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Zhang L, Cheng X, Tao S, Peng LY, Zhu Z, Bao YY. Neuronal calcium sensor 2 is key to moulting and oocyte development in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:722-733. [PMID: 35789509 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) is vital for signal transduction in many cellular events. Several Ca2+ -binding proteins mediate the transduction of intracellular calcium signals. The EF-hand motifs containing neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) proteins are mainly expressed in the nervous system, where they have important roles in the regulation of a variety of neuronal functions. NCS1 has four EF-hand motifs and well-defined neuronal development functions in a variety of eukaryotes. However, NCS2 has only been identified in invertebrates such as insects and nematodes thus far. The functions of NCS2 remain largely unknown. Here, we identified an orthologous NCS2 in the hemipteran Nilaparvata lugens. Based on qRT-PCR, this gene was found to be primarily expressed in the brain. Knockdown of NCS2 in each nymphal instar by RNA interference led to lethality and caused aggradation and disordered arrangement of lipid droplets in the ovaries and testes of adults, which were associated with the absence of mature oocytes in female ovaries and reduction of spermiation in male adults. Our findings revealed a novel function for NCS2 as a regulator in development and reproduction and suggested that this protein had an important role in modulating lipid droplet remodelling in ovary and testis of N. lugens adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Tao
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu-Yao Peng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Vogrinc D, Goričar K, Dolžan V. Genetic Variability in Molecular Pathways Implicated in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:646901. [PMID: 33815092 PMCID: PMC8012500 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.646901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, affecting a significant part of the population. The majority of AD cases occur in the elderly with a typical age of onset of the disease above 65 years. AD presents a major burden for the healthcare system and since population is rapidly aging, the burden of the disease will increase in the future. However, no effective drug treatment for a full-blown disease has been developed to date. The genetic background of AD is extensively studied; numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified significant genes associated with increased risk of AD development. This review summarizes more than 100 risk loci. Many of them may serve as biomarkers of AD progression, even in the preclinical stage of the disease. Furthermore, we used GWAS data to identify key pathways of AD pathogenesis: cellular processes, metabolic processes, biological regulation, localization, transport, regulation of cellular processes, and neurological system processes. Gene clustering into molecular pathways can provide background for identification of novel molecular targets and may support the development of tailored and personalized treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Disorder in a two-domain neuronal Ca 2+-binding protein regulates domain stability and dynamics using ligand mimicry. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:2263-2278. [PMID: 32936312 PMCID: PMC7966663 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the interplay between sequence, structure and function of proteins has been complicated in recent years by the discovery of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which perform biological functions in the absence of a well-defined three-dimensional fold. Disordered protein sequences account for roughly 30% of the human proteome and in many proteins, disordered and ordered domains coexist. However, few studies have assessed how either feature affects the properties of the other. In this study, we examine the role of a disordered tail in the overall properties of the two-domain, calcium-sensing protein neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1). We show that loss of just six of the 190 residues at the flexible C-terminus is sufficient to severely affect stability, dynamics, and folding behavior of both ordered domains. We identify specific hydrophobic contacts mediated by the disordered tail that may be responsible for stabilizing the distal N-terminal domain. Moreover, sequence analyses indicate the presence of an LSL-motif in the tail that acts as a mimic of native ligands critical to the observed order-disorder communication. Removing the disordered tail leads to a shorter life-time of the ligand-bound complex likely originating from the observed destabilization. This close relationship between order and disorder may have important implications for how investigations into mixed systems are designed and opens up a novel avenue of drug targeting exploiting this type of behavior.
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Azam S, Bhattarai N, Riveron A, Rodriguez S, Chapagain PP, Miksovska J. EF-hands in Neuronal Calcium Sensor Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator Demonstrate Submillimolar Affinity for Li +: A New Prospect for Li + Therapy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2543-2548. [PMID: 32786300 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium has been used for the treatment of mood disorders for decades though the molecular mechanism of its therapeutic action and intracellular targets remain furtive. We report that neurotropic agent Li+ binds to the neuronal calcium sensor, Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM), with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 34 ± 4 μM and impacts DREAM structural and dynamic properties in a similar manner as observed for its physiological ligand, Ca2+. Results of fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics are consistent with Li+ binding at EF-hands. In the Li+ bound form, DREAM association to peptides mimicking DREAM binding sites in a voltage-gated potassium channel is enhanced compared to the apoprotein, whereas DREAM affinity for the presenilin binding site, helix-9, is impeded. These results suggest that DREAM and possibly other members of the neuronal calcium sensor family belong to Li+ intracellular targets and interactions between Li+ and NCS provide a molecular basis for Li+ neuroprotective action.
