1
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Zhang G, Yao Q, Long C, Yi P, Song J, Wu L, Wan W, Rao X, Lin Y, Wei G, Ying J, Hua F. Infiltration by monocytes of the central nervous system and its role in multiple sclerosis: reflections on therapeutic strategies. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:779-793. [PMID: 38886942 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mononuclear macrophage infiltration in the central nervous system is a prominent feature of neuroinflammation. Recent studies on the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis have highlighted the multiple roles of mononuclear macrophages in the neuroinflammatory process. Monocytes play a significant role in neuroinflammation, and managing neuroinflammation by manipulating peripheral monocytes stands out as an effective strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review outlines the steps involved in the entry of myeloid monocytes into the central nervous system that are targets for effective intervention: the activation of bone marrow hematopoiesis, migration of monocytes in the blood, and penetration of the blood-brain barrier by monocytes. Finally, we summarize the different monocyte subpopulations and their effects on the central nervous system based on phenotypic differences. As activated microglia resemble monocyte-derived macrophages, it is important to accurately identify the role of monocyte-derived macrophages in disease. Depending on the roles played by monocyte-derived macrophages at different stages of the disease, several of these processes can be interrupted to limit neuroinflammation and improve patient prognosis. Here, we discuss possible strategies to target monocytes in neurological diseases, focusing on three key aspects of monocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, to provide new ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chubing Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Pengcheng Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiali Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Luojia Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wei Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiuqin Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Gen Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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2
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Atalay Ö, Ozyilmaz ED, Önal D, Pehli Vanoğlu B, Çomoğlu T. Development and In vivo Evaluation of Atomoxetine Hydrochloride ODMTs in a Nicotine-induced Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Model in Rats. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:173. [PMID: 39085501 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02889-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of orally administered rapid mini-tablets containing atomoxetine hydrochloride (ODMT) relative to the conventional capsule formulation of atomoxetine hydrochloride (ATO). To mask the bitter taste of ATO and render it more palatable for pediatric administration in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an inclusion complex of ATO with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was synthesized. The ODMT and conventional capsule ATO formulations were administered orally to a cohort of ADHD rat pups born to nicotine-exposed dams, facilitating an in vivo efficacy assessment. Behavioral assays, including the open field test, novel object recognition test, and Barnes maze test, were conducted pre- and post-administration of the therapeutics. The outcomes suggested that the ODMT formulation, incorporating ATO-β-CD inclusion complexes, shows promise as a viable alternative to the capsule form of ATO. Conclusively, the preparation of the ATO-β-CD complexes and ODMTs leveraged a factorial experimental design, with the animal model being subjected to nicotine-induced hyperactivity to provide a unique evaluative framework for the ODMT formulation under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özbeyen Atalay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Emine Dilek Ozyilmaz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, Famagusta, Mersin 10, Türkiye
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Deniz Önal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir, Türkiye
| | - Bilge Pehli Vanoğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Tansel Çomoğlu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye.
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3
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Natarajan C, Le LHD, Gunasekaran M, Tracey KJ, Chernoff D, Levine YA. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve ameliorates inflammation and disease activity in a rat EAE model of multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322577121. [PMID: 38968104 PMCID: PMC11252997 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322577121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disorder that is associated with functional impairment and accruing disability. There are multiple U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that effectively dampen inflammation and slow disability progression. However, these agents do not work well for all patients and are associated with side effects that may limit their use. The vagus nerve (VN) provides a direct communication conduit between the CNS and the periphery, and modulation of the inflammatory reflex via electrical stimulation of the VN (VNS) shows efficacy in ameliorating pathology in several CNS and autoimmune disorders. We therefore investigated the impact of VNS in a rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. In this study, VNS-mediated neuroimmune modulation is demonstrated to effectively decrease EAE disease severity and duration, infiltration of neutrophils and pathogenic lymphocytes, myelin damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, fibrinogen deposition, and proinflammatory microglial activation. VNS modulates expression of genes that are implicated in MS pathogenesis, as well as those encoding myelin proteins and transcription factors regulating new myelin synthesis. Together, these data indicate that neuroimmune modulation via VNS may be a promising approach to treat MS, that not only ameliorates symptoms but potentially also promotes myelin repair (remyelination).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY11030
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY11549
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY11549
| | | | - Yaakov A. Levine
- SetPoint Medical, Valencia, CA91355
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY11549
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm171 76, Sweden
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4
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Bonato Wille AP, Pereira da Motta K, Pinto Brites N, Luchese C, Frederico Schumacher R, Antunes Wilhelm E. Synthesis and investigation of new indole-containing vinyl sulfide derivatives: In silico and in vitro studies for potential therapeutic applications. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301460. [PMID: 38117615 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301460] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Indoles featuring organosulfur compounds serve as privileged structural scaffolds in various biologically active compounds. This study investigates the biological properties of five synthetic sulphenyl vinyl indoles (3 a-e) using both in silico and in vitro methods. Computational analyses employing Swiss ADME and Molinspiration software reveal the remarkable inhibitory activity of compound 3 d against proteases and kinases (scores of 0.18 and 0.06, respectively). Furthermore, it demonstrates the ability to modulate ionic and G protein-coupled receptors (scores: -0.06 and 0.31, respectively) and serves as a ligand for nuclear receptors (score 0.15). In vitro investigations highlight the compounds' efficacy in countering ABTS+ radical attacks and reducing lipid peroxidation levels. Particularly noteworthy is the superior efficacy of compounds 3 a, 3 b, and 3 e in DPPH (EC50 3 a: 268.5 μM) and TEAC assays (EC50 3 a: 49.9 μM; EC50 3 b: 133.4 μM, and EC50 3 e: 84.9 μM), as well as TBARS levels. Compound 3 c significantly reduces acetylcholinesterase activity, positioning itself as a noteworthy enzyme inhibitor. This study emphasizes the versatile biological potential of synthetic indole derivatives, suggesting their applicability for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Bonato Wille
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil CEP, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Ketlyn Pereira da Motta
