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Zhang J, Duan S, Wang W, Liu D, Wang Y. Molecular Basis of CO 2 Sensing in Hyphantria cunea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5987. [PMID: 38892175 PMCID: PMC11172650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) released by plants can serve as a cue for regulating insect behaviors. Hyphantria cunea is a widely distributed forestry pest that may use CO2 as a cue for foraging and oviposition. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its ability to sense CO2 has not been elucidated. Our initial study showed that CO2 is significantly attractive to H. cunea adults. Subsequently, 44 H. cunea gustatory receptors (GRs) were identified using transcriptome data, and 3 candidate CO2 receptors that are specifically expressed in the labial palps were identified. In vivo electrophysiological assays revealed that the labial palp is the primary organ for CO2 perception in H. cunea, which is similar to findings in other lepidopteran species. By using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we showed that the HcunGR1 and HcunGR3 co-expressions produced a robust response to CO2, but HcunGR2 had an inhibitory effect on CO2 perception. Finally, immunohistochemical staining revealed sexual dimorphism in the CO2-sensitive labial pit organ glomerulus (LPOG). Taken together, our results clarified the mechanism by which H. cunea sense CO2, laying the foundation for further investigations into the role of CO2 in the rapid spread of H. cunea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Shiwen Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Duo Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yinliang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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2
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Yi F, Traynelis SF, Hansen KB. Selective Cell-Surface Expression of Triheteromeric NMDA Receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2799:55-77. [PMID: 38727903 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3830-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors are critically involved in many brain functions and are implicated in a variety of brain disorders. Seven NMDA receptor subunits exist (GluN1, GluN2A-D, and GluN3A-B) that assemble into tetrameric receptor subtypes with distinct functional properties and physiological roles. The majority NMDA receptors are composed of two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits, which can assemble into four diheteromeric receptors subtypes composed of GluN1 and one type of GluN2 subunit (e.g., GluN1/2A), and presumably also six triheteromeric receptor subtypes composed of GluN1 and two different GluN2 subunits (e.g., GluN1/2A/2B). Furthermore, the GluN1 subunit exists as eight splice variants (e.g., GluN1-1a and GluN1-1b isoforms), and two different GluN1 isoforms can co-assemble to also form triheteromeric NMDA receptors (e.g., GluN1-1a/1b/2A). Here, we describe a method to faithfully express triheteromeric NMDA receptors in heterologous expression systems by controlling the identity of two of the four subunits. This method overcomes the problem that co-expression of three different NMDA receptor subunits generates two distinct diheteromeric receptor subtypes as well as one triheteromeric receptor subtype, thereby confounding studies that require a homogenous population of triheteromeric NMDA receptors. The method has been applied to selectively express recombinant triheteromeric GluN1/2A/2B, GluN1/2A/2C, GluN1/2B/2D, GluN1-1a/GluN1-1b/2A, GluN1-1a/GluN1-1b/2B receptors with negligible co-expression of the respective diheteromeric receptor subtypes. This method therefore enables quantitative evaluation of functional and pharmacological properties of triheteromeric NMDA receptors, some of which are abundant NMDA receptor subtypes in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yi
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kasper B Hansen
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
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Seldeslachts A, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Histamine Receptors: Ex Vivo Functional Studies Enabling the Discovery of Hits and Pathways. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:897. [PMID: 38132901 PMCID: PMC10744718 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13120897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Histamine receptors (HRs) are G-protein-coupled receptors involved in diverse responses triggered by histamine release during inflammation or by encounters with venomous creatures. Four histamine receptors (H1R-H4R) have been cloned and extensively characterized. These receptors are distributed throughout the body and their activation is associated with clinical manifestations such as urticaria (H1R), gastric acid stimulation (H2R), regulation of neurotransmitters in neuronal diseases (H3R), and immune responses (H4R). Despite significant homologous overlap between H3R and H4R, much remains unknown about their precise roles. Even though some drugs have been developed for H1R, H2R, and H3R, not a single H4R antagonist has been approved for clinical use. To enhance our understanding and advance innovative therapeutic targeting of H1R, H2R, H3R, and H4R, we established a robust ex vivo functional platform. This platform features the successful heterologous expression of H1R-H4R in Xenopus laevis oocytes, utilizing an electrophysiological readout. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the function and pharmacological properties of the histamine receptors. Researchers can benefit from the utility of this platform when investigating the effects of histamine receptors and exploring potential therapeutic targets. In doing so, it broadens the horizon of drug discovery, offering new perspectives for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Ivorra I, Alberola-Die A, Cobo R, González-Ros JM, Morales A. Xenopus Oocytes as a Powerful Cellular Model to Study Foreign Fully-Processed Membrane Proteins. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:986. [PMID: 36295745 PMCID: PMC9610954 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of Xenopus oocytes in electrophysiological and biophysical research constitutes a long and successful story, providing major advances to the knowledge of the function and modulation of membrane proteins, mostly receptors, ion channels, and transporters. Earlier reports showed that these cells are capable of correctly expressing heterologous proteins after injecting the corresponding mRNA or cDNA. More recently, the Xenopus oocyte has become an outstanding host-cell model to carry out detailed studies on the function of fully-processed foreign membrane proteins after their microtransplantation to the oocyte. This review focused on the latter overall process of transplanting foreign membrane proteins to the oocyte after injecting plasma membranes or purified and reconstituted proteins. This experimental approach allows for the study of both the function of mature proteins, with their native stoichiometry and post-translational modifications, and their putative modulation by surrounding lipids, mostly when the protein is purified and reconstituted in lipid matrices of defined composition. Remarkably, this methodology enables functional microtransplantation to the oocyte of membrane receptors, ion channels, and transporters from different sources including human post-mortem tissue banks. Despite the large progress achieved over the last decades on the structure, function, and modulation of neuroreceptors and ion channels in healthy and pathological tissues, many unanswered questions remain and, most likely, Xenopus oocytes will continue to help provide valuable responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ivorra
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - Armando Alberola-Die
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - Raúl Cobo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - José Manuel González-Ros
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, E-03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Andrés Morales
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
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Bhatt M, Di Iacovo A, Romanazzi T, Roseti C, Cinquetti R, Bossi E. The "www" of Xenopus laevis Oocytes: The Why, When, What of Xenopus laevis Oocytes in Membrane Transporters Research. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12100927. [PMID: 36295686 PMCID: PMC9610376 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
After 50 years, the heterologous expression of proteins in Xenopus laevis oocytes is still essential in many research fields. New approaches and revised protocols, but also classical methods, such as the two-electrode voltage clamp, are applied in studying membrane transporters. New and old methods for investigating the activity and the expression of Solute Carriers (SLC) are reviewed, and the kinds of experiment that are still useful to perform with this kind of cell are reported. Xenopus laevis oocytes at the full-grown stage have a highly efficient biosynthetic apparatus that correctly targets functional proteins at the defined compartment. This small protein factory can produce, fold, and localize almost any kind of wild-type or recombinant protein; some tricks are required to obtain high expression and to verify the functionality. The methodologies examined here are mainly related to research in the field of membrane transporters. This work is certainly not exhaustive; it has been carried out to be helpful to researchers who want to quickly find suggestions and detailed indications when investigating the functionality and expression of the different members of the solute carrier families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manan Bhatt
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Experimental and Translational Medicine, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi 9, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Angela Di Iacovo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Experimental and Translational Medicine, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi 9, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Tiziana Romanazzi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Experimental and Translational Medicine, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi 9, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Cristina Roseti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Centre for Neuroscience—Via Manara 7, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cinquetti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Elena Bossi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Centre for Neuroscience—Via Manara 7, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
- Correspondence:
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6
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Rousset M, Humez S, Laurent C, Buée L, Blum D, Cens T, Vignes M, Charnet P. Mammalian Brain Ca2+ Channel Activity Transplanted into Xenopus laevis Oocytes. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050496. [PMID: 35629822 PMCID: PMC9146698 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Several mutations on neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) have been shown to cause neurological disorders and contribute to the initiation of epileptic seizures, migraines, or cerebellar degeneration. Analysis of the functional consequences of these mutations mainly uses heterologously expressed mutated channels or transgenic mice which mimic these pathologies, since direct electrophysiological approaches on brain samples are not easily feasible. We demonstrate that mammalian voltage-gated Ca2+ channels from membrane preparation can be microtransplanted into Xenopus oocytes and can conserve their activity. This method, originally described to study the alteration of GABA receptors in human brain samples, allows the recording of the activity of membrane receptors and channels with their native post-translational processing, membrane environment, and regulatory subunits. The use of hippocampal, cerebellar, or cardiac membrane preparation displayed different efficacy for transplanted Ca2+ channel activity. This technique, now extended to the recording of Ca2+ channel activity, may therefore be useful in order to analyze the calcium signature of membrane preparations from unfixed human brain samples or normal and transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Rousset
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (T.C.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (P.C.); Tel.: +33-467-613-666 (M.R. & P.C.)
| | - Sandrine Humez
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.H.); (C.L.); (L.B.); (D.B.)
