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Smiley CE, Pate BS, Bouknight SJ, Harrington EN, Jasnow AM, Wood SK. The functional role of locus coeruleus microglia in the female stress response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575076. [PMID: 38260568 PMCID: PMC10802589 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders that result from stress exposure are highly associated with central inflammation. Our previous work established that females selectively exhibit heightened proinflammatory cytokine production within the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) along with a hypervigilant behavioral phenotype in response to witnessing social stress, and ablation of microglia using pharmacological techniques prevents this behavioral response. These studies were designed to further investigate the impact of stress-induced neuroimmune signaling on the long-term behavioral and neuronal consequences of social stress exposure in females using chemogenetics. We first characterized the use of an AAV-CD68-Gi-DREADD virus targeted to microglia within the LC and confirmed viral transduction, selectivity, and efficacy. Clozapine-n-oxide (CNO) was used for the suppression of microglial reactivity during acute and chronic exposure to vicarious/witness social defeat in female rats. Chemogenetic-mediated inhibition of microglial reactivity during stress blunted the neuroimmune response to stress and prevented both acute and long-term hypervigilant behavioral responses. Further, a history of microglial suppression during stress prevented the heightened LC activity typically observed in response to stress cues. These studies are among the first to use a chemogenetic approach to inhibit microglia within the female brain in vivo and establish LC inflammation as a key mechanism underlying the behavioral and neuronal responses to social stress in females.
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Unda SR, Pomeranz LE, Marongiu R, Yu X, Kelly L, Hassanzadeh G, Molina H, Vaisey G, Wang P, Dyke JP, Fung EK, Grosenick L, Zirkel R, Antoniazzi AM, Norman S, Liston CM, Schaffer C, Nishimura N, Stanley SA, Friedman JM, Kaplitt MG. Bidirectional Regulation of Motor Circuits Using Magnetogenetic Gene Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.13.548699. [PMID: 37503198 PMCID: PMC10369996 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.548699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a novel suite of magnetogenetic tools, based on a single anti-ferritin nanobody-TRPV1 receptor fusion protein, which regulated neuronal activity when exposed to magnetic fields. AAV-mediated delivery of a floxed nanobody-TRPV1 into the striatum of adenosine 2a receptor-cre driver mice resulted in motor freezing when placed in an MRI or adjacent to a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device. Functional imaging and fiber photometry both confirmed activation of the target region in response to the magnetic fields. Expression of the same construct in the striatum of wild-type mice along with a second injection of an AAVretro expressing cre into the globus pallidus led to similar circuit specificity and motor responses. Finally, a mutation was generated to gate chloride and inhibit neuronal activity. Expression of this variant in subthalamic nucleus in PitX2-cre parkinsonian mice resulted in reduced local c-fos expression and motor rotational behavior. These data demonstrate that magnetogenetic constructs can bidirectionally regulate activity of specific neuronal circuits non-invasively in-vivo using clinically available devices. Teaser A novel magnetogenetics toolbox to regulate neural circuits in-vivo .
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3
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Nerella SG, Telu S, Liow JS, Jenkins MD, Zoghbi SS, Gomez JL, Michaelides M, Eldridge MAG, Richmond BJ, Innis RB, Pike VW. Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of [ 11C]uPSEM792 for PSAM 4-GlyR based chemogenetics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1886. [PMID: 38253691 PMCID: PMC10803328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51307-0] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetic tools are designed to control neuronal signaling. These tools have the potential to contribute to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders and to the development of new treatments. One such chemogenetic technology comprises modified Pharmacologically Selective Actuator Modules (PSAMs) paired with Pharmacologically Selective Effector Molecules (PSEMs). PSAMs are receptors with ligand-binding domains that have been modified to interact only with a specific small-molecule agonist, designated a PSEM. PSAM4 is a triple mutant PSAM derived from the α7 nicotinic receptor (α7L131G,Q139L,Y217F). Although having no constitutive activity as a ligand-gated ion channel, PSAM4 has been coupled to the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) and to the glycine receptor (GlyR). Treatment with the partner PSEM to activate PSAM4-5-HT3 or PSAM4-GlyR, causes neuronal activation or silencing, respectively. A suitably designed radioligand may enable selective visualization of the expression and location of PSAMs with positron emission tomography (PET). Here, we evaluated uPSEM792, an ultrapotent PSEM for PSAM4-GlyR, as a possible lead for PET radioligand development. We labeled uPSEM792 with the positron-emitter, carbon-11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min), in high radiochemical yield by treating a protected precursor with [11C]iodomethane followed by base deprotection. PET experiments with [11C]uPSEM792 in rodents and in a monkey transduced with PSAM4-GlyR showed low peak radioactivity uptake in brain. This low uptake was probably due to high polarity of the radioligand, as evidenced by physicochemical measurements, and to the vulnerability of the radioligand to efflux transport at the blood-brain barrier. These findings can inform the design of a more effective PSAM4 based PET radioligand, based on the uPSEM792 chemotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Goud Nerella
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sanjay Telu
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jeih-San Liow
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Madeline D Jenkins
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sami S Zoghbi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark A G Eldridge
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barry J Richmond
