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Armijo-Weingart L, San Martin L, Gallegos S, Araya A, Konar-Nie M, Fernandez-Pérez E, Aguayo LG. Loss of glycine receptors in the nucleus accumbens and ethanol reward in an Alzheimer´s Disease mouse model. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 237:102616. [PMID: 38723884 PMCID: PMC11163974 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in cognitive and non-cognitive cerebral functions characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cortical and hippocampal impairments related to extracellular accumulation of Aβ in AD animal models have been extensively investigated. However, recent reports have also implicated intracellular Aβ in limbic regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (nAc). Accumbal neurons express high levels of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs) that are allosterically modulated by ethanol and have a role in controlling its intake. In the present study, we investigated how GlyRs in the 2xTg mice (AD model) affect nAc functions and ethanol intake behavior. Using transgenic and control aged-matched litter mates, we found that the GlyRα2 subunit was significantly decreased in AD mice (6-month-old). We also examined intracellular calcium dynamics using the fluorescent calcium protein reporter GCaMP in slice photometry. We also found that the calcium signal mediated by GlyRs, but not GABAAR, was also reduced in AD neurons. Additionally, ethanol potentiation was significantly decreased in accumbal neurons in the AD mice. Finally, we performed drinking in the dark (DID) experiments and found that 2xTg mice consumed less ethanol on the last day of DID, in agreement with a lower blood ethanol concentration. 2xTg mice also showed lower sucrose consumption, indicating that overall food reward was altered. In conclusion, the data support the role of GlyRs in nAc neuron excitability and a decreased glycinergic activity in the 2xTg mice that might lead to impairment in reward processing at an early stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Armijo-Weingart
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Loreto San Martin
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Scarlet Gallegos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Anibal Araya
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Macarena Konar-Nie
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Eduardo Fernandez-Pérez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Luis G Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
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Zhou L, Dau V, Jensen AA. Discovery of a Novel Class of Benzimidazole-Based Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulators: Positive and Negative Modulation Arising from Overlapping Allosteric Sites. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12586-12601. [PMID: 37650525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the discovery of a novel class of benzimidazole-based allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The modulators were developed based on a compound (1) exhibiting positive modulatory activity at α4β2 nAChR in a compound library screening by functional characterization of 100 analogues of 1 at nAChRs. Two distinct series of positive and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs, respectively) comprising benzimidazole as a shared structural moiety emerged from this SAR study. The PAMs mediated weak modulation of α4β2 and α6β2β3, whereas the NAMs exhibited essentially equipotent inhibition of α4β2, α6β2β3, α6β4β3, and α3β4 nAChRs, with analogue 9j [2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-1,3-dimethyl-1-H-benzo[d]imidazole-3-ium] displaying high-nanomolar and low-micromolar IC50 values at the β2- and β4-containing receptor subtypes, respectively. We propose that the PAMs and NAMs act through overlapping sites in the nAChR, and these findings thus underline the heterogenous modes of modulation that can arise from a shared allosteric site in the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Zhou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Vidan Dau
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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3
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Solntseva EI, Bukanova JV, Kondratenko R, Kudova E. Corticosteroids as Selective and Effective Modulators of Glycine Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3132-3142. [PMID: 37584305 PMCID: PMC10485894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of the negative impact of corticosteroids on the induction and progress of mental illness remains unclear. In this work, we studied the effects of corticosteroids on the activity of neuronal glycine receptors (GlyR) and GABA-A receptors (GABAAR) by measuring the chloride current induced by the application of GABA (2 or 5 μM) to isolated cerebellar Purkinje cells (IGABA) and by the application of glycine (100 μM) to pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus (IGly). It was found that corticosterone, 5α-dihydrodeoxycorticosterone, allotetrahydrocorticosterone, cortisol, and 17α,21-dihydroxypregnenolone were able to accelerate the desensitization of the IGly at physiological concentrations (IC50 values varying from 0.39 to 0.72 μM). Next, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 5β-dihydrodeoxycorticosterone, and tetrahydrocorticosterone accelerated the desensitization of IGly with IC50 values varying from 10.3 to 15.2 μM. Allotetrahydrocorticosterone and tetrahydrocorticosterone potentiated the IGABA albeit with high EC50 values (18-23 μM). The rest of the steroids had no effect on IGABA in the range of concentrations of 1-100 μM. Finally, our study has suggested a structural relationship of the 3β-hydroxyl group/3-oxo group with the selective modulatory activity on GlyRs in contrast to the 3α-hydroxyl group that is pivotal for GABAARs. In summary, our results suggest that increased GlyR desensitization by corticosteroids may contribute to brain dysfunction under chronic stress and identify corticosteroids for further development as selective modulators of GlyRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I. Solntseva
- Functional
Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Institute,
Research Center of Neurology, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Julia V. Bukanova
- Functional
Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Institute,
Research Center of Neurology, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Rodion Kondratenko
- Functional
Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Institute,
Research Center of Neurology, Moscow 125367, Russia
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
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Jensen AA. Evolutionary conservation of Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) functionality in mammals: a range of mammalian ZACs assemble into cell surface-expressed functional receptors. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1265429. [PMID: 37745686 PMCID: PMC10513076 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1265429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the other pentameric ligand-gated ion channels in the Cys-loop receptor superfamily, the ZACN gene encoding for the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) is exclusively found in the mammalian genome. Human ZAC assembles into homomeric cation-selective channels gated by Zn2+, Cu2+ and H+, but the function of the receptor in human physiology is presently poorly understood. In this study, the degree of evolutionary conservation of a functional ZAC in mammals was probed by investigating the abilities of a selection of ZACs from 10 other mammalian species than human to be expressed at the protein level and assemble into cell surface-expressed functional receptors in mammalian cells and in Xenopus oocytes. In an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transient transfections of tsA201 cells with cDNAs of hemagglutinin (HA)-epitope-tagged versions of these 10 ZACs resulted in robust total expression and cell surface expression levels of all proteins. Moreover, injection of cRNAs for 6 of these ZACs in oocytes resulted in the formation of functional receptors in two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings. The ZACs exhibited robust current amplitudes in response to Zn2+ (10 mM) and H+ (pH 4.0), and the concentration-response relationships displayed by Zn2+ at these channels were largely comparable to that at human ZAC. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the functionality of ZAC at the molecular level may be conserved throughout mammalian species, and that the channel thus may govern physiological functions in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders A. Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Liu X, Wang W. Gating mechanism of the human α1β GlyR by glycine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.08.552474. [PMID: 37609197 PMCID: PMC10441291 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are members of the Cys-loop receptors that constitute a major portion of neurotransmitter receptors in the human nervous system. GlyRs are found in the spinal cord and brain mediating locomotive, sensory and cognitive functions, and are targets for pharmaceutical development. GlyRs share a general gating scheme with Cys-loop receptor family members, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Recent resolution of heteromeric GlyRs structures in multiple functional states identified an invariable 4:1 α:β subunit stoichiometry and provided snapshots in the gating cycle, challenging previous beliefs and raising the fundamental questions of how α and β subunit functions in glycine binding and channel activation. In addition, how a single glycine-bound extracellular domain conformation leads to structurally and functionally different open and desensitized states remained enigmatic. In this study, we characterized in detail equilibrium properties as well as the transition kinetics between functional states. We show that while all allosteric sites bind cooperatively to glycine, occupation of 2 sites at the α-α interfaces is necessary and sufficient for GlyR activation. We also demonstrate differential glycine concentration dependence of desensitization rate, extent, and its recovery, which suggests separate but concerted roles of ligand-binding and ionophore reorganization. Based on these observations and available structural information, we developed a comprehensive quantitative gating model that accurately predicts both equilibrium and kinetical properties throughout glycine gating cycle. This model likely applies generally to the Cys-loop receptor family and informs on pharmaceutical endeavors in function modulation of this receptor family.