- Inserm UMR_S1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, F-59000 Lille, France
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, CHU-Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Cyril Laurent
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.H.); (C.L.); (L.B.); (D.B.)
- Inserm UMR_S1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, F-59000 Lille, France
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, CHU-Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.H.); (C.L.); (L.B.); (D.B.)
- Inserm UMR_S1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, F-59000 Lille, France
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, CHU-Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - David Blum
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.H.); (C.L.); (L.B.); (D.B.)
- Inserm UMR_S1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, F-59000 Lille, France
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, CHU-Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Thierry Cens
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (T.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Michel Vignes
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (T.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Pierre Charnet
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (T.C.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (P.C.); Tel.: +33-467-613-666 (M.R. & P.C.)
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7
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Duong PC, McCabe TC, Riley GF, Holmes HL, Piermarini PM, Romero MF, Gillen CM. Sequence analysis and function of mosquito aeCCC2 and Drosophila Ncc83 orthologs. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 143:103729. [PMID: 35150868 PMCID: PMC9012228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dipteran insects have genes that code for two different Na+-dependent cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC) paralogs. Aedes aegypti aeNKCC1 is an ortholog of Drosophila melanogaster Ncc69, a bumetanide-sensitive Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC). Aedes aegypti aeCCC2 and aeCCC3 are orthologs of Drosophila Ncc83. Prior work suggests that the transport properties of aeCCC2 differ from canonical NKCCs. In particular, Xenopus oocytes expressing aeCCC2 have increased Na+-dependent membrane currents compared to controls, whereas NKCCs are electroneutral. Here, we further evaluated the function and localization of aeCCC2 and Ncc83. In oocytes expressing aeCCC2 or Ncc83, membrane potential (Vm) hyperpolarized upon Na+ removal; following hypotonic exposure the change in Vm was greater than it was in controls. In voltage-clamp experiments, membrane currents were concentration dependent on Na+ with an apparent affinity (Km) of approximately 4.6 mM. In Malpighian tubules of larval and adult mosquitoes, aeCCC2 was localized along the basolateral aspect of principal cells. Sequence comparisons among transporters from Drosophila, Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex revealed 33 residues within the transmembrane domains (TMDs) that are fully conserved within paralogs but that differ between orthologs of NKCC1 and orthologs of aeCCC2/Ncc83. These residues are distributed across all 12 TMDs. Our results provide a foundation for further exploration of the structural basis for functional differences between insect Na+-dependent CCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phu C Duong
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Tobias C McCabe
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Grace F Riley
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Heather L Holmes
- Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Peter M Piermarini
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH, 44691, USA
| | - Michael F Romero
- Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
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Kazokaitė-Adomaitienė J, Becker HM, Smirnovienė J, Dubois LJ, Matulis D. Experimental Approaches to Identify Selective Picomolar Inhibitors for Carbonic Anhydrase IX. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3361-3384. [PMID: 33138744 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666201102112841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) regulate pH homeostasis via the reversible hydration of CO2, thereby emerging as essential enzymes for many vital functions. Among 12 catalytically active CA isoforms in humans, CA IX has become a relevant therapeutic target because of its role in cancer progression. Only two CA IX inhibitors have entered clinical trials, mostly due to low affinity and selectivity properties. OBJECTIVE The current review presents the design, development, and identification of the selective nano- to picomolar CA IX inhibitors VD11-4-2, VR16-09, and VD12-09. METHODS AND RESULTS Compounds were selected from our database, composed of over 400 benzensulfonamides, synthesized at our laboratory, and tested for their binding to 12 human CAs. Here we discuss the CA CO2 hydratase activity/inhibition assay and several biophysical techniques, such as fluorescent thermal shift assay and isothermal titration calorimetry, highlighting their contribution to the analysis of compound affinity and structure- activity relationships. To obtain sufficient amounts of recombinant CAs for inhibitor screening, several gene cloning and protein purification strategies are presented, including site-directed CA mutants, heterologous CAs from Xenopus oocytes, and native endogenous CAs. The cancer cell-based methods, such as clonogenicity, extracellular acidification, and mass spectrometric gas-analysis are reviewed, confirming nanomolar activities of lead inhibitors in intact cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Novel CA IX inhibitors are promising derivatives for in vivo explorations. Furthermore, the simultaneous targeting of several proteins involved in proton flux upon tumor acidosis and the disruption of transport metabolons might improve cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Kazokaitė-Adomaitienė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Holger M Becker
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joana Smirnovienė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Netherlands
| | - Daumantas Matulis
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Wu B, Chen Z, Xu X, Chen R, Wang S, Xu H, Lin F. Harnessing a Transient Gene Expression System in Nicotiana benthamiana to Explore Plant Agrochemical Transporters. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10030524. [PMID: 33799776 PMCID: PMC7998108 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Functional characterization of plant agrichemical transporters provided an opportunity to discover molecules that have a high mobility in plants and have the potential to increase the amount of pesticides reaching damage sites. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in tobacco is simple and fast, and its protein expression efficiency is high; this system is generally used to mediate heterologous gene expression. In this article, transient expression of tobacco nicotine uptake permease (NtNUP1) and rice polyamine uptake transporter 1 (OsPUT1) in Nicotiana benthamiana was performed to investigate whether this system is useful as a platform for studying the interactions between plant transporters and pesticides. The results showed that NtNUP1 increases nicotine uptake in N. benthamiana foliar discs and protoplasts, indicating that this transient gene expression system is feasible for studying gene function. Moreover, yeast expression of OsPUT1 apparently increases methomyl uptake. Overall, this method of constructing a transient gene expression system is useful for improving the efficiency of analyzing the functions of plant heterologous transporter-encoding genes and revealed that this system can be further used to study the functions of transporters and pesticides, especially their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Zhiting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-Products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Ronghua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Siwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Hanhong Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.L.); Tel.: +86-20-8528-5127 (H.X. & F.L.)
| | - Fei Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.W.); (Z.C.); (X.X.); (R.C.); (S.W.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.L.); Tel.: +86-20-8528-5127 (H.X. & F.L.)