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert B Innis
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victor W Pike
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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4
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Yang H, Tel J. Engineering global and local signal generators for probing temporal and spatial cellular signaling dynamics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1239026. [PMID: 37790255 PMCID: PMC10543096 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1239026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells constantly encounter a wide range of environmental signals and rely on their signaling pathways to initiate reliable responses. Understanding the underlying signaling mechanisms and cellular behaviors requires signal generators capable of providing diverse input signals to deliver to cell systems. Current research efforts are primarily focused on exploring cellular responses to global or local signals, which enable us to understand cellular signaling and behavior in distinct dimensions. This review presents recent advancements in global and local signal generators, highlighting their applications in studying temporal and spatial signaling activity. Global signals can be generated using microfluidic or photochemical approaches. Local signal sources can be created using living or artificial cells in combination with different control methods. We also address the strengths and limitations of each signal generator type, discussing challenges and potential extensions for future research. These approaches are expected to continue to facilitate on-going research to discover novel and intriguing cellular signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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5
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Silic MR, Zhang G. Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081148. [PMID: 37190057 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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6
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Yamanaka T, Ueki T, Mase M, Inoue K. Arbitrary Ca 2+ regulation for endothelial nitric oxide, NFAT and NF-κB activities by an optogenetic approach. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1076116. [PMID: 36703743 PMCID: PMC9871596 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1076116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern western dietary habits and low physical activity cause metabolic abnormalities and abnormally elevated levels of metabolites such as low-density lipoprotein, which can lead to immune cell activation, and inflammatory reactions, and atherosclerosis. Appropriate stimulation of vascular endothelial cells can confer protective responses against inflammatory reactions and atherosclerotic conditions. This study aims to determine whether a designed optogenetic approach is capable of affecting functional changes in vascular endothelial cells and to evaluate its potential for therapeutic regulation of vascular inflammatory responses in vitro. We employed a genetically engineered, blue light-activated Ca2+ channel switch molecule that utilizes an endogenous store-operated calcium entry system and induces intracellular Ca2+ influx through blue light irradiation and observed an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in vascular endothelial cells. Ca2+-dependent activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells and nitric oxide production were also detected. Microarray analysis of Ca2+-induced changes in vascular endothelial cells explored several genes involved in cellular contractility and inflammatory responses. Indeed, there was an increase in the gene expression of molecules related to anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects. Thus, a combination of human blue light-activated Ca2+ channel switch 2 (hBACCS2) and blue light possibly attenuates TNFα-induced inflammatory NF-κB activity. We propose that extrinsic cellular Ca2+ regulation could be a novel approach against vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyasu Yamanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Ueki
- Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsuhito Mase
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koichi Inoue
- Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan,*Correspondence: Koichi Inoue,
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7
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Intertwining Neuropathogenic Impacts of Aberrant Circadian Rhythm and Impaired Neuroregenerative Plasticity in Huntington’s Disease: Neurotherapeutic Significance of Chemogenetics. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal progressive involuntary movements, cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms. The onset and progression of the clinical symptoms have been linked to impaired adult neurogenesis in the brains of subjects with HD, due to the reduced neurogenic potential of neural stem cells (NSCs). Among various pathogenic determinants, an altered clock pathway appears to induce the dysregulation of neurogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons that express the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the brain play a key role in the regulation of circadian rhythm and neuroplasticity. While an abnormal clock gene pathway has been associated with the inactivation of GABAergic VIP neurons, recent studies suggest the activation of this neuronal population in the brain positively contributes to neuroplasticity. Thus, the activation of GABAergic VIP neurons in the brain might help rectify the irregular circadian rhythm in HD. Chemogenetics refers to the incorporation of genetically engineered receptors or ion channels into a specific cell population followed by its activation using desired chemical ligands. The recent advancement of chemogenetic-based approaches represents a potential scientific tool to rectify the aberrant circadian clock pathways. Considering the facts, the defects in the circadian rhythm can be rectified by the activation of VIP-expressing GABAergic neurons using chemogenetics approaches. Thus, the chemogenetic-based rectification of an abnormal circadian rhythm may facilitate the neurogenic potentials of NSCs to restore the neuroregenerative plasticity in HD. Eventually, the increased neurogenesis in the brain can be expected to mitigate neuronal loss and functional deficits.