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil CEP, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Nathan Pinto Brites
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria Brazil, CEP, 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil CEP, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil CEP, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
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5
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Fang Y, Zhang T, Li L, Chen S, Wang L, Tang J, Liao Y. Nicotine Decreases Nerve Regeneration and Pain Behaviors via PTEN and Downstream Inflammation-Related Pathway in Two Rat Nerve Injury Models. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0185-23.2023. [PMID: 37620149 PMCID: PMC10484360 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0185-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is stubborn and associated with the peripheral nerve regeneration process. Nicotine has been found to reduce pain, but whether it is involved in the regulation of nerve regeneration and the underlying mechanism are unknown. In this study, we examined the mechanical allodynia thermal hyperalgesia together with the peripheral nerve regeneration after nicotine exposure in two rat neuropathic pain models. In the spinal nerve ligation model, in which anatomic nerve regeneration can be easily observed, nicotine reduced anatomic measures of regeneration as well as expression of regeneration marker growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). In the tibial nerve crush model, nicotine treatment significantly suppressed GAP43 expression and functional reinnervation as measured by myelinated action potential and electromyography of gastrocnemius. In both models, nicotine treatment reduced macrophage density in the sensory ganglia and peripheral nerve. These effects of nicotine were reversed by the selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker methyllycaconitine. In addition, nicotine significantly elevated expression of PTEN (the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), a key player in both regeneration and pain. Pharmacological interference of PTEN could regulate GAP43 expression, pain-related behaviors, and macrophage infiltration in a nicotine-treated nerve crush model. Our results reveal that nicotine and its α7-nAChR regulate both peripheral nerve regeneration process and pain though PTEN and the downstream inflammation-related pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingkai Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
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6
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Nakamura Y, Matsumoto H, Wu CH, Fukaya D, Uni R, Hirakawa Y, Katagiri M, Yamada S, Ko T, Nomura S, Wada Y, Komuro I, Nangaku M, Inagi R, Inoue T. Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors signaling boosts cell-cell interactions in macrophages effecting anti-inflammatory and organ protection. Commun Biol 2023; 6:666. [PMID: 37353597 PMCID: PMC10290099 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05051-2] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) via vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to improve acute kidney injury in rodent models. While alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) positive macrophages are thought to play a crucial role in this pathway, their in vivo significance has not been fully understood. In this study, we used macrophage-specific α7nAChR-deficient mice to confirm the direct activation of α7nAChRs in macrophages. Our findings indicate that the administration of GTS-21, an α7nAChR-specific agonist, protects injured kidneys in wild-type mice but not in macrophage-specific α7nAChR-deficient mice. To investigate the signal changes or cell reconstructions induced by α7nAChR activation in splenocytes, we conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing of the spleen. Ligand-receptor analysis revealed an increase in macrophage-macrophage interactions. Using macrophage-derived cell lines, we demonstrated that GTS-21 increases cell contact, and that the contact between macrophages receiving α7nAChR signals leads to a reduction in TNF-α. Our results suggest that α7nAChR signaling increases macrophage-macrophage interactions in the spleen and has a protective effect on the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuna Nakamura
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Matsumoto
- School of Information and Data Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chia-Hsien Wu
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daichi Fukaya
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rie Uni
- Division of CKD pathophysiology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Hirakawa
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikako Katagiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yamada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ko
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seitaro Nomura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youichiro Wada
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Inagi
- Division of CKD pathophysiology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
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7
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O'Brien BCV, Weber L, Hueffer K, Weltzin MM. SARS-CoV-2 spike ectodomain targets α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104707. [PMID: 37061001 PMCID: PMC10101490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus entry into animal cells is initiated by attachment to target macromolecules located on host cells. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) trimeric spike glycoprotein targets host angiotensin converting enzyme 2 to gain cellular access. The SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein contains a neurotoxin-like region that has sequence similarities to the rabies virus and the HIV glycoproteins, as well as to snake neurotoxins, which interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes via this region. Using a peptide of the neurotoxin-like region of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein peptide [SCoV2P]), we identified that this area moderately inhibits α3β2, α3β4, and α4β2 subtypes, while potentiating and inhibiting α7 nAChRs. These nAChR subtypes are found in target tissues including the nose, lung, central nervous system, and immune cells. Importantly, SCoV2P potentiates and inhibits ACh-induced α7 nAChR responses by an allosteric mechanism, with nicotine enhancing these effects. Live-cell confocal microscopy was used to confirm that SCoV2P interacts with α7 nAChRs in transfected neuronal-like N2a and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The SARS-CoV-2 ectodomain functionally potentiates and inhibits the α7 subtype with nanomolar potency. Our functional findings identify that the α7 nAChR is a target for the SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein, providing a new aspect to our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and host cell interactions, in addition to disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C V O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Lahra Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Maegan M Weltzin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA.
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8
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Bye LJ, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Key targets for attenuating neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 157:106387. [PMID: 36754161 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are master regulators of immune functions via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and are expressed in microglia, the brain's resident immune cells. There is an extensive dialogue between the neurons and the glial cells around them from which microglia are tasked with monitoring, nurturing, and defending their microenvironment. Dysregulation of any of these processes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences involving microglia-mediated neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, amongst others. Disease-associated microglia acquire a distinguishing phenotype that emphasizes scavenging and defence functions while nurturing and repairing functions become muted. Attempts to resolve this critical imbalance remain a key focus of research. Furthermore, cholinergic modulation of neuroinflammation represents a promising avenue for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia J Bye
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia.
