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Hone AJ, Santiago U, Harvey PJ, Tekarli B, Gajewiak J, Craik DJ, Camacho CJ, McIntosh JM. Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel Peptide Derivatives of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Spike-Protein that Potently Inhibit Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9587-9598. [PMID: 38814877 PMCID: PMC11444331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The spike-protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a distinctive amino-acid sequence (682RRARS686) that forms a cleavage site for the enzyme furin. Strikingly, the structure of the spike-protein loop containing the furin cleavage site bears substantial similarity to neurotoxin peptides found in the venoms of certain snakes and marine cone snails. Leveraging this relationship, we designed and synthesized disulfide-constrained peptides with amino-acid sequences corresponding to the furin cleavage-sites of wild-type (B.1 variant) SARS-CoV-2 or the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Remarkably, some of these peptides potently inhibited α7 and α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) with nM affinity and showed SARS-CoV-2 variant and nAChR subtype-dependent potencies. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics were used to rationalize structure-activity relationships between peptides and their cognate receptors. These findings delineate nAChR subtypes that can serve as high-affinity spike-protein targets in tissues central to COVID-19 pathophysiology and identify ligands and target receptors to inform the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148, United States
| | - Ulises Santiago
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Bassel Tekarli
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carlos J Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148, United States
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2
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Cunha SMF, Lam S, Mallard B, Karrow NA, Cánovas Á. Genomic Regions Associated with Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites in Sheep-A Review. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:187. [PMID: 38397178 PMCID: PMC10888242 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) can be a major constraint and global challenge to the sheep industry. These nematodes infect the small intestine and abomasum of grazing sheep, causing symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, hypoproteinemia, and anemia, which can lead to death. The use of anthelmintics to treat infected animals has led to GIN resistance, and excessive use of these drugs has resulted in residue traced in food and the environment. Resistance to GINs can be measured using multiple traits, including fecal egg count (FEC), Faffa Malan Chart scores, hematocrit, packed cell volume, eosinophilia, immunoglobulin (Ig), and dagginess scores. Genetic variation among animals exists, and understanding these differences can help identify genomic regions associated with resistance to GINs in sheep. Genes playing important roles in the immune system were identified in several studies in this review, such as the CFI and MUC15 genes. Results from several studies showed overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with multiple traits measuring resistance to GINs, mainly FEC. The discovery of genomic regions, positional candidate genes, and QTLs associated with resistance to GINs can help increase and accelerate genetic gains in sheep breeding programs and reveal the genetic basis and biological mechanisms underlying this trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samla Marques Freire Cunha
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Bonnie Mallard
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Niel A. Karrow
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
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3
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Xu P, Zhang P, Zhu X, Wu Y, Harvey PJ, Kaas Q, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, Luo S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Alanine Scan Mutants αO-Conotoxins GeXIVA[1,2] and GeXIVA[1,4]. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a selective α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) inhibitor displaying two disulfide bonds that can form three isomers. The bead (GeXIVA[1,2]) and ribbon (GeXIVA[1,4]) isomers possess the highest activity on rat and human α9α10 nAChRs. However, the molecular mechanism by which they inhibit the α9α10 nAChR is unknown. Here, an alanine scan of GeXIVA was used to elucidate key interactions between the peptides and the α9α10 nAChR. The majority of GeXIVA[1,2] analogues preserved affinity at α9α10 nAChR, but [R17A]GeXIVA[1,2] enhanced selectivity on the α9α10 nAChR. The I23A replacement of GeXIVA[1,4] increased activity at both rat and human α9α10 nAChRs by 10-fold. Surprisingly, these results do not support the molecular model of an interaction in the orthosteric binding site proposed previously, but rather may involve allosteric coupling with the voltage-sensitive domain of the α9α10 nAChR. These results could help to guide further development of GeXIVA analogues as analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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4
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Giraudo A, Pallavicini M, Bolchi C. Small molecule ligands for α9* and α7 nicotinic receptors: a survey and an update, respectively. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106801. [PMID: 37236412 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The α9- and α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes by complex mechanisms that are currently the subject of intensive study and debate. In this regard, selective ligands serve as invaluable investigative tools and, in many cases, potential therapeutics for the treatment of various CNS disfunctions and diseases, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. However, the present scenario differs significantly between the two aforementioned nicotinic subtypes. Over the past few decades, a large number of selective α7-nAChR ligands, including full, partial and silent agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been described and reviewed. Conversely, reports on selective α9-containing nAChR ligands are relatively scarce, also due to a more recent characterization of this receptor subtype, and hardly any focusing on small molecules. In this review, we focus on the latter, providing a comprehensive overview, while providing only an update over the last five years for α7-nAChR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Giraudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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Vicencio-Jimenez S, Delano PH, Madrid N, Terreros G, Maass JC, Delgado C, Jorratt P. Maintained Spatial Learning and Memory Functions in Middle-Aged α9 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit Knock-Out Mice. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050794. [PMID: 37239266 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss is linked to cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms that relate to these conditions remain unclear. Evidence shows that the activation of medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons delays cochlear aging and hearing loss. Consequently, the loss of MOC function may be related to cognitive impairment. The α9/α10 nicotinic receptor is the main target of cholinergic synapses between the MOC neurons and cochlear outer hair cells. Here, we explored spatial learning and memory performance in middle-aged wild-type (WT) and α9-nAChR subunit knock-out (KO) mice using the Barnes maze and measured auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and the number of cochlear hair cells as a proxy of cochlear aging. Our results show non-significant spatial learning differences between WT and KO mice, but KO mice had a trend of increased latency to enter the escape box and freezing time. To test a possible reactivity to the escape box, we evaluated the novelty-induced behavior using an open field and found a tendency towards more freezing time in KO mice. There were no differences in memory, ABR threshold, or the number of cochlear hair cells. We suggest that the lack of α9-nAChR subunit alters novelty-induced behavior, but not spatial learning in middle-aged mice, by a non-cochlear mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Paul H Delano
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, AC3E, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2390136, Chile
| | - Natalia Madrid
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua 2841935, Chile
| | - Juan C Maass
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
- Interdisciplinary Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Carolina Delgado
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320328, Chile
| | - Pascal Jorratt
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Therapeutic targets for novel ligands to treat pain and inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106715. [PMID: 36868367 PMCID: PMC10691827 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been historically defined as ligand-gated ion channels and function as such in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recently, however, non-ionic signaling mechanisms via nAChRs have been demonstrated in immune cells. Furthermore, the signaling pathways where nAChRs are expressed can be activated by endogenous ligands other than the canonical agonists acetylcholine and choline. In this review, we discuss the involvement of a subset of nAChRs containing α7, α9, and/or α10 subunits in the modulation of pain and inflammation via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Additionally, we review the most recent advances in the development of novel ligands and their potential as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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7
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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8
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Elgoyhen AB. The α9α10 acetylcholine receptor: a non-neuronal nicotinic receptor. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106735. [PMID: 36931539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Within the superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, cholinergic nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) were classically identified to mediate synaptic transmission in the nervous system and the neuromuscular junction. The α9 and α10 nAChR subunits were the last ones to be identified. Surprisingly, they do not fall into the dichotomic neuronal/muscle classification of nAChRs. They assemble into heteropentamers with a well-established function as canonical ion channels in inner ear hair cells, where they mediate central nervous system control of auditory and vestibular sensory processing. The present review includes expression, pharmacological, structure-function, molecular evolution and pathophysiological studies, that define receptors composed from α9 and α10 subunits as distant and distinct members within the nAChR family. Thus, although α9 and α10 were initially included within the neuronal subdivision of nAChR subunits, they form a distinct clade within the phylogeny of nAChRs. Following the classification of nAChR subunits based on their main synaptic site of action, α9 and α10 should receive a name in their own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina.