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10
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Rühlmann AH, Körner J, Hausmann R, Bebrivenski N, Neuhof C, Detro-Dassen S, Hautvast P, Benasolo CA, Meents J, Machtens JP, Schmalzing G, Lampert A. Uncoupling sodium channel dimers restores the phenotype of a pain-linked Na v 1.7 channel mutation. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4481-4496. [PMID: 32663327 PMCID: PMC7484505 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is essential for adequate perception of painful stimuli. Mutations in the encoding gene, SCN9A, cause various pain syndromes in humans. The hNav1.7/A1632E channel mutant causes symptoms of erythromelalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD), and its main gating change is a strongly enhanced persistent current. On the basis of recently published 3D structures of voltage‐gated sodium channels, we investigated how the inactivation particle binds to the channel, how this mechanism is altered by the hNav1.7/A1632E mutation, and how dimerization modifies function of the pain‐linked mutation. Experimental Approach We applied atomistic molecular simulations to demonstrate the effect of the mutation on channel fast inactivation. Native PAGE was used to demonstrate channel dimerization, and electrophysiological measurements in HEK cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes were used to analyze the links between functional channel dimerization and impairment of fast inactivation by the hNav1.7/A1632E mutation. Key Results Enhanced persistent current through hNav1.7/A1632E channels was caused by impaired binding of the inactivation particle, which inhibits proper functioning of the recently proposed allosteric fast inactivation mechanism. hNav1.7 channels form dimers and the disease‐associated persistent current through hNav1.7/A1632E channels depends on their functional dimerization status: Expression of the synthetic peptide difopein, a 14‐3‐3 inhibitor known to functionally uncouple dimers, decreased hNav1.7/A1632E channel‐induced persistent currents. Conclusion and Implications Functional uncoupling of mutant hNav1.7/A1632E channel dimers restored their defective allosteric fast inactivation mechanism. Our findings support the concept of sodium channel dimerization and reveal its potential relevance for human pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika H Rühlmann
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Jannis Körner
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Ralf Hausmann
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Nikolay Bebrivenski
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Christian Neuhof
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Silvia Detro-Dassen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Petra Hautvast
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Carène A Benasolo
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany.,Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-1), Molekular- und Zellphysiologie, and JARA-HPC, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Machtens
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany.,Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-1), Molekular- und Zellphysiologie, and JARA-HPC, Jülich, Germany
| | - Günther Schmalzing
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Deutschland, 52074, Germany
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11
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Walther F, Feind D, Vom Dahl C, Müller CE, Kukaj T, Sattler C, Nagel G, Gao S, Zimmer T. Action potentials in Xenopus oocytes triggered by blue light. J Gen Physiol 2020; 152:151581. [PMID: 32211871 PMCID: PMC7201882 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201912489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels are responsible for the fast upstroke of the action potential of excitable cells. The different α subunits of Na+ channels respond to brief membrane depolarizations above a threshold level by undergoing conformational changes that result in the opening of the pore and a subsequent inward flux of Na+. Physiologically, these initial membrane depolarizations are caused by other ion channels that are activated by a variety of stimuli such as mechanical stretch, temperature changes, and various ligands. In the present study, we developed an optogenetic approach to activate Na+ channels and elicit action potentials in Xenopus laevis oocytes. All recordings were performed by the two-microelectrode technique. We first coupled channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), a light-sensitive ion channel of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to the auxiliary β1 subunit of voltage-gated Na+ channels. The resulting fusion construct, β1-ChR2, retained the ability to modulate Na+ channel kinetics and generate photosensitive inward currents. Stimulation of Xenopus oocytes coexpressing the skeletal muscle Na+ channel Nav1.4 and β1-ChR2 with 25-ms lasting blue-light pulses resulted in rapid alterations of the membrane potential strongly resembling typical action potentials of excitable cells. Blocking Nav1.4 with tetrodotoxin prevented the fast upstroke and the reversal of the membrane potential. Coexpression of the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv2.1 facilitated action potential repolarization considerably. Light-induced action potentials were also obtained by coexpressing β1-ChR2 with either the neuronal Na+ channel Nav1.2 or the cardiac-specific isoform Nav1.5. Potential applications of this novel optogenetic tool are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Walther
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Dominic Feind
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Vom Dahl
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Emanuel Müller
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Taulant Kukaj
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Sattler
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Georg Nagel
- Institute of Physiology-Neurophysiology, Biocentre, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Shiqiang Gao
- Institute of Physiology-Neurophysiology, Biocentre, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmer
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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12
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Zeng SL, Sudlow LC, Berezin MY. Using Xenopus oocytes in neurological disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:39-52. [PMID: 31674217 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1682993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Neurological diseases present a difficult challenge in drug discovery. Many of the current treatments have limited efficiency or result in a variety of debilitating side effects. The search of new therapies is of a paramount importance, since the number of patients that require a better treatment is growing rapidly. As an in vitro model, Xenopus oocytes provide the drug developer with many distinct advantages, including size, durability, and efficiency in exogenous protein expression. However, there is an increasing need to refine the recent breakthroughs.Areas covered: This review covers the usage and recent advancements of Xenopus oocytes for drug discovery in neurological diseases from expression and functional measurement techniques to current applications in Alzheimer's disease, painful neuropathies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The existing limitations of Xenopus oocytes in drug discovery are also discussed.Expert opinion: With the rise of aging population and neurological disorders, Xenopus oocytes, will continue to play an important role in understanding the mechanism of the disease, identification and validation of novel molecular targets, and drug screening, providing high-quality data despite the technical limitations. With further advances in oocytes-related techniques toward an accurate modeling of the disease, the diagnostics and treatment of neuropathologies will be becoming increasing personalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leland C Sudlow
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mikhail Y Berezin
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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13
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On the mechanism of the electrophysiological changes and membrane lesions induced by asbestos fiber exposure in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2014. [PMID: 30765791 PMCID: PMC6376119 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38591-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The so-called amphibole asbestos fibers are enriched with mineral iron ions, able to stimulate ROS production. We recently reported that crocidolite asbestos was able to interact with the cell membranes of Xenopus laevis oocytes, to alter their electrical membrane properties. Here, we found that applied iron ions (Fe3+) or H2O2 (for ROS generation) mimicked these effects, suggesting that at least one effect of iron-containing asbestos fiber exposure was mediated by ROS production. Furthermore, combined Fe3+ and H2O2 acted synergistically, producing a membrane effect stronger than that induced by these factors alone. Similar to crocidolite, these changes peaked within 30 minutes of incubation and vanished almost completely after 120 min. However, in the presence of cytochalasin D, which inhibits membrane actin repair mechanisms, crocidolite or applied Fe3+/H2O2 invariably produced oocyte cell death. While the electrophysiological modifications induced by crocidolite suggested a modification of an intrinsic chloride ion channel, the morphological appearance of the treated oocytes also indicated the formation of membrane “pores”; the effects of asbestos exposure may therefore consist of multiple (not necessarily exclusive) underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, using Xenopus oocytes allowed us for the first time, to focus on a specific membrane effect of crocidolite asbestos exposure, which deserves to be tested also on human lung cell lines. Much available evidence suggests that asbestos fibers damage cells through the production of ROS. Our present data confirm that crocidolite fibers can indeed trigger ROS-mediated damaging effects in the oocyte cell membrane, provided iron ions and H2O2 are available for ROS production.