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9
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Papke RL, Quadri M, Gulsevin A. Silent agonists for α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106736. [PMID: 36940890 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
We discuss models for the activation and desensitization of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the effects of efficacious type II positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that destabilize α7 desensitized states. Type II PAMs such as PNU-120596 can be used to distinguish inactive compounds from silent agonists, compounds that produce little or no channel activation but stabilize the non-conducting conformations associated with desensitization. We discuss the effects of α7 nAChRs in cells of the immune system and their roles in modulating inflammation and pain through what has come to be known as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory system (CAS). Cells controlling CAS do not generate ion channel currents but rather respond to α7 drugs by modulating intracellular signaling pathways analogous to the effects of metabotropic receptors. Metabotropic signaling by α7 receptors appears to be mediated by receptors in nonconducting conformations and can be accomplished by silent agonists. We discuss electrophysiological structure-activity relationships for α7 silent agonists and their use in cell-based and in vivo assays for CAS regulation. We discuss the strongly desensitizing partial agonist GTS-21 and its effectiveness in modulation of CAS. We also review the properties of the silent agonist NS6740, which is remarkably effective at maintaining α7 receptors in PAM-sensitive desensitized states. Most silent agonists bind to sites overlapping those for orthosteric agonists, but some appear to bind to allosteric sites. Finally, we discuss α9⁎ nAChRs and their potential role in CAS, and ligands that will be useful in defining and distinguishing the specific roles of α7 and α9 in CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG).
| | - Marta Quadri
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG)
| | - Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG)
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10
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Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
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11
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Akyuz E, Celik BR, Aslan FS, Sahin H, Angelopoulou E. Exploring the Role of Neurotransmitters in Multiple Sclerosis: An Expanded Review. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:527-553. [PMID: 36724132 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although emerging evidence has shown that changes in neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic gap may contribute to the pathophysiology of MS, their specific role has not been elucidated yet. In this review, we aim to analyze preclinical and clinical evidence on the structural and functional changes in neurotransmitters in MS and critically discuss their potential role in MS pathophysiology. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that alterations in glutamate metabolism may contribute to MS pathophysiology, by causing excitotoxic neuronal damage. Dysregulated interaction between glutamate and GABA results in synaptic loss. The GABAergic system also plays an important role, by regulating the activity and plasticity of neural networks. Targeting GABAergic/glutamatergic transmission may be effective in fatigue and cognitive impairment in MS. Acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine can also affect the T-mediated inflammatory responses, thereby being implicated in MS-related neuroinflammation. Also, melatonin might affect the frequency of relapses in MS, by regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Increased levels of nitric oxide in inflammatory lesions of MS patients may be also associated with axonal neuronal degeneration. Therefore, neurotransmitter imbalance may be critically implicated in MS pathophysiology, and future studies are needed for our deeper understanding of their role in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Betul Rana Celik
- Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Feyza Sule Aslan
- Hamidiye International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Humeyra Sahin
- School of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey, 34093
| | - Efthalia Angelopoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, 115 27
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12
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Papke RL, Stokes C. Insights Into the Differential Desensitization of α4 β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Isoforms Obtained With Positive Allosteric Modulation of Mutant Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:63-76. [PMID: 36414373 PMCID: PMC9881010 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of highly efficacious positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) has proven useful in defining the ligand dependence of the conformational dynamics of α7 receptors. No such effective modulators are known to exist for the α4β2 nAChR of the brain, limiting our ability to understand the importance of desensitization for the activity profile of specific ligands. In this study, we used mutant β2 subunits that allowed the use of the α7 PAM 3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-4-(1-naphthalenyl)-3H-cyclopentan[c]quinoline-8-sulfonamide (TQS) to probe the desensitizing effects of nicotinic ligands on the two forms of α4β2 receptors; high sensitivity (HS) (two α4 and three β2 subunits) and low sensitivity (LS) (three α4 and two β2 subunits). A total of 28 different ligands of 8 different categories, based on activity and selectivity, were tested for their ability to induce TQS-sensitive desensitization of HS and LS α4β2 receptors. Results confirm that HS α4β2 receptor responses are strongly limited by desensitization, by at least an order of magnitude more so than the responses of LS receptors. The activation of α4β2 receptors by the smoking-cessation drugs cytisine and varenicline is strongly limited by desensitization, as is the activation of LS receptors by the HS-selective agonists 6-[5-[(2S)-2-Azetidinylmethoxy]-3-pyridinyl]-5-hexyn-1-ol dihydrochloride and 4-(5-ethoxy-3-pyridinyl)-N-methyl-(3E)-3-buten-1-amine difumarate. The evaluation of drugs previously identified as α7-selective agonists revealed varying patterns of α4β2 cross-desensitization that were predictive of the effects of these drugs on the activation of wild-type α4β2 receptors by acetylcholine, supporting the utility of TQS-sensitive receptors for the development of focused therapeutics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: To varying degrees, ligands regulate the balance of active and desensitized states of the two forms of the primary nAChR subtypes in brain. Using mutant beta subunits, an allosteric modulator can reverse ligand-induced desensitization, revealing the differential desensitization of the receptors by specific ligands. This study shows that drugs believed to be selective for therapeutic targets may cross-desensitize other targets and that, within a class of drugs, improved specificity can be achieved by using agents that reduce such cross-desensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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13
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Nechanitzky R, Nechanitzky D, Ramachandran P, Duncan GS, Zheng C, Göbl C, Gill KT, Haight J, Wakeham AC, Snow BE, Bradaschia-Correa V, Ganguly M, Lu Z, Saunders ME, Flavell RA, Mak TW. Cholinergic control of Th17 cell pathogenicity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:407-416. [PMID: 36528755 PMCID: PMC9950465 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01092-y] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which Th17 cells have a crucial but unclear function. Here we show that choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which synthesizes acetylcholine (ACh), is a critical driver of pathogenicity in EAE. Mice with ChAT-deficient Th17 cells resist disease progression and show reduced brain-infiltrating immune cells. ChAT expression in Th17 cells is linked to strong TCR signaling, expression of the transcription factor Bhlhe40, and increased Il2, Il17, Il22, and Il23r mRNA levels. ChAT expression in Th17 cells is independent of IL21r signaling but dampened by TGFβ, implicating ChAT in controlling the dichotomous nature of Th17 cells. Our study establishes a cholinergic program in which ACh signaling primes chronic activation of Th17 cells, and thereby constitutes a pathogenic determinant of EAE. Our work may point to novel targets for therapeutic immunomodulation in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Nechanitzky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Duygu Nechanitzky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Parameswaran Ramachandran
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon S Duncan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chunxing Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christoph Göbl
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Kyle T Gill
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jillian Haight
