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Nuwer JL, Brady ML, Povysheva NV, Coyne A, Jacob TC. Sustained treatment with an α5 GABA A receptor negative allosteric modulator delays excitatory circuit development while maintaining GABAergic neurotransmission. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108724. [PMID: 34284042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
α5 subunit GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) preferring negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) are cognitive enhancers with antidepressant-like effects. α5-NAM success in treating mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders with excessive inhibition have led to Phase 2 clinical trials for Down syndrome. Despite in vivo efficacy, no study has examined the effects of continued α5-NAM treatment on inhibitory and excitatory synapse plasticity to identify mechanisms of action. Here we used L-655,708, an imidazobenzodiazepine that acts as a highly selective but weak α5-NAM, to investigate the impact of sustained treatment on hippocampal neuron synapse and dendrite development. We show that 2-day pharmacological reduction of α5-GABAAR signaling from DIV12-14, when GABAARs contribute to depolarization, delays dendritic spine maturation and the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) GluN2B/GluN2A developmental shift. In contrast, α5-NAM treatment from DIV19-21, when hyperpolarizing GABAAR signaling predominates, enhances surface synaptic GluN2A while decreasing GluN2B. Despite changes in NMDAR subtype surface levels and localization, total levels of key excitatory synapse proteins were largely unchanged, and mEPSCs were unaltered. Importantly, 2-day α5-NAM treatment does not alter the total surface levels or distribution of α5-GABAARs, reduce the gephyrin inhibitory synaptic scaffold, or impair phasic or tonic inhibition. Furthermore, α5-NAM inhibition of the GABAAR tonic current in mature neurons is maintained after 2-day α5-NAM treatment, suggesting reduced tolerance liability, in contrast to other clinically relevant GABAAR-targeting drugs such as benzodiazepines. Together, these results show that α5-GABAARs contribute to dendritic spine maturation and excitatory synapse development via a NMDAR dependent mechanism without perturbing overall neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Nuwer
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan L Brady
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadya V Povysheva
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Coyne
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tija C Jacob
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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2
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Barker JS, Hines RM. Regulation of GABA A Receptor Subunit Expression in Substance Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124445. [PMID: 32580510 PMCID: PMC7352578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of neuronal cell firing is mediated by the release of the neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobuytric acid), which binds to two major families of receptors. The ionotropic GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are composed of five distinct subunits that vary in expression by brain region and cell type. The action of GABA on GABAARs is modulated by a variety of clinically and pharmacologically important drugs such as benzodiazepines and alcohol. Exposure to and abuse of these substances disrupts homeostasis and induces plasticity in GABAergic neurotransmission, often via the regulation of receptor expression. Here, we review the regulation of GABAAR subunit expression in adaptive and pathological plasticity, with a focus on substance use. We examine the factors influencing the expression of GABAAR subunit genes including the regulation of the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, variations in DNA methylation, immediate early genes and transcription factors that regulate subunit expression, translational and post-translational modifications, and other forms of receptor regulation beyond expression. Advancing our understanding of the factors regulating GABAAR subunit expression during adaptive plasticity, as well as during substance use and withdrawal will provide insight into the role of GABAergic signaling in substance use disorders, and contribute to the development of novel targeted therapies.