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Konar-Nié M, Guzman-Castillo A, Armijo-Weingart L, Aguayo LG. Aging in nucleus accumbens and its impact on alcohol use disorders. Alcohol 2023; 107:73-90. [PMID: 36087859 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol is one of the most widely consumed drugs in the world and prolonged excessive ethanol intake might lead to alcohol use disorders (AUDs), which are characterized by neuroadaptations in different brain regions, such as in the reward circuitry. In addition, the global population is aging, and it appears that they are increasing their ethanol consumption. Although research involving the effects of alcohol in aging subjects is limited, differential effects have been described. For example, studies in human subjects show that older adults perform worse in tests assessing working memory, attention, and cognition as compared to younger adults. Interestingly, in the field of the neurobiological basis of ethanol actions, there is a significant dichotomy between what we know about the effects of ethanol on neurochemical targets in young animals and how it might affect them in the aging brain. To be able to understand the distinct effects of ethanol in the aging brain, the following questions need to be answered: (1) How does physiological aging impact the function of an ethanol-relevant region (e.g., the nucleus accumbens)? and (2) How does ethanol affect these neurobiological systems in the aged brain? This review discusses the available data to try to understand how aging affects the nucleus accumbens (nAc) and its neurochemical response to alcohol. The data show that there is little information on the effects of ethanol in aged mice and rats, and that many studies had considered 2-3-month-old mice as adults, which needs to be reconsidered since more recent literature defines 6 months as young adults and >18 months as an older mouse. Considering the actual relevance of an aged worldwide population and that this segment is drinking more frequently, it appears at least reasonable to explore how ethanol affects the brain in adult and aged models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Konar-Nié
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.
| | - Alejandra Guzman-Castillo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Programa en Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Universidad de Concepción, Concepcion, Chile.
| | - Lorena Armijo-Weingart
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Programa en Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Universidad de Concepción, Concepcion, Chile.
| | - Luis Gerardo Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Programa en Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Universidad de Concepción, Concepcion, Chile.
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Schmiedhofer P, Vogel FD, Koniuszewski F, Ernst M. Cys-loop receptors on cannabinoids: All high? Front Physiol 2022; 13:1044575. [PMID: 36439263 PMCID: PMC9682269 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1044575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBS) are endogenously derived lipid signaling molecules that serve as tissue hormones and interact with multiple targets, mostly within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a highly conserved regulatory system involved in homeostatic regulation, organ formation, and immunomodulation of chordates. The term “cannabinoid” evolved from the distinctive class of plant compounds found in Cannabis sativa, an ancient herb, due to their action on CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1/2 receptors are the primary targets for eCBs, but their effects are not limited to the ECS. Due to the high interest and extensive research on the ECS, knowledge on its constituents and physiological role is substantial and still growing. Crosstalk and multiple targeting of molecules are common features of endogenous and plant compounds. Cannabimimetic molecules can be divided according to their origin, natural or synthetic, including phytocannabinoids (pCB’s) or synthetic cannabinoids (sCB’s). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, transporters, enzymes, and signaling molecules. In this review, we focus on the effects of cannabinoids on Cys-loop receptors. Cys-loop receptors belong to the class of membrane-bound pentameric ligand gated ion channels, each family comprising multiple subunits. Mammalians possess GABA type A receptors (GABAAR), glycine receptors (GlyR), serotonin receptors type 3 (5-HT3R), and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Several studies have shown different modulatory effects of CBs on multiple members of the Cys-loop receptor family. We highlight the existing knowledge, especially on subunits and protein domains with conserved binding sites for CBs and their possible pharmacological and physiological role in epilepsy and in chronic pain. We further discuss the potential for cannabinoids as first line treatments in epilepsy, chronic pain and other neuropsychiatric conditions, indicated by their polypharmacology and therapeutic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Schmiedhofer
- SBR Development Holding, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Philip Schmiedhofer, ; Margot Ernst,
| | - Florian Daniel Vogel
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Filip Koniuszewski
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Philip Schmiedhofer, ; Margot Ernst,
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8
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Gagliano A, Murgia F, Capodiferro AM, Tanca MG, Hendren A, Falqui SG, Aresti M, Comini M, Carucci S, Cocco E, Lorefice L, Roccella M, Vetri L, Sotgiu S, Zuddas A, Atzori L. 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6493. [PMID: 36362721 PMCID: PMC9658067 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently described a unique plasma metabolite profile in subjects with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), suggesting pathogenic models involving specific patterns of neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Here, we extend the analysis to a group of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as a consensus has recently emerged around its immune-mediated pathophysiology with a widespread involvement of brain networks. This observational case-control study enrolled patients referred for PANS and ASD from June 2019 to May 2020, as well as neurotypical age and gender-matched control subjects. Thirty-four PANS outpatients, fifteen ASD outpatients, and twenty-five neurotypical subjects underwent physical and neuropsychiatric evaluations, alongside serum metabolomic analysis with 1H-NMR. In supervised models, the metabolomic profile of ASD was significantly different from controls (p = 0.0001), with skewed concentrations of asparagine, aspartate, betaine, glycine, lactate, glucose, and pyruvate. Metabolomic separation was also observed between PANS and ASD subjects (p = 0.02), with differences in the concentrations of arginine, aspartate, betaine, choline, creatine phosphate, glycine, pyruvate, and tryptophan. We confirmed a unique serum metabolomic profile of PANS compared with both ASD and neurotypical subjects, distinguishing PANS as a pathophysiological entity per se. Tryptophan and glycine appear as neuroinflammatory fingerprints of PANS and ASD, respectively. In particular, a reduction in glycine would primarily affect NMDA-R excitatory tone, overall impairing downstream glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic transmissions. Nonetheless, we found metabolomic similarities between PANS and ASD that suggest a putative role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) dysfunction in both disorders. Metabolomics-based approaches could contribute to the identification of novel ASD and PANS biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Gagliano
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Health Science, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Agata Maria Capodiferro
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Giuseppe Tanca
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aran Hendren
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Stella Giulia Falqui
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Aresti
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Comini
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Carucci
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Farmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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9
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Oz M, Yang KHS, Mahgoub MO. Effects of cannabinoids on ligand-gated ion channels. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1041833. [PMID: 36338493 PMCID: PMC9627301 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1041833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, endocannabinoids such as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and synthetic cannabinoids such as CP47,497 and JWH-018 constitute major groups of structurally diverse cannabinoids. Along with these cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and enzymes involved in synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids comprise the major components of the cannabinoid system. Although, cannabinoid receptors are known to be involved in anti-convulsant, anti-nociceptive, anti-psychotic, anti-emetic, and anti-oxidant effects of cannabinoids, in recent years, an increasing number of studies suggest that, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, these compounds interact with several molecular targets including G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, and enzymes in a cannabinoid-receptor independent manner. In this report, the direct actions of endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids on the functional properties of ligand-gated ion channels and the plausible mechanisms mediating these effects were reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- *Correspondence: Murat Oz,
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Mohamed Omer Mahgoub
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Khawarizmi International College, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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10
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Chen Y, Hou X, Pang J, Yang F, Li A, Lin S, Lin N, Lee TH, Liu H. The role of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 in neuronal signaling in epilepsy. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1006419. [PMID: 36304997 PMCID: PMC9592815 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1006419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common symptom of many neurological disorders and can lead to neuronal damage that plays a major role in seizure-related disability. The peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 has wide-ranging influences on the occurrence and development of neurological diseases. It has also been suggested that Pin1 acts on epileptic inhibition, and the molecular mechanism has recently been reported. In this review, we primarily focus on research concerning the mechanisms and functions of Pin1 in neurons. In addition, we highlight the significance and potential applications of Pin1 in neuronal diseases, especially epilepsy. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 controls synapses, ion channels and neuronal signaling pathways to modulate epileptic susceptibility. Since neurotransmitters and some neuronal signaling pathways, such as Notch1 and PI3K/Akt, are vital to the nervous system, the role of Pin1 in epilepsy is discussed in the context of the CaMKII-AMPA receptor axis, PSD-95-NMDA receptor axis, NL2/gephyrin-GABA receptor signaling, and Notch1 and PI3K/Akt pathways. The effect of Pin1 on the progression of epilepsy in animal models is discussed as well. This information will lead to a better understanding of Pin1 signaling pathways in epilepsy and may facilitate development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Chen
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Hou
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fuzhou Children’s Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiao Pang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Angcheng Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Suijin Lin
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tae Ho Lee
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hekun Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hekun Liu,
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11
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Hetero-pentamerization determines mobility and conductance of Glycine receptor α3 splice variants. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:540. [PMID: 36197517 PMCID: PMC9534812 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04506-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are ligand-gated pentameric chloride channels in the central nervous system. GlyR-α3 is a possible target for chronic pain treatment and temporal lobe epilepsy. Alternative splicing into K or L variants determines the subcellular fate and function of GlyR-α3, yet it remains to be shown whether its different splice variants can functionally co-assemble, and what the properties of such heteropentamers would be. Here, we subjected GlyR-α3 to a combined fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiology analysis. We employ masked Pearson’s and dual-color spatiotemporal correlation analysis to prove that GlyR-α3 splice variants heteropentamerize, adopting the mobility of the K variant. Fluorescence-based single-subunit counting experiments revealed a variable and concentration ratio dependent hetero-stoichiometry. Via cell-attached single-channel electrophysiology we show that heteropentamers exhibit currents in between those of K and L variants. Our data are compatible with a model where α3 heteropentamerization fine-tunes mobility and activity of GlyR-α3 channels, which is important to understand and tackle α3 related diseases.