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8
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Karami S, Doroodmand MM, Mootabi-Alavi A. In Vivo Chemogenetic Biocompatibility of Mercury as a Specific Hypercalcemia Actuator in Snail's Spinal Cord Cell Manipulation: An Extracellular Field Potential Biosensor. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:3649-3657. [PMID: 35830462 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo chemogenetic property of mercuric ions (Hg2+) was investigated as a specific hypercalcemia actuator in snail's spinal cord cell manipulation by extracellular field potential biosensing analysis. For this purpose, a three-microelectrode system with working, counter, and pseudo reference electrodes was blindly implanted into the snail's spinal cord to electrically stimulate (triggering) the action potential with a staircase electrical voltage at a very low frequency level, along with measurement of the electrical current, as a detection system. Under optimum conditions, using the one-factor-at-a-time method, a wide linear range between 1.0 × 10-14 and 1.0 × 10-1 mol L-1 with correlation coefficients (R2) >0.98 and a response time (t90) of maximum 10.0 s were approximated. Percentages of relative standard deviation were estimated to be 3.08 (reproducibility, n = 50) and 7.31 (repeatability, n = 15). The detection limit was estimated to be sub 2.1 × 10-16 mol L-1 based on the Xb- + 3Sb definition. The reliability of this phenomenon was evidenced by the estimation of recovery percentages (between 95 and 107%) during spiking Hg2+ standard solutions. The probable mechanism behind this process could be attributed to the following: (i) the neuronal ephaptic coupling during electrical synchronization by a specific brain-triggered wave as a neuronal motor toolkit and (ii) chemical synchronization using a Hg2+ hypercalcemia actuator (biosensor). Linear correlation has been evidenced during interactions between Hg2+ and a calcium ionic channel's protein with a gram molecular weight of 66.2 ± 0.3 KCU. This process, therefore, caused an opening of the Ca2+ channel gates and majorly released the Ca2+ (hypercalcemia) that was detected as the main source of the measured electrical current. At this condition, ultratrace levels of Hg2+ ions not only were considered as nontoxic reagents but also had chemically regulating effects as ephaptic synchronizers to the neuron cells. This report may pave the way for using mercury ions at an ultratrace level for clinical controlling purposes during neuronal spinal cord cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Karami
- Department of Chemistry, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran
| | | | - Amir Mootabi-Alavi
- Physiological Division of Department of Basic Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran
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9
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Miura Y, Senoo A, Doura T, Kiyonaka S. Chemogenetics of cell surface receptors: beyond genetic and pharmacological approaches. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:269-287. [PMID: 35359495 PMCID: PMC8905536 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00195g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface receptors transmit extracellular information into cells. Spatiotemporal regulation of receptor signaling is crucial for cellular functions, and dysregulation of signaling causes various diseases. Thus, it is highly desired to control receptor functions with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Conventionally, genetic engineering or chemical ligands have been used to control receptor functions in cells. As the alternative, chemogenetics has been proposed, in which target proteins are genetically engineered to interact with a designed chemical partner with high selectivity. The engineered receptor dissects the function of one receptor member among a highly homologous receptor family in a cell-specific manner. Notably, some chemogenetic strategies have been used to reveal the receptor signaling of target cells in living animals. In this review, we summarize the developing chemogenetic methods of transmembrane receptors for cell-specific regulation of receptor signaling. We also discuss the prospects of chemogenetics for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Miura
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Akinobu Senoo
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Tomohiro Doura
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Shigeki Kiyonaka
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
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10
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Ceto S, Courtine G. Optogenetic Interrogation of Circuits Following Neurotrauma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:803856. [PMID: 34975403 PMCID: PMC8716760 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.803856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological and engineering strategies for neural repair and recovery from neurotrauma continue to emerge at a rapid pace. Until recently, studies of the impact of neurotrauma and repair strategies on the reorganization of the central nervous system have focused on broadly defined circuits and pathways. Optogenetic modulation and recording methods now enable the interrogation of precisely defined neuronal populations in the brain and spinal cord, allowing unprecedented precision in electrophysiological and behavioral experiments. This mini-review summarizes the spectrum of light-based tools that are currently available to probe the properties and functions of well-defined neuronal subpopulations in the context of neurotrauma. In particular, we highlight the challenges to implement these tools in damaged and reorganizing tissues, and we discuss best practices to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ceto