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3
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Stefanits H, Milenkovic I, Mahr N, Pataraia E, Baumgartner C, Hainfellner JA, Kovacs GG, Kasprian G, Sieghart W, Yilmazer-Hanke D, Czech T. Alterations in GABAA Receptor Subunit Expression in the Amygdala and Entorhinal Cortex in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:1022-1048. [PMID: 31631219 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The different nuclei of this complex structure are interconnected and share reciprocal connections with the hippocampus and other brain structures, partly via the entorhinal cortex. Expression of GABAA receptor subunits α1, α2, α3, α5, β2, β2/3, and γ2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in amygdala specimens and the entorhinal cortex of 12 TLE patients and 12 autopsy controls. A substantial decrease in the expression of α1, α2, α3, and β2/3 subunits was found in TLE cases, accompanied by an increase of γ2 subunit expression in many nuclei. In the entorhinal cortex, the expression of all GABAA receptor subunits was decreased except for the α1 subunit, which was increased on cellular somata. The overall reduction in α subunit expression may lead to decreased sensitivity to GABA and its ligands and compromise phasic inhibition, whereas upregulation of the γ2 subunit might influence clustering and kinetics of receptors and impair tonic inhibition. The description of these alterations in the human amygdala is important for the understanding of network changes in TLE as well as the development of subunit-specific therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Stefanits
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ivan Milenkovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nina Mahr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Pataraia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Baumgartner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes A Hainfellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Werner Sieghart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Deniz Yilmazer-Hanke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Czech
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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4
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Lorenz-Guertin JM, Bambino MJ, Das S, Weintraub ST, Jacob TC. Diazepam Accelerates GABA AR Synaptic Exchange and Alters Intracellular Trafficking. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:163. [PMID: 31080408 PMCID: PMC6497791 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite 50+ years of clinical use as anxiolytics, anti-convulsants, and sedative/hypnotic agents, the mechanisms underlying benzodiazepine (BZD) tolerance are poorly understood. BZDs potentiate the actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, through positive allosteric modulation of γ2 subunit containing GABA type A receptors (GABAARs). Here we define key molecular events impacting γ2 GABAAR and the inhibitory synapse gephyrin scaffold following initial sustained BZD exposure in vitro and in vivo. Using immunofluorescence and biochemical experiments, we found that cultured cortical neurons treated with the classical BZD, diazepam (DZP), presented no substantial change in surface or synaptic levels of γ2-GABAARs. In contrast, both γ2 and the postsynaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin showed diminished total protein levels following a single DZP treatment in vitro and in mouse cortical tissue. We further identified DZP treatment enhanced phosphorylation of gephyrin Ser270 and increased generation of gephyrin cleavage products. Selective immunoprecipitation of γ2 from cultured neurons revealed enhanced ubiquitination of this subunit following DZP exposure. To assess novel trafficking responses induced by DZP, we employed a γ2 subunit containing an N terminal fluorogen-activating peptide (FAP) and pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein (γ2pHFAP). Live-imaging experiments using γ2pHFAP GABAAR expressing neurons identified enhanced lysosomal targeting of surface GABAARs and increased overall accumulation in vesicular compartments in response to DZP. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements between α2 and γ2 subunits within a GABAAR in neurons, we identified reductions in synaptic clusters of this subpopulation of surface BZD sensitive receptor. Additional time-series experiments revealed the gephyrin regulating kinase ERK was inactivated by DZP at multiple time points. Moreover, we found DZP simultaneously enhanced synaptic exchange of both γ2-GABAARs and gephyrin using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) techniques. Finally we provide the first proteomic analysis of the BZD sensitive GABAAR interactome in DZP vs. vehicle treated mice. Collectively, our results indicate DZP exposure elicits down-regulation of gephyrin scaffolding and BZD sensitive GABAAR synaptic availability via multiple dynamic trafficking processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Lorenz-Guertin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Matthew J. Bambino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sabyasachi Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Susan T. Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Tija C. Jacob
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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5
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Qin D, Liu P, Chen H, Huang X, Ye W, Lin X, Wei F, Su J. Salicylate-Induced Ototoxicity of Spiral Ganglion Neurons: Ca 2+/CaMKII-Mediated Interaction Between NMDA Receptor and GABA A Receptor. Neurotox Res 2019; 35:838-847. [PMID: 30820888 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-0006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Sodium salicylate (SS) is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and widely used in clinical practice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential ototoxicity mechanism of sodium salicylate: the influence of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca2+/CaMKII) in interaction between NMDA receptors (NMDAR) and GABAA receptors (GABAAR) in rat cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). After treatment with SS, NMDA, and an NMDAR inhibitor (APV), the changes of GABAAR β3 (GABR β3) mRNA, surface and total protein, and GABAAR currents in SGNs were assessed by quantitative PCR, Western blot, and whole-cell patch clamp. Mechanistically, SS and/or NMDA increased the GABR β3 mRNA expression, while decreased GABR β3 surface protein levels and GABAAR-mediated currents. Moreover, application of SS and/or NMDA showed promotion in phosphorylation levels at S383 of GABR β3. Collectively, Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA) or Ca2+/CaMKII inhibitor (KN-93) reversed the effects of SS and/or NMDA on GABAAR. Therefore, we hypothesize that the interaction between NMDAR and GABAAR is involved in the SGNs damage induced by SS. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanism is related to Ca2+/CaMKII-mediated signaling pathway, which suggests that the interaction between calcium signal-regulated receptors mediates SS ototoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxue Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peiqiang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiying Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Wenhua Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Fangyu Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiping Su
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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6
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A novel nonsense autosomal dominant mutation in the GLRA1 gene causing hyperekplexia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1877-1883. [PMID: 30182260 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We present a family with two members affected by hyperekplexia and two unaffected members. All exons in the glycine receptor alpha 1 subunit gene (GLRA1) were sequenced in all four family members. Our index patient harbored a novel nonsense mutation (p.Trp314*; rs867618642) in the transmembrane domain three of the GLRA1 and a novel missense variant in the NH2-terminal part (p.Val67Met; rs142888296). After development of tolerance for the effective treatment with clobazam a drug holiday led to a sustained restoration of the treatment response.
