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Malik AR, Willnow TE. Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters in Physiology and Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225671. [PMID: 31726793 PMCID: PMC6888459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) encompass a class of five transporters with distinct expression in neurons and glia of the central nervous system (CNS). EAATs are mainly recognized for their role in uptake of the amino acid glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter. EAATs-mediated clearance of glutamate released by neurons is vital to maintain proper glutamatergic signalling and to prevent toxic accumulation of this amino acid in the extracellular space. In addition, some EAATs also act as chloride channels or mediate the uptake of cysteine, required to produce the reactive oxygen speciesscavenger glutathione. Given their central role in glutamate homeostasis in the brain, as well as their additional activities, it comes as no surprise that EAAT dysfunctions have been implicated in numerous acute or chronic diseases of the CNS, including ischemic stroke and epilepsy, cerebellar ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Here we review the studies in cellular and animal models, as well as in humans that highlight the roles of EAATs in the pathogenesis of these devastating disorders. We also discuss the mechanisms regulating EAATs expression and intracellular trafficking and new exciting possibilities to modulate EAATs and to provide neuroprotection in course of pathologies affecting the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Malik
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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2
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Doan RN, Lim ET, De Rubeis S, Betancur C, Cutler DJ, Chiocchetti AG, Overman LM, Soucy A, Goetze S, Freitag CM, Daly MJ, Walsh CA, Buxbaum JD, Yu TW. Recessive gene disruptions in autism spectrum disorder. Nat Genet 2019; 51:1092-1098. [PMID: 31209396 PMCID: PMC6629034 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-019-0433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects up to 1 in 59 individuals1. Genome-wide association and large-scale sequencing studies strongly implicate both common variants2-4 and rare de novo variants5-10 in ASD. Recessive mutations have also been implicated11-14 but their contribution remains less well defined. Here we demonstrate an excess of biallelic loss-of-function and damaging missense mutations in a large ASD cohort, corresponding to approximately 5% of total cases, including 10% of females, consistent with a female protective effect. We document biallelic disruption of known or emerging recessive neurodevelopmental genes (CA2, DDHD1, NSUN2, PAH, RARB, ROGDI, SLC1A1, USH2A) as well as other genes not previously implicated in ASD including FEV (FEV transcription factor, ETS family member), which encodes a key regulator of the serotonergic circuitry. Our data refine estimates of the contribution of recessive mutation to ASD and suggest new paths for illuminating previously unknown biological pathways responsible for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan N Doan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elaine T Lim
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catalina Betancur
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - David J Cutler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andreas G Chiocchetti
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lynne M Overman
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Aubrie Soucy
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susanne Goetze
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mark J Daly
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy W Yu
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Héja L, Simon Á, Szabó Z, Kardos J. Feedback adaptation of synaptic excitability via Glu:Na + symport driven astrocytic GABA and Gln release. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107629. [PMID: 31103619 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamatergic transmission composed of the arriving of action potential at the axon terminal, fast vesicular Glu release, postsynaptic Glu receptor activation, astrocytic Glu clearance and Glu→Gln shuttle is an abundantly investigated phenomenon. Despite its essential role, however, much less is known about the consequences of the mechanistic connotations of Glu:Na+ symport. Due to the coupled Na+ transport, Glu uptake results in significantly elevated intracellular astrocytic [Na+] that markedly alters the driving force of other Na+-coupled astrocytic transporters. The resulting GABA and Gln release by reverse transport through the respective GAT-3 and SNAT3 transporters help to re-establish the physiological Na+ homeostasis without ATP dissipation and consequently leads to enhanced tonic inhibition and replenishment of axonal glutamate pool. Here, we place this emerging astrocytic adjustment of synaptic excitability into the centre of future perspectives. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Simon
