1
|
Li H, Teng J, Hibbs RE. Structural switch in acetylcholine receptors in developing muscle. Nature 2024; 632:1174-1180. [PMID: 39085615 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07774-6] [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] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
During development, motor neurons originating in the brainstem and spinal cord form elaborate synapses with skeletal muscle fibres1. These neurons release acetylcholine (ACh), which binds to nicotinic ACh receptors (AChRs) on the muscle, initiating contraction. Two types of AChR are present in developing muscle cells, and their differential expression serves as a hallmark of neuromuscular synapse maturation2-4. The structural principles underlying the switch from fetal to adult muscle receptors are unknown. Here, we present high-resolution structures of both fetal and adult muscle nicotinic AChRs, isolated from bovine skeletal muscle in developmental transition. These structures, obtained in the absence and presence of ACh, provide a structural context for understanding how fetal versus adult receptor isoforms are tuned for synapse development versus the all-or-none signalling required for high-fidelity skeletal muscle contraction. We find that ACh affinity differences are driven by binding site access, channel conductance is tuned by widespread surface electrostatics and open duration changes result from intrasubunit interactions and structural flexibility. The structures further reveal pathogenic mechanisms underlying congenital myasthenic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jinfeng Teng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan E Hibbs
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Shen XM, Selcen D, Engel AG. Clinical and Pathologic Features of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Caused by 35 Genes-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043730. [PMID: 36835142 PMCID: PMC9961056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular signal transmission due to germline pathogenic variants in genes expressed at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A total of 35 genes have been reported in CMS (AGRN, ALG14, ALG2, CHAT, CHD8, CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRND, CHRNE, CHRNG, COL13A1, COLQ, DOK7, DPAGT1, GFPT1, GMPPB, LAMA5, LAMB2, LRP4, MUSK, MYO9A, PLEC, PREPL, PURA, RAPSN, RPH3A, SCN4A, SLC18A3, SLC25A1, SLC5A7, SNAP25, SYT2, TOR1AIP1, UNC13A, VAMP1). The 35 genes can be classified into 14 groups according to the pathomechanical, clinical, and therapeutic features of CMS patients. Measurement of compound muscle action potentials elicited by repetitive nerve stimulation is required to diagnose CMS. Clinical and electrophysiological features are not sufficient to identify a defective molecule, and genetic studies are always required for accurate diagnosis. From a pharmacological point of view, cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in most groups of CMS, but are contraindicated in some groups of CMS. Similarly, ephedrine, salbutamol (albuterol), amifampridine are effective in most but not all groups of CMS. This review extensively covers pathomechanical and clinical features of CMS by citing 442 relevant articles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew G. Engel
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Li Y, Bian Y, Yao S, Liu P, Yu M, Zhang W, Wang Z, Yuan Y. Congenital myasthenic syndrome in China: genetic and myopathological characterization. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:898-907. [PMID: 33756069 PMCID: PMC8045908 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to summarize the clinical, genetic, and myopathological features of a cohort of Chinese patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome, and follow up on therapeutic outcomes. METHODS The clinical spectrum, mutational frequency of genes, and pathological diagnostic clues of various subtypes of patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome were summarized. Therapeutic effects were followed up. RESULTS Thirty-five patients from 29 families were recruited. Ten genes were identified: GFPT1 (27.6%), AGRN (17.2%), CHRNE (17.2%), COLQ (13.8%), GMPPB (6.9%), CHAT, CHRNA1, DOK7, COG7, and SLC25A1 (3.4% each, respectively). Sole limb-girdle weakness was found in patients with AGRN (1/8) and GFPT1 (7/8) mutations, whereas distal weakness was all observed in patients with AGRN (6/8) mutations. Tubular aggregates were only found in patients with GFPT1 mutations (5/6). The patients with GMPPB mutations (2/2) had decreased alpha-dystroglycan. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy resulted in no response or worsened symptoms in patients with COLQ mutations, a diverse response in patients with AGRN mutations, and a good response in patients with other subtypes. Albuterol therapy was effective or harmless in most subtypes. Therapy effects became attenuated with long-term use in patients with COLQ or AGRN mutations. INTERPRETATION The genetic distribution of congenital myasthenic syndrome in China is distinct from that of other ethnic origins. The appearance of distal weakness, selective limb-girdle myasthenic syndrome, tubular aggregates, and decreased alpha-dystroglycan were indicative of the specific subtypes. Based on the follow-up findings, we suggest cautious evaluation of the long-term efficacy of therapeutic agents in congenital myasthenic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Anzhen Hospital, Chaoyang-qu, China