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9
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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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Expression of Chrna9 is regulated by Tbx3 in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1611. [PMID: 36709241 PMCID: PMC9884305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It was reported that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-mediated signaling pathways affect the proliferation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. However, detail expression profiles of nAChR genes were unrevealed in these cells. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the gene expression of α subunit of nAChRs (Chrna) during differentiation and induction of pluripotent stem cells. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells expressed multiple Chrna genes (Chrna3-5, 7 and 9) in undifferentiated status. Among them, Chrna9 was markedly down-regulated upon the differentiation into mesenchymal cell lineage. In mouse tissues and cells, Chrna9 was mainly expressed in testes, ES cells and embryonal F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells. Expression of Chrna9 gene was acutely reduced during differentiation of ES and F9 cells within 24 h. In contrast, Chrna9 expression was increased in induced pluripotent stem cells established from mouse embryonic fibroblast. It was shown by the reporter assays that T element-like sequence in the promoter region of Chrna9 gene is important for its activities in ES cells. Chrna9 was markedly reduced by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Tbx3, a pluripotency-related transcription factor of the T-box gene family. These results indicate that Chrna9 is a nAChR gene that are transcriptionally regulated by Tbx3 in undifferentiated pluripotent cells.
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Margiotta F, Micheli L, Ciampi C, Ghelardini C, McIntosh JM, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Conus regius-Derived Conotoxins: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities from a Marine Organism. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:773. [PMID: 36547920 PMCID: PMC9783627 DOI: 10.3390/md20120773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conus regius is a marine venomous mollusk of the Conus genus that captures its prey by injecting a rich cocktail of bioactive disulfide bond rich peptides called conotoxins. These peptides selectively target a broad range of ion channels, membrane receptors, transporters, and enzymes, making them valuable pharmacological tools and potential drug leads. C. regius-derived conotoxins are particularly attractive due to their marked potency and selectivity against specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes, whose signalling is involved in pain, cognitive disorders, drug addiction, and cancer. However, the species-specific differences in sensitivity and the low stability and bioavailability of these conotoxins limit their clinical development as novel therapeutic agents for these disorders. Here, we give an overview of the main pharmacological features of the C. regius-derived conotoxins described so far, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential therapeutic effects. Additionally, we describe adoptable chemical engineering solutions to improve their pharmacological properties for future potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Margiotta
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- George E. Wohlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Huynh PN, Christensen SB, McIntosh JM. RgIA4 Prevention of Acute Oxaliplatin-Induced Cold Allodynia Requires α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and CD3 + T-Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223561. [PMID: 36428990 PMCID: PMC9688540 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a debilitating and dose-limiting side effect. Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum and antineoplastic compound that is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer and commonly yields neuropathic side effects. Available drugs such as duloxetine provide only modest benefits against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. A particularly disruptive symptom of oxaliplatin is painful cold sensitivity, known as cold allodynia. Previous studies of the Conus regius peptide, RgIA, and its analogs have demonstrated relief from oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia, yielding improvement that persists even after treatment cessation. Moreover, underlying inflammatory and neuronal protection were shown at the cellular level in chronic constriction nerve injury models, consistent with disease-modifying effects. Despite these promising preclinical outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanism of action of RgIA4 remains an area of active investigation. This study aimed to determine the necessity of the α9 nAChR subunit and potential T-cell mechanisms in RgIA4 efficacy against acute oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia. A single dose of oxaliplatin (10 mg/kg) was utilized followed by four daily doses of RgIA4. Subcutaneous administration of RgIA4 (40 µg/kg) prevented cold allodynia in wildtype mice but not in mice lacking the α9 nAChR-encoding gene, chrna9. RgIA4 also failed to reverse allodynia in mice depleted of CD3+ T-cells. In wildtype mice treated with oxaliplatin, quantitated circulating T-cells remained unaffected by RgIA4. Together, these results show that RgIA4 requires both chrna9 and CD3+ T-cells to exert its protective effects against acute cold-allodynia produced by oxaliplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N. Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean B. Christensen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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You Z, Liu B, Qi H. Neuronal regulation of B-cell immunity: Anticipatory immune posturing? Neuron 2022; 110:3582-3596. [PMID: 36327899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The brain may sense, evaluate, modulate, and intervene in the operation of immune system, which would otherwise function autonomously in defense against pathogens. Antibody-mediated immunity is one arm of adaptive immunity that may achieve sterilizing protection against infection. Lymphoid organs are densely innervated. Immune cells supporting the antigen-specific antibody response express receptors for neurotransmitters and glucocorticoid hormones, and they are subjected to collective regulation by the neuroendocrine and the autonomic nervous system. Emerging evidence reveals a brain-spleen axis that regulates antigen-specific B cell responses and antibody-mediated immunity. In this article, we provide a synthesis of those studies as pertinent to neuronal regulation of B cell responses in secondary lymphoid organs. We propose the concept of defensive immune posturing as a brain-initiated top-down reaction in anticipation of potential tissue injury that requires immune protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei You
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hai Qi
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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14
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Alkaloid ligands enable function of homomeric human α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981760. [PMID: 36188578 PMCID: PMC9523446 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) rapidly transduce a chemical signal into one that is electrical via ligand-gated ion flux through the central channel of the receptor. However, some nAChR subunits are expressed by non-excitable cells where signal transduction apparently occurs through non-ionic mechanisms. One such nAChR subunit, α10, is present in a discreet subset of immune cells and has been implicated in pathologies including cancer, neuropathic pain, and chronic inflammation. Longstanding convention holds that human α10 subunits require co-assembly with α9 subunits for function. Here we assessed whether cholinergic ligands can enable or uncover ionic functions from homomeric α10 nAChRs. Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human α10 subunits were exposed to a panel of ligands and examined for receptor activation using voltage-clamp electrophysiology. Functional expression of human α10 nAChRs was achieved by exposing the oocytes to the alkaloids strychnine, brucine, or methyllycaconitine. Furthermore, acute exposure to the alkaloid ligands significantly enhanced ionic responses. Acetylcholine-gated currents mediated by α10 nAChRs were potently inhibited by the snake toxins α-bungarotoxin and α-cobratoxin but not by α-conotoxins that target α9 and α9α10 nAChRs. Our findings indicate that human α10 homomers are expressed in oocytes and exposure to certain ligands can enable ionic functions. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that human α10 subunits can assemble as functional homomeric nAChRs. These findings have potential implications for receptor regulatory-mechanisms and will enable structural, functional, and further pharmacological characterization of human α10 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J. Hone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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15
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Munoz F, Vicencio-Jimenez S, Jorratt P, Delano PH, Terreros G. Corticofugal and Brainstem Functions Associated With Medial Olivocochlear Cholinergic Transmission. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:866161. [PMID: 35573302 PMCID: PMC9094045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.866161] [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: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic transmission is essential for survival and reproduction, as it is involved in several physiological responses. In the auditory system, both ascending and descending auditory pathways are modulated by cholinergic transmission, affecting the perception of sounds. The auditory efferent system is a neuronal network comprised of several feedback loops, including corticofugal and brainstem pathways to the cochlear receptor. The auditory efferent system's -final and mandatory synapses that connect the brain with the cochlear receptor- involve medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells. A unique cholinergic transmission mediates these synapses through α9/α10 nicotinic receptors. To study this receptor, it was generated a strain of mice carrying a null mutation of the Chrna9 gene (α9-KO mice), lacking cholinergic transmission between medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells, providing a unique opportunity to study the role of medial olivocochlear cholinergic transmission in auditory and cognitive functions. In this article, we review behavioral and physiological studies carried out to research auditory efferent function in the context of audition, cognition, and hearing impairments. Auditory studies have shown that hearing thresholds in the α9-KO mice are normal, while more complex auditory functions, such as frequency selectivity and sound localization, are altered. The corticofugal pathways have been studied in α9-KO mice using behavioral tasks, evidencing a reduced capacity to suppress auditory distractors during visual selective attention. Finally, we discuss the evolutionary role of the auditory efferent system detecting vocalizations in noise and its role in auditory disorders, such as the prevention of age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Munoz
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
- Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Center for Hearing and Balance, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pascal Jorratt
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Paul H. Delano
- Facultad de Medicina, Neuroscience Department, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, AC3E, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
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16
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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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17
