Neurotransmitter transporters: molecular biology, function, and regulation

Role of Tryptophan in Microbiota-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior: Evidence From Tryptophan Depletion Study

During the past decade, there has been a substantial rise in the knowledge about the effects of gut microbiota on host physiology and behavior, including depressive behavior. Initial studies determined that gut microbiota can regulate host tryptophan levels, which is a main serotonin precursor. A dysfunctional serotonergic system is considered to be one of the main factors contributing to the development of depression. Therefore, we hypothesized that regulation of brain tryptophan and serotonin can explain, at least partly, the effects of microbiota on depressive behavior. To test this hypothesis, we examined depressive-like behavior and brain levels of serotonin and tryptophan, of germ free (GF) and specific-pathogen free (SPF) mice under basal conditions, or after acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) procedure, which is a method to decrease tryptophan and serotonin levels in the brain. In basal conditions, GF mice exhibited less depressive-like behavior in sucrose preference, tail-suspension and forced swim tests, compared to SPF mice. In addition, in mice that were not subjected to ATD, GF mice displayed higher levels of tryptophan, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (the main degradation product of serotonin) in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HIPPO), compared to SPF mice. Interestingly, ATD increased depressive-like behavior of GF, but not of SPF mice. These behavioral changes were accompanied by a stronger reduction of tryptophan, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in mPFC and HIPPO in GF mice after ATD, when compared to SPF mice. Therefore, the serotonergic system of GF mice is more vulnerable to the acute challenge of tryptophan reduction, and GF mice after tryptophan reduction behave more similarly to SPF mice. These data provide functional evidence that microbiota affects depression-like behavior through influencing brain tryptophan accessibility and the serotonergic system.

Review article: the many potential roles of intestinal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signalling in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important mediator of every major gut-related function. Recent investigations also suggest that 5-HT can influence the development and severity of inflammation within the gut, particularly in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM

To review the roles that the intestinal serotonin signalling system plays in gut function, with a specific focus on IBD.

METHODS

We reviewed manuscripts from 1952 to 2017 that investigated and discussed roles for 5-HT signalling in gastrointestinal function and IBD, as well as the influence of inflammation on 5-HT signalling elements within the gut.

RESULTS

Inflammation appears to affect every major element of intestinal 5-HT signalling, including 5-HT synthesis, release, receptor expression and reuptake capacity. Importantly, many studies (most utilising animal models) also demonstrate that modulation of selective serotonergic receptors (via agonism of 5-HT₄ R and antagonism of 5-HT₃ R) or 5-HT signal termination (via serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can alter the likelihood and severity of intestinal inflammation and/or its complicating symptoms. However, there are few human studies that have studied these relationships in a targeted manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Insights discussed in this review have strong potential to lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the management of IBD and other related disorders. Specifically, strategies that focus on modifying the activity of selective serotonin receptors and reuptake transporters in the gut could be effective for controlling disease activity and/or its associated symptoms. Further studies in humans are required, however, to more completely understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the roles of 5-HT in this setting.

Effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine on the subcellular localization of 5-HT1A receptors and SERT

Serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors (5-HT(1A)autoR) and the plasmalemmal 5-HT transporter (SERT) are key elements in the regulation of central 5-HT function and its responsiveness to antidepressant drugs. Previous immuno-electron microscopic studies in rats have demonstrated an internalization of 5-HT(1A)autoR upon acute administration of the selective agonist 8-OH-DPAT or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant fluoxetine. Interestingly, it was subsequently shown in cats as well as in humans that this internalization is detectable by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the 5-HT(1A) radioligand [(18)F]MPPF. Further immunocytochemical studies also revealed that, after chronic fluoxetine treatment, the 5-HT(1A)autoR, although present in normal density on the plasma membrane of 5-HT cell bodies and dendrites, do not internalize when challenged with 8-OH-DPAT. Resensitization requires several weeks after discontinuation of the chronic fluoxetine treatment. In contrast, the SERT internalizes in both the cell bodies and axon terminals of 5-HT neurons after chronic but not acute fluoxetine treatment. Moreover, the total amount of SERT immunoreactivity is then reduced, suggesting that SERT is not only internalized, but also degraded in the course of the treatment. Ongoing and future investigations prompted by these finding are briefly outlined by way of conclusion.