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Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) regulation of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels is a powerful Ca2+ feedback mechanism that adjusts Ca2+ influx, affording rich mechanistic insights into Ca2+ decoding. CaM possesses a dual-lobed architecture, a salient feature of the myriad Ca2+-sensing proteins, where two homologous lobes that recognize similar targets hint at redundant signaling mechanisms. Here, by tethering CaM lobes, we demonstrate that bilobal architecture is obligatory for signaling to CaV channels. With one lobe bound, CaV carboxy tail rearranges itself, resulting in a preinhibited configuration precluded from Ca2+ feedback. Reconstitution of two lobes, even as separate molecules, relieves preinhibition and restores Ca2+ feedback. CaV channels thus detect the coincident binding of two Ca2+-free lobes to promote channel opening, a molecular implementation of a logical NOR operation that processes spatiotemporal Ca2+ signals bifurcated by CaM lobes. Overall, a unified scheme of CaV channel regulation by CaM now emerges, and our findings highlight the versatility of CaM to perform exquisite Ca2+ computations.
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Zhou K, Cherra SJ, Goncharov A, Jin Y. Asynchronous Cholinergic Drive Correlates with Excitation-Inhibition Imbalance via a Neuronal Ca 2+ Sensor Protein. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1117-1129. [PMID: 28494862 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitation-inhibition imbalance in neural networks is widely linked to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, how genetic factors alter neuronal activity, leading to excitation-inhibition imbalance, remains unclear. Here, using the C. elegans locomotor circuit, we examine how altering neuronal activity for varying time periods affects synaptic release pattern and animal behavior. We show that while short-duration activation of excitatory cholinergic neurons elicits a reversible enhancement of presynaptic strength, persistent activation results to asynchronous and reduced cholinergic drive, inducing imbalance between endogenous excitation and inhibition. We find that the neuronal calcium sensor protein NCS-2 is required for asynchronous cholinergic release in an activity-dependent manner and dampens excitability of inhibitory neurons non-cell autonomously. The function of NCS-2 requires its Ca2+ binding and membrane association domains. These results reveal a synaptic mechanism implicating asynchronous release in regulation of excitation-inhibition balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keming Zhou
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Salvatore J Cherra
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexandr Goncharov
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Ma J, Zhang W, Tan L, Wang HF, Wan Y, Sun FR, Tan CC, Yu JT, Tan L, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. MS4A6A genotypes are associated with the atrophy rates of Alzheimer's disease related brain structures. Oncotarget 2018; 7:58779-58788. [PMID: 27244883 PMCID: PMC5312275 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9563] [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: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-spanning 4-domains, subfamily A, member 6A (MS4A6A) has been identified as susceptibility loci of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by several recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS), whereas little is known about the potential roles of these variants in the brain structure and function of AD. In this study, we included a total of 812 individuals from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Using multiple linear regression models, we found MS4A6A genotypes were strongly related to atrophy rate of left middle temporal (rs610932: Pc = 0.017, rs7232: Pc = 0.022), precuneus (rs610932: Pc = 0.015) and entorhinal (rs610932, Pc = 0.022) on MRI in the entire group. In the subgroup analysis, MS4A6A SNPs were significantly accelerated the percentage of volume loss of middle temporal, precuneus and entorhinal, especially in the MCI subgroup. These findings reveal that MS4A6A genotypes affect AD specific brain structures which supported the possible role of MS4A6A polymorphisms in influencing AD-related neuroimaging phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Tan
- College of Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui-Fu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fu-Rong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chen-Chen Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,College of Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Thapliyal S, Babu K. C. elegans Locomotion: Finding Balance in Imbalance. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1112:185-196. [PMID: 30637699 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3065-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The excitation-inhibition (E-I) imbalance in neural circuits represents a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric disorders. The tiny nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as an excellent system to study the molecular mechanisms underlying this imbalance in neuronal circuits. The C. elegans body wall muscles receive inputs from both excitatory cholinergic and inhibitory GABAergic motor neurons at neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), making it an excellent model for studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms required for maintaining E-I balance at the NMJ. The cholinergic neurons form dyadic synapses wherein they synapse onto ipsilateral body wall muscles allowing for muscle contraction as well as onto GABAergic motor neurons that in turn synapse on the contralateral body wall muscles causing muscle relaxation. An alternating wave of contraction and relaxation mediated by excitatory and inhibitory signals maintains locomotion in C. elegans. This locomotory behavior requires an intricate balance between the excitatory cholinergic signaling and the inhibitory GABAergic signaling mechanisms.Studies on the C. elegans NMJ have provided insights into several molecular mechanisms that could regulate this balance in neural circuits. This review provides a discussion on multiple genetic factors including neuropeptides and their receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and other molecular pathways that have been associated with maintaining E-I balance in C. elegans motor circuits. Further, it also discusses the implications of these studies that could help us in understanding the role of E-I balance in mammalian neural circuits and how changes in this balance could give rise to brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Thapliyal
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Kavita Babu
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, Punjab, India.