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew C Wakeham
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryan E Snow
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Milan Ganguly
- Histology Core, The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhibin Lu
- UHN Bioinformatics and HPC Core, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary E Saunders
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard A Flavell
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Tak W Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Departments of Immunology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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14
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Zhang H, Wang D, Sun J, Wang Y, Wu S, Wang J. Huperzine-A Improved Animal Behavior in Cuprizone-Induced Mouse Model by Alleviating Demyelination and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416182. [PMID: 36555825 PMCID: PMC9785798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Huperzine A (HupA) is a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) with the advantages of high efficiency, selectivity as well as reversibility and can exhibit significant therapeutic effects against certain neurodegenerative diseases. It is also beneficial in reducing the neurological impairment and neuroinflammation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a classic model for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether HupA can directly regulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation and promote remyelination has not been investigated previously. In this study, we have analyzed the potential protective effects of HupA on the demylination model of MS induced by cuprizone (CPZ). It was found that HupA significantly attenuated anxiety-like behavior, as well as augmented motor and cognitive functions in CPZ mice. It also decreased demyelination and axonal injury in CPZ mice. Moreover, in CPZ mice, HupA increased mRNA levels of the various anti-inflammatory cytokines (Arg1, CD206) while reducing the levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, IL-1β, IL-18, CD16, and TNF-α). Mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptor antagonist, could effectively reverse the effects of HupA. Therefore, we concluded that HupA primarily exerts its therapeutic effects on multiple sclerosis through alleviating demyelination and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Danjie Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingxian Sun
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (J.W.); Tel.: +86-15921977760 (S.W.); +86-17721371757 (J.W.)
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (J.W.); Tel.: +86-15921977760 (S.W.); +86-17721371757 (J.W.)
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15
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Chrestia JF, Oliveira AS, Mulholland AJ, Gallagher T, Bermúdez I, Bouzat C. A Functional Interaction Between Y674-R685 Region of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and the Human α7 Nicotinic Receptor. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6076-6090. [PMID: 35859025 PMCID: PMC9299415 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02947-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is present in neuronal and non-neuronal cells and has anti-inflammatory actions. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that α7 nAChR interacts with a region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S), and a potential contribution of nAChRs to COVID-19 pathophysiology has been proposed. We applied whole-cell and single-channel recordings to determine whether a peptide corresponding to the Y674-R685 region of the S protein can directly affect α7 nAChR function. The S fragment exerts a dual effect on α7. It activates α7 nAChRs in the presence of positive allosteric modulators, in line with our previous molecular dynamics simulations showing favourable binding of this accessible region of the S protein to the nAChR agonist binding site. The S fragment also exerts a negative modulation of α7, which is evidenced by a profound concentration-dependent decrease in the durations of openings and activation episodes of potentiated channels and in the amplitude of macroscopic responses elicited by ACh. Our study identifies a potential functional interaction between α7 nAChR and a region of the S protein, thus providing molecular foundations for further exploring the involvement of nAChRs in COVID-19 pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Facundo Chrestia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7-8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ana Sofia Oliveira
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Adrian J Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | | | - Isabel Bermúdez
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7-8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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16
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Fu H, Shen QR, Zhao Y, Ni M, Zhou CC, Chen JK, Chi C, Li DJ, Liang G, Shen FM. Activating α7nAChR ameliorates abdominal aortic aneurysm through inhibiting pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2585-2595. [PMID: 35217818 PMCID: PMC9525652 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a dilated aorta in diameter at least 1.5 times of a normal aorta. Our previous studies found that activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) had a protective effect on vascular injury. This work was to investigate whether activating α7nAChR could influence AAA formation and explore its mechanisms. AAA models were established by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in ApoE-/- mice or in wild type and α7nAChR-/- mice. In vitro mouse aortic smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). PNU-282987 was chosen to activate α7nAChR. We found that cell pyroptosis effector GSDMD and NLRP3 inflammasome were activated in abdominal aorta, and inflammatory cytokines in serum were elevated in AAA models of ApoE-/- mice. Activating α7nAChR reduced maximal aortic diameters, preserved elastin integrity and decreased inflammatory responses in ApoE-/- mice with Ang II infusion. While α7nAChR-/- mice led to aggravated aortic injury and increased inflammatory cytokines with Ang II infusion when compared with wild type. Moreover, activating α7nAChR inhibited NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in AAA model of ApoE-/- mice, while α7nAChR deficiency promoted this pathway. In vitro, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NLRP3 knockdown reduced GSDMD expression, in MOVAS cells treated with TNF-α. Furthermore, activating α7nAChR inhibited oxidative stress, reduced NLRP3/GSDMD expression, and decreased cell pyroptosis in MOVAS cells with TNF-α. In conclusion, our study found that activating α7nAChR retarded AAA through inhibiting pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome. These suggested that α7nAChR would be a potential pharmacological target for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qi-Rui Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Ji-Kuai Chen
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chen Chi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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17
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Han QQ, Li XY, Wang YX. Dexmedetomidine attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through macrophageal IL-10 expression following α7 nAchR activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108920. [PMID: 35691275 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108920] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been recently reported to alleviate systemic inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in addition to its sedative, analgesic, bradycardic and hypotensive properties. This study aimed to illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying dexmedetomidine-induced anti-inflammation. In the LPS-pretreated mice, subcutaneous injection of dexmedetomidine reduced the spleen weight as well as serum and spleen expression of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, and increased serum and spleen expression of IL-10, a known anti-inflammatory cytokine. In addition, dexmedetomidine-attenuated proinflammatory cytokine reduction was entirely inhibited by selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist methyllycaconitine but not α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. Dexmedetomidine also increased macrophageal IL-10 expression in the presence and absence of LPS, which was also attenuated by methyllycaconitine but not yohimbine. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of dexmedetomidine on the expression of IL-10 was also reduced by the α7 nAChR gene silencer siRNA/α7 nAChR. Lastly, pretreatment with the IL-10 neutralizing antibody reversed dexmedetomidine-supressed expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings illustrate that dexmedetomidine-induced anti-inflammation is through macrophageal expression of IL-10 following activation of α7 nAchRs but not α2-adrenoceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Qiao Han
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xin-Yan Li
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China.