Association of SLC6A9 gene variants with human essential hypertension

AIM

We previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 5 that appeared to be primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. Because sympathetic overactivity is related to hypertension, solute carrier family 6, member 9 (SLC6A9) is a candidate gene for the connection of this QTL with blood pressure regulation. In the present study, we therefore explored the role of SLC6A9 genetic variations in human essential hypertension (EH).

METHODS

We evaluated three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2286245, rs3791124 and rs2486001) in 758 essential hypertension patients and 726 controls. Polymorphism-related genotypes were determined with TaqMan assays.

RESULTS

The allelic frequency of rs2286245 (C versus T, p=0.032) showed significant differences between EH and normotensive controls (NT) groups. The genotypic distribution of rs3791124 in its dominant model (AA+GA versus GG, p=0.027) also showed significant differences between EH and NT groups. The genotype and allele distributions of rs2486001 did not exhibit any significant differences.

CONCLUSION

We found an association between SLC6A9 gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension in a Japanese population, suggesting that SLC6A9 is a susceptibility locus for essential hypertension.

Catecholaminergic systems in stress: structural and molecular genetic approaches

Stressful stimuli evoke complex endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses that are extremely variable and specific depending on the type and nature of the stressors. We first provide a short overview of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of sympatho-adrenomedullary, sympatho-neural, and brain catecholaminergic systems. Important processes of catecholamine biosynthesis, storage, release, secretion, uptake, reuptake, degradation, and transporters in acutely or chronically stressed organisms are described. We emphasize the structural variability of catecholamine systems and the molecular genetics of enzymes involved in biosynthesis and degradation of catecholamines and transporters. Characterization of enzyme gene promoters, transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, transcription factors, gene expression and protein translation, as well as different phases of stress-activated transcription and quantitative determination of mRNA levels in stressed organisms are discussed. Data from catecholamine enzyme gene knockout mice are shown. Interaction of catecholaminergic systems with other neurotransmitter and hormonal systems are discussed. We describe the effects of homotypic and heterotypic stressors, adaptation and maladaptation of the organism, and the specificity of stressors (physical, emotional, metabolic, etc.) on activation of catecholaminergic systems at all levels from plasma catecholamines to gene expression of catecholamine enzymes. We also discuss cross-adaptation and the effect of novel heterotypic stressors on organisms adapted to long-term monotypic stressors. The extra-adrenal nonneuronal adrenergic system is described. Stress-related central neuronal regulatory circuits and central organization of responses to various stressors are presented with selected examples of regulatory molecular mechanisms. Data summarized here indicate that catecholaminergic systems are activated in different ways following exposure to distinct stressful stimuli.

Monoamine transporters in human endometrium and decidua

BACKGROUND

Monoamines play important roles in decidualization, implantation, immune modulation and inflammation. Furthermore, monoamines are potent vasoactive mediators that regulate blood flow and capillary permeability. Regulation of the uterine blood flow is important both during menstruation and pregnancy. Adequate monoamine concentrations are essential for a proper implantation and physiological development of pregnancy. Unlike most transmitter substances, monoamines are recycled by monoamine transporters rather than enzymatically inactivated. Their intracellular fate is influenced by their lower affinity for inactivating enzymes than for vesicular transporters located in intracellular vesicles. Thus, cells are capable not only of recapturizing and degrading monoamines, but also of storing and releasing them in a controlled fashion.

METHODS

The general objective of the present review is to summarize the role of the monoamine transporters in the female human reproduction. Since the transporter proteins critically regulate extracellular monoamine concentrations, knowledge of their distribution and cyclic variation is of great importance for a deeper understanding of the contribution of monoaminergic mechanisms in the reproductive process. MEDLINE was searched for relevant publications from 1950 to 2007.