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Gallagher CI, Ha DA, Harvey RJ, Vandenberg RJ. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glycine Receptors and Their Potential Use in Pain Therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:933-961. [PMID: 36779343 PMCID: PMC9553105 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic inhibition throughout the mammalian spinal cord, brainstem, and higher brain regions. They have recently emerged as promising targets for novel pain therapies due to their ability to produce antinociception by inhibiting nociceptive signals within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This has greatly enhanced the interest in developing positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors. Several pharmaceutical companies and research facilities have attempted to identify new therapeutic leads by conducting large-scale screens of compound libraries, screening new derivatives from natural sources, or synthesizing novel compounds that mimic endogenous compounds with antinociceptive activity. Advances in structural techniques have also led to the publication of multiple high-resolution structures of the receptor, highlighting novel allosteric binding sites and providing additional information for previously identified binding sites. This has greatly enhanced our understanding of the functional properties of glycine receptors and expanded the structure activity relationships of novel pharmacophores. Despite this, glycine receptors are yet to be used as drug targets due to the difficulties in obtaining potent, selective modulators with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles that are devoid of side effects. This review presents a summary of the structural basis for how current compounds cause positive allosteric modulation of glycine receptors and discusses their therapeutic potential as analgesics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain is a major cause of disability, and in Western societies, this will only increase as the population ages. Despite the high level of prevalence and enormous socioeconomic burden incurred, treatment of chronic pain remains limited as it is often refractory to current analgesics, such as opioids. The National Institute for Drug Abuse has set finding effective, safe, nonaddictive strategies to manage chronic pain as their top priority. Positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors may provide a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey I Gallagher
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Damien A Ha
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Harvey
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
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Zou G, Xia J, Luo H, Xiao D, Jin J, Miao C, Zuo X, Gao Q, Zhang Z, Xue T, You Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Xiong W. Combined alcohol and cannabinoid exposure leads to synergistic toxicity by affecting cerebellar Purkinje cells. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1138-1149. [PMID: 36109623 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Combined use of cannabis and alcohol results in greater psychoactive toxicity than either substance alone, but the underlying central mechanisms behind this worsened outcome remain unclear. Here we show that the synergistic effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ethanol on motor incoordination in mice is achieved by activating presynaptic type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) and potentiating extrasynaptic glycine receptors (GlyR) within cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). The combination of ethanol and THC significantly reduces miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in a CB1R-dependent manner, while increasing the extrasynaptic GlyR-mediated chronic chloride current, both leading to decreased PC activity. Ethanol enhances THC actions by boosting the blood-brain-barrier permeability of THC and enriching THC in the cell membrane. Di-desoxy-THC, a designed compound that specifically disrupts THC-GlyR interaction without affecting the basic functions of CB1R and GlyR, is able to restore PC function and motor coordination in mice. Our findings provide potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming the synergistic toxicity caused by combining cannabis and alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guichang Zou
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Heyi Luo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Xiao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chenjian Miao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yezi You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Hefei, China.
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14
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Chen J, Zhuang Y, Zhang Y, Liao H, Liu R, Cheng J, Zhang Z, Sun J, Gao J, Wang X, Chen S, Zhang L, Che F, Wan Q. A synthetic BBB-permeable tripeptide GCF confers neuroprotection by increasing glycine in the ischemic brain. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:950376. [PMID: 36046828 PMCID: PMC9420865 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.950376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We and others have previously demonstrated that glycine is neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. But glycine has low permeability to the blood–brain barrier (BBB). To deliver glycine into the ischemic brain to confer neuroprotection, we designed a novel glycine-containing and BBB-permeable tripeptide, the H-glycine-cysteine-phenylalanine-OH (GCF). Methods: For the synthesis of GCF, phenylalanine was included to increase the BBB permeability of the tripeptide. Cysteine was conjugated with glycine to enable the release of glycine from GCF. With the use of immunofluorescence labeling and HPLC assays, we measured the distribution and level of GCF. We used TTC labeling, LDH release, and MTT assays to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of GCF. Results: Following intravenous injection in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, GCF was intensively distributed in the ischemic neurons. Intravenous injection of GCF, but not the non-cleavable acetyl-GCF, resulted in the elevation of glycine in the ischemic brain. GCF but not acetyl-GC conferred neuroprotection in ischemic stroke animals. Conclusion: GCF protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat. In contrast to peptide drugs that exert therapeutic effect by interfering with signaling interaction, GCF acts as a BBB shuttle and prodrug to deliver glycine to confer neuroprotection, representing a novel therapeutic strategy for acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Zhuang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huabao Liao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangdong Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingchen Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiyuran Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shujun Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Central Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Linyi, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Wan, ; Fengyuan Che,
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Gui-Hong Intelligent Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Wan, ; Fengyuan Che,
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Solntseva EI, Bukanova JV, Skrebitsky VG, Kudova E. Pregnane neurosteroids exert opposite effects on GABA and glycine-induced chloride current in isolated rat neurons. Hippocampus 2022; 32:552-563. [PMID: 35703084 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability of endogenous neurosteroids (NSs) with pregnane skeleton modified at positions C-3 and C-5 to modulate the functional activity of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyR) and ionotropic ɣ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA R) was estimated. The glycine and GABA-induced chloride current (IGly and IGABA ) were measured in isolated pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus and in isolated rat cerebellar Purkinje cells, respectively. Our experiments demonstrated that pregnane NSs affected IGABA and IGly in a different manner. At low concentrations (up to 5 μM), tested pregnane NSs increased or did not change the peak amplitude of the IGABA , but reduced the IGly by decreasing the peak amplitude and/or accelerating desensitization. Namely, allopregnanolone (ALLO), epipregnanolone (EPI), pregnanolone (PA), pregnanolone sulfate (PAS) and 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5β-DHP) enhanced the IGABA in Purkinje cells. Dose-response curves plotted in the concentration range from 1 nM to 100 μM were smooth for EPI and 5β-DHP, but bell-shaped for ALLO, PA and PAS. The peak amplitude of the IGly was reduced by PA, PAS, and 5α- and 5β-DHP. In contrast, ALLO, ISO and EPI did not modulate it. Dose-response curves for the inhibition of the IGly peak amplitude were smooth for all active compounds. All NSs accelerated desensitization of the IGly . The dose-response relationship for this effect was smooth for ALLO, PA, PAS and 5β-DHP, but it was U-shaped for EPI, 5α-DHP and ISO. These results, together with our previous results on NSs with androstane skeleton, offer comprehensive overview for understanding the mechanisms of effects of NSs on IGly and IGABA .