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7
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Gravielle MC. Regulation of GABAA receptors by prolonged exposure to endogenous and exogenous ligands. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:96-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Lorenz-Guertin JM, Bambino MJ, Jacob TC. γ2 GABA AR Trafficking and the Consequences of Human Genetic Variation. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:265. [PMID: 30190672 PMCID: PMC6116786 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA type A receptors (GABAARs) mediate the majority of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Most prevalent as heteropentamers composed of two α, two β, and a γ2 subunit, these ligand-gated ionotropic chloride channels are capable of extensive genetic diversity (α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ, 𝜀, 𝜃, π, ρ1-3). Part of this selective GABAAR assembly arises from the critical role for γ2 in maintaining synaptic receptor localization and function. Accordingly, mutations in this subunit account for over half of the known epilepsy-associated genetic anomalies identified in GABAARs. Fundamental structure-function studies and cellular pathology investigations have revealed dynamic GABAAR trafficking and synaptic scaffolding as critical regulators of GABAergic inhibition. Here, we introduce in vitro and in vivo findings regarding the specific role of the γ2 subunit in receptor trafficking. We then examine γ2 subunit human genetic variation and assess disease related phenotypes and the potential role of altered GABAAR trafficking. Finally, we discuss new-age imaging techniques and their potential to provide novel insight into critical regulatory mechanisms of GABAAR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Lorenz-Guertin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Matthew J Bambino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tija C Jacob
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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9
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Neuroprotective Drug for Nerve Trauma Revealed Using Artificial Intelligence. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1879. [PMID: 29382857 PMCID: PMC5790005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19767-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we used a systems biology approach and artificial intelligence to identify a neuroprotective agent for the treatment of peripheral nerve root avulsion. Based on accumulated knowledge of the neurodegenerative and neuroprotective processes that occur in motoneurons after root avulsion, we built up protein networks and converted them into mathematical models. Unbiased proteomic data from our preclinical models were used for machine learning algorithms and for restrictions to be imposed on mathematical solutions. Solutions allowed us to identify combinations of repurposed drugs as potential neuroprotective agents and we validated them in our preclinical models. The best one, NeuroHeal, neuroprotected motoneurons, exerted anti-inflammatory properties and promoted functional locomotor recovery. NeuroHeal endorsed the activation of Sirtuin 1, which was essential for its neuroprotective effect. These results support the value of network-centric approaches for drug discovery and demonstrate the efficacy of NeuroHeal as adjuvant treatment with surgical repair for nervous system trauma.