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14
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Rojas V, Ortiz YY, Rodríguez S, Araque V, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Figarella K, Uzcátegui NL. Rhinella marina oocytes: a suitable alternative expression system for functional characterization of aquaglyceroporins. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18. [PMID: 30631140 PMCID: PMC6328568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian oocytes have been extensively used for heterologous expression of membrane proteins for studying their biochemical and biophysical properties. So far, Xenopus laevis is the main amphibian used as oocytes source to express aquaglyceroporins in order to assess water and solutes permeability. However, this well-established amphibian model represents a threat to the biodiversity in many countries, especially in those from tropical regions. For that reason, the import of Xenopus laevis is subjected to strict control, which essentially has restricted its use in these regions. Therefore, a wider variety of expression systems for aquaglyceroporins is needed. Rhinella marina is extensively distributed in the Americas and its native range spreads from South America to Texas, US. Here we report the use of Rhinella marina oocytes as an alternative expression system for aquaglyceroporins and demonstrated its suitability to determine the permeability to water and non-ionic solutes. Rhinella marina oocytes were able to functionally express channels from human and the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma brucei, two very distant organisms on the evolutionary scale. Permeability values obtained from Rhinella marina oocytes expressing members of aquaporin family were similar and comparable to those values reported in the literature for the same channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Rojas
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Yulexi Y Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Sheridan Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Vladimir Araque
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alexis Rodríguez-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Katherine Figarella
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Néstor L Uzcátegui
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico "José Izquierdo", Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
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15
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Fux JE, Mehta A, Moffat J, Spafford JD. Eukaryotic Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: On Their Origins, Asymmetries, Losses, Diversification and Adaptations. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1406. [PMID: 30519187 PMCID: PMC6259924 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The appearance of voltage-gated, sodium-selective channels with rapid gating kinetics was a limiting factor in the evolution of nervous systems. Two rounds of domain duplications generated a common 24 transmembrane segment (4 × 6 TM) template that is shared amongst voltage-gated sodium (Nav1 and Nav2) and calcium channels (Cav1, Cav2, and Cav3) and leak channel (NALCN) plus homologs from yeast, different single-cell protists (heterokont and unikont) and algae (green and brown). A shared architecture in 4 × 6 TM channels include an asymmetrical arrangement of extended extracellular L5/L6 turrets containing a 4-0-2-2 pattern of cysteines, glycosylated residues, a universally short III-IV cytoplasmic linker and often a recognizable, C-terminal PDZ binding motif. Six intron splice junctions are conserved in the first domain, including a rare U12-type of the minor spliceosome provides support for a shared heritage for sodium and calcium channels, and a separate lineage for NALCN. The asymmetrically arranged pores of 4x6 TM channels allows for a changeable ion selectivity by means of a single lysine residue change in the high field strength site of the ion selectivity filter in Domains II or III. Multicellularity and the appearance of systems was an impetus for Nav1 channels to adapt to sodium ion selectivity and fast ion gating. A non-selective, and slowly gating Nav2 channel homolog in single cell eukaryotes, predate the diversification of Nav1 channels from a basal homolog in a common ancestor to extant cnidarians to the nine vertebrate Nav1.x channel genes plus Nax. A close kinship between Nav2 and Nav1 homologs is evident in the sharing of most (twenty) intron splice junctions. Different metazoan groups have lost their Nav1 channel genes altogether, while vertebrates rapidly expanded their gene numbers. The expansion in vertebrate Nav1 channel genes fills unique functional niches and generates overlapping properties contributing to redundancies. Specific nervous system adaptations include cytoplasmic linkers with phosphorylation sites and tethered elements to protein assemblies in First Initial Segments and nodes of Ranvier. Analogous accessory beta subunit appeared alongside Nav1 channels within different animal sub-phyla. Nav1 channels contribute to pace-making as persistent or resurgent currents, the former which is widespread across animals, while the latter is a likely vertebrate adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Fux
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Amrit Mehta
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jack Moffat
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - J David Spafford
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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16
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Zhang J, Mohamad FH, Wong JH, Mohamad H, Ismail AH, Mohamed Yusoff AA, Osman H, Wong KT, Idris Z, Abdullah JM. The Effects of 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Identified from Bamboo ( Dendrocalamus asper) Shoots on Kv1.4 Channel. Malays J Med Sci 2018; 25:101-113. [PMID: 29599640 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bamboo shoot has been used as a treatment for epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine for generations to treat neuronal disorders such as convulsive, dizziness and headaches. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-hba) is a non-flavonoid phenol found abundantly in Dendrocalamus asper shoots (bamboo), fruits (strawberries and apples) and flowers. Kv1.4 is a rapidly inactivating Shaker-related member of the voltage-gated potassium channels with two inactivation mechanisms; the fast N-type and slow C-type. It plays vital roles in repolarisation, hyperpolarisation and signaling the restoration of resting membrane potential through the regulation of the movement of K+ across the cellular membrane. Methods Chemical compounds from Dendrocalamus asper bamboo shoots were purified and identified as major palmitic acids mixed with other minor fatty acids, palmitic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, lauric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and cholest-4-ene-3-one. The response of synthetic 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was tested on Kv1.4 potassium channel which was injected into viable oocytes that was extracted from Xenopus laevis. The current were detected by the two-microelectrode voltage clamp, holding potential starting from -80 mV with 20 mV step-up until +80 mV. Readings of treatments with 0.1% DMSO, 4-hba concentrations and K channel blockers were taken at +60 mV. The ratio of tail/peak amplitude is the index of the activity of the Kv1.4 channels with n ≥ 6 (number of oocytes tested). The decreases of the ratios of five different concentrations (1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM, 1 mM and 2.5 mM) were compared with 0.1% DMSO as the control. Results All concentration showed statistically significant results with P < 0.05 except for 100 μM. The normalised current of the 4-hba concentrations were compared with potassium channel blockers (TEA and 4-AP) and all groups showed statistically significant results. This study also showed that time taken for each concentration to affect Kv1.4 does not play any significant roles. Conclusion 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was found to be able to enhance the inactivation of Kv1.4 by lowering the membrane potential so that the abnormal neuronal firing can be inhibited. With IC50 slightly higher than 10 μM, increasing concentrations (100 μM, 1 mM and 2.5 mM) had shown to exhibit toxicity effects. The best concentration from this study is 10 μM with Hill slope of 0.1799.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jia Hui Wong
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Habsah Mohamad
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Hadi Ismail
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hasnah Osman
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Kok Tong Wong
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Zamzuri Idris
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jafri Malin Abdullah
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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17
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Abstract
The NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors play pivotal roles in many brain functions, but are also involved in numerous brain disorders. Seven NMDA receptor subunits exist (GluN1, GluN2A-D, and GluN3A-B) that assemble into a diverse array of tetrameric receptor subtypes with distinct functional properties and physiological roles. Most NMDA receptors are composed of two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits, which can assemble into four diheteromeric receptor subtypes composed of GluN1 and one type of GluN2 subunit (e.g., GluN1/2A), and presumably also six triheteromeric receptor subtypes composed of GluN1 and two different GluN2 subunits (e.g., GluN1/2A/2B). Despite accumulating evidence that a large proportion of native NMDA receptors are triheteromers, little is known about their function and pharmacology due to the lack of methods to faithfully express triheteromeric NMDA receptors in heterologous expression systems. The problem is that co-expression of GluN1 with two different GluN2 subunits generates two distinct diheteromeric receptor subtypes as well as one triheteromeric receptor subtype, thereby confounding studies on a homogenous population of triheteromeric NMDA receptors. Here, we will describe a method to selectively express recombinant triheteromeric GluN1/2A/2B receptors without interfering co-expression of diheteromeric GluN1/2A and GluN1/2B receptors. This method enables quantitative evaluation of functional and pharmacological properties of triheteromeric GluN1/2A/2B receptors, which are presumably the most abundant NMDA receptors in the adult cortex and hippocampus.
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18
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Kroncke BM, Van Horn WD, Smith J, Kang C, Welch RC, Song Y, Nannemann DP, Taylor KC, Sisco NJ, George AL, Meiler J, Vanoye CG, Sanders CR. Structural basis for KCNE3 modulation of potassium recycling in epithelia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501228. [PMID: 27626070 PMCID: PMC5017827 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The single-span membrane protein KCNE3 modulates a variety of voltage-gated ion channels in diverse biological contexts. In epithelial cells, KCNE3 regulates the function of the KCNQ1 potassium ion (K(+)) channel to enable K(+) recycling coupled to transepithelial chloride ion (Cl(-)) secretion, a physiologically critical cellular transport process in various organs and whose malfunction causes diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), cholera, and pulmonary edema. Structural, computational, biochemical, and electrophysiological studies lead to an atomically explicit integrative structural model of the KCNE3-KCNQ1 complex that explains how KCNE3 induces the constitutive activation of KCNQ1 channel activity, a crucial component in K(+) recycling. Central to this mechanism are direct interactions of KCNE3 residues at both ends of its transmembrane domain with residues on the intra- and extracellular ends of the KCNQ1 voltage-sensing domain S4 helix. These interactions appear to stabilize the activated "up" state configuration of S4, a prerequisite for full opening of the KCNQ1 channel gate. In addition, the integrative structural model was used to guide electrophysiological studies that illuminate the molecular basis for how estrogen exacerbates CF lung disease in female patients, a phenomenon known as the "CF gender gap."