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9
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Zhong W, Picca AJ, Lee AS, Darmani NA. Ca2+ signaling and emesis: Recent progress and new perspectives. Auton Neurosci 2017; 202:18-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Lemire S, Jeromin A, Boisselier É. Membrane binding of Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1 (NCS1). Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 139:138-47. [PMID: 26705828 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1 (NCS1) belongs to the family of Neuronal Calcium Sensor (NCS) proteins. NCS1 is composed of four EF-hand motifs and an N-terminal myristoylation. However, the presence of a calcium-myristoyl switch in NCS1 and its role in the membrane binding are controversial. The model of Langmuir lipid monolayers is thus used to mimic the cell membrane in order to characterize the membrane interactions of NCS1. Two binding parameters are calculated from monolayer measurements: the maximum insertion pressure, up to which protein binding is energetically favorable, and the synergy, reporting attractive or repulsive interactions with the lipid monolayers. Binding membrane measurements performed in the presence of myristoylated NCS1 reveal better binding interactions for phospholipids composed of phosphoethanolamine polar head groups and unsaturated fatty acyl chains. In the absence of calcium, the membrane binding measurements are drastically modified and suggest that the protein is more strongly bound to the membrane. Indeed, the binding of calcium by three EF-hand motifs of NCS1 leads to a conformation change. NCS1 arrangement at the membrane could thus be reshuffled for better interactions with its substrates. The N-terminal peptide of NCS1 is composed of two amphiphilic helices involved in the membrane interactions of NCS1. Moreover, the presence of the myristoyl group has a weak influence on the membrane binding of NCS1 suggesting the absence of a calcium-myristoyl switch mechanism in this protein. The myristoylation could thus have a structural role required in the folding/unfolding of NCS1 which is essential to its multiple biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lemire
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Élodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.
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11
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Denessiouk K, Permyakov S, Denesyuk A, Permyakov E, Johnson MS. Two structural motifs within canonical EF-hand calcium-binding domains identify five different classes of calcium buffers and sensors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109287. [PMID: 25313560 PMCID: PMC4196763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins with EF-hand calcium-binding motifs are essential for many cellular processes, but are also associated with cancer, autism, cardiac arrhythmias, and Alzheimer's, skeletal muscle and neuronal diseases. Functionally, all EF-hand proteins are divided into two groups: (1) calcium sensors, which function to translate the signal to various responses; and (2) calcium buffers, which control the level of free Ca2+ ions in the cytoplasm. The borderline between the two groups is not clear, and many proteins cannot be described as definitive buffers or sensors. Here, we describe two highly-conserved structural motifs found in all known different families of the EF-hand proteins. The two motifs provide a supporting scaffold for the DxDxDG calcium binding loop and contribute to the hydrophobic core of the EF hand domain. The motifs allow more precise identification of calcium buffers and calcium sensors. Based on the characteristics of the two motifs, we could classify individual EF-hand domains into five groups: (1) Open static; (2) Closed static; (3) Local dynamic; (4) Dynamic; and (5) Local static EF-hand domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Denessiouk
- Biochemistry, Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergei Permyakov
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Alexander Denesyuk
- Biochemistry, Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Eugene Permyakov
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Mark S. Johnson
- Biochemistry, Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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Darmani NA, Zhong W, Chebolu S, Vaezi M, Alkam T. Broad-spectrum antiemetic potential of the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine and evidence for its additive antiemetic interaction with the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist palonosetron in the least shrew (Cryptotis parva). Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 722:2-12. [PMID: 24513517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin-like chemotherapeutics cause vomiting via release of multiple neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), or substance P (SP)) from the gastrointestinal enterochromaffin cells and/or the brainstem via a calcium dependent process. Diverse channels in the plasma membrane allow extracellular Ca(2+) entry into cells for the transmitter release process. Agonists of 5-HT3 receptors increase calcium influx through both 5-HT3 receptors and L-type Ca(2+) channels. We envisaged that L-type calcium agonists such as FPL 64176 should cause vomiting and corresponding antagonists such as nifedipine would behave as broad-spectrum antiemetics. Administration of FPL 64176 did cause vomiting in the least shrew in a dose-dependent fashion. Nifedipine and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist palonosetron, potently