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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Liang SL. The glutamine-glutamate cycle regulates synaptic glutamate release in the ventrolateral ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus of perinatal female rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12642. [PMID: 30168642 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The astrocytic glutamine (Gln)-glutamate (Glu) cycle (GGC) supplies Gln for the regulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission (GST) in the adult hippocampus. Increased synaptic Glu release in the perinatal ventrolateral ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (vlVMH) modulates sexual differentiation, however, whether GGC regulates GST in the perinatal vlVMH has not been determined. Sex differences in oestradiol (E2 ) levels exist in the neonatal hypothalamus, and E2 increases levels of glutamine synthetase and glutaminase, two key enzymes involved in the GGC. Thus, it is hypothesised that sexually dimorphic phenotypes may exist in glutamatergic synapses associated with the GGC in the vlVMH in perinatal rats. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in vlVMH neurones in brain slices from male and female pups revealed that pharmacological disruption of the GGC by α-(methylamino) isobutyric acid (5 mmol L-1 ), which blocks neuronal Gln uptake; or by l-methionine sulphoximine (1.5 mmol L-1 ), which inhibits astrocytic Gln synthesis, decreased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitudes in female but not male pups. By contrast, GGC interruptions decreased evoked (e)EPSC amplitudes in both sexes following increased synaptic activity produced by a period of stimulation. In male pups, the decreased eEPSCs were attributable to reduced Glu release, as assessed by paired-pulse stimulations, whereas, in female pups, they were attributable to decreased Glu content in the synaptic vesicles, as measured by strontium-evoked mEPSCs. The l-methionine sulphoximine-mediated decrease in eEPSCs was rapidly rescued by exogenous Gln in female but not male pups. The reductions in mEPSCs and eEPSCs in female pups were accompanied by enhanced blocking effects of the low-affinity Glu AMPA receptor antagonist, γ-d-glutamylglycine, consistent with diminished Glu release. In conclusion, female, but not male pups, rely on constitutive astrocytic Gln for sustained synaptic Glu release in the vlVMH. This glutamatergic synaptic phenotype may be associated with brain and behaviour feminisation and/or defeminisation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ling Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
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Mechanisms of Excessive Extracellular Glutamate Accumulation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:1724-1734. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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6
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Mohammadi M, Zare Z, Allah-Moradi E, Vaezi N, Valadan R, Tehrani M. Alterations in mRNA and protein expression of glutamate transporters in rat hippocampus after paraoxon exposure. Neurotoxicology 2016; 57:251-257. [PMID: 27769869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphates affect brain function through a variety of mechanisms beyond their shared role as cholinesterase inhibitors. The aim of the current study was to investigate the changes in the expression of glial (GLAST and GLT-1) and neuronal (EAAC1) glutamate transporters at mRNA and protein levels in paraoxon-treated rat hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with either vehicle (corn oil) or one of three dosages of paraoxon (0.3, 0.7 or 1mg/kg). After 4 or 18h, both hippocampi of each rat were collected to detect mRNA and protein expression of glutamate transporters using the quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Animals treated with 0.3mg/kg paraoxon showed no difference in mRNA and protein levels of the glutamate transporters when compared with control group. At 4h after exposure with 0.7 and 1mg/kg paraoxon, the expression of GLAST and GLT-1 increased at mRNA and protein levels and remained elevated after 18h. No difference in the expression of EAAC1 at mRNA and protein levels was observed in any paraoxon-treated groups compared with the control group. This study showed an increased expression of glial (GLAST and GLT-1), but not neuronal (EAAC1) glutamate transporters, in adult rat hippocampus following administration of convulsive dosages of paraoxon. These suggest a protective and compensatory adaptation for effective uptake of glutamate in hippocampus induced by paraoxon and thus attenuating seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Mohammadi
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zohreh Zare
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Allah-Moradi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Narges Vaezi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohsen Tehrani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Underhill SM. The importance of the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3). Neurochem Int 2016; 98:4-18. [PMID: 27233497 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) is fairly ubiquitously expressed in the brain, though it does not necessarily maintain the same function everywhere. It is important in maintaining low local concentrations of glutamate, where its predominant post-synaptic localization can buffer nearby glutamate receptors and modulate excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. It is also the main neuronal cysteine uptake system acting as the rate-limiting factor for the synthesis of glutathione, a potent antioxidant, in EAAT3 expressing neurons, while on GABAergic neurons, it is important in supplying glutamate as a precursor for GABA synthesis. Several diseases implicate EAAT3, and modulation of this transporter could prove a useful therapeutic approach. Regulation of EAAT3 could be targeted at several points for functional modulation, including the level of transcription, trafficking and direct pharmacological modulation, and indeed, compounds and experimental treatments have been identified that regulate EAAT3 function at different stages, which together with observations of EAAT3 regulation in patients is giving us insight into the endogenous function of this transporter, as well as the consequences of altered function. This review summarizes work done on elucidating the role and regulation of EAAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
| | - Suzanne M Underhill
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Drive Room 3A: 210 MSC3742, Bethesda, MD 20892-3742, USA.