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Papke RL, Andleeb H, Stokes C, Quadri M, Horenstein NA. Selective Agonists and Antagonists of α9 Versus α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:624-637. [PMID: 35167270 PMCID: PMC9547379 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α9 subunits are essential for the auditory function and have been implicated, along with α7-containing nicotinic receptors, as potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The study of α9-containing receptors has been hampered by the lack of selective agonists. The only α9-selective antagonists previously identified are peptide conotoxins. Curiously, the activity of α7 and α9 receptors as modulators of inflammatory pain appears to not rely strictly on ion channel activation, which led to the identification of α7 "silent agonists" and phosphocholine as an "unconventional agonist" for α9 containing receptors. The parallel testing of the α7 silent agonist p-CF3-diEPP and phosphocholine led to the discovery that p-CF3-diEPP was an α9 agonist. In this report, we compared the activity of α7 and α9 with a family of structurally related compounds, most of which were previously shown to be α7 partial or silent agonists. We identify several potent α9-selective agonists as well as numerous potent and selective α9 antagonists and describe the structural basis for these activities. Several of these compounds have previously been shown to be effective in animal models of inflammatory pain, an activity that was assumed to be due to α7 silent agonism but may, in fact, be due to α9 activity. The α9-selective conotoxin antagonists have also been shown to reduce pain in similar models. Our identification of these new α9 agonists and antagonists may prove to be invaluable for defining an optimal approach for treating pain, allowing for reduced use of opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L. Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (CS, RLP),To whom correspondence should be addressed: Roger L. Papke, Ph.D., , Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville FL, 32610-0267
| | - Hina Andleeb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (CS, RLP)
| | - Marta Quadri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
| | - Nicole A. Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
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18
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Tsetlin V, Haufe Y, Safronova V, Serov D, Shadamarshan P, Son L, Shelukhina I, Kudryavtsev D, Kryukova E, Kasheverov I, Nicke A, Utkin Y. Interaction of α9α10 Nicotinic Receptors With Peptides and Proteins From Animal Venoms. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:765541. [PMID: 35002625 PMCID: PMC8732759 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.765541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike most neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits, α7, α9, and α10 subunits are able to form functional homo- or heteromeric receptors without any β subunits. While the α7 subtype is widely distributed in the mammalian brain and several peripheral tissues, α9 and α9α10 nAChRs are mainly found in the cochlea and immune cells. α-Conotoxins that specifically block the α9α10 receptor showed anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic effects in animal models. Hence, this subtype is considered a drug target for analgesics. In contrast to the α9α10-selective α-conotoxins, the three-finger toxin α-bungarotoxin inhibits muscle-type and α7 nAChRs in addition to α9α10 nAChRs. However, the selectivity of α-neurotoxins at the α9α10 subtype was less intensively investigated. Here, we compared the potencies of α-conotoxins and α-neurotoxins at the human α9α10 nAChR by two-electrode voltage clamp analysis upon expression in Xenopus oocytes. In addition, we analyzed effects of several α9α10-selective α-conotoxins on mouse granulocytes from bone marrow to identify possible physiological functions of the α9α10 nAChR subtype in these cells. The α-conotoxin-induced IL-10 release was measured upon LPS-stimulation. We found that α-conotoxins RgIA, PeIA, and Vc1.1 enhance the IL-10 expression in granulocytes which might explain the known anti-inflammatory and associated analgesic activities of α9α10-selective α-conotoxins. Furthermore, we show that two long-chain α-neurotoxins from the cobra Naja melanoleuca venom that were earlier shown to bind to muscle-type and α7 nAChRs, also inhibit the α9α10 subtype at nanomolar concentrations with one of them showing a significantly slower dissociation from this receptor than α-bungarotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Tsetlin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yves Haufe
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Valentina Safronova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Serov
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - PranavKumar Shadamarshan
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Son
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Shelukhina
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Kudryavtsev
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Kryukova
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Kasheverov
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Annette Nicke
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuri Utkin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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19
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Lipovsek M, Marcovich I, Elgoyhen AB. The Hair Cell α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: Odd Cousin in an Old Family. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:785265. [PMID: 34867208 PMCID: PMC8634148 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.785265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a subfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels with members identified in most eumetazoan clades. In vertebrates, they are divided into three subgroups, according to their main tissue of expression: neuronal, muscle and hair cell nAChRs. Each receptor subtype is composed of different subunits, encoded by paralogous genes. The latest to be identified are the α9 and α10 subunits, expressed in the mechanosensory hair cells of the inner ear and the lateral line, where they mediate efferent modulation. α9α10 nAChRs are the most divergent amongst all nicotinic receptors, showing marked differences in their degree of sequence conservation, their expression pattern, their subunit co-assembly rules and, most importantly, their functional properties. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of the structure and evolution of nAChRs. We discuss the functional consequences of sequence divergence and conservation, with special emphasis on the hair cell α9α10 receptor, a seemingly distant cousin of neuronal and muscle nicotinic receptors. Finally, we highlight potential links between the evolution of the octavolateral system and the extreme divergence of vertebrate α9α10 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Lipovsek
- Ear Institute, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Marcovich
- Departments of Otolaryngology & Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Allegra A, Sant'Antonio E, Musolino C, Ettari R. New insights into neuropeptides regulation of immune system and hemopoiesis: effects on hematologic malignancies. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2412-2437. [PMID: 34521320 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210914120228] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were reported to join to or to cooperate with different cells of the immune system, bone marrow, and peripheral cells and numerous data support that neuroactive molecules might control immune system activity and hemopoiesis operating on lymphoid organs, and the primary hematopoietic unit, the hematopoietic niche. Furthermore, many compounds seem to be able to take part to the leukemogenesis and lymphomagenesis process, and in the onset of multiple myeloma. In this review, we will assess the possibility that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may have a role in the onset of haematological neoplasms, may affect the response to treatment or may represent a useful starting point for a new therapeutic approach. More in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate neuropeptide's role in haematological malignancies and the possible utilization as an antitumor therapeutic target. Comprehending the effect of the pharmacological administration of neuropeptide modulators on hematologic malignancies opens up new possibilities in curing clonal hematologic diseases to achieve more satisfactory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | | | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Messina. Italy
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21
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Fisher F, Zhang Y, Vincent PFY, Gajewiak J, Gordon TJ, Glowatzki E, Fuchs PA, McIntosh JM. Cy3-RgIA-5727 Labels and Inhibits α9-Containing nAChRs of Cochlear Hair Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:697560. [PMID: 34385908 PMCID: PMC8354143 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.697560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Efferent cholinergic neurons inhibit sensory hair cells of the vertebrate inner ear through the combined action of calcium-permeable α9α10-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and associated calcium-dependent potassium channels. The venom of cone snails is a rich repository of bioactive peptides, many with channel blocking activities. The conopeptide analog, RgIA-5474, is a specific and potent antagonist of α9α10-containing nAChRs. We added an alkyl functional group to the N-terminus of the RgIA-5474, to enable click chemistry addition of the fluorescent cyanine dye, Cy3. The resulting peptide, Cy3-RgIA-5727, potently blocked mouse α9α10 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes (IC50 23 pM), with 290-fold less activity on α7 nAChRs and 40,000-fold less activity on all other tested nAChR subtypes. The tight binding of Cy3-RgIA-5727 provided robust visualization of hair cell nAChRs juxtaposed to cholinergic efferent terminals in excised, unfixed cochlear tissue from mice. Presumptive postsynaptic sites on outer hair cells (OHCs) were labeled, but absent from inner hair cells (IHCs) and from OHCs in cochlear tissue from α9-null mice and in cochlear tissue pre-incubated with non-Cy3-conjugated RgIA-5474. In cochlear tissue from younger (postnatal day 10) mice, Cy3-RgIA-5727 also labeled IHCs, corresponding to transient efferent innervation at that age. Cy3 puncta in Kölliker’s organ remained in the α9-null tissue. Pre-exposure with non-Cy3-conjugated RgIA-5474 or bovine serum albumin reduced this non-specific labeling to variable extents in different preparations. Cy3-RgIA-5727 and RgIA-5474 blocked the native hair cell nAChRs, within the constraints of application to the excised cochlear tissue. Cy3-RgIA-5727 or RgIA-5474 block of efferent synaptic currents in young IHCs was not relieved after 50 min washing, so effectively irreversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Fisher
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Philippe F Y Vincent
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Thomas J Gordon
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Elisabeth Glowatzki
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul Albert Fuchs
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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22
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Arias HR, Targowska-Duda KM, García-Colunga J, Ortells MO. Is the Antidepressant Activity of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Mediated by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors? Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082149. [PMID: 33917953 PMCID: PMC8068400 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) induce antidepressant activity by inhibiting serotonin (5-HT) reuptake transporters, thus elevating synaptic 5-HT levels and, finally, ameliorates depression symptoms. New evidence indicates that SSRIs may also modulate other neurotransmitter systems by inhibiting neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are recognized as important in mood regulation. There is a clear and strong association between major depression and smoking, where depressed patients smoke twice as much as the normal population. However, SSRIs are not efficient for smoking cessation therapy. In patients with major depressive disorder, there is a lower availability of functional nAChRs, although their amount is not altered, which is possibly caused by higher endogenous ACh levels, which consequently induce nAChR desensitization. Other neurotransmitter systems have also emerged as possible targets for SSRIs. Studies on dorsal raphe nucleus serotoninergic neurons support the concept that SSRI-induced nAChR inhibition decreases the glutamatergic hyperstimulation observed in stress conditions, which compensates the excessive 5-HT overflow in these neurons and, consequently, ameliorates depression symptoms. At the molecular level, SSRIs inhibit different nAChR subtypes by noncompetitive mechanisms, including ion channel blockade and induction of receptor desensitization, whereas α9α10 nAChRs, which are peripherally expressed and not directly involved in depression, are inhibited by competitive mechanisms. According to the functional and structural results, SSRIs bind within the nAChR ion channel at high-affinity sites that are spread out between serine and valine rings. In conclusion, SSRI-induced inhibition of a variety of nAChRs expressed in different neurotransmitter systems widens the complexity by which these antidepressants may act clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R. Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-918-525-6324; Fax: +1-918-280-2515
| | | | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Marcelo O. Ortells
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Morón, CONICET, Morón 1708, Argentina;
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Vyas P, Wood MB, Zhang Y, Goldring AC, Chakir FZ, Fuchs PA, Hiel H. Characterization of HA-tagged α9 and α10 nAChRs in the mouse cochlea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21814. [PMID: 33311584 PMCID: PMC7733449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons of the medial olivary complex inhibit cochlear hair cells through the activation of α9α10-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Efforts to study the localization of these proteins have been hampered by the absence of reliable antibodies. To overcome this obstacle, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to generate mice in which a hemagglutinin tag (HA) was attached to the C-terminus of either α9 or α10 proteins. Immunodetection of the HA tag on either subunit in the organ of Corti of adult mice revealed immunopuncta clustered at the synaptic pole of outer hair cells. These puncta were juxtaposed to immunolabeled presynaptic efferent terminals. HA immunopuncta also occurred in inner hair cells of pre-hearing (P7) but not in adult mice. These immunolabeling patterns were similar for both homozygous and heterozygous mice. All HA-tagged genotypes had auditory brainstem responses not significantly different from those of wild type littermates. The activation of efferent neurons in heterozygous mice evoked biphasic postsynaptic currents not significantly different from those of wild type hair cells. However, efferent synaptic responses were significantly smaller and less frequent in the homozygous mice. We show that HA-tagged nAChRs introduced in the mouse by a CRISPR knock-in are regulated and expressed like the native protein, and in the heterozygous condition mediate normal synaptic function. The animals thus generated have clear advantages for localization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankhuri Vyas
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Megan Beers Wood
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Adam C Goldring
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Sutter Instrument Company, 1 Digital Drive, Novato, CA, 94949, USA
| | - Fatima-Zahra Chakir
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Paul Albert Fuchs
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Hakim Hiel
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 818, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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24
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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25
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Safronova VG, Vulfius CA, Astashev ME, Tikhonova IV, Serov DA, Jirova EA, Pershina EV, Senko DA, Zhmak MN, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin VI. α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors regulate murine bone marrow granulocyte functions. Immunobiology 2020; 226:152047. [PMID: 33340828 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) are extremely important in defense of the organism against infections and in inflammatory processes including neuroinflammation and pain sensation. Different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in modulation of PMN activities. Earlier we determined expression of α2-7, α9, β3, β4 subunits and regulatory role of α7 and α3β2 nAChR subtypes in functions of inflammatory PMNs. Other authors detected mRNA of α9 subunit in bone marrow neutrophils (BM-PMNs). Murine BM-PMNs coming out from the bone marrow, where they develop, to blood were characterized as mature. There was no data for α10 and for the presence of functionally active α9α10 nAChRs in BM-PMNs. Here we detected for the first time mRNA expression of the α10 nAChR subunit in BM-PMNs and confirmed the expression of mRNA for α9 nAChR. With the help of α-conotoxins RgIA and Vc1.1, highly selective antagonists of α9α10 nAChRs, we have revealed participation of α9 and/or α9α10 nAChRs in regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, cell adhesion, and in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotine, choline, RgIA, and Vc1.1 induced Ca2+ transients in BM-PMNs, enhanced cell adhesiveness and decreased production of ROS indicating involvement of α9, possibly co-assembled with α10, nAChRs in the BM-PMN activity for recruitment and cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina G Safronova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Catherine A Vulfius
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Maxim E Astashev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Irina V Tikhonova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy A Serov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Elina A Jirova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina V Pershina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitry A Senko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maxim N Zhmak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Victor I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
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26
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Huynh PN, Harvey PJ, Gajewiak J, Craik DJ, Michael McIntosh J. Critical residue properties for potency and selectivity of α-Conotoxin RgIA towards α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114124. [PMID: 32593612 PMCID: PMC7572646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been characterized as an effective anti-pain target that functions through a non-opioid mechanism. However, as a pentameric ion channel comprised of two different subunits, the specific targeting of α9α10 nAChRs has proven challenging. Previously the 13-amino-acid peptide, RgIA, was shown to block α9α10 nAChRs with high potency and specificity. This peptide, characterized from the venom of the carnivorous marine snail, Conus regius, produced analgesia in several rodent models of chronic pain. Despite promising pre-clinical data in behavioral assays, the number of specific α9α10 nAChR antagonists remains small and the physiological mechanisms of analgesia remain cryptic. In this study, we implement amino-acid substitutions to definitively characterize the chemical properties of RgIA that contribute to its activity against α9α10 nAChRs. Using this mutational approach, we determined the vital role of biochemical side-chain properties and amino acids in the second loop that are amenable to substitutions to further engineer next-generation analogs for the blockade of α9α10 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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27
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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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28
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AlSharari SD, Toma W, Mahmood HM, Michael McIntosh J, Imad Damaj M. The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors antagonist α-conotoxin RgIA reverses colitis signs in murine dextran sodium sulfate model. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 883:173320. [PMID: 32645334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can regulate inflammation primarily through the vagus nerve via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. α9α10 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are a new promising target for chronic pain and inflammation. Recently, α9α10 selective α-conotoxin antagonists were shown to have antinociception effect in neuropathic and tonic inflammatory pain animal models. However, limited data available on the role of α9α10 nAChRs in experimental colitis. In this study, we report for the first time, the role of α9α10 nAChRs in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) experimental animal colitis model. We determined the effect of the α9α10 nAChRs antagonist, α-conotoxin RgIA (α-RgIA) in DSS-induced colitis model in adult male and female C57BL/6 J mice. DSS solution was freely given in the drinking water for seven consecutive days, and tap water was given on the 8th day. We then sacrificed mice on day 8 to examine the entire colon. Disease severity, colon tissue histology, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated. The lower doses (0.02 and 0.1 nmol/mouse, s.c.) of α-RgIA treatment in DSS-treated mice were inactive, whereas the higher dose (0.2 nmol/mouse, s.c.) reversed the disease activity index (DAI) score, loss of body weight, total histological damage score, as well as the colonic level of TNF-α compared to the DSS-control group. Moreover, the highest dose of α-RgIA (0.2 nmol/mouse, s.c.) significantly rescued the colon length shortening in DSS-treated mice compared to the DSS-control mice. The availability of α9*-selective conotoxins has opened new avenues in pharmacology research and potential targets in inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir D AlSharari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Wisam Toma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| | - Hafiz M Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
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29
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Papke RL, Lindstrom JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Conventional and unconventional ligands and signaling. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:108021. [PMID: 32146229 PMCID: PMC7610230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Postsynaptic nAChRs in the peripheral nervous system are critical for neuromuscular and autonomic neurotransmission. Pre- and peri-synaptic nAChRs in the brain modulate neurotransmission and are responsible for the addictive effects of nicotine. Subtypes of nAChRs in lymphocytes and non-synaptic locations may modulate inflammation and other cellular functions. All AChRs that function as ligand-gated ion channels are formed from five homologous subunits organized to form a central cation channel whose opening is regulated by ACh bound at extracellular subunit interfaces. nAChR subtype subunit composition can range from α7 homomers to α4β2α6β2β3 heteromers. Subtypes differ in affinities for ACh and other agonists like nicotine and in efficiencies with which their channels are opened and desensitized. Subtypes also differ in affinities for antagonists and for positive and negative allosteric modulators. Some agonists are "silent" with respect to channel opening, and AChRs may be able to signal metabotropic pathways by releasing G-proteins independent of channel opening. Electrophysiological studies that can resolve single-channel openings and molecular genetic approaches have allowed characterization of the structures of ligand binding sites, the cation channel, and the linkages between them, as well as the organization of AChR subunits and their contributions to function. Crystallography and cryo-electron-microscopy are providing increasing insights into the structures and functions of AChRs. However, much remains to be learned about both AChR structure and function, the in vivo functional roles of some AChR subtypes, and the development of better pharmacological tools directed at AChRs to treat addiction, pain, inflammation, and other medically important issues. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0267, USA.