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Kroncke
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Wade D. Van Horn
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Jarrod Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - CongBao Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard C. Welch
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Yuanli Song
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - David P. Nannemann
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Keenan C. Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Sisco
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Carlos G. Vanoye
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Charles R. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
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19
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Loganathan SK, Schneider HP, Morgan PE, Deitmer JW, Casey JR. Functional assessment of SLC4A11, an integral membrane protein mutated in corneal dystrophies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C735-C748. [PMID: 27558157 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00078.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SLC4A11, a member of the SLC4 family of bicarbonate transporters, is a widely expressed integral membrane protein, abundant in kidney and cornea. Mutations of SLC4A11 cause some cases of the blinding corneal dystrophies, congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy, and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. These diseases are marked by fluid accumulation in the corneal stroma, secondary to defective fluid reabsorption by the corneal endothelium. The role of SLC4A11 in these corneal dystrophies is not firmly established, as SLC4A11 function remains unclear. To clarify the normal function(s) of SLC4A11, we characterized the protein following expression in the simple, low-background expression system Xenopus laevis oocytes. Since plant and fungal SLC4A11 orthologs transport borate, we measured cell swelling associated with accumulation of solute borate. The plant water/borate transporter NIP5;1 manifested borate transport, whereas human SLC4A11 did not. SLC4A11 supported osmotically driven water accumulation that was electroneutral and Na+ independent. Studies in oocytes and HEK293 cells could not detect Na+-coupled HCO3- transport or Cl-/HCO3- exchange by SLC4A11. SLC4A11 mediated electroneutral NH3 transport in oocytes. Voltage-dependent OH- or H+ movement was not measurable in SLC4A11-expressing oocytes, but SLC4A11-expressing HEK293 cells manifested low-level cytosolic acidification at baseline. In mammalian cells, but not oocytes, OH-/H+ conductance may arise when SLC4A11 activates another protein or itself is activated by another protein. These data argue against a role of human SLC4A11 in bicarbonate or borate transport. This work provides additional support for water and ammonia transport by SLC4A11. When expressed in oocytes, SLC4A11 transported NH3, not NH3/H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampath K Loganathan
- Department of Biochemistry, Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hans-Peter Schneider
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, Fachbereich Biologie, Technische Universtät Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany; and
| | - Patricio E Morgan
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joachim W Deitmer
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, Fachbereich Biologie, Technische Universtät Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany; and
| | - Joseph R Casey
- Department of Biochemistry, Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
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Myers EJ, Yuan L, Felmlee MA, Lin YY, Jiang Y, Pei Y, Wang O, Li M, Xing XP, Marshall A, Xia WB, Parker MD. A novel mutant Na + /HCO3 - cotransporter NBCe1 in a case of compound-heterozygous inheritance of proximal renal tubular acidosis. J Physiol 2016; 594:6267-6286. [PMID: 27338124 DOI: 10.1113/jp272252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The inheritance of two defective alleles of SLC4A4, the gene that encodes the widely-expressed electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1, results in the bicarbonate-wasting disease proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA). In the present study, we report the first case of compound-heterozygous inheritance of pRTA (p.Arg510His/p.Gln913Arg) in an individual with low blood pH, blindness and neurological signs that resemble transient ischaemic attacks. We employ fluorescence microscopy on non-polarized (human embryonic kidney) and polarized (Madin-Darby canine kidney) renal cell lines and electrophysiology on Xenopus oocytes to characterize the mutant transporters (R510H and Q913R). Both mutant transporters exhibit enhanced intracellular retention in renal cells, an observation that probably explains the HCO3- transport deficit in the individual. Both mutants retain a close-to-normal per molecule Na+ /HCO3- cotransport activity in Xenopus oocytes, suggesting that they are suitable candidates for folding-correction therapy. However, Q913R expression is uniquely associated with a depolarizing, HCO3- independent, Cl- -conductance in oocytes that could have pathological consequences if expressed in the cells of patients. ABSTRACT Proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA) is a rare, recessively-inherited disease characterized by abnormally acidic blood, blindness, as well as below average height and weight. pRTA is typically associated with homozygous mutation of the solute carrier 4 family gene SLC4A4. SLC4A4 encodes the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1, a membrane protein that acts to maintain intracellular and plasma pH. We present the first description of a case of compound-heterozygous inheritance of pRTA. The individual has inherited two mutations in NBCe1: p.Arg510His (R510H) and p.Gln913Arg (Q913R), one from each parent. In addition to the usual features of pRTA, the patient exhibits unusual signs, such as muscle spasms and fever. We have recreated these mutant transporters for expression in model systems. We find that both of the mutant proteins exhibit substantial intracellular retention when expressed in mammalian renal cell lines. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, we find that the R510H and Q913R-mutant NBCe1 molecules exhibit apparently normal Na+ /HCO3- cotransport activity but that Q913R is associated with an unusual HCO3- independent anion-leak. We conclude that a reduced accumulation of NBCe1 protein in the basolateral membrane of proximal-tubule epithelia is the most probable cause of pRTA in this case. We further note that the Q913R-associated anion-leak could itself be pathogenic if expressed in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells, compromising the benefit of strategies aiming to enhance mutant NBCe1 accumulation in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Myers
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lu Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Melanie A Felmlee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA
| | - Yuan-Yuan Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Pei
- Department of Endocrinology, Chinese People's Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ou Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xing
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aniko Marshall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei-Bo Xia
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Mark D Parker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA. .,State University of New York Eye Institutes, University at Buffalo: The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Braguy J, Zurbriggen MD. Synthetic strategies for plant signalling studies: molecular toolbox and orthogonal platforms. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 87:118-38. [PMID: 27227549 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Plants deploy a wide array of signalling networks integrating environmental cues with growth, defence and developmental responses. The high level of complexity, redundancy and connection between several pathways hampers a comprehensive understanding of involved functional and regulatory mechanisms. The implementation of synthetic biology approaches is revolutionizing experimental biology in prokaryotes, yeasts and animal systems and can likewise contribute to a new era in plant biology. This review gives an overview on synthetic biology approaches for the development and implementation of synthetic molecular tools and techniques to interrogate, understand and control signalling events in plants, ranging from strategies for the targeted manipulation of plant genomes up to the spatiotemporally resolved control of gene expression using optogenetic approaches. We also describe strategies based on the partial reconstruction of signalling pathways in orthogonal platforms, like yeast, animal and in vitro systems. This allows a targeted analysis of individual signalling hubs devoid of interconnectivity with endogenous interacting components. Implementation of the interdisciplinary synthetic biology tools and strategies is not exempt of challenges and hardships but simultaneously most rewarding in terms of the advances in basic and applied research. As witnessed in other areas, these original theoretical-experimental avenues will lead to a breakthrough in the ability to study and comprehend plant signalling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Braguy
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätstrasse 1, Building 26.12.U1.25, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätstrasse 1, Building 26.12.U1.25, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