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8
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Hippocampal orexin receptors inactivation reduces PTZ induced seizures of male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 130:77-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Bianchi MG, Bardelli D, Chiu M, Bussolati O. Changes in the expression of the glutamate transporter EAAT3/EAAC1 in health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:2001-15. [PMID: 24162932 PMCID: PMC11113519 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are high-affinity Na(+)-dependent carriers of major importance in maintaining glutamate homeostasis in the central nervous system. EAAT3, the human counterpart of the rodent excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), is encoded by the SLC1A1 gene. EAAT3/EAAC1 is ubiquitously expressed in the brain, mostly in neurons but also in other cell types, such as oligodendrocyte precursors. While most of the glutamate released in the synapses is taken up by the "glial-type" EAATs, EAAT2 (GLT-1 in rodents) and EAAT1 (GLAST), the functional role of EAAT3/EAAC1 is related to the subtle regulation of glutamatergic transmission. Moreover, because it can also transport cysteine, EAAT3/EAAC1 is believed to be important for the synthesis of intracellular glutathione and subsequent protection from oxidative stress. In contrast to other EAATs, EAAT3/EAAC1 is mostly intracellular, and several mechanisms have been described for the rapid regulation of the membrane trafficking of the transporter. Moreover, the carrier interacts with several proteins, and this interaction modulates transport activity. Much less is known about the slow regulatory mechanisms acting on the expression of the transporter, although several recent reports have identified changes in EAAT3/EAAC1 protein level and activity related to modulation of its expression at the gene level. Moreover, EAAT3/EAAC1 expression is altered in pathological conditions, such as hypoxia/ischemia, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. This review summarizes these results and provides an overall picture of changes in EAAT3/EAAC1 expression in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano G. Bianchi
- Unit of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences (SBiBiT), University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donatella Bardelli
- Unit of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences (SBiBiT), University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Chiu
- Unit of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences (SBiBiT), University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Unit of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences (SBiBiT), University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
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Lane MC, Jackson JG, Krizman EN, Rothstein JD, Porter BE, Robinson MB. Genetic deletion of the neuronal glutamate transporter, EAAC1, results in decreased neuronal death after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Neurochem Int 2013; 73:152-8. [PMID: 24334055 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1 also called EAAT3) is a Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporter expressed by both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. It provides precursors for the syntheses of glutathione and GABA and contributes to the clearance of synaptically released glutamate. Mice deleted of EAAC1 are more susceptible to neurodegeneration in models of ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and aging. Antisense knock-down of EAAC1 causes an absence seizure-like phenotype. Additionally, EAAC1 expression increases after chemonvulsant-induced seizures in rodent models and in tissue specimens from patients with refractory epilepsy. The goal of the present study was to determine if the absence of EAAC1 affects the sensitivity of mice to seizure-induced cell death. A chemoconvulsant dose of pilocarpine was administered to EAAC1(-/-) mice and to wild-type controls. Although EAAC1(-/-) mice experienced increased latency to seizure onset, no significant differences in behavioral seizure severity or mortality were observed. We examined EAAC1 immunofluorescence 24h after pilocarpine administration and confirmed that pilocarpine causes an increase in EAAC1 protein. Forty-eight hours after induction of seizures, cell death was measured in hippocampus and in cortex using Fluoro-Jade C. Surprisingly, there was ∼2-fold more cell death in area CA1 of wild-type mice than in the corresponding regions of the EAAC1(-/-) mice. Together, these studies indicate that absence of EAAC1 results in either a decrease in pilocarpine-induced seizures that is not detectable by behavioral criteria (surprising, since EAAC1 provides glutamate for GABA synthesis), or that the absence of EAAC1 results in less pilocarpine/seizure-induced cell death, possible explanations as discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C Lane