| | - Jon M Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mussina K, Toktarkhanova D, Filchakova O. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors of PC12 Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:17-29. [PMID: 32335772 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have gained much attention in the scientific community since they play a significant role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Multiple approaches to study the receptors exist, with characterization of the receptors' functionality at a single cellular level using cell culturing being one of them. Derived from an adrenal medulla tumor, PC12 cells express nicotinic receptor subunits and form functional nicotinic receptors. Thus, the cells offer a convenient environment to address questions related to the functionality of the receptors. The review summarizes the findings on nicotinic receptors' expression and functions which were conducted using PC12 cells. Specific focus is given to α3-containing receptors as well as α7 receptor. Critical evaluation of findings is provided alongside insights into what can still be learned about nAChRs, using PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Mussina
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Dana Toktarkhanova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Olena Filchakova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.
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31
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Structure and Activity Studies of Disulfide-Deficient Analogues of αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1564-1575. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Bertrand D, Wallace TL. A Review of the Cholinergic System and Therapeutic Approaches to Treat Brain Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 45:1-28. [PMID: 32451956 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Since its identification over a hundred years ago, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) has proven to play an essential role in supporting many diverse functions. Some well-characterized functions include: chemical transmission at the neuromuscular junction; autonomic function in the peripheral nervous system; and, sustained attention, sleep/wake regulation, and learning and memory within the central nervous system. Within the brain, major cholinergic projection pathways from the basal forebrain and the brainstem support these centrally mediated processes, and dysregulation of the cholinergic system is implicated in cognitive decline associated with aging and dementias including Alzheimer's disease. ACh exerts its effects by binding to two different membrane-bound receptor classes: (1) G‑protein coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), and (2) ligand-gated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These receptor systems are described in detail within this chapter along with discussion on the successes and failures of synthetic ligands designed to selectively target receptor subtypes for treating brain disorders. New molecular approaches and advances in our understanding of the target biology combined with opportunities to re-purpose existing cholinergic drugs for new indications continue to highlight the exciting opportunities for modulating this system for therapeutic purposes.
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RgIA4 Accelerates Recovery from Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Mar Drugs 2019; 18:md18010012. [PMID: 31877728 PMCID: PMC7024385 DOI: 10.3390/md18010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs are widely utilized in the treatment of human cancers. Painful chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a common, debilitating, and dose-limiting side effect for which there is currently no effective treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential utility of peptides from the marine snail from the genus Conus for the treatment of neuropathic pain. α-Conotoxin RgIA and a potent analog, RgIA4, have previously been shown to prevent the development of neuropathy resulting from the administration of oxaliplatin, a platinum-based antineoplastic drug. Here, we have examined its efficacy against paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic drug that works by a mechanism of action distinct from that of oxaliplatin. Paclitaxel was administered at 2 mg/kg (intraperitoneally (IP)) every other day for a total of 8 mg/kg. Sprague Dawley rats that were co-administered RgIA4 at 80 µg/kg (subcutaneously (SC)) once daily, five times per week, for three weeks showed significant recovery from mechanical allodynia by day 31. Notably, the therapeutic effects reached significance 12 days after the last administration of RgIA4, which is suggestive of a rescue mechanism. These findings support the effects of RgIA4 in multiple chemotherapeutic models and the investigation of α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) as a non-opioid target in the treatment of chronic pain.
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Liu Q, Li M, Whiteaker P, Shi FD, Morley BJ, Lukas RJ. Attenuation in Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α9 and α10 Subunit Double Knock-Out Mice of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E827. [PMID: 31817275 PMCID: PMC6995583 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is attenuated in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α9 subunit knock-out (α9 KO) mice. However, protection is incomplete, raising questions about roles for related, nAChR α10 subunits in ionotropic or recently-revealed metabotropic contributions to effects. Here, we demonstrate reduced EAE severity and delayed onset of disease signs in nAChR α9/α10 subunit double knock-out (DKO) animals relative to effects in wild-type (WT) control mice. These effects are indistinguishable from contemporaneously-observed effects in nicotine-treated WT or in α9 KO mice. Immune cell infiltration into the spinal cord and brain, reactive oxygen species levels in vivo, and demyelination, mostly in the spinal cord, are reduced in DKO mice. Disease severity is not altered relative to WT controls in mice harboring a gain-of-function mutation in α9 subunits. These findings minimize the likelihood that additional deletion of nAChR α10 subunits impacts disease differently than α9 KO alone, whether through ionotropic, metabotropic, or alternative mechanisms. Moreover, our results provide further evidence of disease-exacerbating roles for nAChR containing α9 subunits (α9*-nAChR) in EAE inflammatory and autoimmune responses. This supports our hypothesis that α9*-nAChR or their downstream mediators are attractive targets for attenuation of inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; (Q.L.); (M.L.); (P.W.); (F.-D.S.)
| | - Minshu Li
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; (Q.L.); (M.L.); (P.W.); (F.-D.S.)
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; (Q.L.); (M.L.); (P.W.); (F.-D.S.)
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; (Q.L.); (M.L.); (P.W.); (F.-D.S.)
| | | | - Ronald J. Lukas
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; (Q.L.); (M.L.); (P.W.); (F.-D.S.)
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35
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Arias HR, Jin XT, Gallino S, Peng C, Feuerbach D, García-Colunga J, Elgoyhen AB, Drenan RM, Ortells MO. Selectivity of (±)-citalopram at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and different inhibitory mechanisms between habenular α3β4* and α9α10 subtypes. Neurochem Int 2019; 131:104552. [PMID: 31545995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The inhibitory activity of (±)-citalopram on human (h) α3β4, α4β2, and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) was determined by Ca2+ influx assays, whereas its effect on rat α9α10 and mouse habenular α3β4* AChRs by electrophysiological recordings. The Ca2+ influx results clearly establish that (±)-citalopram inhibits (IC50's in μM) hα3β4 AChRs (5.1 ± 1.3) with higher potency than that for hα7 (18.8 ± 1.1) and hα4β2 (19.1 ± 4.2) AChRs. This is in agreement with the [3H]imipramine competition binding results indicating that (±)-citalopram binds to imipramine sites at desensitized hα3β4 with >2-fold higher affinity than that for hα4β2. The electrophysiological, molecular docking, and in silico mutation results indicate that (±)-citalopram competitively inhibits rα9α10 AChRs (7.5 ± 0.9) in a voltage-independent manner by interacting mainly with orthosteric sites, whereas it inhibits a homogeneous population of α3β4* AChRs at MHb (VI) neurons (7.6 ± 1.0) in a voltage-dependent manner by interacting mainly with a luminal site located in the middle of the ion channel, overlapping the imipramine site, which suggests an ion channel blocking mechanism. In conclusion, (±)-citalopram inhibits α3β4 and α9α10 AChRs with higher potency compared to other AChRs but by different mechanisms. (±)-Citalopram also inhibits habenular α3β4*AChRs, supporting the notion that these receptors are important endogenous targets related to their anti-addictive activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tahlequah, OK, USA.
| | - Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sofía Gallino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Dr. Héctor N. Torres, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Can Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Dr. Héctor N. Torres, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marcelo O Ortells
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Morón, Morón and CONICET, Argentina.