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Bliznyuk A, Gradwohl G, Hollmann M, Grossman Y. The Enigma of the Dichotomic Pressure Response of GluN1-4a/b Splice Variants of NMDA Receptor: Experimental and Statistical Analyses. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:40. [PMID: 27375428 PMCID: PMC4901057 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Professional deep-water divers, exposed to hyperbaric pressure (HP) above 1.1 MPa, develop High Pressure Neurological Syndrome (HPNS), which is associated with central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability. It was previously reported that HP augments N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic response, increases neuronal excitability and potentially causes irreversible neuronal damage. Our laboratory has reported differential current responses under HP conditions in NMDAR subtypes that contain either GluN1-1a or GluN1-1b splice variants co-expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with all four GluN2 subunits. Recently, we reported that the increase in ionic currents measured under HP conditions is also dependent on which of the eight splice variants of GluN1 is co-expressed with the GluN2 subunit. We now report that the NMDAR subtype that contains GluN1-4a/b splice variants exhibited "dichotomic" (either increased or decreased) responses at HP. The distribution of the results is not normal thus analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and clustering analysis were employed for statistical verification of the grouping. Furthermore, the calculated constants of alpha function distribution analysis for the two groups were similar, suggesting that the mechanism underlying the switch between an increase or a decrease of the current at HP is a single process, the nature of which is still unknown. This dichotomic response of the GluN1-4a/b splice variant may be used as a model for studying reduced response in NMDAR at HP. Successful reversal of other NMDAR subtypes response (i.e., current reduction) may allow the elimination of the reversible malfunctioning short term effects (HPNS), or even deleterious long term effects induced by increased NMDAR function during HP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bliznyuk
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-sheva, Israel
| | - Gideon Gradwohl
- Department of Physics, Jerusalem College of Technology Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Hollmann
- Department of Biochemistry I-Receptor Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Yoram Grossman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-sheva, Israel
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23
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Cristofori-Armstrong B, Soh MS, Talwar S, Brown DL, Griffin JDO, Dekan Z, Stow JL, King GF, Lynch JW, Rash LD. Xenopus borealis as an alternative source of oocytes for biophysical and pharmacological studies of neuronal ion channels. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14763. [PMID: 26440210 PMCID: PMC4594035 DOI: 10.1038/srep14763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For the past 30 years, oocytes from Xenopus laevis have been extensively used to express and characterise ion channels in an easily controlled environment. Here we report the first use of oocytes from the closely related species Xenopus borealis as an alternative expression system for neuronal ion channels. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we show that a wide variety of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels have the same channel properties and pharmacological profiles when expressed in either X. laevis or X. borealis oocytes. Potential advantages of the X. borealis oocytes include a smaller endogenous chloride current and the ability to produce more intense fluorescence signals when studied with voltage-clamp fluorometry. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a difference in vitelline membrane structure between the two species, which may be related to the discrepancy in fluorescence signals observed. We demonstrate that X. borealis oocytes are a viable heterologous system for expression of neuronal ion channels with some potential advantages over X. laevis oocytes for certain applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming S Soh
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahil Talwar
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Darren L Brown
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - John D O Griffin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joseph W Lynch
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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24
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Crespin L, Legros C, List O, Tricoire-Leignel H, Mattei C. Injection of insect membrane in Xenopus oocyte: An original method for the pharmacological characterization of neonicotinoid insecticides. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2015; 77:10-6. [PMID: 26391340 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) represent a major target of insecticides, belonging to the neonicotinoid family. However, the pharmacological profile of native nAChRs is poorly documented, mainly because of a lack of knowledge of their subunit stoichiometry, their tissue distribution and the weak access to nAChR-expressing cells. In addition, the expression of insect nAChRs in heterologous systems remains hard to achieve. Therefore, the structure-activity characterization of nAChR-targeting insecticides is made difficult. The objective of the present study was to characterize insect nAChRs by an electrophysiological approach in a heterologous system naturally devoid of these receptors to allow a molecular/cellular investigation of the mode of action of neonicotinoids. Methods To overcome impediments linked to the expression of insect nAChR mRNA or cDNA, we chose to inject insect membranes from the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) into Xenopus oocytes. This microtransplantation technique was designed to gain access to native nAChRs embedded in their membrane, through direct stimulation with nicotinic agonists. Results We provide evidence that an enriched-nAChR membrane allows us to characterize native receptors. The presence of such receptors was confirmed with fluorescent α-BgTX labeling. Electrophysiological recordings of nicotine-induced inward currents allowed us to challenge the presence of functional nAChR. We compared the effect of nicotine (NIC) with clothianidin (CLO) and we assessed the effect of thiamethoxam (TMX). Discussion This technique has been recently highlighted with mammalian and human material as a powerful functional approach, but has, to our knowledge, never been used with insect membrane. In addition, the use of the insect membrane microtransplantation opens a new and original way for pharmacological screening of neurotoxic insecticides, including neonicotinoids. Moreover, it might also be a powerful tool to investigate the pharmacological properties of insect nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Crespin
- Laboratoire de Biologie Neurovasculaire et Mitochondriale Intégrée CNRS UMR6214, INSERM U1083, Univ. Angers Faculté de Médecine, rue Haute de Reculée, 49045 Angers cedex 01, France
| | - Christian Legros
- Laboratoire de Biologie Neurovasculaire et Mitochondriale Intégrée CNRS UMR6214, INSERM U1083, Univ. Angers Faculté de Médecine, rue Haute de Reculée, 49045 Angers cedex 01, France
| | - Olivier List
- Récepteurs et Canaux Ioniques Membranaires, UPRES-EA 2647 USC INRA 1330, SFR 4207 QUASAV, Univ. Angers, 2 Bd Lavoisier, 49045 Angers cedex 01, France
| | - Hélène Tricoire-Leignel
- INRA/Université d'Angers, Neuroéthologie-RCIM, UPRES-EA 2647 USC INRA 1330, SFR 4207 QUASAV, 42, rue Georges Morel, 49071 Beaucouzé, France.
| | - César Mattei
- Laboratoire de Biologie Neurovasculaire et Mitochondriale Intégrée CNRS UMR6214, INSERM U1083, Univ. Angers Faculté de Médecine, rue Haute de Reculée, 49045 Angers cedex 01, France.
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Bliznyuk A, Aviner B, Golan H, Hollmann M, Grossman Y. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor's neglected subunit - GluN1 matters under normal and hyperbaric conditions. Eur J Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26202884 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Professional deep-water divers exposed to hyperbaric pressure (HP) above 1.1 MPa develop high-pressure neurological syndrome, which is associated with central nervous system hyperexcitability. It was previously reported that HP augments N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic responses, increases neuronal excitability, and potentially causes irreversible neuronal damage. In addition, we have reported that HP (10.1 MPa) differentially affects ionic currents, measured by the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, of eight specific NMDAR subtypes generated by the co-expression of GluN1-1a or GluN1-1b with one of the four GluN2(A-D) subunits in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We now report that eight GluN1 splice variants, when co-expressed with GluN2A, mediate different ionic currents at normal and HP (5.1 MPa). These data, in conjunction with our previous results, indicate that both GluN1 and GluN2 subunits play a critical role in determining NMDAR currents under normal and HP conditions. These data, given the differential spatial distribution of the different NMDAR subtypes in the central nervous system, may offer a partial explanation for the mechanism governing the complex signs and symptoms of high-pressure neurological syndrome, and an explanation for the suspected long-term HP health decrement due to repetitive deep dives by professional divers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bliznyuk
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ben Aviner
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Hava Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Michael Hollmann
- Department of Biochemistry I, Receptor Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yoram Grossman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
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26
