuate cocaine-induced expression of CRP40, suggesting that the observed increases in CRP40 levels were not caused by free radicals. On the other hand, pretreatment with anisomycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor, blocked the cocaine-induced expression of CRP40. Thus, protein synthesis may be involved in the observed CRP40 level increases. Furthermore, neither acute nor chronic cocaine treatment affected levels of inducible or constitutively expressed HSP70, which indicates a specificity of cocaine's effects on CRP40. Since cocaine has been shown to increase extracellular dopamine levels, these findings suggest that increased expression of CRP40 is associated with high extracellular levels of dopamine (or its metabolites). Elevated levels of CRP40 could play a protective role for dopamine neurons in response to increased oxidative stress that has been shown to be induced by cocaine and that can lead to apoptosis and neurodegeneration.

Recent advances in the brain-to-blood efflux transport across the blood-brain barrier

Elucidating the details of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport mechanism is a very important step towards successful drug targeting to the brain and understanding what happens in the brain. Although several brain uptake methods have been developed to characterize transport at the BBB, these are mainly useful for investigating influx transport across the BBB. In 1992, P-glycoprotein was found to act as an efflux pump for anti-cancer drugs at the BBB using primary cultured bovine brain endothelial cells. In order to determine the direct efflux transport from the brain to the circulating blood of exogenous compounds in vivo, the Brain Efflux Index method was developed to characterize several BBB efflux transport systems. Recently, we have established conditionally immortalized rat (TR-BBB) and mouse (TM-BBB) brain capillary endothelial cell lines from transgenic rats and mice harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene to characterize the transport mechanisms at the BBB in vitro. TR-BBB and TM-BBB cells possess certain in vivo transport functions and express mRNAs for the BBB. Using a combination of newly developed in vivo and in vitro methods, we have elucidated the efflux transport mechanism at the BBB for neurosteroids, excitatory neurotransmitters, suppressive neurotransmitters, amino acids, and other organic anions to understand the physiological role played by the BBB as a detoxifying organ for the brain.