| | - Yang Bian
- Department of Neurology, Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Department of Neurology, Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Penju Liu
- Department of Neurology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Anzhen Hospital, Chaoyang-qu, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Di L, Chen H, Lu Y, Selcen D, Engel AG, Da Y, Shen XM. Determinants of the repetitive-CMAP occurrence and therapy efficacy in slow-channel myasthenia. Neurology 2020; 95:e2781-e2793. [PMID: 32907971 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find determinants of the occurrence of repetitive compound muscle action potential (R-CMAP) and to assess the efficacy of channel blocker therapy in slow-channel congenital myasthenic syndrome (SCCMS). METHODS Neurologic examination, EMG study, laboratory test, muscle biopsy, and next-generation and Sanger sequencing; literature review of reported patients with SCCMS, including EMG, kinetics of mutant acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and response to therapy; and simulation of the decay phase of endplate potential (EPP) were performed. RESULTS Three newly characterized and 57 reported patients with SCCMS with mutations of AChR subunits were included. In patients with R-CMAP, the length of channel opening bursts of mutant AChR was increased 8.68 ± 2.82 (mean ± SD)-fold compared to wild-type; in patients without R-CMAP, the length was increased 3.84 ± 0.65-fold (95% confidence interval 3.18-6.50, p = 0.000014). The EPP amplitude after refractory period of action potential in muscle fiber is above the threshold in patients with R-CMAP but below the threshold in patients without R-CMAP. In patients with good results from channel blocker therapy, treatment was initiated 11.60 ± 5.17 years after onset of symptoms; in patients with no to moderate benefit from channel blocker therapy, treatment was initiated 30.70 ± 12.72 years after onset (95% confidence interval -28.57 to -9.63, p = 0.00089). CONCLUSIONS In SCCMS, the R-CMAP occurrence is related to the extent of prolongation of the opening episodes of mutant AChR channel. Channel blocker treatment is more effective the sooner it is started after the onset of symptoms. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class IV evidence that channel blocker therapy in patients with SCCMS improves symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Di
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Hai Chen
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Yan Lu
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Duygu Selcen
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Andrew G Engel
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Yuwei Da
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- From the Department of Neurology (L.D., H.C., Y.L., Y.D.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; and Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (L.D., D.S., A.G.E., X.-M.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen XM, Okuno T, Milone M, Otsuka K, Takahashi K, Komaki H, Giles E, Ohno K, Engel AG. Mutations Causing Slow-Channel Myasthenia Reveal That a Valine Ring in the Channel Pore of Muscle AChR is Optimized for Stabilizing Channel Gating. Hum Mutat 2016; 37:1051-9. [PMID: 27375219 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We identify two novel mutations in acetylcholine receptor (AChR) causing a slow-channel congenital myasthenia syndrome (CMS) in three unrelated patients (Pts). Pt 1 harbors a heterozygous βV266A mutation (p.Val289Ala) in the second transmembrane domain (M2) of the AChR β subunit (CHRNB1). Pts 2 and 3 carry the same mutation at an equivalent site in the ε subunit (CHRNE), εV265A (p.Val285Ala). The mutant residues are conserved across all AChR subunits of all species and are components of a valine ring in the channel pore, which is positioned four residues above the leucine ring. Both βV266A and εV265A reduce the amino acid size and lengthen the channel opening bursts by fourfold by enhancing gating efficiency by approximately 30-fold. Substitution of alanine for valine at the corresponding position in the δ and α subunit prolongs the burst duration four- and eightfold, respectively. Replacing valine at ε codon 265 either by a still smaller glycine or by a larger leucine also lengthens the burst duration. Our analysis reveals that each valine in the valine ring contributes to channel kinetics equally, and the valine ring has been optimized in the course of evolution to govern channel gating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. ,
| | - Tatsuya Okuno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Otsuka
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Takahashi
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Komaki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kinji Ohno