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joshua G Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth N Krizman
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jeffery D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Brain Sciences Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brenda E Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Antagonists reversibly reverse chemical LTD induced by group I, group II and group III metabotropic glutamate receptors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 74:135-46. [PMID: 23542080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are implicated in many neurological and psychiatric diseases and are the targets of therapeutic agents currently in clinical development. Their activation has diverse effects in the central nervous system (CNS) that includes an involvement in synaptic plasticity. We previously reported that the brief exposure of hippocampal slices to dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) can result in a long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synaptic transmission. Surprisingly, this LTD could be fully reversed by mGlu receptor antagonists in a manner that was itself fully reversible upon washout of the antagonist. Here, 15 years after the discovery of DHPG-LTD and its reversible reversibility, we summarise these initial findings. We then present new data on DHPG-LTD, which demonstrates that evoked epileptiform activity triggered by activation of group I mGlu receptors can also be reversibly reversed by mGlu receptor antagonists. Furthermore, we show that the phenomenon of reversible reversibility is not specific to group I mGlu receptors. We report that activation of group II mGlu receptors in the temporo-ammonic pathway (TAP) and mossy fibre pathway within the hippocampus and in the cortical input to neurons of the lateral amygdala induces an LTD that is reversed by LY341495, a group II mGlu receptor antagonist. We also show that activation of group III mGlu8 receptors induces an LTD at lateral perforant path inputs to the dentate gyrus and that this LTD is reversed by MDCPG, an mGlu8 receptor antagonist. In conclusion, we have shown that activation of representative members of each of the three groups of mGlu receptors can induce forms of LTD than can be reversed by antagonists, and that in each case washout of the antagonist is associated with the re-establishment of the LTD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Glutamate Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity'.
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12
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Neuroprotective properties of the excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1). Amino Acids 2013; 45:133-42. [PMID: 23462929 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1481-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular glutamate should be maintained at low levels to conserve optimal neurotransmission and prevent glutamate neurotoxicity in the brain. Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a pivotal role in removing extracellular glutamate in the central nervous system (CNS). Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is a high-affinity Na⁺-dependent neuronal EAAT that is ubiquitously expressed in the brain. However, most glutamate released in the synapses is cleared by glial EAATs, but not by EAAC1 in vivo. In the CNS, EAAC1 is widely distributed in somata and dendrites but not in synaptic terminals. The contribution of EAAC1 to the control of extracellular glutamate levels seems to be negligible in the brain. However, EAAC1 can transport not only extracellular glutamate but also cysteine into the neurons. Cysteine is an important substrate for glutathione (GSH) synthesis in the brain. GSH has a variety of neuroprotective functions, while its depletion induces neurodegeneration. Therefore, EAAC1 might exert a critical role for neuroprotection in neuronal GSH metabolism rather than glutamatergic neurotransmission, while EAAC1 dysfunction would cause neurodegeneration. Despite the potential importance of EAAC1 in the brain, previous studies have mainly focused on the glutamate neurotoxicity induced by glial EAAT dysfunction. In recent years, however, several studies have revealed regulatory mechanisms of EAAC1 functions in the brain. This review will summarize the latest information on the EAAC1-regulated neuroprotective functions in the CNS.