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Solntseva
- Functional Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia V Bukanova
- Functional Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Skrebitsky
- Functional Synaptology Laboratory, Brain Research Department, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Mhashal AR, Yoluk O, Orellana L. Exploring the Conformational Impact of Glycine Receptor TM1-2 Mutations Through Coarse-Grained Analysis and Atomistic Simulations. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:890851. [PMID: 35836931 PMCID: PMC9275627 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.890851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (PLGICs) are a family of proteins that convert chemical signals into ion fluxes through cellular membranes. Their structures are highly conserved across all kingdoms from bacteria to eukaryotes. Beyond their classical roles in neurotransmission and neurological disorders, PLGICs have been recently related to cell proliferation and cancer. Here, we focus on the best characterized eukaryotic channel, the glycine receptor (GlyR), to investigate its mutational patterns in genomic-wide tumor screens and compare them with mutations linked to hyperekplexia (HPX), a Mendelian neuromotor disease that disrupts glycinergic currents. Our analysis highlights that cancer mutations significantly accumulate across TM1 and TM2, partially overlapping with HPX changes. Based on 3D-clustering, conservation, and phenotypic data, we select three mutations near the pore, expected to impact GlyR conformation, for further study by molecular dynamics (MD). Using principal components from experimental GlyR ensembles as framework, we explore the motions involved in transitions from the human closed and desensitized structures and how they are perturbed by mutations. Our MD simulations show that WT GlyR spontaneously explores opening and re-sensitization transitions that are significantly impaired by mutations, resulting in receptors with altered permeability and desensitization properties in agreement with HPX functional data.
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17
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Koniuszewski F, Vogel FD, Bampali K, Fabjan J, Seidel T, Scholze P, Schmiedhofer PB, Langer T, Ernst M. Molecular Mingling: Multimodal Predictions of Ligand Promiscuity in Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:860246. [PMID: 35615739 PMCID: PMC9124788 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.860246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) comprise nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors (5-HT3Rs), zinc-activated channels (ZAC), γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) and glycine receptors (GlyRs). They are recognized therapeutic targets of some of the most prescribed drugs like general anesthetics, anxiolytics, smoking cessation aids, antiemetics and many more. Currently, approximately 100 experimental structures of pLGICs with ligands bound exist in the protein data bank (PDB). These atomic-level 3D structures enable the generation of a comprehensive binding site inventory for the superfamily and the in silico prediction of binding site properties. Methods: A panel of high throughput in silico methods including pharmacophore screening, conformation analysis and descriptor calculation was applied to a selection of allosteric binding sites for which in vitro screens are lacking. Variant abundance near binding site forming regions and computational docking complement the approach. Results: The structural data reflects known and novel binding sites, some of which may be unique to individual receptors, while others are broadly conserved. The membrane spanning domain, comprising four highly conserved segments, contains ligand interaction sites for which in vitro assays suitable for high throughput screenings are critically lacking. This is also the case for structurally more variable novel sites in the extracellular domain. Our computational results suggest that the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) can utilize multiple pockets which are likely to exist on most superfamily members. Conclusion: With this study, we explore the potential for polypharmacology among pLGICs. Our data suggest that ligands can display two forms of promiscuity to an extent greater than what has been realized: 1) Ligands can interact with homologous sites in many members of the superfamily, which bears toxicological relevance. 2) Multiple pockets in distinct localizations of individual receptor subtypes share common ligands, which counteracts efforts to develop selective agents. Moreover, conformational states need to be considered for in silico drug screening, as certain binding sites display considerable flexibility. In total, this work contributes to a better understanding of polypharmacology across pLGICs and provides a basis for improved structure guided in silico drug development and drug derisking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Koniuszewski
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian D. Vogel
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantina Bampali
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jure Fabjan
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philip B. Schmiedhofer
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Ihara M, Tanaka K, Kai K, Hayashi H, Matsuda K. Competitive chrodrimanin B interactions with rat brain GABA A receptors revealed by radioligand binding assays. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 183:105074. [PMID: 35430068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Meroterpenoid compounds chrodrimanins produced by Talaromyces sp. YO-2 have been shown to act as competitive antagonists of silkworm larval GABAA receptors using electrophysiology, yet no further evidence has been provided to support such an action. We have investigated the actions of chrodrimanin B on rat brain GABAA receptors by binding assays with non-competitive ligand of GABAA receptors [3H]EBOB and competitive ligands [3H]gabazine and [3H]muscimol. Chrodrimanin B did not significantly affect the binding of [3H]EBOB while reducing the binding of [3H]gabazine and [3H]muscimol to the rat membrane preparations. Chrodrimanin B increased the dissociation constant Kd of [3H]gabazine and [3H]muscimol without significantly affecting the maximum binding, pointing to competitive interactions of chrodrimanin B with rat GABAA receptors in support of our previous observation that the compound acts as a competitive antagonist on the silkworm larval GABA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ihara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Keiji Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Kenji Kai
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Hideo Hayashi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Matsuda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-8505, Japan; Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Kindai University, 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-8505, Japan.
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Central Neuropathic Pain Syndromes: Current and Emerging Pharmacological Strategies. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:483-516. [PMID: 35513603 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Central neuropathic pain is caused by a disease or lesion of the brain or spinal cord. It is difficult to predict which patients will develop central pain syndromes after a central nervous system injury, but depending on the etiology, lifetime prevalence may be greater than 50%. The resulting pain is often highly distressing and difficult to treat, with no specific treatment guidelines currently available. This narrative review discusses mechanisms contributing to central neuropathic pain, and focuses on pharmacological approaches for managing common central neuropathic pain conditions such as central post-stroke pain, spinal cord injury-related pain, and multiple sclerosis-related neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and gabapentinoids have some evidence for efficacy in central neuropathic pain. Medications from other pharmacologic classes may also provide pain relief, but current evidence is limited. Certain non-pharmacologic approaches, neuromodulation in particular, may be helpful in refractory cases. Emerging data suggest that modulating the primary afferent input may open new horizons for the treatment of central neuropathic pain. For most patients, effective treatment will likely require a multimodal therapy approach.
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20
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Zlotos DP, Mandour YM, Jensen AA. Strychnine and its mono- and dimeric analogues: a pharmaco-chemical perspective. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1910-1937. [PMID: 35380133 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00079a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to November 2021Since its isolation in 1818, strychnine has attracted the attention of a plethora of chemists and pharmacologists who have established its structure, developed total syntheses, and examined its complex pharmacology. While numerous reviews on structure elucidation and total synthesis of strychnine are available, reports on structure-activity relationships (SARs) of this fascinating alkaloid are rare. In this review, we present and discuss structures, synthetic approaches, metabolic transformations, and the diverse pharmacological actions of strychnine and its mono- and dimeric analogues. Particular attention is given to its SARs at glycine receptors (GlyRs) in light of recently published high-resolution structures of strychnine-GlyR complexes. Other pharmacological actions of strychnine and its derivatives, such as their antagonistic properties at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), allosteric modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors as well as anti-cancer and anti-plasmodial effects are also critically reviewed, and possible future developments in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmine M Mandour
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Nin-Hill A, Mueller NPF, Molteni C, Rovira C, Alfonso-Prieto M. Photopharmacology of Ion Channels through the Light of the Computational Microscope. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12072. [PMID: 34769504 PMCID: PMC8584574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The optical control and investigation of neuronal activity can be achieved and carried out with photoswitchable ligands. Such compounds are designed in a modular fashion, combining a known ligand of the target protein and a photochromic group, as well as an additional electrophilic group for tethered ligands. Such a design strategy can be optimized by including structural data. In addition to experimental structures, computational methods (such as homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling techniques) can provide structural insights to guide photoswitch design and to understand the observed light-regulated effects. This review discusses the application of such structure-based computational methods to photoswitchable ligands targeting voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. Structural mapping may help identify residues near the ligand binding pocket amenable for mutagenesis and covalent attachment. Modeling of the target protein in a complex with the photoswitchable ligand can shed light on the different activities of the two photoswitch isomers and the effect of site-directed mutations on photoswitch binding, as well as ion channel subtype selectivity. The examples presented here show how the integration of computational modeling with experimental data can greatly facilitate photoswitchable ligand design and optimization. Recent advances in structural biology, both experimental and computational, are expected to further strengthen this rational photopharmacology approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Nin-Hill
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica (Secció de Química Orgànica) and Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-H.); (C.R.)
| | - Nicolas Pierre Friedrich Mueller
- Institute for Advanced Simulations IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany;
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carla Molteni
- Physics Department, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Carme Rovira
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica (Secció de Química Orgànica) and Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-H.); (C.R.)