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10
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Cheng T, Wallace DM, Ponteri B, Tuli M. Valium without dependence? Individual GABA A receptor subtype contribution toward benzodiazepine addiction, tolerance, and therapeutic effects. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1351-1361. [PMID: 29872302 PMCID: PMC5973310 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s164307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are one of the most prescribed medications as first-line treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy around the world. Over the past two decades, advances in the neuropharmacological understanding of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors revealed distinct contributions from each subtype and produced effects. Recent findings have highlighted the importance of α1 containing GABAA receptors in the mechanisms of addiction and tolerance in benzodiazepine treatments. This has shown promise in the development of tranquilizers with minimal side effects such as cognitive impairment, dependence, and tolerance. A valium-like drug without its side effects, as repeatedly demonstrated in animals, is achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mahir Tuli
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Li Y, Zhao Z, Cai J, Gu B, Lv Y, Zhao L. The Frequency-Dependent Aerobic Exercise Effects of Hypothalamic GABAergic Expression and Cardiovascular Functions in Aged Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:212. [PMID: 28713263 PMCID: PMC5491914 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A decline in cardiovascular modulation is a feature of the normal aging process and associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension and stroke. Exercise training is known to promote cardiovascular adaptation in young animals and positive effects on motor and cognitive capabilities, as well as on brain plasticity for all ages in mice. Here, we examine the question of whether aerobic exercise interventions may impact the GABAergic neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in aged rats which have been observed to have a decline in cardiovascular integration function. In the present study, young (2 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were divided into young control (YC), old sedentary, old low frequency exercise (20 m/min, 60 min/day, 3 days/week, 12 weeks) and old high frequency exercise (20 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week, 12 weeks). Exercise training indexes were obtained, including resting heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), plasma norepinephrine (NE), and heart weight (HW)-to-body weight (BW) ratios. The brain was removed and processed according to the immunofluorescence staining and western blot used to analyze the GABAergic terminal density, the proteins of GAD67, GABAA receptor and gephyrin in the PVN. There were significant changes in aged rats compared with those in the YC. Twelve weeks aerobic exercise training has volume-dependent ameliorated effects on cardiovascular parameters, autonomic nervous activities and GABAergic system functions. These data suggest that the density of GABAergic declines in the PVN is associated with imbalance in autonomic nervous activities in normal aging. Additionally, aerobic exercise can rescue aging-related an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and induces modifications the resting BP and HR to lower values via improving the GABAergic system in the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Ziqi Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jiajia Cai
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Boya Gu
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Exercise, Ministry of Education, Beijing Sport UniversityBeijing, China
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12
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Gravielle MC. Activation-induced regulation of GABAA receptors: Is there a link with the molecular basis of benzodiazepine tolerance? Pharmacol Res 2015; 109:92-100. [PMID: 26733466 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines have been used clinically for more than 50 years to treat disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy, as well as to aid muscle relaxation and anesthesia. The therapeutic index for benzodiazepines if very high and the toxicity is low. However, their usefulness is limited by the development of either or both tolerance to most of their pharmacological actions and dependence. Tolerance develops at different rates depending on the pharmacological action, suggesting the existence of distinct mechanisms for each behavioral parameter. Alternatively, multiple mechanisms could coexist depending on the subtype of GABAA receptor expressed and the brain region involved. Because most of the pharmacological actions of benzodiazepines are mediated through GABAA receptor binding, adaptive alterations in the number, structure, and/or functions of these receptors may play an important role in the development of tolerance. This review is focused on the regulation of GABAA receptors induced by long-term benzodiazepine exposure and its relationship with the development of tolerance. Understanding the mechanisms behind benzodiazepine tolerance is critical for designing drugs that could maintain their efficacy during long-term treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Clara Gravielle
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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13
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Hengen KB, Nelson NR, Stang KM, Johnson SM, Smith SM, Watters JJ, Mitchell GS, Behan M. Daily isoflurane exposure increases barbiturate insensitivity in medullary respiratory and cortical neurons via expression of ε-subunit containing GABA ARs. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119351. [PMID: 25748028 PMCID: PMC4352015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The parameters governing GABAA receptor subtype expression patterns are not well understood, although significant shifts in subunit expression may support key physiological events. For example, the respiratory control network in pregnant rats becomes relatively insensitive to barbiturates due to increased expression of ε-subunit-containing GABAARs in the ventral respiratory column. We hypothesized that this plasticity may be a compensatory response to a chronic increase in inhibitory tone caused by increased central neurosteroid levels. Thus, we tested whether increased inhibitory tone was sufficient to induce ε-subunit upregulation on respiratory and cortical neurons in adult rats. Chronic intermittent increases in inhibitory tone in male and female rats was induced via daily 5-min exposures to 3% isoflurane. After 7d of treatment, phrenic burst frequency was less sensitive to barbiturate in isoflurane-treated male and female rats in vivo. Neurons in the ventral respiratory group and cortex were less sensitive to pentobarbital in vitro following 7d and 30d of intermittent isoflurane-exposure in both male and female rats. The pentobarbital insensitivity in 7d isoflurane-treated rats was reversible after another 7d. We hypothesize that increased inhibitory tone in the respiratory control network and cortex causes a compensatory increase in ε-subunit-containing GABAARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith B. Hengen