suppressed FPL 64176-induced vomiting, while a combination of ineffective doses of these antagonists was more efficacious. Subsequently, we investigated the broad-spectrum antiemetic potential of nifedipine against diverse emetogens including agonists of serotonergic 5-HT3- (e.g. 5-HT or 2-Me-5-HT), SP tachykinin NK1- (GR73632), dopamine D2- (apomorphine or quinpirole), and cholinergic M1- (McN-A-343) receptors, as well as the non-specific emetogen, cisplatin. Nifedipine by itself suppressed vomiting in a potent and dose-dependent manner caused by the above emetogens except cisplatin. Moreover, low doses of nifedipine potentiated the antiemetic efficacy of non-effective or semi-effective doses of palonosetron against vomiting caused by either 2-Me-5-HT or cisplatin. Thus, our findings demonstrate that activation of L-type calcium channels causes vomiting, whereas blockade of these ion channels by nifedipine-like antagonists not only provides broad-spectrum antiemetic activity but can also potentiate the antiemetic efficacy of well-established antiemetics such as palonosetron. L-type calcium channel antagonists should also provide antiemetic activity against drug-induced vomiting as well as other emetogens including bacterial and viral proteins.
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Direct single-molecule observation of calcium-dependent misfolding in human neuronal calcium sensor-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:13069-74. [PMID: 25157171 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1401065111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are strongly linked to protein misfolding, and crucial to their explication is a detailed understanding of the underlying structural rearrangements and pathways that govern the formation of misfolded states. Here we use single-molecule optical tweezers to monitor misfolding reactions of the human neuronal calcium sensor-1, a multispecific EF-hand protein involved in neurotransmitter release and linked to severe neurological diseases. We directly observed two misfolding trajectories leading to distinct kinetically trapped misfolded conformations. Both trajectories originate from an on-pathway intermediate state and compete with native folding in a calcium-dependent manner. The relative probability of the different trajectories could be affected by modulating the relaxation rate of applied force, demonstrating an unprecedented real-time control over the free-energy landscape of a protein. Constant-force experiments in combination with hidden Markov analysis revealed the free-energy landscape of the misfolding transitions under both physiological and pathological calcium concentrations. Remarkably for a calcium sensor, we found that higher calcium concentrations increased the lifetimes of the misfolded conformations, slowing productive folding to the native state. We propose a rugged, multidimensional energy landscape for neuronal calcium sensor-1 and speculate on a direct link between protein misfolding and calcium dysregulation that could play a role in neurodegeneration.
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14
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Ma J, Yu JT, Tan L. MS4A Cluster in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:1240-8. [PMID: 24981432 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8800-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Several variants within membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A (MS4A) gene cluster have recently been implicated the association of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by serial recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). As cell membrane proteins, MS4A family members are found to participate in the regulation of calcium signaling which have been widely discussed in neurodegeneration and AD. Besides, although the MS4A family members are poorly characterized, an important role in immunity has already been identified for several members of this cluster (such as MS4A1, MS4A2, and MS4A4B), indicating the possible involvement of MS4A gene cluster in AD pathogenesis. In this article, we briefly summarize the structure, localization, and function of MS4A gene cluster, review recent genetic and expression findings concerning the association of MS4A gene cluster with AD pathogenesis, and also speculate the possible roles of MS4A gene cluster in this disease. Based on the contributing effects of MS4A gene cluster in AD pathogenesis, targeting MS4A gene cluster might provide new opportunities for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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15
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Burgoyne RD, Haynes LP. Understanding the physiological roles of the neuronal calcium sensor proteins. Mol Brain 2012; 5:2. [PMID: 22269068 PMCID: PMC3271974 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signalling plays a crucial role in the control of neuronal function and plasticity. Changes in neuronal Ca2+ concentration are detected by Ca2+-binding proteins that can interact with and regulate target proteins to modify their function. Members of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) protein family have multiple non-redundant roles in the nervous system. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of the physiological roles of the NCS proteins and the molecular basis for their specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Burgoyne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The Physiological Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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