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36
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Wang H, Li X, Zhangsun D, Yu G, Su R, Luo S. The α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonist αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] Alleviates and Reverses Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17050265. [PMID: 31060282 PMCID: PMC6562493 DOI: 10.3390/md17050265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum drug and is widely used as a first-line therapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a large number of patients receiving oxaliplatin develop dose-limiting painful neuropathy. Here, we report that αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2], a highly potent and selective antagonist of the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype, can relieve and reverse oxaliplatin-induced mechanical and cold allodynia after single and repeated intramuscular (IM) injections in rats. Treatments were started at 4 days post oxaliplatin injection when neuropathic pain emerged and continued for 8 and 16 days. Cold score and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were detected by the acetone test and von Frey test respectively. GeXIVA[1,2] significantly relieved mechanical and cold allodynia in oxaliplatin-treated rats after a single injection. After repeated treatments, GeXIVA[1,2] produced a cumulative analgesic effect without tolerance and promoted recovery from neuropathic pain. Moreover, the long lasting analgesic effect of GeXIVA[1,2] on mechanical allodynia continued until day 10 after the termination of the 16-day repeated treatment procedure. On the contrary, GeXIVA[1,2] did not affect acute mechanical and thermal pain behaviors in normal rats after repeated injections detected by the von Frey test and tail flick test. GeXIVA[1,2] had no influence on rat hind limb grip strength and body weight after repeated treatments. These results indicate that αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] could provide a novel strategy to treat chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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37
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Zouridakis M, Papakyriakou A, Ivanov IA, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin V, Tzartos S, Giastas P. Crystal Structure of the Monomeric Extracellular Domain of α9 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit in Complex With α-Conotoxin RgIA: Molecular Dynamics Insights Into RgIA Binding to α9α10 Nicotinic Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:474. [PMID: 31118896 PMCID: PMC6504684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The α9 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) exists mainly in heteropentameric assemblies with α10. Accumulating data indicate the presence of three different binding sites in α9α10 nAChRs: the α9(+)/α9(−), the α9(+)/α10(−), and the α10(+)/α9(−). The major role of the principal (+) side of the extracellular domain (ECD) of α9 subunit in binding of the antagonists methyllylcaconitine and α-bungarotoxin was shown previously by the crystal structures of the monomeric α9-ECD with these molecules. Here we present the 2.26-Å resolution crystal structure of α9-ECD in complex with α-conotoxin (α-Ctx) RgIA, a potential drug for chronic pain, the first structure reported for a complex between an nAChR domain and an α-Ctx. Superposition of this structure with those of other α-Ctxs bound to the homologous pentameric acetylcholine binding proteins revealed significant similarities in the orientation of bound conotoxins, despite the monomeric state of the α9-ECD. In addition, ligand-binding studies calculated a binding affinity of RgIA to the α9-ECD at the low micromolar range. Given the high identity between α9 and α10 ECDs, particularly at their (+) sides, the presented structure was used as template for molecular dynamics simulations of the ECDs of the human α9α10 nAChR in pentameric assemblies. Our results support a favorable binding of RgIA at α9(+)/α9(−) or α10(+)/α9(−) rather than the α9(+)/α10(−) interface, in accordance with previous mutational and functional data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Zouridakis
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Igor A Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,PhysBio of MEPhI, Moscow, Russia
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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38
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Baumann L, Kauschke V, Vikman A, Dürselen L, Krasteva-Christ G, Kampschulte M, Heiss C, Yee KT, Vetter DE, Lips KS. Deletion of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha9 in mice resulted in altered bone structure. Bone 2019; 120:285-296. [PMID: 30414510 PMCID: PMC6492625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in bone strength and structure were found in knockout (KO) mouse strains with deletion of several acetylcholine receptors. Interestingly, the expression of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) subunit α10 was down-regulated in osteogenic differentiated mesenchymal stem cells of patients with osteoporosis whereas the expression of subunit α9 was not altered. Since nAChR subunits α9 and α10 are often combined in a functional receptor, we analyzed here the bone of adult female KO mice with single deletion of either nAChR alpha9 (α9KO) or alpha10 (α10KO). Biomechanical testing showed a significant decrease of bending stiffness and maximal breaking force in α9KO compared to their corresponding wild type mice. Furthermore, an increase in trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf) and structure model index (SMI) was detected by μCT in α9KO indicating reduced bone mass. On the mRNA level a decrease of Collagen 1α1 and Connexin-43 was measured by real-time RT-PCR in α9KO while no alteration of osteoclast markers was detected in either mouse strain. Using electron microcopy we observed an increase in the number of osteocytes that showed signs of degeneration and cell death in the α9KO compared to their wild type mice, while α10KO showed no differences. In conclusion, we demonstrate alterations in bone strength, structure and bio-marker expression in α9KO mice which imply the induction of osteocyte degeneration. Thus, our data suggest that nAChR containing the α9 subunit might be involved in the homeostasis of osteocytes and therefore in bone mass regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baumann
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 128, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Vivien Kauschke
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 128, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Anna Vikman
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Centre, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Lutz Dürselen
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Centre, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Marian Kampschulte
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christian Heiss
- Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery Giessen, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Kathleen T Yee
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Douglas E Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Katrin Susanne Lips
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 128, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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39
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Grau V, Richter K, Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Conopeptides [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4: Powerful Tools for the Identification of Novel Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Monocytes. Front Pharmacol 2019; 9:1499. [PMID: 30687084 PMCID: PMC6338043 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous marine snails of the genus Conus employ small peptides to capture prey, mainly osteichthyes, mollusks, and worms. A subset of these peptides known as α-conotoxins, are antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These disulfide-rich peptides provide a large number of evolutionarily refined templates that can be used to develop conopeptides that are highly selective for the various nAChR subtypes. Two such conopeptides, namely [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4, have been engineered to selectively target mammalian α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs, respectively, and have been used to study the functional roles of these subtypes in immune cells. Unlike in neurons and cochlear hair cells, where α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs, respectively, function as ligand-gated ion channels, in immune cells ligand-evoked ion currents have not been demonstrated. Instead, different metabotropic functions of α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs have been described in monocytic cells including the inhibition of ATP-induced ion currents, inflammasome activation, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release. In addition to conventional nAChR agonists, diverse compounds containing a phosphocholine group inhibit monocytic IL-1β release and include dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphocholine-decorated lipooligosaccharides from Haemophilus influenzae, synthetic phosphocholine-modified bovine serum albumin, and the phosphocholine-binding C-reactive protein. In monocytic cells, the effects of [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4 suggested that activation of nAChRs containing α9, α7, and/or α10 subunits inhibits ATP-induced IL-1β release. These results have been corroborated utilizing gene-deficient mice and small interfering RNA. Targeted re-engineering of native α-conotoxins has resulted in excellent tools for nAChR research as well as potential therapeutics. ∗indicates possible presence of additional subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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40
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Richter K, Sagawe S, Hecker A, Küllmar M, Askevold I, Damm J, Heldmann S, Pöhlmann M, Ruhrmann S, Sander M, Schlüter KD, Wilker S, König IR, Kummer W, Padberg W, Hone AJ, McIntosh JM, Zakrzewicz AT, Koch C, Grau V. C-Reactive Protein Stimulates Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors to Control ATP-Mediated Monocytic Inflammasome Activation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1604. [PMID: 30105015 PMCID: PMC6077200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood levels of the acute phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) are frequently measured as a clinical marker for inflammation, but the biological functions of CRP are still controversial. CRP is a phosphocholine (PC)-binding pentraxin, mainly produced in the liver in response to elevated levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and of the IL-1β-dependent cytokine IL-6. While both cytokines play important roles in host defense, excessive systemic IL-1β levels can cause life-threatening diseases such as trauma-associated systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that CRP acts as a negative feedback regulator of monocytic IL-1β maturation and secretion. Here, we demonstrate that CRP, in association with PC, efficiently reduces ATP-induced inflammasome activation and IL-1β release from human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes and monocytic U937 cells. Effective concentrations are in the range of marginally pathologic CRP levels (IC50 = 4.9 µg/ml). CRP elicits metabotropic functions at nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) containing subunits α7, α9, and α10 and suppresses the function of ATP-sensitive P2X7 receptors in monocytic cells. Of note, CRP does not induce ion currents at conventional nAChRs, suggesting that CRP is a potent nicotinic agonist controlling innate immunity without entailing the risk of adverse effects in the nervous system. In a prospective study on multiple trauma patients, IL-1β plasma concentrations negatively correlated with preceding CRP levels, whereas inflammasome-independent cytokines IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α positively correlated. In conclusion, PC-laden CRP is an unconventional nicotinic agonist that potently inhibits ATP-induced inflammasome activation and might protect against trauma-associated sterile inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Sagawe
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Mira Küllmar
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ingolf Askevold
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Jelena Damm
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sarah Heldmann
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Pöhlmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sophie Ruhrmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Sander
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sigrid Wilker