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (.NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (.NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Kimmey BA, McCall NM, Wooldridge LM, Satterthwaite T, Corder G. Engaging endogenous opioid circuits in pain affective processes. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:66-98. [PMID: 33314372 PMCID: PMC8197770 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The pervasive use of opioid compounds for pain relief is rooted in their utility as one of the most effective therapeutic strategies for providing analgesia. While the detrimental side effects of these compounds have significantly contributed to the current opioid epidemic, opioids still provide millions of patients with reprieve from the relentless and agonizing experience of pain. The human experience of pain has long recognized the perceived unpleasantness entangled with a unique sensation that is immediate and identifiable from the first-person subjective vantage point as "painful." From this phenomenological perspective, how is it that opioids interfere with pain perception? Evidence from human lesion, neuroimaging, and preclinical functional neuroanatomy approaches is sculpting the view that opioids predominately alleviate the affective or inferential appraisal of nociceptive neural information. Thus, opioids weaken pain-associated unpleasantness rather than modulate perceived sensory qualities. Here, we discuss the historical theories of pain to demonstrate how modern neuroscience is revisiting these ideas to deconstruct the brain mechanisms driving the emergence of aversive pain perceptions. We further detail how targeting opioidergic signaling within affective or emotional brain circuits remains a strong avenue for developing targeted pharmacological and gene-therapy analgesic treatments that might reduce the dependence on current clinical opioid options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A. Kimmey
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Equal contributions
| | - Nora M. McCall
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Equal contributions
| | - Lisa M. Wooldridge
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Theodore Satterthwaite
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Lifespan Informatics and Neuroimaging Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory Corder
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Lv S. Research fronts of Chemical Biology. PURE APPL CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2020-1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Over the past decades, researchers have witnessed substantially increasing and ever-growing interests and efforts in Chemical Biology studies, thanks to the development of genome and epi-genome sequencing (revealing potential drug targets), synthetic chemistry (producing new medicines), bioorthogonal chemistry (chemistry in living systems) and high-throughput screening technologies (in vitro cell systems, protein binding assays and phenotypic assays). This report presents literature search results for current research in Chemical Biology, to explore basic principles, summarize recent advances, identify key challenges, and provide suggestions for future research (with a focus on Chemical Biology in the context of human health and diseases). Chemical Biology research can positively contribute to delivering a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that accompany pathology underlying diseases, as well as developing improved methods for diagnosis, drug discovery, and therapeutic delivery. While much progress has been made, as shown in this report, there are still further needs and opportunities. For instance, pressing challenges still exist in selecting appropriate targets in biological systems and adopting more rational design strategies for the development of innovative and sustainable diagnostic technologies and medical treatments. Therefore, more than ever, researchers from different disciplines need to collaborate to address the challenges in Chemical Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composite Materials , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing , , China
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13
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Neff R, Kambara K, Bertrand D. Ligand gated receptor interactions: A key to the power of neuronal networks. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114653. [PMID: 34129858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the chemical synapse was a seminal finding in Neurobiology but the large body of microscopic interactions involved in synaptic transmission could hardly have been foreseen at the time of these first discoveries. Characterization of the molecular players at work at synapses and the increased granularity at which we can now analyze electrical and chemical signal processing that occur in even the simplest neuronal system are shining a new light on receptor interactions. The aim of this review is to discuss the complexity of some representative interactions between excitatory and inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels and/or G protein coupled receptors, as well as other key machinery that can impact neurotransmission and to explain how such mechanisms can be an important determinant of nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Neff
- Janssen R&D, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - K Kambara
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Bertrand
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland.