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08020 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Advanced Simulations IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany;
- Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Madjroh N, Mellou E, Davies PA, Söderhielm PC, Jensen AA. Discovery and functional characterization of N-(thiazol-2-yl)-benzamide analogs as the first class of selective antagonists of the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC). Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114782. [PMID: 34560054 PMCID: PMC9979163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) is an atypical member of the Cys-loop receptor (CLR) superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, with its very different endogenous agonists and signalling properties. In this study, a compound library screening at ZAC resulted in the identification of 2-(5-bromo-2-chlorobenzamido)-4-methylthiazole-5-methyl ester (1) as a novel ZAC antagonist. The structural determinants for ZAC activity in 1 were investigated by functional characterization of 61 analogs at ZAC expressed in Xenopus oocytes by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology, and couple of analogs exerting more potent ZAC inhibition than 1 were identified (IC50 values: 1-3 μM). 1 and N-(4-(tert-butyl)thiazol-2-yl)-3-fluorobenzamide (5a, TTFB) were next applied in studies of the functional properties and the mode of action of this novel class of ZAC antagonists. TTFB was a roughly equipotent antagonist of Zn+- and H+-evoked ZAC signaling and of spontaneous ZAC activity, and the slow on-set of its channel block suggested that its ZAC inhibition is state-dependent. TTFB was found to be a selective ZAC antagonist, exhibiting no significant agonist, antagonist or modulatory activity at 5-HT3A, α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine, α1β2γ2S GABAA or α1 glycine receptors at 30 μM. 1 displayed largely non-competitive antagonism of Zn2+-induced ZAC signalling, and TTFB was demonstrated to target the transmembrane and/or intracellular domains of the receptor, which collectively suggests that the N-(thiazol-2-yl)-benzamide analog acts a negative allosteric modulator of ZAC. We propose that this first class of selective ZAC antagonists could constitute useful pharmacological tools in future explorations of the presently poorly elucidated physiological functions governed by this CLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawid Madjroh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Eleni Mellou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Paul A. Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pella C. Söderhielm
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark,Corresponding author. (A.A. Jensen)
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23
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Madjroh N, Mellou E, Æbelø L, Davies PA, Söderhielm PC, Jensen AA. Probing the molecular basis for signal transduction through the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC). Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114781. [PMID: 34560053 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The molecular basis for the signal transduction through the classical Cys-loop receptors (CLRs) has been delineated in great detail. The Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) constitutes a so far poorly elucidated fifth branch of the CLR superfamily, and in this study we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying ZAC signaling in Xenopus oocytes by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. In studies of chimeric receptors fusing either the extracellular domain (ECD) or the transmembrane/intracellular domain (TMD-ICD) of ZAC with the complementary domains of 5-HT3A serotonin or α1 glycine receptors, serotonin and Zn2+/H+ evoked robust concentration-dependent currents in 5-HT3A/ZAC- and ZAC/α1-Gly-expressing oocytes, respectively, suggesting that Zn2+ and protons activate ZAC predominantly through its ECD. The molecular basis for Zn2+-mediated ZAC signaling was probed further by introduction of mutations of His, Cys, Glu and Asp residues in this domain, but as none of the mutants tested displayed substantially impaired Zn2+ functionality compared to wild-type ZAC, the location of the putative Zn2+ binding site(s) in the ECD was not identified. Finally, the functional importance of Leu246 (Leu9') in the transmembrane M2 α-helix of ZAC was investigated by Ala, Val, Ile and Thr substitutions. In concordance with findings for this highly conserved residue in classical CLRs, the ZACL9'X mutants exhibited left-shifted agonist concentration-response relationships, markedly higher degrees of spontaneous activity and slower desensitization kinetics compared to wild-type ZAC. In conclusion, while ZAC is an atypical CLR in terms of its (identified) agonists and channel characteristics, its signal transduction seems to undergo similar conformational transitions as those in the classical CLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawid Madjroh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Eleni Mellou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Laura Æbelø
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Paul A Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pella C Söderhielm
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark.
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24
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Elephants in the Dark: Insights and Incongruities in Pentameric Ligand-gated Ion Channel Models. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167128. [PMID: 34224751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) comprises key players in electrochemical signal transduction across evolution, including historic model systems for receptor allostery and targets for drug development. Accordingly, structural studies of these channels have steadily increased, and now approach 250 depositions in the protein data bank. This review contextualizes currently available structures in the pLGIC family, focusing on morphology, ligand binding, and gating in three model subfamilies: the prokaryotic channel GLIC, the cation-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and the anion-selective glycine receptor. Common themes include the challenging process of capturing and annotating channels in distinct functional states; partially conserved gating mechanisms, including remodeling at the extracellular/transmembrane-domain interface; and diversity beyond the protein level, arising from posttranslational modifications, ligands, lipids, and signaling partners. Interpreting pLGIC structures can be compared to describing an elephant in the dark, relying on touch alone to comprehend the many parts of a monumental beast: each structure represents a snapshot in time under specific experimental conditions, which must be integrated with further structure, function, and simulations data to build a comprehensive model, and understand how one channel may fundamentally differ from another.
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25
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Neff R, Kambara K, Bertrand D. Ligand gated receptor interactions: A key to the power of neuronal networks. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114653. [PMID: 34129858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the chemical synapse was a seminal finding in Neurobiology but the large body of microscopic interactions involved in synaptic transmission could hardly have been foreseen at the time of these first discoveries. Characterization of the molecular players at work at synapses and the increased granularity at which we can now analyze electrical and chemical signal processing that occur in even the simplest neuronal system are shining a new light on receptor interactions. The aim of this review is to discuss the complexity of some representative interactions between excitatory and inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels and/or G protein coupled receptors, as well as other key machinery that can impact neurotransmission and to explain how such mechanisms can be an important determinant of nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Neff
- Janssen R&D, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - K Kambara
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Bertrand
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland.