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Inke R. König
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Winfried Padberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Arik J. Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - 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
| | - Anna Teresa Zakrzewicz
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Koch
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
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41
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Uspenska K, Lykhmus O, Obolenskaya M, Pons S, Maskos U, Komisarenko S, Skok M. Mitochondrial Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Support Liver Cells Viability After Partial Hepatectomy. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:626. [PMID: 29950998 PMCID: PMC6008424 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed on the cell plasma membrane are ligand-gated ion channels mediating fast synaptic transmission, regulating neurotransmitter and cytokine release and supporting the viability of many cell types. The nAChRs expressed in mitochondria regulate the release of pro-apoptotic factors, like cytochrome c, in ion channel-independent manner. Here we show that α3β2, α7β2, and α9α10 nAChR subtypes are up-regulated in rat liver mitochondria 3–6 h after partial hepatectomy resulting in increased sustainability of mitochondria to apoptogenic effects of Ca2+ and H2O2. In contrast, laparotomy resulted in down-regulation of all nAChR subunits, except α9, and decreased mitochondria sustainability to apoptogenic effects of Ca2+ and H2O2. Experiments performed in liver mitochondria from α3+/-, α7-/-, β4-/-, α7β2-/-, or wild-type C57Bl/6J mice demonstrated that the decrease of α3 or absence of α7 or α7/β2 subunits in mitochondria is compensated with β4 and α9 subunits, which could be found in α3β4, α4β4, α9β4, and α9α10 combinations. Mitochondria from knockout mice maintained their sustainability to Ca2+ but were differently regulated by nAChR subtype-specific ligands: PNU-282987, methyllycaconitine, dihydro-β-erythroidine, α-conotoxin MII, and α-conotoxin PeIA. It is concluded that mitochondrial nAChRs play an important role in supporting the viability of hepatic cells and, therefore, may be a pharmacological target for pro-survival therapy. The concerted action of multiple nAChR subtypes controlling either CaKMII- or Src-dependent signaling pathways in mitochondria ensures a reliable protection against apoptogenic factors of different nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Uspenska
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, O. V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Olena Lykhmus
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, O. V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Maria Obolenskaya
- System Biology Group, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Stephanie Pons
- Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Serhiy Komisarenko
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, O. V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Maryna Skok
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, O. V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
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42
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Yu R, Tae HS, Tabassum N, Shi J, Jiang T, Adams DJ. Molecular Determinants Conferring the Stoichiometric-Dependent Activity of α-Conotoxins at the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtype. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4628-4634. [PMID: 29733583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) putatively exist at different stoichiometries. We systematically investigated the molecular determinants of α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA#, and PeIA inhibition at hypothetical stoichiometries of the human α9α10 nAChR. Our results suggest that only Vc1.1 exhibits stoichiometric-dependent inhibition at the α9α10 nAChR. The hydrogen bond between N154 of α9 and D11 of Vc1.1 at the α9(+)-α9(-) interface is responsible for the stoichiometric-dependent potency of Vc1.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy , Ocean University of China , Qingdao 266003 , China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong , Wollongong , New South Wales 2522 , Australia
| | - Nargis Tabassum
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy , Ocean University of China , Qingdao 266003 , China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - Juan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy , Ocean University of China , Qingdao 266003 , China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy , Ocean University of China , Qingdao 266003 , China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao 266003 , China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong , Wollongong , New South Wales 2522 , Australia
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43
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Morley BJ, Whiteaker P, Elgoyhen AB. Commentary: Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α9 and α10 Subunits Are Expressed in the Brain of Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:104. [PMID: 29765305 PMCID: PMC5938352 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ana B Elgoyhen
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular Dr. Héctor N. Torres (INGEBI), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Medicinia, Instiuto de Farmaologia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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44
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Siebers K, Fink B, Zakrzewicz A, Agné A, Richter K, Konzok S, Hecker A, Zukunft S, Küllmar M, Klein J, McIntosh JM, Timm T, Sewald K, Padberg W, Aggarwal N, Chamulitrat W, Santoso S, Xia W, Janciauskiene S, Grau V. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Inhibits ATP-Mediated Release of Interleukin-1β via CD36 and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Front Immunol 2018; 9:877. [PMID: 29922281 PMCID: PMC5996888 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While interleukin (IL)-1β is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in host defense, high levels can cause life-threatening sterile inflammation including systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Hence, the control of IL-1β secretion is of outstanding biomedical importance. In response to a first inflammatory stimulus such as lipopolysaccharide, pro-IL-1β is synthesized as a cytoplasmic inactive pro-form. Extracellular ATP originating from injured cells is a prototypical second signal for inflammasome-dependent maturation and release of IL-1β. The human anti-protease alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) and IL-1β regulate each other via mechanisms that are only partially understood. Here, we demonstrate that physiological concentrations of AAT efficiently inhibit ATP-induced release of IL-1β from primary human blood mononuclear cells, monocytic U937 cells, and rat lung tissue, whereas ATP-independent IL-1β release is not impaired. Both, native and oxidized AAT are active, suggesting that the inhibition of IL-1β release is independent of the anti-elastase activity of AAT. Signaling of AAT in monocytic cells involves the lipid scavenger receptor CD36, calcium-independent phospholipase A2β, and the release of a small soluble mediator. This mediator leads to the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which efficiently inhibit ATP-induced P2X7 receptor activation and inflammasome assembly. We suggest that AAT controls ATP-induced IL-1β release from human mononuclear blood cells by a novel triple-membrane-passing signaling pathway. This pathway may have clinical implications for the prevention of sterile pulmonary and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Siebers
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bijan Fink
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Zakrzewicz
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alisa Agné
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Konzok
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven Zukunft
- Institute of Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mira Küllmar
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jochen Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Goethe University College of Pharmacy, Frankfurt, 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
| | - Thomas Timm
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Winfried Padberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nupur Aggarwal
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Walee Chamulitrat
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Heidelberg Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sentot Santoso
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wendy Xia
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Guangzhou Blood Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sabina Janciauskiene
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
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45
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Arias HR, Vázquez-Gómez E, Hernández-Abrego A, Gallino S, Feuerbach D, Ortells MO, Elgoyhen AB, García-Colunga J. Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit hippocampal α7* and α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by different mechanisms. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 100:1-10. [PMID: 29704625 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The activity of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) at α7 and α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) as well as at hippocampal α7-containing (i.e., α7*) AChRs is determined by using Ca2+ influx and electrophysiological recordings. To determine the inhibitory mechanisms, additional functional tests and molecular docking experiments are performed. The results established that TCAs (a) inhibit Ca2+ influx in GH3-α7 cells with the following potency (IC50 in μM) rank: amitriptyline (2.7 ± 0.3) > doxepin (5.9 ± 1.1) ∼ imipramine (6.6 ± 1.0). Interestingly, imipramine inhibits hippocampal α7* AChRs (42.2 ± 8.5 μM) in a noncompetitive and voltage-dependent manner, whereas it inhibits α9α10 AChRs (0.53 ± 0.05 μM) in a competitive and voltage-independent manner, and (b) inhibit [3H]imipramine binding to resting α7 AChRs with the following affinity rank (IC50 in μM): imipramine (1.6 ± 0.2) > amitriptyline (2.4 ± 0.3) > doxepin (4.9 ± 0.6), whereas imipramine's affinity was no significantly different to that for the desensitized state. The molecular docking and functional results support the notion that imipramine noncompetitively inhibits α7 AChRs by interacting with two overlapping luminal sites, whereas it competitively inhibits α9α10 AChRs by interacting with the orthosteric sites. Collectively our data indicate that TCAs inhibit α7, α9α10, and hippocampal α7* AChRs at clinically relevant concentrations and by different mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Arias
- Department of Basic Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Vázquez-Gómez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andy Hernández-Abrego
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Sofía Gallino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Dr. Héctor N. Torres, CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Marcelo O Ortells
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Morón, Morón, CONICET, Argentina
| | - Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Dr. Héctor N. Torres, CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
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46
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α-Conotoxins to explore the molecular, physiological and pathophysiological functions of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neurosci Lett 2017; 679:24-34. [PMID: 29199094 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The vast diversity of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine subunits expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in non-neuronal tissues, constitutes a formidable challenge for researchers and clinicians to decipher the role of particular subtypes, including complex subunit associations, in physiological and pathophysiological functions. Many natural products target the nAChRs, but there is no richer source of nicotinic ligands than the venom of predatory gastropods known as cone snails. Indeed, every single species of cone snail was shown to produce at least one type of such α-conotoxins. These tiny peptides (10-25 amino acids), constrained by disulfide bridges, proved to be unvaluable tools to investigate the structure and function of nAChRs, some of them having also therapeutic potential. In this review, we provide a recent update on the pharmacology and subtype specificity of several major α-conotoxins.