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Andrew G Engel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Ito M. Recent advances in congenital myasthenic syndromes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/cen3.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics; Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer; Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine; Nagoya Japan
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics; Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer; Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine; Nagoya Japan
| | - Mikako Ito
- Division of Neurogenetics; Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer; Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine; Nagoya Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di Castro A, Martinello K, Grassi F, Eusebi F, Engel AG. Pathogenic point mutations in a transmembrane domain of the epsilon subunit increase the Ca2+ permeability of the human endplate ACh receptor. J Physiol 2007; 579:671-7. [PMID: 17272341 PMCID: PMC2151372 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.127977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The epsilon subunit of the human endplate ACh receptor (AChR) is a key determinant of the large fraction of the ACh-evoked current carried by Ca2+ ions (P(f)). Consequently, missense mutations in the epsilon subunit are potential targets for altering the P(f) of human AChR. In this paper we investigate the effects of two pathogenic point mutations in the M2 transmembrane segment AChR epsilon subunit, epsilonT264P and epsilonV259F, that cause slow-channel syndromes (SCS). When expressed in GH4C1 cells, the mutant receptors subunits raise Ca2+ permeability of the receptors approximately 1.5 and approximately 2-fold above that of wild-type, to attain P(f) values of 11.8% (epsilonT264P) and 15.4% (epsilonV259F). The latter value exceeds most P(f) values reported to date for ligand-gated ion channels. Consistent with these findings, the biionic Ca2+ permeability ratio (P(Ca)/P(Cs)) of the mutant AChRs is also increased. Upon repetitive stimulation with ACh, the mutant receptors show an enhanced current run-down compared with wild-type, leading to a strong reduction of their function. We propose that the enhanced Ca2+ permeability of the mutant receptors overrides the protective effect of desensitization and, together with the prolonged opening events of the AChR channel, is an important determinant of the excitotoxic endplate damage in the SCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Di Castro
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti and Dipartimento di Fisiologia Umana e Farmacologia, Università La Sapienza P.le A. Moro 5; I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li J, Yin C, Okamoto H, Jaffe H, Oldfield EH, Zhuang Z, Vortmeyer AO, Rushing EJ. Proteomic analysis of inclusion body myositis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2006; 65:826-33. [PMID: 16896316 DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000228204.19915.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most frequently acquired inflammatory myopathy of late adult life, yet its diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis remain poorly defined. Because effective treatment is lacking, research efforts have intensified to identify specific markers for this debilitating disorder. In this study, proteomic analysis of 4 cases of sporadic IBM was compared with 5 cases of inflammatory myopathy without clinicopathologic features of IBM to distinguish the IBM-specific proteome. Proteins were separated by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and profiled by mass spectrometric sequencing. Expression of most proteins remained unchanged; however, 16 proteins were upregulated and 6 proteins were downregulated in IBM compared with cases of non-IBM inflammatory myopathy. These IBM-specific proteins included apolipoprotein A-I, amyloid beta precursor protein, and transthyretin, which have been associated with amyloidosis; superoxide dismutase, enolase, and various molecular chaperones indicate perturbations in detoxification, energy metabolism, and protein folding, respectively. The IBM-downregulated proteins mainly serve as carriers for muscle contraction and other normal muscle functions. We further applied Western blot and immunohistochemistry to verify the proteomic findings. This study validates proteomics as a powerful tool in the study of muscle disease and indicates a unique pattern of protein expression in IBM.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aged
- Blotting, Western
- Down-Regulation/physiology
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Energy Metabolism/physiology
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mass Spectrometry
- Middle Aged
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle Proteins/analysis
- Muscle Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology
- Myositis/diagnosis
- Myositis/metabolism
- Myositis/physiopathology
- Myositis, Inclusion Body/diagnosis
- Myositis, Inclusion Body/metabolism
- Myositis, Inclusion Body/physiopathology
- Proteomics/methods
- Up-Regulation/physiology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|