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26
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Zeilhofer HU, Werynska K, Gingras J, Yévenes GE. Glycine Receptors in Spinal Nociceptive Control-An Update. Biomolecules 2021; 11:846. [PMID: 34204137 PMCID: PMC8228028 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished inhibitory control of spinal nociception is one of the major culprits of chronic pain states. Restoring proper synaptic inhibition is a well-established rational therapeutic approach explored by several pharmaceutical companies. A particular challenge arises from the need for site-specific intervention to avoid deleterious side effects such as sedation, addiction, or impaired motor control, which would arise from wide-range facilitation of inhibition. Specific targeting of glycinergic inhibition, which dominates in the spinal cord and parts of the hindbrain, may help reduce these side effects. Selective targeting of the α3 subtype of glycine receptors (GlyRs), which is highly enriched in the superficial layers of the spinal dorsal horn, a key site of nociceptive processing, may help to further narrow down pharmacological intervention on the nociceptive system and increase tolerability. This review provides an update on the physiological properties and functions of α3 subtype GlyRs and on the present state of related drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Vladimir Prelog Weg, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Drug Discovery Network Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Werynska
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Jacinthe Gingras
- Homology Medicines Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA;
| | - Gonzalo E. Yévenes
- Department of Physiology, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8320000, Chile
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27
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Madjroh N, Davies PA, Smalley JL, Kristiansen U, Söderhielm PC, Jensen AA. Delineation of the functional properties exhibited by the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) and its high-frequency Thr 128Ala variant (rs2257020) in Xenopus oocytes. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105653. [PMID: 33962015 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The signalling characteristics of the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC), a member of the Cys-loop receptor (CLR) superfamily, are presently poorly elucidated. The ZACN polymorphism c.454G>A encoding for the Thr128Ala variation in ZAC is found in extremely high allele frequencies across ethnicities. In this, the first study of ZAC in Xenopus oocytes by TEVC electrophysiology, ZACThr128 and ZACAla128 exhibited largely comparable pharmacological and signalling characteristics, but interestingly the Zn2+- and H+-evoked current amplitudes in ZACAla128-oocytes were dramatically smaller than those in ZACThr128-oocytes. While the variation thus appeared to impact cell surface expression and/or channel properties of ZAC, the similar expression properties exhibited by ZACThr128 and ZACAla128 in transfected mammalian cells indicated that their distinct functionalities could arise from the latter. In co-expression experiments, wild-type and variant ZAC subunits assembled efficiently into "heteromeric" complexes in HEK293 cells, while the concomitant presence of ZACAla128 in ZACThr128:ZACAla128-oocytes did not exert a dominant negative effect on agonist-evoked current amplitudes compared to those in ZACThr128-oocytes. Finally, the structural determinants of the functional importance of the 1-hydroxyethyl side-chain of Thr128 appeared to be subtle, as agonist-evoked current amplitudes in ZACSer128-, ZACVal128- and ZACIle128-oocytes also were substantially lower than those in ZACThr128-oocytes. In conclusion, the functional properties exhibited by ZAC in this work substantiate the notion of it being an atypical CLR. While the impact of the Thr128Ala variation on ZAC functionality in oocytes is striking, it remains to be investigated whether and to which extent this translates into an in vivo setting and thus could constitute a source of inter-individual variation in ZAC physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawid Madjroh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Paul A Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua L Smalley
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Uffe Kristiansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Pella C Söderhielm
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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28
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Rapid effects of neurosteroids on neuronal plasticity and their physiological and pathological implications. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135771. [PMID: 33636284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Current neuroscience research on neurosteroids and their synthetic analogues - neuroactive steroids - clearly demonstrate their drug likeness in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Moreover, research on neurosteroids continues to provide novel mechanistic insights into receptor activation or inhibition of various receptors. This mini-review will provide a high-level overview of the research area and discuss the various classes of potential physiological and pathological implications discovered so far.
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29
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Subunit-Specific Photocontrol of Glycine Receptors by Azobenzene-Nitrazepam Photoswitcher. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0294-20.2020. [PMID: 33298457 PMCID: PMC7877471 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0294-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacology is a unique approach that through a combination of photochemistry methods and advanced life science techniques allows the study and control of specific biological processes, ranging from intracellular pathways to brain circuits. Recently, a first photochromic channel blocker of anion-selective GABAA receptors, the azobenzene-nitrazepam-based photochromic compound (Azo-NZ1), has been described. In the present study, using patch-clamp technique in heterologous system and in mice brain slices, site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling we provide evidence of the interaction of Azo-NZ1 with glycine receptors (GlyRs) and determine the molecular basis of this interaction. Glycinergic synaptic neurotransmission determines an important inhibitory drive in the vertebrate nervous system and plays a crucial role in the control of neuronal circuits in the spinal cord and brain stem. GlyRs are involved in locomotion, pain sensation, breathing, and auditory function, as well as in the development of such disorders as hyperekplexia, epilepsy, and autism. Here, we demonstrate that Azo-NZ1 blocks in a UV-dependent manner the activity of α2 GlyRs (GlyR2), while being barely active on α1 GlyRs (GlyR1). The site of Azo-NZ1 action is in the chloride-selective pore of GlyR at the 2’ position of transmembrane helix 2 and amino acids forming this site determine the difference in Azo-NZ1 blocking activity between GlyR2 and GlyR1. This subunit-specific modulation is also shown on motoneurons of brainstem slices from neonatal mice that switch during development from expressing “fetal” GlyR2 to “adult” GlyR1 receptors.
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30
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Wang M, Witvliet D, Wu M, Kang L, Shao Z. Temperature regulates synaptic subcellular specificity mediated by inhibitory glutamate signaling. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009295. [PMID: 33428618 PMCID: PMC7822552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors such as temperature affect neuronal activity and development. However, it remains unknown whether and how they affect synaptic subcellular specificity. Here, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans AIY interneurons as a model, we found that high cultivation temperature robustly induces defects in synaptic subcellular specificity through glutamatergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, we determined that the functional glutamate is mainly released by the ASH sensory neurons and sensed by two conserved inhibitory glutamate-gated chloride channels GLC-3 and GLC-4 in AIY. Our work not only presents a novel neurotransmission-dependent mechanism underlying the synaptic subcellular specificity, but also provides a potential mechanistic insight into high-temperature-induced neurological defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daniel Witvliet
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengting Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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31
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Vásquez PA, San Martín L, Argel Y, Riquelme C, Torres J, Vidal F, Cayuman F, Castro P, Fuentealba J, Moraga-Cid G, Yevenes G, Jin C, Jiménez VA, Guzmán L. Stereospecific Inhibition of Ethanol Potentiation on Glycine Receptor by M554 Stereoisomers. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:6634-6641. [PMID: 33259207 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the interaction between the Gβγ protein and the glycine receptor (GlyR) has emerged as a promising pharmacological strategy to treat acute alcohol intoxication by inhibiting ethanol potentiation on GlyR. M554 is a recently discovered small molecule capable of binding to Gβγ with potent in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity. This compound has been tested as a mixture of diastereomers, and no information is available concerning the stereospecific activity of each species, which is critical to pursue efforts on lead optimization and drug development. In this work, we explored the differential activity of four M554 stereoisomers by in silico molecular dynamics simulations and electrophysiological experiments. Our results revealed that the (R,R)-M554 stereoisomer is a promising lead compound that inhibits ethanol potentiation of GlyR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar A Vásquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Loreto San Martín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Yenifer Argel
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Camila Riquelme
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Josefa Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Felipe Vidal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Francisca Cayuman
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Patricio Castro
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Jorge Fuentealba
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Gustavo Moraga-Cid
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Yevenes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
| | - Chunyang Jin
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Verónica A Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Región del Bio Bio 4300866, Chile
| | - Leonardo Guzmán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio Arco de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas 1290, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio 4030000, Chile
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32
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Kitayama T. The Role of Astrocytes in the Modulation ofK +-Cl --Cotransporter-2 Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9539. [PMID: 33333849 PMCID: PMC7765297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous pain, pain sensations, and tactile allodynia. The pain sensory system normally functions under a fine balance between excitation and inhibition. Neuropathic pain arises when this balance is lost for some reason. In past reports, various mechanisms of neuropathic pain development have been reported, one of which is the downregulation of K+-Cl--cotransporter-2 (KCC2) expression. In fact, various neuropathic pain models indicate a decrease in KCC2 expression. This decrease in KCC2 expression is often due to a brain-derived neurotrophic factor that is released from microglia. However, a similar reaction has been reported in astrocytes, and it is unclear whether astrocytes or microglia are more important. This review discusses the hypothesis that astrocytes have a crucial influence on the alteration of KCC2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kitayama
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Hyogo 663-8179, Japan
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33
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Matsuda K, Ihara M, Sattelle DB. Neonicotinoid Insecticides: Molecular Targets, Resistance, and Toxicity. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 60:241-255. [PMID: 31914891 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids have been used to protect crops and animals from insect pests since the 1990s, but there are concerns regarding their adverse effects on nontarget organisms, notably on bees. Enhanced resistance to neonicotinoids in pests is becoming well documented. We address the current understanding of neonicotinoid target site interactions, selectivity, and metabolism not only in pests but also in beneficial insects such as bees. The findings are relevant to the management of both neonicotinoids and the new generation of pesticides targeting insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Matsuda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan; .,Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Makoto Ihara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan;
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom;
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34
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Fedoreyeva LI, Kononenko NV, Baranova EN, Dilovarova TA, Smirnova EA, Vanyushin BF. Dipeptides and Glycine Modulate Development of Seedlings and Regenerants of Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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35
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Saini AG, Pandey S. Hyperekplexia and other startle syndromes. J Neurol Sci 2020; 416:117051. [PMID: 32721683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal startle syndromes are classified into hyperekplexia, stimulus-induced, and neuropsychiatric startle syndromes. Hyperekplexia is attributed to a genetic, idiopathic, or symptomatic cause. Hereditary hyperekplexia is a treatable neurogenetic disorder. In patients with a hyperactive startle response, the first step is to characterize the extent and associations of 'response.' Secondary or symptomatic causes are particularly important in children, as they provide useful clinical clues to an underlying neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Particular attention should be given to any neonate or infant with generalized or episodic stiffness, drug-refractory seizures, recurrent apnea, stimulus-sensitive behavioral states, or sudden infant death syndrome. Eliciting a non-habituating head-retraction reflex to repeated nose tapping should be a part of routine examination of all new-borns. Vigevano maneuver should be taught to all families and health-care workers as an emergency rescue measure. The onset of excessive startle after infancy should direct investigations for an acquired cause such as brainstem injury, antibodies against glycine receptors, and neurodegeneration. Finally, one should not forget to evaluate unexplained cases of abnormal gait and frequent falls in adults for underlying undiagnosed startle syndromes. Oral clonazepam is an effective therapy besides behavioral and safety interventions for hereditary cases. The outcomes in genetic cases are good overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Gahlot Saini
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sanjay Pandey
- Department of Neurology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate medical education and research, JLN Marg, New Delhi 110002, India.