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13
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Medina-Ceja L, Sandoval-García F, Morales-Villagrán A, López-Pérez SJ. Rapid compensatory changes in the expression of EAAT-3 and GAT-1 transporters during seizures in cells of the CA1 and dentate gyrus. J Biomed Sci 2012; 19:78. [PMID: 22931236 PMCID: PMC3438021 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disorder produced by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, in which transporters of both glutamate and GABA have been implicated. Hence, at different times after local administration of the convulsive drug 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) we analyzed the expression of EAAT-3 and GAT-1 transporter proteins in cells of the CA1 and dentate gyrus. METHODS Dual immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of transporters and a neuronal marker. In parallel, EEG recordings were performed and convulsive behavior was rated using a modified Racine Scale. RESULTS By 60 min after 4-AP injection, EAAT-3/NeuN co-labelling had increased in dentate granule cells and decreased in CA1 pyramidal cells. In the latter, this decrease persisted for up to 180 min after 4-AP administration. In both the DG and CA1, the number of GAT-1 labeled cells increased 60 min after 4-AP administration, although by 180 min GAT-1 labeled cells decreased in the DG alone. The increase in EAAT-3/NeuN colabelling in DG was correlated with maximum epileptiform activity and convulsive behavior. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a compensatory mechanism exists to protect against acute seizures induced by 4-AP, whereby EAAT-3/NeuN cells is rapidly up regulated in order to enhance the removal of glutamate from the extrasynaptic space, and attenuating seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Medina-Ceja
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología y Neuroquímica, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Km, 15,5 Carretera Guadalajara-Nogales Predio "Las Agujas", Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco CP 45110, Mexico.
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The density of EAAC1 (EAAT3) glutamate transporters expressed by neurons in the mammalian CNS. J Neurosci 2012; 32:6000-13. [PMID: 22539860 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5347-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids are kept low by the action of the glutamate transporters. Glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) are the most abundant subtypes and are essential for the functioning of the mammalian CNS, but the contribution of the EAAC1 subtype in the clearance of synaptic glutamate has remained controversial, because the density of this transporter in different tissues has not been determined. We used purified EAAC1 protein as a standard during immunoblotting to measure the concentration of EAAC1 in different CNS regions. The highest EAAC1 levels were found in the young adult rat hippocampus. Here, the concentration of EAAC1 was ∼0.013 mg/g tissue (∼130 molecules μm⁻³), 100 times lower than that of GLT-1. Unlike GLT-1 expression, which increases in parallel with circuit formation, only minor changes in the concentration of EAAC1 were observed from E18 to adulthood. In hippocampal slices, photolysis of MNI-D-aspartate (4-methoxy-7-nitroindolinyl-D-aspartate) failed to elicit EAAC1-mediated transporter currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and D-aspartate uptake was not detected electron microscopically in spines. Using EAAC1 knock-out mice as negative controls to establish antibody specificity, we show that these relatively small amounts of EAAC1 protein are widely distributed in somata and dendrites of all hippocampal neurons. These findings raise new questions about how so few transporters can influence the activation of NMDA receptors at excitatory synapses.
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Parasynaptic NMDA receptor signaling couples neuronal glutamate transporter function to AMPA receptor synaptic distribution and stability. J Neurosci 2012; 32:2552-63. [PMID: 22396428 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3237-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
At synapses, two major processes occur concomitantly after the release of glutamate: activation of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) to conduct synaptic transmission and activation of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) for transmitter removal. Although crosstalk between the receptors and EAATs is conceivable, whether and how the transporter activity affects AMPAR synaptic localization remain unknown. Using cultured hippocampal and cortical rat neurons, we show that inhibition of glutamate transporters leads to rapid reduction in AMPAR synaptic accumulation and total AMPAR abundance. EAAT inactivity also results in elevated internalization and reduced surface expression of AMPARs. The reduction in AMPAR amount is accompanied by receptor ubiquitination and can be blocked by suppression of proteasome activity, indicating the involvement of proteasome-mediated receptor degradation. Consistent with glutamate spillover, effect of EAAT inhibition on AMPAR distribution and stability is dependent on the activation of parasynaptically localized NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs). Moreover, we show that neuronal glutamate transporters, especially those localized at the postsynaptic sites, are responsible for the observed effect during EAAT suppression. These results indicate a role for neuron-specific glutamate transporters in AMPAR synaptic localization and stability.