RESULTS

Two families of monoamine transporters, neuronal and extraneuronal monoamine transporters, are present in the human endometrium and deciduas.

CONCLUSIONS

New knowledge about monoamine metabolism in the endometrium during menstruation and pregnancy will increase understanding of infertility problems and may offer new pharmacological approaches to optimize assisted reproduction.

cDNA expression cloning in mammalian cells

This unit contains protocols for expression cloning in mammalian cells. Either calcium phosphate- or liposome-mediated transfection of mammalian cells, or virus infection and liposome-mediated transfection are used to screen pools derived from a cDNA library. cDNA pools are prepared for cloning from library-transformed E. coli grown in liquid culture medium or on antibiotic-containing selection plates. Results of screening assays for expression can be detected using autoradiography of dishes of cultured cells to identify clones, direct visualization of radiolabeled cells on emulsion-coated and developed chamber slides, detection and quantification of gene activity by a functional (transport) assay with scintillation counting, or detection using a filter-based assay for binding of radioligand to membranes or whole cells. The most critical step of any cDNA cloning project is the establishment of the screening protocol. Therefore, the bioassay for the gene product must be established prior to executing any of these protocols, including construction of the cDNA library.

The organic cation transporters (OCT1, OCT2, EMT) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) show differential distribution and cyclic expression pattern in human endometrium and early pregnancy decidua

The non-neuronal monoamine transporters (OCT1, OCT2, EMT, and PMAT) play a key role in the clearance of monoamines from extracellular compartments. In a previous report we described endometrial distribution and cyclic variation of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) mRNA and the neuronal norepinephrine transporter (NET) mRNA. In the present study we used in situ hybridization, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry to reveal tissue distribution and cyclic variation of mRNA for the non-neuronal monoamine transporters in the human endometrium and early pregnancy decidua. We found that non-neuronal monoamine transporters are predominantly expressed in the stroma. The plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) mRNA expression peaked in the proliferative phase, whereas the extra-neuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) mRNA expression peaked in the secretory phase. The organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) mRNA expression was exclusively detected in few scattered stromal cells and OCT1 mRNA was not detected at all. Our present results demonstrate that PMAT, EMT, and OCT2 transporters are expressed in the endometrial stroma and can potentially regulate reuptake of monoamines in general and histamine in particular. Taken together with our previous finding of VMAT2 mRNA in epithelial cells, we suggest a paracrine interaction between stromal and epithelial cells, which may modulate certain steps of the reproductive process.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of the murine noradrenaline transporter

The cDNA of the murine noradrenaline transporter (mNAT) was cloned from the RNA of the placenta of a C57BL/6 mouse. The cloned mNAT differs from a previously published sequence in two amino acids within the C-terminal region. A cDNA obtained from an inbred mouse strain showed a further amino acid exchange (Ile(505)Val) within the fifth intracellular loop. The pharmacological properties of both, the wild-type mNAT and the variant (mNAT-I(505)V), were studied in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells transfected with the corresponding cDNA. The kinetic constants for transport (K (m), V (max)) of [(3)H]noradrenaline ([(3)H]-NA) and binding (K (D), B (max)) of the selective NAT inhibitor [(3)H]nisoxetine were not different between the two isoforms; the mean kinetic constants amounted to about 4 microM and 120pmol/mg protein for K (m) and V (max) and 6nM and 18pmol/mg protein for K (D) and B (max), respectively. [(3)H]-NA transport by both isoforms showed the typical properties of an NAT because it was dependent on sodium and chloride and inhibited with almost identical K (i) values by various NAT substrates and inhibitors. The only significant pharmacological difference identified between the two mNAT isoforms was an about threefold higher affinity for cocaine of the very rare mNAT-I(505)V variant.