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathan R. Nelson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kyle M. Stang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Johnson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Smith
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jyoti J. Watters
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Gordon S. Mitchell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mary Behan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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14
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Bates RC, Stith BJ, Stevens KE, Adams CE. Reduced CHRNA7 expression in C3H mice is associated with increases in hippocampal parvalbumin and glutamate decarboxylase-67 (GAD67) as well as altered levels of GABA(A) receptor subunits. Neuroscience 2014; 273:52-64. [PMID: 24836856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Decreased expression of CHRNA7, the gene encoding the α7(∗) subtype of nicotinic receptor, may contribute to the cognitive dysfunction observed in schizophrenia by disrupting the inhibitory/excitatory balance in the hippocampus. C3H mice with reduced Chrna7 expression have significant reductions in hippocampal α7(∗) receptor density, deficits in hippocampal auditory gating, increased hippocampal activity as well as significant decreases in hippocampal glutamate decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) and γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptor levels. The current study investigated whether altered Chrna7 expression is associated with changes in the levels of parvalbumin, GAD67 and/or GABAA receptor subunits in the hippocampus from male and female C3H Chrna7 wildtype, C3H Chrna7 heterozygous and C3H Chrna7 knockout (KO) mice using quantitative Western immunoblotting. Reduced Chrna7 expression was associated with significant increases in hippocampal parvalbumin and GAD67 and with complex alterations in GABAA receptor subunits. A decrease in α3 subunit protein was seen in both female C3H Chrna7 Het and KO mice while a decrease in α4 subunit protein was also detected in C3H Chrna7 KO mice with no sex difference. In contrast, an increase in δ subunit protein was observed in C3H Chrna7 Het mice while a decrease in this subunit was observed in C3H Chrna7 KO mice, with δ subunit protein levels being greater in males than in females. Finally, an increase in γ2 subunit protein was found in C3H Chrna7 KO mice with the levels of this subunit again being greater in males than in females. The increases in hippocampal parvalbumin and GAD67 observed in C3H Chrna7 mice are contrary to reports of reductions in these proteins in the postmortem hippocampus from schizophrenic individuals. We hypothesize that the disparate results may occur because of the influence of factors other than CHRNA7 that have been found to be abnormal in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Bates
- Medical Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO 80220, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver Downtown Denver Campus, Denver, CO 80217, United States
| | - B J Stith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver Downtown Denver Campus, Denver, CO 80217, United States
| | - K E Stevens
- Medical Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO 80220, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - C E Adams
- Medical Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO 80220, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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15
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Gutiérrez ML, Ferreri MC, Farb DH, Gravielle MC. GABA-induced uncoupling of GABA/benzodiazepine site interactions is associated with increased phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor. J Neurosci Res 2014; 92:1054-61. [PMID: 24723313 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The use-dependent regulation of the GABAA receptor occurs under physiological, pathological, and pharmacological conditions. Tolerance induced by prolonged administration of benzodiazepines is associated with changes in GABAA receptor function. Chronic exposure of neurons to GABA for 48 hr induces a downregulation of the GABAA receptor number and an uncoupling of the GABA/benzodiazepine site interactions. A single brief exposure ((t1/2) = 3 min) of rat neocortical neurons to the neurotransmitter initiates a process that results in uncoupling hours later (t(1/2) = 12 hr) without alterations in the number of GABAA receptors and provides a paradigm to study the uncoupling mechanism selectively. Here we report that uncoupling induced by a brief GABAA receptor activation is blocked by the coincubation with inhibitors of protein kinases A and C, indicating that the uncoupling is mediated by the activation of a phosphorylation cascade. GABA-induced uncoupling is accompanied by subunit-selective changes in the GABAA receptor mRNA levels. However, the GABA-induced downregulation of the α3 subunit mRNA level is not altered by the kinase inhibitors, suggesting that the uncoupling is the result of a posttranscriptional regulatory process. GABA exposure also produces an increase in the serine phosphorylation on the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit. Taken together, our results suggest that the GABA-induced uncoupling is mediated by a posttranscriptional mechanism involving an increase in the phosphorylation of GABAA receptors. The uncoupling of the GABAA receptor may represent a compensatory mechanism to control GABAergic neurotransmission under conditions in which receptors are persistently activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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