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Salvatore MF, Davis RW, Arnold JC, Chotibut T. Transient striatal GLT-1 blockade increases EAAC1 expression, glutamate reuptake, and decreases tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation at ser(19). Exp Neurol 2012; 234:428-36. [PMID: 22285253 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 12/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Three glutamate transporters, GLT-1, GLAST, and EAAC1, are expressed in striatum. GLT-1 and, to a lesser extent, GLAST are thought to play a primary role in glutamate reuptake and mitigate excitoxicity. Progressive tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) loss seen in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with increased extracellular glutamate. Glutamate receptor antagonists reduce nigrostriatal loss in PD models. These observations suggest that excess synaptic glutamate contributes to nigrostriatal neuron loss seen in PD. Decreased GLT-1 expression occurs in neurodegenerative disease and PD models, suggesting decreased GLT-1-mediated glutamate reuptake contributes to excitotoxicity. To determine how transient GLT-1 blockade affects glutamate reuptake dynamics and a Ca(2+)-dependent process in nigrostriatal terminals, ser(19) phosphorylation of TH, the GLT-1 inhibitor dihydrokainic acid (DHK) was delivered unilaterally to striatum in vivo and glutamate reuptake was quantified ex vivo in crude synaptosomes 3h later. Ca(2+)-influx is associated with excitotoxic conditions. The phosphorylation of TH at ser(19) is Ca(2+)-dependent, and a change resulting from GLT-1 blockade may signify the potential for excitotoxicity to nigrostriatal neurons. Synaptosomes from DHK infused striatum had a 43% increase in glutamate reuptake in conjunction with decreased ser(19) TH phosphorylation. Using a novel GLAST inhibitor and DHK, we determined that the GLAST-mediated component of increased glutamate reuptake increased 3-fold with no change in GLAST or GLT-1 protein expression. However, GLT-1 blockade increased EAAC1 protein expression ~20%. Taken together, these results suggest that GLT-1 blockade produces a transient increase in GLAST-mediated reuptake and EAAC1 expression coupled with reduced ser(19) TH phosphorylation. These responses could represent an endogenous defense against excitotoxicity to the nigrostriatal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Salvatore
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
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17
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Herman EJ, Bubser M, Conn PJ, Jones CK. Metabotropic glutamate receptors for new treatments in schizophrenia. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2012:297-365. [PMID: 23027420 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-25758-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) represent exciting targets for the development of novel therapeutic agents for schizophrenia. Recent studies indicate that selective activation of specific mGluR subtypes may provide potential benefits for not only the positive symptoms, but also the negative symptoms and cognitive impairments observed in individuals with schizophrenia. Although optimization of traditional orthosteric agonists may still offer a feasible approach for the activation of mGluRs, important progress has been made in the discovery of novel subtype-selective allosteric ligands, including positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mGluR2 and mGluR5. These allosteric mGluR ligands have improved properties for clinical development and have served as key preclinical tools for a more in-depth understanding of the potential roles of these different mGluR subtypes for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Herman
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Ross JR, Ramakrishnan H, Porter BE, Robinson MB. Group I mGluR-regulated translation of the neuronal glutamate transporter, excitatory amino acid carrier 1. J Neurochem 2011; 117:812-23. [PMID: 21371038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that mRNA for the neuronal glutamate transporter, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), is found in dendrites of hippocampal neurons in culture and in dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal cells after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). We also showed that SE increased the levels of EAAC1 mRNA ~15-fold in synaptoneurosomes. In this study, the effects of SE on the distribution EAAC1 protein in hippocampus were examined. In addition, the effects of Group 1 mGluR receptor activation on the levels of EAAC1 protein were examined in synaptoneurosomes prepared from sham control animals and from animals that experience pilocarpine-induced SE. We find that EAAC1 immunoreactivity increases in pyramidal cells of the hippocampus after 3 h of SE. In addition, the group I mGluR agonist, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), caused an increase in EAAC1 protein levels in hippocampal synaptoneurosomes; this effect of DHPG was much larger (~3- to 5-fold) after 3 h of SE. The DHPG-induced increases in EAAC1 protein were blocked by two different inhibitors of translation but not by inhibitors of transcription. mGluR1 or mGluR5 antagonists completely blocked the DHPG-induced increases in EAAC1 protein. DHPG also increased the levels of glutamate receptor 2/3 protein, but this effect was not altered by SE. The DHPG-induced increase in EAAC1 protein was blocked by an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin or an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These studies provide the first evidence EAAC1 translation can be regulated, and they show that regulated translation of EAAC1 is up-regulated after SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Ross
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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