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Cerdan AH, Sisquellas M, Pereira G, Barreto Gomes DE, Changeux JP, Cecchini M. The Glycine Receptor Allosteric Ligands Library (GRALL). Bioinformatics 2020; 36:3379-3384. [PMID: 32163115 PMCID: PMC7267813 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Glycine receptors (GlyRs) mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain and have been recognized as key pharmacological targets for pain. A large number of chemically diverse compounds that are able to modulate GlyR function both positively and negatively have been reported, which provides useful information for the development of pharmacological strategies and models for the allosteric modulation of these ion channels. RESULTS Based on existing literature, we have collected 218 unique chemical entities with documented modulatory activities at homomeric GlyR-α1 and -α3 and built a database named GRALL. This collection includes agonists, antagonists, positive and negative allosteric modulators and a number of experimentally inactive compounds. Most importantly, for a large fraction of them a structural annotation based on their putative binding site on the receptor is provided. This type of annotation, which is currently missing in other drug banks, along with the availability of cooperativity factors from radioligand displacement experiments are expected to improve the predictivity of in silico methodologies for allosteric drug discovery and boost the development of conformation-based pharmacological approaches. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The GRALL library is distributed as a web-accessible database at the following link: https://ifm.chimie.unistra.fr/grall. For each molecular entry, it provides information on the chemical structure, the ligand-binding site, the direction of modulation, the potency, the 3D molecular structure and quantum-mechanical charges as determined by our in-house pipeline. CONTACT mcecchini@unistra.fr. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien H Cerdan
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg, UMR7177, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France
- Channel-Receptors Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marion Sisquellas
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg, UMR7177, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Gilberto Pereira
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg, UMR7177, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Diego E Barreto Gomes
- Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada às Ciências da Vida-Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Duque de Caxias 25.250-020, Brazil
| | - Jean-Pierre Changeux
- CNRS, URA 2182, F-75015, Collège de France, F-75005 Paris, France
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Marco Cecchini
- Institut de Chimie de Strasbourg, UMR7177, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Wilke BU, Kummer KK, Leitner MG, Kress M. Chloride - The Underrated Ion in Nociceptors. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:287. [PMID: 32322187 PMCID: PMC7158864 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to pain processing neurons in the spinal cord, where the importance of chloride conductances is already well established, chloride homeostasis in primary afferent neurons has received less attention. Sensory neurons maintain high intracellular chloride concentrations through balanced activity of Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and K+-Cl– cotransporter 2 (KCC2). Whereas in other cell types activation of chloride conductances causes hyperpolarization, activation of the same conductances in primary afferent neurons may lead to inhibitory or excitatory depolarization depending on the actual chloride reversal potential and the total amount of chloride efflux during channel or transporter activation. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express a multitude of chloride channel types belonging to different channel families, such as ligand-gated, ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine receptors, Ca2+-activated chloride channels of the anoctamin/TMEM16, bestrophin or tweety-homolog family, CLC chloride channels and transporters, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as well as volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). Specific chloride conductances are involved in signal transduction and amplification at the peripheral nerve terminal, contribute to excitability and action potential generation of sensory neurons, or crucially shape synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn. In addition, chloride channels can be modified by a plethora of inflammatory mediators affecting them directly, via protein-protein interaction, or through signaling cascades. Since chloride channels as well as mediators that modulate chloride fluxes are regulated in pain disorders and contribute to nociceptor excitation and sensitization it is timely and important to emphasize their critical role in nociceptive primary afferents in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina U Wilke
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kai K Kummer
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael G Leitner
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Kress
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Bukanova JV, Solntseva EI, Kudova E. Neurosteroids as Selective Inhibitors of Glycine Receptor Activity: Structure-Activity Relationship Study on Endogenous Androstanes and Androstenes. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:44. [PMID: 32265652 PMCID: PMC7098970 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of androstane and androstene neurosteroids with modifications at C-17, C-5, and C-3 (compounds 1-9) to influence the functional activity of inhibitory glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors was estimated. The glycine- and GABA-induced chloride current (IGly and IGABA) were measured in isolated pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus and isolated rat cerebellar Purkinje cells, correspondingly, using the patch-clamp technique. Our results demonstrate that all the nine neurosteroids display similar biological activity, namely, they strongly inhibited IGly and weakly inhibited IGABA. The threshold concentration of neurosteroids inducing effects on IGly was 0.1 μM, and for effects on IGABA was 10–50 μM. Moreover, our compounds accelerated desensitization of the IGly with the IC50 values varying from 0.12 to 0.49 μM and decreased the peak amplitude with IC50 values varying from 16 to 22 μM. Interestingly, our study revealed that only compounds 4 (epiandrosterone) and 8 (dehydroepiandrosterone) were able to cause a significant change in IGABA in 10 μM concentration. Moreover, compounds 3 (testosterone), 5 (epitestosterone), 6 (dihydroandrostenedione), and 9 (etiocholanedione) did not modulate IGABA up to the concentration of 50 μM. Thus, we conclude that compounds 3, 5, 6, and 9 may be identified as selective modulators of IGly. Our results offer new avenues of investigation in the field of drug-like selective modulators of IGly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Dämgen MA, Biggin PC. A Refined Open State of the Glycine Receptor Obtained via Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Structure 2020; 28:130-139.e2. [PMID: 31753620 PMCID: PMC6945115 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels are key players in mediating fast neurotransmission. Glycine receptors are chloride-selective members of this receptor family that mediate inhibitory synaptic transmission and are implicated in neurological disorders including autism and hyperekplexia. They have been structurally characterized by both X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies, with the latter giving rise to what was proposed as a possible open state. However, recent work has questioned the physiological relevance of this open state structure, since it rapidly collapses in molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we show that the collapse can be avoided by a careful equilibration protocol that reconciles the more problematic regions of the original density map and gives a stable open state that shows frequent selective chloride permeation. The protocol developed in this work provides a means to refine open-like structures of the whole pentameric ligand-gated ion channel superfamily and reconciles the previous issues with the cryo-EM structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Dämgen
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Philip C Biggin
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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Huang N, Wang Y, Zhan G, Yu F, Li S, Hua D, Jiang R, Li S, Wu Y, Yang L, Zhu B, Hua F, Luo A, Yang C. Contribution of skeletal muscular glycine to rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine in an inflammation-induced mouse model of depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3513-3523. [PMID: 31321459 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Basic and clinical studies have reported rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of ketamine. Although previous studies have proposed several mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of ketamine, these mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. OBJECTIVES The present study evaluated the effects of systemically administered ketamine treatment in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of depression. METHODS Non-targeted metabolomics, western blotting, and behavioral tests (locomotion, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests) were performed. RESULT Ketamine significantly attenuated the abnormally increased immobility time in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of depression. Aminomalonic acid, glutaraldehyde, glycine, histidine, N-methyl-L-glutamic acid, and ribose levels in skeletal muscle were altered following ketamine administration. Furthermore, ketamine significantly decreased the LPS-induced increase in glycine receptor A1 (GlyA1) levels. However, the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not elicit any pharmacological effects on ketamine-induced alterations in behaviors or muscular GlyA1 levels. Exogenous glycine and L-serine significantly improved depression-like symptoms in LPS-induced mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that skeletal muscular glycine contributes to the antidepressant effects of ketamine in inflammation. Effective strategies for improving skeletal muscular glycine levels may be a novel approach to depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niannian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dongyu Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Riyue Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yeshun Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Fei Hua