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Kowalski M, Hausmann R, Schmid J, Dopychai A, Stephan G, Tang Y, Schmalzing G, Illes P, Rubini P. Flexible subunit stoichiometry of functional human P2X2/3 heteromeric receptors. Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:115-30. [PMID: 26184350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to clarify whether heterotrimeric P2X2/3 receptors have a fixed subunit stoichiometry consisting of one P2X2 and two P2X3 subunits as previously suggested, or a flexible stoichiometry containing also the inverse subunit composition. For this purpose we transfected HEK293 cells with P2X2 and P2X3 encoding cDNA at the ratios of 1:2 and 4:1, and analysed the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the generated receptors by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The concentration-response curves for the selective agonist α,β-meATP did not differ from each other under the two transfection ratios. However, co-expression of an inactive P2X2 mutant and the wild type P2X3 subunit and vice versa resulted in characteristic distortions of the α,β-meATP concentration-response relationships, depending on which subunit was expressed in excess, suggesting that HEK293 cells express mixtures of (P2X2)1/(P2X3)2 and (P2X2)2/(P2X3)1 receptors. Whereas the allosteric modulators H+ and Zn2+ failed to discriminate between the two possible heterotrimeric receptor variants, the α,β-meATP-induced responses were blocked more potently by the competitive antagonist A317491, when the P2X2 subunit was expressed in deficit of the P2X3 subunit. Furthermore, blue-native PAGE analysis of P2X2 and P2X3 subunits co-expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK293 cells revealed that plasma membrane-bound P2X2/3 receptors appeared in two clearly distinct heterotrimeric complexes: a (P2X2-GFP)2/(P2X3)1 complex and a (P2X2-GFP)1/(P2X3)2 complex. These data strongly indicate that the stoichiometry of the heteromeric P2X2/3 receptor is not fixed, but determined in a permutational manner by the relative availability of P2X2 and P2X3 subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kowalski
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hausmann
- Molecular Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Schmid
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anke Dopychai
- Molecular Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Stephan
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yong Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610075 Chengdu, China
| | | | - Peter Illes
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrizia Rubini
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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Pujol-Giménez J, Pérez A, Reyes AM, Loo DDF, Lostao MP. Functional characterization of the human facilitative glucose transporter 12 (GLUT12) by electrophysiological methods. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 308:C1008-22. [PMID: 25855082 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00343.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GLUT12 is a member of the facilitative family of glucose transporters. The goal of this study was to characterize the functional properties of GLUT12, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, using radiotracer and electrophysiological methods. Our results showed that GLUT12 is a facilitative sugar transporter with substrate selectivity: d-glucose ≥ α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside (α-MG) > 2-deoxy-d-glucose(2-DOG) > d-fructose = d-galactose. α-MG is a characteristic substrate of the Na(+)/glucose (SGLT) family and has not been shown to be a substrate of any of the GLUTs. In the absence of sugar, (22)Na(+) was transported through GLUT12 at a higher rate (40%) than noninjected oocytes, indicating that there is a Na(+) leak through GLUT12. Genistein, an inhibitor of GLUT1, also inhibited sugar uptake by GLUT12. Glucose uptake was increased by the PKA activator 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) but not by the PKC activator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In high K(+) concentrations, glucose uptake was blocked. Addition of glucose to the external solution induced an inward current with a reversal potential of approximately -15 mV and was blocked by Cl(-) channel blockers, indicating the current was carried by Cl(-) ions. The sugar-activated Cl(-) currents were unaffected by genistein. In high external K(+) concentrations, sugar-activated Cl(-) currents were also blocked, indicating that GLUT12 activity is voltage dependent. Furthermore, glucose-induced current was increased by the PKA activator 8-Br-cAMP but not by the PKC activator PMA. These new features of GLUT12 are very different from those described for other GLUTs, indicating that GLUT12 must have a specific physiological role within glucose homeostasis, still to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonai Pujol-Giménez
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pérez
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; and
| | - Alejandro M Reyes
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; and
| | - Donald D F Loo
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Maria Pilar Lostao
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain;
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Abstract
The oocytes of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) comprise one of the most widely used membrane protein expression systems. While frequently used for studies of transporters and ion channels, the application of this system to the study of mechanosensitive ion channels has been overlooked, perhaps due to a relative abundance of native expression systems. Recent advances, however, have illustrated the advantages of the oocyte system for studying plant and bacterial mechanosensitive channels. Here we describe in detail the methods used for heterologous expression and characterization of bacterial and plant mechanosensitive channels in Xenopus oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory Maksaev
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, One Brookings Drive, Mail Code 1137, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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Transport of Lactate: Characterization of the Transporters Involved in Transport at the Plasma Membrane by Heterologous Protein Expression in Xenopus Oocytes. BRAIN ENERGY METABOLISM 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1059-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Liu Z, Liu K. The transporters of intestinal tract and techniques applied to evaluate interactions between drugs and transporters. Asian J Pharm Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2013.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Taiakina V, Boone AN, Fux J, Senatore A, Weber-Adrian D, Guillemette JG, Spafford JD. The calmodulin-binding, short linear motif, NSCaTE is conserved in L-type channel ancestors of vertebrate Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61765. [PMID: 23626724 PMCID: PMC3634016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
NSCaTE is a short linear motif of (xWxxx(I or L)xxxx), composed of residues with a high helix-forming propensity within a mostly disordered N-terminus that is conserved in L-type calcium channels from protostome invertebrates to humans. NSCaTE is an optional, lower affinity and calcium-sensitive binding site for calmodulin (CaM) which competes for CaM binding with a more ancient, C-terminal IQ domain on L-type channels. CaM bound to N- and C- terminal tails serve as dual detectors to changing intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, promoting calcium-dependent inactivation of L-type calcium channels. NSCaTE is absent in some arthropod species, and is also lacking in vertebrate L-type isoforms, Cav1.1 and Cav1.4 channels. The pervasiveness of a methionine just downstream from NSCaTE suggests that L-type channels could generate alternative N-termini lacking NSCaTE through the choice of translational start sites. Long N-terminus with an NSCaTE motif in L-type calcium channel homolog LCav1 from pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis has a faster calcium-dependent inactivation than a shortened N-termini lacking NSCaTE. NSCaTE effects are present in low concentrations of internal buffer (0.5 mM EGTA), but disappears in high buffer conditions (10 mM EGTA). Snail and mammalian NSCaTE have an alpha-helical propensity upon binding Ca2+-CaM and can saturate both CaM N-terminal and C-terminal domains in the absence of a competing IQ motif. NSCaTE evolved in ancestors of the first animals with internal organs for promoting a more rapid, calcium-sensitive inactivation of L-type channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Fux
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | | | | | | | - J. David Spafford
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Ochoa-de la Paz LD, Salazar-Soto DB, Reyes JP, Miledi R, Martinez-Torres A. A hyperpolarization-activated ion current of amphibian oocytes. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:1087-99. [PMID: 23440457 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of a hyperpolarization-activated ion current present in amphibian oocytes was performed using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique in Xenopus laevis, Xenopus tropicalis, and Ambystoma mexicanum. This current appears to be driven mainly by Cl(-) ions, is independent of Ca(2+), and is made evident by applying extremely negative voltage pulses; it shows a slow activating phase and little or no desensitization. The pharmacological profile of the current is complex. The different channel blocker used for Cl(-), K(+), Na(+) and Ca(2+) conductances, exhibited various degrees of inhibition depending of the species. The profiles illustrate the intricacy of the components that give rise to this current. During X. laevis oogenesis, the hyperpolarization-activated current is present at all stages of oocytes tested (II-VI), and the amplitude of the current increases from about 50 nA in stage I to more than 1 μA in stage VI; nevertheless, there was no apparent modification of the kinetics. Our results suggest that the hyperpolarization-activated current is present both in order Anura and Urodela oocytes. However, the electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics are quite perplexing and seem to suggest a mixture of ionic conductances that includes the activation of both anionic and cationic channels, most probably transiently opened due to the extreme hyperpolarizion of the plasma membrane. As a possible mechanism for the generation of the current, a kinetic model which fits the data suggests the opening of pores in the plasma membrane whose ion selectivity is dependent on the extracellular Cl(-) concentration. The extreme voltage conditions could induce the opening of otherwise latent pores in plasma membrane proteins (i.e., carriers), resembling the ´slippage´ events already described for some carriers. These observations should be valuable for other groups trying to express cloned, voltage-dependent ion channels in oocytes of amphibian in which hyperpolarizing voltage pulses are applied to activate the channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Ochoa-de la Paz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro, CP 76230, Mexico.