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18
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Richter K, Papke RL, Stokes C, Roy DC, Espinosa ES, Wolf PMK, Hecker A, Liese J, Singh VK, Padberg W, Schlüter KD, Rohde M, McIntosh JM, Morley BJ, Horenstein NA, Grau V, Simard AR. Comparison of the Anti-inflammatory Properties of Two Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands, Phosphocholine and pCF3-diEPP. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:779081. [PMID: 35431807 PMCID: PMC9008208 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.779081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by innate immune cells can attenuate pro-inflammatory responses. Silent nAChR agonists, which down-modulate inflammation but have little or no ionotropic activity, are of outstanding clinical interest for the prevention and therapy of numerous inflammatory diseases. Here, we compare two silent nAChR agonists, phosphocholine, which is known to interact with nAChR subunits α7, α9, and α10, and pCF3-N,N-diethyl-N′-phenyl-piperazine (pCF3-diEPP), a previously identified α7 nAChR silent agonist, regarding their anti-inflammatory properties and their effects on ionotropic nAChR functions. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of interleukin (IL)-6 by primary murine macrophages was inhibited by pCF3-diEPP, while phosphocholine was ineffective presumably because of instability. In human whole blood cultures pCF3-diEPP inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. The ATP-mediated release of IL-1β by LPS-primed human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes, monocytic THP-1 cells and THP-1-derived M1-like macrophages was reduced by both phosphocholine and femtomolar concentrations of pCF3-diEPP. These effects were sensitive to mecamylamine and to conopeptides RgIA4 and [V11L; V16D]ArIB, suggesting the involvement of nAChR subunits α7, α9 and/or α10. In two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements pCF3-diEPP functioned as a partial agonist and a strong desensitizer of classical human α9 and α9α10 nAChRs. Interestingly, pCF3-diEPP was more effective as an ionotropic agonist at these nAChRs than at α7 nAChR. In conclusion, phosphocholine and pCF3-diEPP are potent agonists at unconventional nAChRs expressed by monocytic and macrophage-like cells. pCF3-diEPP inhibits the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while phosphocholine is ineffective. However, both agonists signal via nAChR subunits α7, α9 and/or α10 to efficiently down-modulate the ATP-induced release of IL-1β. Compared to phosphocholine, pCF3-diEPP is expected to have better pharmacological properties. Thus, low concentrations of pCF3-diEPP may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including trauma-induced sterile inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Katrin Richter,
| | - Roger L. Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Danika C. Roy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | | | - Philipp M. K. Wolf
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Juliane Liese
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vijay K. Singh
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Winfried Padberg
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Rohde
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Barbara J. Morley
- Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, United States
| | | | - Veronika Grau
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alain R. Simard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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19
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Letsinger AC, Gu Z, Yakel JL. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampal circuit: taming complexity. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:145-157. [PMID: 34916082 PMCID: PMC8914277 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) to coordinate neuronal circuit activity while simultaneously influencing the function of non-neuronal cell types. The α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtype is highly expressed throughout the hippocampus, has the highest calcium permeability compared with other subtypes of nAChRs, and is of high therapeutic interest due to its association with a variety of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we synthesize research describing α7 nAChR properties, function, and relationship to cognitive dysfunction within the hippocampal circuit and highlight approaches to help improve therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayland C. Letsinger
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Zhenglin Gu
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Jerrel L. Yakel
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA,Corresponding Author,
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Ramos-Martínez IE, Rodríguez MC, Cerbón M, Ramos-Martínez JC, Ramos-Martínez EG. Role of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Reflex in Central Nervous System Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413427. [PMID: 34948222 PMCID: PMC8705572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413427] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In several central nervous system diseases, it has been reported that inflammation may be related to the etiologic process, therefore, therapeutic strategies are being implemented to control inflammation. As the nervous system and the immune system maintain close bidirectional communication in physiological and pathological conditions, the modulation of inflammation through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex has been proposed. In this review, we summarized the evidence supporting chemical stimulation with cholinergic agonists and vagus nerve stimulation as therapeutic strategies in the treatment of various central nervous system pathologies, and their effect on inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Emmanuel Ramos-Martínez
- Glycobiology, Cell Growth and Tissue Repair Research Unit (Gly-CRRET), Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France;
| | - María Carmen Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, SSA, Morelos 62100, Mexico;
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (E.G.R.-M.)
| | - Juan Carlos Ramos-Martínez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Regional Lic. Ignacio Garcia Tellez IMSS, Yucatán 97150, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Gustavo Ramos-Martínez
- Escuela de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico
- Instituto de Cómputo Aplicado en Ciencias, Oaxaca 68044, Mexico
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (E.G.R.-M.)