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47
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. FEBS Lett 2017; 592:1045-1062. [PMID: 29030971 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are actively being investigated as therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain and inflammation, but despite more than 30 years of research, there are currently no FDA-approved analgesics that are specific for these receptors. Much of the initial research effort focused on the α4β2 nAChR subtype, but more recently, additional subtypes have been identified as promising new leads and include α6β4, α7, and α9-containing nAChRs. This Review will focus on the distribution of these nAChRs in the cell types involved in neuropathic pain and inflammation and the activity of currently available nicotinic ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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48
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Morley BJ, Dolan DF, Ohlemiller KK, Simmons DD. Generation and Characterization of α9 and α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Knockout Mice on a C57BL/6J Background. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:516. [PMID: 28983232 PMCID: PMC5613126 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We generated constitutive knockout mouse models for the α9 and α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits by derivation from conditional knockouts by breeding with CRE deleter mice. We then backcrossed them onto a C57BL/6J genetic background. In this manuscript, we report the generation of the strains and an auditory phenotypic characterization of the constitutive α9 and α10 knockouts and a double α9α10 constitutive knockout. Although the α9 and α10 nAChR subunits are relevant to a number of physiological measures, we chose to characterize the mouse with auditory studies to compare them to existing but different α9 and α10 nAChR knockouts (KOs). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) showed that all constitutive mouse strains had normal hearing. DPOAEs with contralateral noise (efferent adaptation measurements), however, showed that efferent strength was significantly reduced after deletion of both the α9 and α10 subunits, in comparison to wildtype controls. Animals tested were 3-8 weeks of age and efferent strength was not correlated with age. Confocal studies of single and double constitutive KOs showed that all KOs had abnormal efferent innervation of cochlear hair cells. The morphological results are similar to those obtained in other strains using constitutive deletion of exon 4 of α9 or α10 nAChR. The results of our physiological studies, however, differ from previous auditory studies using a α9 KO generated by deletion of the exon 4 region and backcrossed onto a mixed CBA/CaJ X 129Sv background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Morley
- Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research HospitalOmaha, NE, United States
| | - David F. Dolan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kevin K. Ohlemiller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington UniversitySt. Louis, MO, United States
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49
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Lykhmus O, Voytenko LP, Lips KS, Bergen I, Krasteva-Christ G, Vetter DE, Kummer W, Skok M. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α9 and α10 Subunits Are Expressed in the Brain of Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:282. [PMID: 28955208 PMCID: PMC5601054 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The α9 and α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits are likely to be the evolutionary precursors to the entire cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels, which includes acetylcholine, GABA, glycine and serotonin ionotropic receptors. nAChRs containing α9 and α10 subunits are found in the inner ear, dorsal root ganglia and many non-excitable tissues, but their expression in the central nervous system has not been definitely demonstrated. Here we show the presence of both α9 and α10 nAChR subunits in the mouse brain by RT-PCR and immunochemical approaches with a range of nAChR subunit-selective antibodies, which selectivity was demonstrated in the brain preparations of α7−/−, α9−/− and α10−/− mice. The α9 and α10 RNA transcripts were found in medulla oblongata (MO), cerebellum, midbrain (MB), thalamus and putamen (TP), somatosensory cortex (SC), frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus. High α9-selective signal in ELISA was observed in the FC, SC, MO, TP and hippocampus and α10-selective signal was the highest in MO and FC. The α9 and α10 proteins were found in the brain mitochondria, while their presence on the plasma membrane has not been definitely confirmed The α7-, α9- and α10-selective antibodies stained mainly neurons and hypertrophied astrocytes, but not microglia. The α9- and α10-positive cells formed ordered structures or zones in cerebellum and superior olive (SO) and were randomly distributed among α7-positive cells in the FC; they were found in CA1, CA3 and CA4, but not in CA2 region of the hippocampus. The α9 and α10 subunits were up-regulated in α7−/− mice and both α7 and α9 subunits were down-regulated in α10−/− mice. We conclude that α9 and α10 nAChR subunits are expressed in distinct neurons of the mouse brain and in the brain mitochondria and are compensatory up-regulated in the absence of α7 subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Lykhmus
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry (NAS Ukraine)Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Larysa P Voytenko
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry (NAS Ukraine)Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Katrin S Lips
- Laboratory of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Justus-Liebig University GiessenGiessen, Germany
| | - Ivonne Bergen
- Laboratory of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Justus-Liebig University GiessenGiessen, Germany
| | | | - Douglas E Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical CenterJackson, MS, United States
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University GiessenGiessen, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL)Giessen, Germany
| | - Maryna Skok
- Laboratory of Cell Receptors Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry (NAS Ukraine)Kiev, Ukraine
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50
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Wu X, Huang YH, Kaas Q, Harvey PJ, Wang CK, Tae HS, Adams DJ, Craik DJ. Backbone cyclization of analgesic conotoxin GeXIVA facilitates direct folding of the ribbon isomer. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17101-17112. [PMID: 28851841 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxin GeXIVA inhibits the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and is analgesic in animal models of pain. α-Conotoxins have four cysteines that can have three possible disulfide connectivities: globular (CysI-CysIII and CysII-CysIV), ribbon (CysI-CysIV and CysII-CysIII), or bead (CysI-CysII and CysIII-CysIV). Native α-conotoxins preferably adopt the globular connectivity, and previous studies of α-conotoxins have focused on the globular isomers as the ribbon and bead isomers typically have lower potency at nAChRs than the globular form. A recent report showed that the bead and ribbon isomers of GeXIVA are more potent than the globular isomer, with low nanomolar half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Despite this high potency, the therapeutic potential of GeXIVA is limited, because like most peptides, it is susceptible to proteolytic degradation and is challenging to synthesize in high yield. Here we used backbone cyclization as a strategy to improve the folding yield as well as increase the serum stability of ribbon GeXIVA while preserving activity at the α9α10 nAChR. Specifically, cyclization of ribbon GeXIVA with a two-residue linker maintained the biological activity at the human α9α10 nAChR and improved stability in human serum. Short linkers led to selective formation of the ribbon disulfide isomer without requiring orthogonal protection. Overall, this study highlights the value of backbone cyclization in directing folding, improving yields, and stabilizing conotoxins with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Wu
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Quentin Kaas
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Peta J Harvey
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Conan K Wang
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
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