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Ailin Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Dawson A, Trumper P, de Souza JO, Parker H, Jones MJ, Hales TG, Hunter WN. Engineering a surrogate human heteromeric α/β glycine receptor orthosteric site exploiting the structural homology and stability of acetylcholine-binding protein. IUCRJ 2019; 6:1014-1023. [PMID: 31709057 PMCID: PMC6830221 DOI: 10.1107/s205225251901114x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein-engineering methods have been exploited to produce a surrogate system for the extracellular neurotransmitter-binding site of a heteromeric human ligand-gated ion channel, the glycine receptor. This approach circumvents two major issues: the inherent experimental difficulties in working with a membrane-bound ion channel and the complication that a heteromeric assembly is necessary to create a key, physiologically relevant binding site. Residues that form the orthosteric site in a highly stable ortholog, acetylcholine-binding protein, were selected for substitution. Recombinant proteins were prepared and characterized in stepwise fashion exploiting a range of biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography, married to the use of selected chemical probes. The decision making and development of the surrogate, which is termed a glycine-binding protein, are described, and comparisons are provided with wild-type and homomeric systems that establish features of molecular recognition in the binding site and the confidence that the system is suited for use in early-stage drug discovery targeting a heteromeric α/β glycine receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Dawson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Paul Trumper
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Juliana Oliveira de Souza
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Holly Parker
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Mathew J. Jones
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Tim G. Hales
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland
| | - William N. Hunter
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland
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van Hout M, Valdes A, Christensen SB, Tran PT, Watkins M, Gajewiak J, Jensen AA, Olivera BM, McIntosh JM. α-Conotoxin VnIB from Conus ventricosus is a potent and selective antagonist of α6β4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neuropharmacology 2019; 157:107691. [PMID: 31255696 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
α6-containing (α6*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed throughout the periphery and the central nervous system and constitute putative therapeutic targets in pain, addiction and movement disorders. The α6β2* nAChRs are relatively well studied, in part due to the availability of target specific α-conotoxins (α-Ctxs). In contrast, all native α-Ctxs identified that potently block α6β4 nAChRs exhibit higher potencies for the closely related α6β2β3 and/or α3β4 subtypes. In this study, we have identified a novel peptide from Conus ventricosus with pronounced selectivity for the α6β4 nAChR. The peptide-encoding gene was cloned from genomic DNA and the predicted mature peptide, α-Ctx VnIB, was synthesized. The functional properties of VnIB were characterized at rat and human nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. VnIB potently inhibited ACh-evoked currents at rα6β4 and rα6/α3β4 nAChRs, displayed ∼20-fold and ∼250-fold lower potencies at rα3β4 and rα6/α3β2β3 receptors, respectively, and exhibited negligible effects at eight other nAChR subtypes. Interestingly, even higher degrees of selectivity were observed for hα6/α3β4 over hα6/α3β2β3 and hα3β4 receptors. Finally, VnIB displayed fast binding kinetics at rα6/α3β4 (on-rate t½ = 0.87 min-1, off-rate t½ = 2.7 min-1). The overall preference of VnIB for β4* over β2* nAChRs is similar to the selectivity profiles of other 4/6 α-Ctxs. However, in contrast to previously identified native α-Ctxs targeting α6* nAChRs, VnIB displays pronounced selectivity for α6β4 nAChRs over both α3β4 and α6β2β3 receptors. VnIB thus represents a novel molecular probe for elucidating the physiological role and therapeutic properties of α6β4* nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes van Hout
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Amanda Valdes
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Sean B Christensen
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Phuong T Tran
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Maren Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA; George E. Wahlen Veterans Affair Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA.
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Lara CO, Burgos CF, Silva-Grecchi T, Muñoz-Montesino C, Aguayo LG, Fuentealba J, Castro PA, Guzmán JL, Corringer PJ, Yévenes GE, Moraga-Cid G. Large Intracellular Domain-Dependent Effects of Positive Allosteric Modulators on Glycine Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2551-2559. [PMID: 30893555 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are members of the pentameric ligand-gated ionic channel family (pLGICs) and mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain stem and spinal cord. The function of GlyRs can be modulated by positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). So far, it is largely accepted that both the extracellular (ECD) and transmembrane (TMD) domains constitute the primary target for many of these PAMs. On the other hand, the contribution of the intracellular domain (ICD) to the PAM effects on GlyRs remains poorly understood. To gain insight about the role of the ICD in the pharmacology of GlyRs, we examined the contribution of each domain using a chimeric receptor. Two chimeras were generated, one consisting of the ECD of the prokaryotic homologue Gloeobacter violaceus ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC) fused to the TMD of the human α1GlyR lacking the ICD (Lily) and a second with the ICD (Lily-ICD). The sensitivity to PAMs of both chimeric receptors was studied using electrophysiological techniques. The Lily receptor showed a significant decrease in the sensitivity to four recognized PAMs. Remarkably, the incorporation of the ICD into the Lily background was sufficient to restore the wild-type α1GlyR sensitivity to these PAMs. Based on these data, we can suggest that the ICD is necessary to form a pLGIC having full sensitivity to positive allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar O. Lara
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos F. Burgos
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Tiare Silva-Grecchi
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Carola Muñoz-Montesino
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Luis G. Aguayo
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge Fuentealba
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Patricio A. Castro
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Jose L. Guzmán
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Gonzalo E. Yévenes
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Gustavo Moraga-Cid
- Departamento de Fisiologı́a, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
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Lushnikova I, Maleeva G, Skibo G. Glycine receptors are involved in hippocampal neuronal damage caused by oxygen-glucose deficiency. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1423-1431. [PMID: 30022566 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) belong to the family of ligand-gated cys-loop receptors and effectuate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in central nervous system (CNS). They are involved in numerous physiological processes, such as movement, respiration, and processing of sensory information, as well as in regulation of neuronal excitability in different brain regions. GlyRs play important role in the maintenance of excitatory/inhibitory balance in the hippocampus and participate in the development of various brain pathologies. In the present study, we have examined a surface expression of GlyRs by pyramidal neurons and astrocytes in control and after 30 min of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in the organotypic culture of hippocampal slices. Our investigation has demonstrated a decrease in GlyR-positive staining associated with pyramidal neurons and relative stability of GlyRs expression at the surface of astrocytes 4 hs after OGD. These data indicate that GlyRs dysfunction may represent a significant additional factor leading to enhanced neuronal damage induced by OGD. Pharmacological modulation of GlyRs is a promising venue of research for the correction of negative consequences of oxygen-glucose deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Lushnikova
- Department of Cytology, O.O.Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Galyna Maleeva
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, INS, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, France
| | - Galyna Skibo
- Department of Cytology, O.O.Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine
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