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14
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Tsai YH, Doura T, Kiyonaka S. Tethering-based chemogenetic approaches for the modulation of protein function in live cells. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7909-7923. [PMID: 34114579 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are the workhorse molecules performing various tasks to sustain life. To investigate the roles of a protein under physiological conditions, the rapid modulation of the protein with high specificity in a living system would be ideal, but achieving this is often challenging. To address this challenge, researchers have developed chemogenetic strategies for the rapid and selective modulation of protein function in live cells. Here, the target protein is modified genetically to become sensitive to a designer molecule that otherwise has no effect on other cellular biomolecules. One powerful chemogenetic strategy is to introduce a tethering point into the target protein, allowing covalent or non-covalent attachment of the designer molecule. In this tutorial review, we focus on tethering-based chemogenetic approaches for modulating protein function in live cells. We first describe genetic, optogenetic and chemical means to study protein function. These means lay the basis for the chemogenetic concept, which is explained in detail. The next section gives an overview, including advantages and limitations, of tethering tactics that have been employed for modulating cellular protein function. The third section provides examples of the modulation of cell-surface proteins using tethering-based chemogenetics through non-covalent tethering and covalent tethering for irreversible modulation or functional switching. The fourth section presents intracellular examples. The last section summarizes key considerations in implementing tethering-based chemogenetics and shows perspectives highlighting future directions and other applications of this burgeoning research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
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Phillips JA, Hutchings C, Djamgoz MBA. Clinical Potential of Nerve Input to Tumors: A Bioelectricity Perspective. Bioelectricity 2021; 3:14-26. [PMID: 34476375 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0051] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We support the notion that the neural connections of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the associated 'bioelectricity' play significant role in the pathophysiology of cancer. In several cancers, the nerve input promotes the cancer process. While straightforward surgical denervation of tumors, therefore, could improve prognosis, resulting side effects of such a procedure would be unpredictable and irreversible. On the other hand, tumor innervation can be manipulated effectively for therapeutic purposes by alternative novel approaches broadly termed "electroceuticals." In this perspective, we evaluate the clinical potential of targeting the TME first through manipulation of the nerve input itself and second by application of electric fields directly to the tumor. The former encompasses several different biophysical and biochemical approaches. These include implantable devices, nanoparticles, and electroactive polymers, as well as optogenetics and chemogenetics. As regard bioelectrical manipulation of the tumor itself, the "tumor-treating field" technique, applied to gliomas commonly in combination with chemotherapy, is evaluated. Also, as electroceuticals, drugs acting on ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors are highlighted for completeness. It is concluded, first, that electroceuticals comprise a broad range of biomedical tools. Second, such electroceuticals present significant clinical potential for exploiting the neural component of the TME as a strategy against cancer. Finally, the inherent bioelectric characteristics of tumors themselves are also amenable to complementary approaches. Collectively, these represent an evolving, dynamic field and further progress and applications can be expected to follow both conceptually and technically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade A Phillips
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Hutchings
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Biotechnology Research Center, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus
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Heard SC, Wu G, Winter JM. Antifungal natural products. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 69:232-241. [PMID: 33640596 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are specialized small molecules produced in Nature and play pivotal roles in many cellular processes. These compounds possess exquisite chemical diversity and represent some of the most important pharmaceutical agents in human health care. With the rampant rise of fungal pathogens that are becoming resistant to nearly all clinically available antibiotics, there is an increased urgency to find new antifungal therapies with novel modes of action. To meet this need, we must be able to quickly identify new bioactive chemical scaffolds within complex natural extracts, determine their mechanisms of action, and generate appreciable yields for preclinical studies. In this review, we will highlight naturally derived antifungal agents of clinical importance as well as those with strong potential as leads in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Heard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Guangwei Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Jaclyn M Winter
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Milligan G, Barki N, Tobin AB. Chemogenetic Approaches to Explore the Functions of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:191-202. [PMID: 33495026 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids are generated in large amounts by the intestinal microbiota. They activate both the closely related G protein-coupled receptors free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2) and free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFA3) that are considered therapeutic targets in diseases of immuno-metabolism. Limited and species-selective small-molecule pharmacology has restricted our understanding of the distinct roles of these receptors. Replacement of mouse FFA2 with a designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug form of human FFA2 (hFFA2-DREADD) has allowed definition of specific roles of FFA2 in pharmacological and physiological studies conducted both ex vivo and in vivo, whilst overlay of murine disease models offers opportunities for therapeutic validation prior to human studies. Similar approaches can potentially be used to define roles of other poorly characterised receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Milligan
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Natasja Barki
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Andrew B Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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