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Yang D, Zhao Z, Tajkhorshid E, Gouaux E. Structures and membrane interactions of native serotonin transporter in complexes with psychostimulants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304602120. [PMID: 37436958 PMCID: PMC10629533 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304602120] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a member of the SLC6 neurotransmitter transporter family that mediates serotonin reuptake at presynaptic nerve terminals. SERT is the target of both therapeutic antidepressant drugs and psychostimulant substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines, which are small molecules that perturb normal serotonergic transmission by interfering with serotonin transport. Despite decades of studies, important functional aspects of SERT such as the oligomerization state of native SERT and its interactions with potential proteins remain unresolved. Here, we develop methods to isolate SERT from porcine brain (pSERT) using a mild, nonionic detergent, utilize fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography to investigate its oligomerization state and interactions with other proteins, and employ single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structures of pSERT in complexes with methamphetamine or cocaine, providing structural insights into psychostimulant recognition and accompanying pSERT conformations. Methamphetamine and cocaine both bind to the central site, stabilizing the transporter in an outward open conformation. We also identify densities attributable to multiple cholesterol or cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) molecules, as well as to a detergent molecule bound to the pSERT allosteric site. Under our conditions of isolation, we find that pSERT is best described as a monomeric entity, isolated without interacting proteins, and is ensconced by multiple cholesterol or CHS molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Yang
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Visualization, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Visualization, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- HHMI, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
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Frangos ZJ, Wilson KA, Aitken HM, Cantwell Chater R, Vandenberg RJ, O'Mara ML. Membrane cholesterol regulates inhibition and substrate transport by the glycine transporter, GlyT2. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201708. [PMID: 36690444 PMCID: PMC9873984 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane cholesterol binds to and modulates the function of various SLC6 neurotransmitter transporters, including stabilizing the outward-facing conformation of the dopamine and serotonin transporters. Here, we investigate how cholesterol binds to GlyT2 (SLC6A5), modulates glycine transport rate, and influences bioactive lipid inhibition of GlyT2. Bioactive lipid inhibitors are analgesics that bind to an allosteric site accessible from the extracellular solution when GlyT2 adopts an outward-facing conformation. Using molecular dynamics simulations, mutagenesis, and cholesterol depletion experiments, we show that bioactive lipid inhibition of glycine transport is modulated by the recruitment of membrane cholesterol to a binding site formed by transmembrane helices 1, 5, and 7. Recruitment involves cholesterol flipping from its membrane orientation, and insertion of the 3' hydroxyl group into the cholesterol binding cavity, close to the allosteric site. The synergy between cholesterol and allosteric inhibitors provides a novel mechanism of inhibition and a potential avenue for the development of potent GlyT2 inhibitors as alternative therapeutics for the treatment of neuropathic pain and therapeutics that target other SLC6 transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Frangos
- Molecular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie A Wilson
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Heather M Aitken
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Ryan Cantwell Chater
- Molecular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Megan L O'Mara
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Frangos ZJ, Cantwell Chater RP, Vandenberg RJ. Glycine Transporter 2: Mechanism and Allosteric Modulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:734427. [PMID: 34805268 PMCID: PMC8602798 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.734427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter sodium symporters (NSS) are a subfamily of SLC6 transporters responsible for regulating neurotransmitter signalling. They are a major target for psychoactive substances including antidepressants and drugs of abuse, prompting substantial research into their modulation and structure-function dynamics. Recently, a series of allosteric transport inhibitors have been identified, which may reduce side effect profiles, compared to orthosteric inhibitors. Allosteric inhibitors are also likely to provide different clearance kinetics compared to competitive inhibitors and potentially better clinical outcomes. Crystal structures and homology models have identified several allosteric modulatory sites on NSS including the vestibule allosteric site (VAS), lipid allosteric site (LAS) and cholesterol binding site (CHOL1). Whilst the architecture of eukaryotic NSS is generally well conserved there are differences in regions that form the VAS, LAS, and CHOL1. Here, we describe ligand-protein interactions that stabilize binding in each allosteric site and explore how differences between transporters could be exploited to generate NSS specific compounds with an emphasis on GlyT2 modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Frangos
- Transporter Biology Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan P Cantwell Chater
- Transporter Biology Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Transporter Biology Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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GlyT-1 Inhibitors: From Hits to Clinical Candidates. SMALL MOLECULE THERAPEUTICS FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2014_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Carland JE, Mansfield RE, Ryan RM, Vandenberg RJ. Oleoyl-L-carnitine inhibits glycine transport by GlyT2. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:891-902. [PMID: 22978602 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02213.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Concentrations of extracellular glycine in the CNS are regulated by two Na(+)/Cl(-) -dependent glycine transporters, GlyT1 and GlyT2. Selective inhibitors of GlyT1 have been developed for the treatment of schizophrenia, whilst selective inhibitors of GlyT2 are analgesic in animal models of pain. We have assessed a series of endogenous lipids as inhibitors of GlyT1 and GlyT2. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human GlyT1 and GlyT2 were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the inhibitory actions of a series of acylcarnitines on glycine transport were measured using electrophysiological techniques. KEY RESULTS Oleoyl-L-carnitine inhibited glycine transport by GlyT2, with an IC(50) of 340 nM, which is 15-fold more potent than the previously identified lipid inhibitor N-arachidonyl-glycine. Oleoyl-L-carnitine had a slow onset of inhibition and a slow washout. Using a series of chimeric GlyT1/2 transporters and point mutant transporters, we have identified an isoleucine residue in extracellular loop 4 of GlyT2 that conferred differences in sensitivity to oleoyl-L-carnitine between GlyT2 and GlyT1. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Oleoyl-L-carnitine is a potent non-competitive inhibitor of GlyT2. Previously identified GlyT2 inhibitors show potential as analgesics and the identification of oleoyl-L-carnitine as a novel GlyT2 inhibitor may lead to new ways of treating pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Carland