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21
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Batool S, Akhter B, Zaidi J, Visser F, Petrie G, Hill M, Syed NI. Neuronal Menin Overexpression Rescues Learning and Memory Phenotype in CA1-Specific α7 nAChRs KD Mice. Cells 2021; 10:3286. [PMID: 34943798 PMCID: PMC8699470 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The perturbation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors is thought to underlie many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. We previously identified that the tumor suppressor gene, MEN1, regulates both the expression and synaptic targeting of α7 nAChRs in the mouse hippocampal neurons in vitro. Here we sought to determine whether the α7 nAChRs gene expression reciprocally regulates the expression of menin, the protein encoded by the MEN1 gene, and if this interplay impacts learning and memory. We demonstrate here that α7 nAChRs knockdown (KD) both in in vitro and in vivo, initially upregulated and then subsequently downregulated menin expression. Exogenous expression of menin using an AAV transduction approach rescued α7 nAChRs KD mediated functional and behavioral deficits specifically in hippocampal (CA1) neurons. These effects involved the modulation of the α7 nAChR subunit expression and functional clustering at the synaptic sites. Our data thus demonstrates a novel and important interplay between the MEN1 gene and the α7 nAChRs in regulating hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Batool
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Basma Akhter
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Jawwad Zaidi
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Gavin Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Matthew Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Naweed I. Syed
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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22
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Alberola-Die A, Encinar JA, Cobo R, Fernández-Ballester G, González-Ros JM, Ivorra I, Morales A. Peimine, an Anti-Inflammatory Compound from Chinese Herbal Extracts, Modulates Muscle-Type Nicotinic Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011287. [PMID: 34681946 PMCID: PMC8539251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fritillaria bulbs are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat several illnesses. Peimine (Pm), an anti-inflammatory compound from Fritillaria, is known to inhibit some voltage-dependent ion channels and muscarinic receptors, but its interaction with ligand-gated ion channels remains unexplored. We have studied if Pm affects nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), since they play broad functional roles, both in the nervous system and non-neuronal tissues. Muscle-type nAChRs were incorporated to Xenopus oocytes and the action of Pm on the membrane currents elicited by ACh (IAChs) was assessed. Functional studies were combined with virtual docking and molecular dynamics assays. Co-application of ACh and Pm reversibly blocked IACh, with an IC50 in the low micromolar range. Pm inhibited nAChR by: (i) open-channel blockade, evidenced by the voltage-dependent inhibition of IAch, (ii) enhancement of nAChR desensitization, revealed by both an accelerated IACh decay and a decelerated IACh deactivation, and (iii) resting-nAChR blockade, deduced from the IACh inhibition elicited by Pm when applied before ACh superfusion. In good concordance, virtual docking and molecular dynamics assays demonstrated that Pm binds to different sites at the nAChR, mostly at the transmembrane domain. Thus, Pm from Fritillaria bulbs, considered therapeutic herbs, targets nAChRs with high affinity, which might account for its anti-inflammatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Alberola-Die
- División de Fisiología, Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (R.C.); (I.I.)
| | - José Antonio Encinar
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (G.F.-B.); (J.M.G.-R.)
| | - Raúl Cobo
- División de Fisiología, Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (R.C.); (I.I.)
| | - Gregorio Fernández-Ballester
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (G.F.-B.); (J.M.G.-R.)
| | - José Manuel González-Ros
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (G.F.-B.); (J.M.G.-R.)
| | - Isabel Ivorra
- División de Fisiología, Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (R.C.); (I.I.)
| | - Andrés Morales
- División de Fisiología, Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; (A.A.-D.); (R.C.); (I.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-590-3949
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Zhang X, Xu F, Wang L, Li J, Zhang J, Huang L. The role of dorsal root ganglia alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory pain. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1487-1501. [PMID: 34514543 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) was reported to have a critical role in the regulation of pain sensitivity and neuroinflammation. However, the expression level of α7 nAChR in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the underlying neuroinflammatory mechanisms associated with hyperalgesia are still unknown. METHODS In the present study, the expression and mechanism of α7 nAChR in chronic inflammatory pain was investigated using a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Subsequently, a series of assays including immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. RESULTS α7 nAChR was mostly colocalized with NeuN in DRG and upregulated after CFA injection. Microinjection of α7 nAChR siRNA into ipsilateral L4/5 DRGs aggravated the CFA-induced pain hypersensitivity. Intrathecal α7 nAChR agonist GTS-21 attenuated the development of CFA-induced mechanical and temperature-related pain hypersensitivities. In neuronal the SH-SY5Y cell line, the knockdown of α7 nAChRs triggered the upregulation of TRAF6 and NF-κB under CFA-induced inflammatory conditions, while agitation of α7 nAChR suppressed the TRAF6/NF-κB activation. α7 nAChR siRNA also exacerbated the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators from LPS-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Conversely, α7 nAChR-specific agonist GTS-21 diminished the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in SH-SY5Y cells under inflammatory conditions. Mechanistically, the modulation of pain sensitivity and neuroinflammatory action of α7 nAChR may be mediated by the TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that α7 nAChR may be potentially utilized as a therapeutic target for therapeutics of chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Fangxia Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jinbao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Wedn AM, El-Bassossy HM, Eid AH, El-Mas MM. Modulation of preeclampsia by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway: Therapeutic perspectives. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114703. [PMID: 34324867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is vital for the orchestration of the immune and inflammatory responses under normal and challenged conditions. Over the past two decades, peripheral and central circuits of CAP have been shown to be critically involved in dampening the inflammatory reaction in a wide array of inflammatory disorders. Additionally, emerging evidence supports a key role for CAP in the regulation of the female reproductive system during gestation as well as in the advent of serious pregnancy-related inflammatory insults such as preeclampsia (PE). Within this framework, the modulatory action of CAP encompasses the perinatal maternal and fetal adverse consequences that surface due to antenatal PE programming. Albeit, a considerable gap still exists in our knowledge of the precise cellular and molecular underpinnings of PE/CAP interaction, which hampered global efforts in safeguarding effective preventive or therapeutic measures against PE complications. Here, we summarize reports in the literature regarding the roles of peripheral and reflex cholinergic neuroinflammatory pathways of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in reprogramming PE complications in mothers and their progenies. The possible contributions of α7-nAChRs, cholinesterases, immune cells, adhesion molecules, angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction to the interaction have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla M Wedn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hany M El-Bassossy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mahmoud M El-Mas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