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Lemtiri-Chlieh F, Ali R. Characterization of heterologously expressed transporter genes by patch- and voltage-clamp methods: application to cyclic nucleotide-dependent responses. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1016:67-93. [PMID: 23681573 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-441-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The application of patch- and voltage-clamp methods to study ion transport can be limited by many -hurdles: the size of the cells to be patched and/or stabbed, the subcellular localization of the molecule of interest, and its density of expression that could be too low even in their own native environment. Functional expression of genes using recombinant DNA technology not only overcomes those hurdles but also affords additional and elegant investigations such as single-point mutation studies and subunit -associations/regulations. In this chapter, we give a step-by-step description of two electrophysiological methods, patch clamp and two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC), that are routinely used in combination with heterologous gene expression to assist researchers interested in the identification and characterization of ion transporters. We describe how to (1) obtain and maintain the cells suitable for the use with each of the above-mentioned methods (i.e., HEK-293 cells and yeast spheroplasts to use with the patch-clamp methodology and Xenopus laevis oocytes with TEVC), (2) transfect/inject them with the gene of interest, and (3) record ion transport activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Lemtiri-Chlieh
- Division of Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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Sassi A, Mieulet D, Khan I, Moreau B, Gaillard I, Sentenac H, Véry AA. The rice monovalent cation transporter OsHKT2;4: revisited ionic selectivity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 160:498-510. [PMID: 22773759 PMCID: PMC3440223 DOI: 10.1104/pp.112.194936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The family of plant membrane transporters named HKT (for high-affinity K(+) transporters) can be subdivided into subfamilies 1 and 2, which, respectively, comprise Na(+)-selective transporters and transporters able to function as Na(+)-K(+) symporters, at least when expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or Xenopus oocytes. Surprisingly, a subfamily 2 member from rice (Oryza sativa), OsHKT2;4, has been proposed to form cation/K(+) channels or transporters permeable to Ca(2+) when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Here, OsHKT2;4 functional properties were reassessed in Xenopus oocytes. A Ca(2+) permeability through OsHKT2;4 was not detected, even at very low external K(+) concentration, as shown by highly negative OsHKT2;4 zero-current potential in high Ca(2+) conditions and lack of sensitivity of OsHKT2;4 zero-current potential and conductance to external Ca(2+). The Ca(2+) permeability previously attributed to OsHKT2;4 probably resulted from activation of an endogenous oocyte conductance. OsHKT2;4 displayed a high permeability to K(+) compared with that to Na(+) (permeability sequence: K(+) > Rb(+) ≈ Cs(+) > Na(+) ≈ Li(+) ≈ NH(4)(+)). Examination of OsHKT2;4 current sensitivity to external pH suggested that H(+) is not significantly permeant through OsHKT2;4 in most physiological ionic conditions. Further analyses in media containing both Na(+) and K(+) indicated that OsHKT2;4 functions as K(+)-selective transporter at low external Na(+), but transports also Na(+) at high (>10 mm) Na(+) concentrations. These data identify OsHKT2;4 as a new functional type in the K(+) and Na(+)-permeable HKT transporter subfamily. Furthermore, the high permeability to K(+) in OsHKT2;4 supports the hypothesis that this system is dedicated to K(+) transport in the plant.
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Liu TA, Chang HK, Shieh RC. Revisiting inward rectification: K ions permeate through Kir2.1 channels during high-affinity block by spermidine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 139:245-59. [PMID: 22371365 PMCID: PMC3290795 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201110736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Outward currents through Kir2.1 channels play crucial roles in controlling the electrical properties of excitable cells, and such currents are subjected to voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines that bind to both high- and low-affinity sites on the channels. Under physiological conditions, high-affinity block is saturated and yet outward Kir2.1 currents can still occur, implying that high-affinity polyamine block cannot completely eliminate outward Kir2.1 currents. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that high-affinity spermidine block, rather than completely occluding the single-channel pore, induces a subconducting state in which conductance is 20% that of the fully open channel. In a D172N mutant lacking the high-affinity polyamine-binding site, spermidine does not induce such a substate. However, the kinetics for the transitions between the substate and zero-current state in wild-type channels is the same as that of low-affinity block in the D172N mutant, supporting the notion that these are identical molecular events. Thus, the residual outward current after high-affinity spermidine block is susceptible to low-affinity block, which determines the final amplitude of the outward current. This study provides a detailed insight into the mechanism underlying the emergence of outward Kir2.1 currents regulated by inward rectification attributed to high- and low-affinity polyamine blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-An Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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Parker MD, Qin X, Williamson RC, Toye AM, Boron WF. HCO(3)(-)-independent conductance with a mutant Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (SLC4A4) in a case of proximal renal tubular acidosis with hypokalaemic paralysis. J Physiol 2012; 590:2009-34. [PMID: 22331414 PMCID: PMC3573318 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.224733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The renal electrogenic Na(+)/HCO(3)(−) cotransporter (NBCe1-A) contributes to the basolateral step of transepithelial HCO(3)(−) reabsorption in proximal tubule epithelia, contributing to the buffering of blood pH. Elsewhere in the body (e.g. muscle cells) NBCe1 variants contribute to, amongst other processes, maintenance of intracellular pH. Others have described a homozygous mutation in NBCe1 (NBCe1-A p.Ala799Val) in an individual with severe proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA; usually associated with defective HCO(3)(−) reabsorption in proximal tubule cells) and hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP; usually associated with leaky cation channels in muscle cells). Using biotinylation and two-electrode voltage-clamp on Xenopus oocytes expressing NBCe1, we demonstrate that the mutant NBCe1-A (A(A799V)) exhibits a per-molecule transport defect that probably contributes towards the observed pRTA. Furthermore, we find that A(A799V) expression is associated with an unusual HCO(3)(−)-independent conductance that, if associated with mutant NBCe1 in muscle cells, could contribute towards the appearance of hypokalaemic paralysis in the affected individual. We also study three novel lab mutants of NBCe1-A: p.Ala799Ile, p.Ala799Gly and p.Ala799Ser. All three exhibit a per-molecule transport defect, but only A(A799I) exhibits an A(A799V)-like ion conductance. A(A799G) and A(A799S) exhibit unusual outward rectification in their HCO(3)(−)-dependent conductance and A(A799G) exhibits reduced sensitivity to both DIDS and tenidap. A799G is the first mutation shown to affect the apparent tenidap affinity of NBCe1. Finally we show that A(A799V) and A(A799I), which accumulate poorly in the plasma membrane of oocytes, exhibit signs of abnormal intracellular accumulation in a non-polarized renal cell-line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Parker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Maksaev G, Haswell ES. Expression and characterization of the bacterial mechanosensitive channel MscS in Xenopus laevis oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 138:641-9. [PMID: 22084416 PMCID: PMC3226970 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have successfully expressed and characterized mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) from Escherichia coli in oocytes of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. MscS expressed in oocytes has the same single-channel conductance and voltage dependence as the channel in its native environment. Two hallmarks of MscS activity, the presence of conducting substates at high potentials and reversible adaptation to a sustained stimulus, are also exhibited by oocyte-expressed MscS. In addition to its ease of use, the oocyte system allows the user to work with relatively large patches, which could be an advantage for the visualization of membrane deformation. Furthermore, MscS can now be compared directly to its eukaryotic homologues or to other mechanosensitive channels that are not easily studied in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory Maksaev
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Ramirez-Gordillo D, Trujillo-Provencio C, Knight VB, Serrano EE. Optimization of gene delivery methods in Xenopus laevis kidney (A6) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines for heterologous expression of Xenopus inner ear genes. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2011; 47:640-52. [PMID: 21959846 PMCID: PMC4038349 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-011-9451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Xenopus inner ear provides a useful model for studies of hearing and balance because it shares features with the mammalian inner ear, and because amphibians are capable of regenerating damaged mechanosensory hair cells. The structure and function of many proteins necessary for inner ear function have yet to be elucidated and require methods for analysis. To this end, we seek to characterize Xenopus inner ear genes outside of the animal model through heterologous expression in cell lines. As part of this effort, we aimed to optimize physical (electroporation), chemical (lipid-mediated; Lipofectamine™ 2000, Metafectene® Pro), and biological (viral-mediated; BacMam virus Cellular Lights™ Tubulin-RFP) gene delivery methods in amphibian (Xenopus; A6) cells and mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)) cells. We successfully introduced the commercially available pEGFP-N3, pmCherry-N1, pEYFP-Tubulin, and Cellular Lights™ Tubulin-RFP fluorescent constructs to cells and evaluated their transfection or transduction efficiencies using the three gene delivery methods. In addition, we analyzed the transfection efficiency of a novel construct synthesized in our laboratory by cloning the Xenopus inner ear calcium-activated potassium channel β1 subunit, then subcloning the subunit into the pmCherry-N1 vector. Every gene delivery method was significantly more effective in CHO cells. Although results for the A6 cell line were not statistically significant, both cell lines illustrate a trend towards more efficient gene delivery using viral-mediated methods; however the cost of viral transduction is also much higher. Our findings demonstrate the need to improve gene delivery methods for amphibian cells and underscore the necessity for a greater understanding of amphibian cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ramirez-Gordillo
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3AF, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
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