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Jones KT, Zhen J, Reith MEA. Importance of cholesterol in dopamine transporter function. J Neurochem 2012; 123:700-15. [PMID: 22957537 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The conformation and function of the dopamine transporter (DAT) can be affected by manipulating membrane cholesterol, yet there is no agreement as to the impact of cholesterol on the activity of lipid-raft localized DATs compared with non-raft DATs. Given the paucity of information regarding the impact of cholesterol on substrate efflux by the DAT, this study explores its influence on the kinetics of DAT-mediated DA efflux induced by dextroamphetamine, as measured by rotating disk electrode voltammetry (RDEV). Treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD), which effectively depletes total membrane cholesterol--uniformly affecting cholesterol-DAT interactions in both raft and non-raft membrane domains--reduced both DA uptake and efflux rate. In contrast, disruption of raft-localized DAT by cholesterol chelation with nystatin had no effect, arguing against a vital role for raft-localized DAT in substrate uptake or efflux. Supranormal repletion of cholesterol-depleted cells with the analog desmosterol, a non-raft promoting sterol, was as effective as cholesterol itself in restoring transport rates. Further studies with Zn(2+) and the conformationally biased W84L DAT mutant supported the idea that cholesterol is important for maintaining the outward-facing DAT with normal rates of conformational interconversions. Collectively, these results point to a role for direct cholesterol-DAT interactions in regulating DAT function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kymry T Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Kristensen AS, Andersen J, Jørgensen TN, Sørensen L, Eriksen J, Loland CJ, Strømgaard K, Gether U. SLC6 neurotransmitter transporters: structure, function, and regulation. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 63:585-640. [PMID: 21752877 DOI: 10.1124/pr.108.000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 601] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) belonging to the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) gene family (also referred to as the neurotransmitter-sodium-symporter family or Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent transporters) comprise a group of nine sodium- and chloride-dependent plasma membrane transporters for the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), dopamine, and norepinephrine, and the amino acid neurotransmitters GABA and glycine. The SLC6 NTTs are widely expressed in the mammalian brain and play an essential role in regulating neurotransmitter signaling and homeostasis by mediating uptake of released neurotransmitters from the extracellular space into neurons and glial cells. The transporters are targets for a wide range of therapeutic drugs used in treatment of psychiatric diseases, including major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. Furthermore, psychostimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines have the SLC6 NTTs as primary targets. Beginning with the determination of a high-resolution structure of a prokaryotic homolog of the mammalian SLC6 transporters in 2005, the understanding of the molecular structure, function, and pharmacology of these proteins has advanced rapidly. Furthermore, intensive efforts have been directed toward understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in regulation of the activity of this important class of transporters, leading to new methodological developments and important insights. This review provides an update of these advances and their implications for the current understanding of the SLC6 NTTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders S Kristensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Ryu JM, Han HJ. L-threonine regulates G1/S phase transition of mouse embryonic stem cells via PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, and mTORC pathways. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:23667-78. [PMID: 21550972 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.216283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amino acids can function as signaling molecules in the regulation of many cellular processes, mechanisms surrounding L-threonine involvement in embryonic stem cell (ESC) functions have not been explored. Thus, we investigated the effect of L-threonine on regulation of mouse (m)ESC self-renewal and related signaling pathways. In L-threonine-depleted mESC culture media mRNA of self-renewal marker genes, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, expression of c-Myc, Oct4, and cyclins protein was attenuated. In addition, resupplying L-threonine (500 μM) after depletion restores/maintains the mESC proliferation. Disruption of the lipid raft/caveolae microdomain through treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or transfection with caveolin-1 specific small interfering RNA blocked L-threonine-induced proliferation of mESCs. Addition of L-threonine induced phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, p38, JNK/SAPK, and mTOR in a time-dependent manner. This activity was blocked by LY 294002 (PI3K inhibitor), wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor), or an Akt inhibitor. L-threonine-induced activation of mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1 as well as cyclins and Oct4 were blocked by PD 98059 (ERK inhibitor), SB 203580 (p38 inhibitor) or SP 600125 (JNK inhibitor). Furthermore, L-threonine induced phosphorylation of raptor and rictor binding to mTOR was completely inhibited by 24 h treatment with rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor); however, a 10 min treatment with rapamycin only partially inhibited rictor phosphorylation. L-threonine induced translocation of rictor from the membrane to the cytosol/nuclear, which blocked by pretreatment with rapamycin. In addition, rapamycin blocked L-threonine-induced increases in mRNA expressions of trophoectoderm and mesoderm marker genes and mESC proliferation. In conclusion, L-threonine stimulated ESC G(1)/S transition through lipid raft/caveolae-dependent PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Min Ryu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotherapy Human Resources Center (BK21), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
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Villumsen KR, Duelund L, Lambert IH. Acute cholesterol depletion leads to net loss of the organic osmolyte taurine in Ehrlich Lettré tumor cells. Amino Acids 2010; 39:1521-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. Current world literature. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2010; 13:215-21. [PMID: 20145440 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0b013e32833643b4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters are membrane proteins that serve as key regulators of extracellular neurotransmitter concentrations and have been long viewed as important targets for drug development by the pharmaceutical industry. Although many cellular signaling systems are known to modulate transport activity, much less is known about how transporters communicate with and are regulated by the various components of the lipid sea in which they reside. Variations in lipid content clearly affect the activity of a variety of transport systems, and with advances in techniques for lipid analysis and a clearer vision of carrier structure, this area of research appears poised for major advances.
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