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Abstract
The α7-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is one of the most unique and interesting of all the members of the cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels. Since it was first identified initially as a binding site for α-bungarotoxin in mammalian brain and later as a functional homomeric receptor with relatively high calcium permeability, it has been pursued as a potential therapeutic target for numerous indications, from Alzheimer disease to asthma. In this review, we discuss the history and state of the art for targeting α7 receptors, beginning with subtype-selective agonists and the basic pharmacophore for the selective activation of α7 receptors. A key feature of α7 receptors is their rapid desensitization by standard "orthosteric" agonist, and we discuss insights into the conformational landscape of α7 receptors that has been gained by the development of ligands binding to allosteric sites. Some of these sites are targeted by positive allosteric modulators that have a wide range of effects on the activation profile of the receptors. Other sites are targeted by direct allosteric agonist or antagonists. We include a perspective on the potential importance of α7 receptors for metabotropic as well as ionotropic signaling. We outline the challenges that exist for future development of drugs to target this important receptor and approaches that may be considered to address those challenges. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The α7-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is acknowledged as a potentially important therapeutic target with functional properties associated with both ionotropic and metabotropic signaling. The functional properties of α7 nAChR can be regulated in diverse ways with the variety of orthosteric and allosteric ligands described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.L.P) and Chemistry (N.A.H.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Nicole A Horenstein
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.L.P) and Chemistry (N.A.H.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Önder Narin G, Aydın B, Cabadak H. Studies on the role of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in K562 cell proliferation and signaling. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5045-5055. [PMID: 34143396 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The results we obtained from this study gave information about the determination of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nACh) expression in human erythroleukemia cells, as well as whether it has a role in calcium release and cell proliferation in the presence of nicotinic agonist, antagonists. Determining the roles of α7 nicotinic receptors in erythroleukemia cells will also contribute to leukemia-related signal transduction studies. This study is primarily to determine the role of nicotinic agonists and antagonists in cell proliferation, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, and calcium release. The aim of this study, which is a continuation and an important part of our previous studies on the cholinergic system, has contributed to the literature on the human erythroleukemia cell signaling mechanism. Cell viability was evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and Bromodeoxyuridine/5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. Acetylcholine, nicotinic alpha 7 receptor antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate, and cholinergic antagonist atropine were used to determine the role of α7-nACh in K562 cell proliferation. In our experiments, the fluorescence spectrophotometer was used in Ca2+ measurements. The expression of nicotinic alpha 7 receptor was evaluated by western blot. The stimulating effect of acetylcholine in K562 cell proliferation was reversed by both the α7 nicotinic antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate and the cholinergic antagonist, atropine. Methyllycaconitine citrate inhibited K562 cell proliferation partially explained the roles of nicotinic receptors in signal transduction. While ACh caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+, methyllycaconitine citrate decreased intracellular Ca2+ level in K562 cell. The effects of nicotinic agonists and/or antagonists on erythroleukemic cells on proliferation, calcium level contributed to the interaction of nicotinic receptors with different signaling pathways. Proliferation mechanisms in erythroleukemic cells are under the control of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor via calcium influx and different signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gözde Önder Narin
- Department of Biophysics, Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Aydın
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Başıbüyük Health Campus, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, 34854, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hülya Cabadak
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Başıbüyük Health Campus, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, 34854, Istanbul, Turkey.
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27
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Piovesana R, Salazar Intriago MS, Dini L, Tata AM. Cholinergic Modulation of Neuroinflammation: Focus on α7 Nicotinic Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094912. [PMID: 34066354 PMCID: PMC8125157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
All nervous system pathologies (e.g., neurodegenerative/demyelinating diseases and brain tumours) develop neuroinflammation, a beneficial process during pathological events, aimed at removing damaged cells, toxic agents, and/or pathogens. Unfortunately, excessive inflammation frequently occurs during nervous system disorders, becoming a detrimental event capable of enhancing neurons and myelinating glial cell impairment, rather than improving their survival and activity. Consequently, targeting the neuroinflammation could be relevant for reducing brain injury and rescuing neuronal and glial cell functions. Several studies have highlighted the role of acetylcholine and its receptors in the regulation of central and peripheral inflammation. In particular, α7 nicotinic receptor has been described as one of the main regulators of the “brain cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway”. Its expression in astrocytes and microglial cells and the ability to modulate anti-inflammatory cytokines make this receptor a new interesting therapeutic target for neuroinflammation regulation. In this review, we summarize the distribution and physiological functions of the α7 nicotinic receptor in glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and its role in the modulation of neuroinflammation. Moreover, we explore how its altered expression and function contribute to the development of different neurological pathologies and exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Piovesana
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.I.); (L.D.)
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.I.); (L.D.)
- Research Centre of Neurobiology “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2822
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Mizrachi T, Marsha O, Brusin K, Ben-David Y, Thakur GA, Vaknin-Dembinsky A, Treinin M, Brenner T. Suppression of neuroinflammation by an allosteric agonist and positive allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor GAT107. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:99. [PMID: 33902624 PMCID: PMC8077754 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) negatively regulates the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. Our previous studies showed that in encephalitogenic T cells, α7 nAChR expression is upregulated and that activation of the cholinergic system can attenuate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). GAT107 is an allosteric agonist and positive allosteric modulator (ago-PAM) of α7 nAChR that can produce persistent activation of this receptor. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of GAT107 on neuroinflammation in EAE, the animal model used for the study of multiple sclerosis (MS) via α7 nAChR, and the inflammatory pathways involved. Methods EAE was induced by administration of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55) in C57BL/6 mice. EAE mice were treated with the ago-PAM GAT107 or a placebo for 9 days, starting from the day of EAE induction. Clinical assessment and immunological evaluation of immune cells and cytokine production was performed. Results Following activation of the α7 nAChR by GAT107 during EAE, disease severity was significantly reduced by 70% and was correlated with a reduction in the extent of neuroinflammation in the CNS. The treatment reduced encephalitogenic T cell proliferation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, the expression of immune cell markers was altered by GAT107 treatment, which induced a significant reduction in macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells, as well as a reduction in anti-MOG35–55 antibodies. Additionally, GAT107 was found to directly activate α7 nAChR in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and in human PBMCs derived from MS patients and healthy donors. Conclusions Our results show that GAT107 can be a useful molecule for harnessing the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway for long-lasting and wide-ranging modulation and downregulation of neuroinflammation in EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Mizrachi
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oshrit Marsha
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Karen Brusin
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Ben-David
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Pharmaceutical Science, Bouve College of Health Science, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Adi Vaknin-Dembinsky
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Millet Treinin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talma Brenner
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
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29
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Xie H, Yepuri N, Meng Q, Dhawan R, Leech CA, Chepurny OG, Holz GG, Cooney RN. Therapeutic potential of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists to combat obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:431-447. [PMID: 32851581 PMCID: PMC7572644 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex (CAIR) represents an important homeostatic regulatory mechanism for sensing and controlling the body's response to inflammatory stimuli. Vagovagal reflexes are an integral component of CAIR whose anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) acting at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) located on cells of the immune system. Recently, it is appreciated that CAIR and α7nAChR also participate in the control of metabolic homeostasis. This has led to the understanding that defective vagovagal reflex circuitry underlying CAIR might explain the coexistence of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation in the metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is renewed interest in the α7nAChR that mediates CAIR, particularly from the standpoint of therapeutics. Of special note is the recent finding that α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 acts at L-cells of the distal intestine to stimulate the release of two glucoregulatory and anorexigenic hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). Furthermore, α7nAChR agonist PNU 282987 exerts trophic factor-like actions to support pancreatic β-cell survival under conditions of stress resembling diabetes. This review provides an overview of α7nAChR function as it pertains to CAIR, vagovagal reflexes, and metabolic homeostasis. We also consider the possible usefulness of α7nAChR agonists for treatment of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xie
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Natesh Yepuri
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Qinghe Meng
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Ravi Dhawan
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Colin A Leech
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - George G Holz
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Robert N Cooney
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Amyloid Beta Peptide (Aβ 1-42) Reverses the Cholinergic Control of Monocytic IL-1β Release. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092887. [PMID: 32906646 PMCID: PMC7564705 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ1-42), the cleavage product of the evolutionary highly conserved amyloid precursor protein, presumably plays a pathogenic role in Alzheimer's disease. Aβ1-42 can induce the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine intereukin-1β (IL-1β) in immune cells within and out of the nervous system. Known interaction partners of Aβ1-42 are α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The physiological functions of Aβ1-42 are, however, not fully understood. Recently, we identified a cholinergic mechanism that controls monocytic release of IL-1β by canonical and non-canonical agonists of nAChRs containing subunits α7, α9, and/or α10. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Aβ1-42 modulates this inhibitory cholinergic mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide-primed monocytic U937 cells and human mononuclear leukocytes were stimulated with the P2X7 receptor agonist 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5'-triphosphate triethylammonium salt (BzATP) in the presence or absence of nAChR agonists and Aβ1-42. IL-1β concentrations were measured in the supernatant. Aβ1-42 dose-dependently (IC50 = 2.54 µM) reversed the inhibitory effect of canonical and non-canonical nicotinic agonists on BzATP-mediated IL-1β-release by monocytic cells, whereas reverse Aβ42-1 was ineffective. In conclusion, we discovered a novel pro-inflammatory Aβ1-42 function that enables monocytic IL-1β release in the presence of nAChR agonists. These findings provide evidence for a novel physiological function of Aβ1-42 in the context of sterile systemic inflammation.
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Allosterism of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: Therapeutic Potential for Neuroinflammation Underlying Brain Trauma and Degenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144918. [PMID: 32664647 PMCID: PMC7404387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key physiological phenomenon that can be pervasive when dysregulated. Persistent chronic inflammation precedes several pathophysiological conditions forming one of the critical cellular homeostatic checkpoints. With a steady global surge in inflammatory diseases, it is imperative to delineate underlying mechanisms and design suitable drug molecules targeting the cellular partners that mediate and regulate inflammation. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have a confirmed role in influencing inflammatory pathways and have been a subject of scientific scrutiny underlying drug development in recent years. Drugs designed to target allosteric sites on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors present a unique opportunity to unravel the role of the cholinergic system in regulating and restoring inflammatory homeostasis. Such a therapeutic approach holds promise in treating several inflammatory conditions and diseases with inflammation as an underlying pathology. Here, we briefly describe the potential of cholinergic allosterism and some allosteric modulators as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of neuroinflammation.
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