Increased fetal blood pressure response to maternal norepinephrine after pharmacological inhibition of norepinephrine uptake in pregnant sheep

OBJECTIVE

Norepinephrine (NE) is elevated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE). Specific uptake of NE by the NE transporter (NET) plays a central role as regulator of NE levels. Expression of NET is reduced in placentas from PE pregnancies. To study adverse fetal effects of reduced NET expression on the placental buffering capacity, the NET was pharmacologically blocked by a specific uptake inhibitor reboxetine.

STUDY DESIGN

We evaluated the effect of NE uptake inhibition on maternal and fetal arterial blood pressure responses to increasing maternal doses of NE in 10 chronically prepared fetal sheep. Arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously during increasing doses of i.v. NE.

RESULTS

NET inhibition increased both fetal and maternal mean arterial blood pressure (p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Reuptake by NET appears to be a mechanism protecting the fetus from NE. A reduced uptake capacity in preeclamptic pregnancies due to reduced NE uptake may lead to increased fetal arterial blood pressure.

Inhibition of DAT function attenuates manganese accumulation in the globus pallidus

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient, though exposure to high concentrations may result in neurotoxicity characterized by alterations in dopamine neurobiology. To date, it remains elusive how and why Mn targets dopaminergic neurons although recently the role of the dopamine transporter has been suggested. Our primary goal of this study was to examine the potential roles of the monoamine transporters, dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET), in neuronal Mn transport. Using striatal synaptosomes, we found that only inhibition of DAT significantly decreased Mn accumulation. Furthermore, weanling rats chronically exposed to Mn, significantly accumulated Mn in several brain regions. However, rats receiving the specific DAT inhibitor GBR12909 (1 mg/kg bw, three times/week; four weeks) had significantly lower Mn levels only in the globus pallidus compared to saline-treated rats (p<0.05). Our data show that inhibition of DAT exclusively inhibits Mn accumulation in the globus pallidus during chronic exposure.

IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha decrease serotonin transporter function and expression in Caco2 cells

Recent studies have shown that mucosal serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) expression is decreased in animal models of colitis, as well as in the colonic mucosa of humans with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Altered SERT function or expression may underlie the altered motility, secretion, and sensation seen in these inflammatory gut disorders. In an effort to elucidate possible mediators of SERT downregulation, we treated cultured colonic epithelial cells (Caco2) with conditioned medium from activated human lymphocytes. Application of the conditioned medium caused a decrease in fluoxetine-sensitive [(3)H]5-HT uptake. Individual proinflammatory agents were then tested for their ability to affect uptake. Cells were treated for 48 or 72 h with PGE(2) (10 microM), IFN-gamma (500 ng/ml), TNF-alpha (50 ng/ml), IL-12 (50 ng/ml), or the nitric oxide-releasing agent S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO; 100 microM). [(3)H]5-HT uptake was then measured. Neither PGE nor IL-12 had any effect on [(3)H]5-HT uptake, and GSNO increased uptake. However, after 3-day incubation, both TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma elicited significant decreases in SERT function. Neither TNF-alpha nor IFN-gamma were cytotoxic when used for this period of time and at these concentrations. These two cytokines also induced decreases in SERT mRNA and protein levels. By altering SERT expression, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma could contribute to the altered motility and expression seen in vivo in ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Evaluation of novel tropane analogues in comparison with the binding characteristics of [18F]FP-CIT and [131I]β-CIT

This study evaluated novel potential dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors as ligands for positron emission tomography. Five new tropane analogs were synthesized and compared with the known ligand 2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (beta-CIT) and the recently characterized ligands N-(3-iodoprop-2E-enyl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-methylphenyl)-nortropane (PE2I) and 2beta-carbofluoroethoxy-3beta-(4-methylphenyl)tropane (FETT). Evaluation with autoradiography measured the ability to antagonize the binding of [(131)I]iodine-labeled beta-CIT and [(18)F]fluorine-labeled N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodo-phenyl) nortropane in rat and pig brains. The standards for comparison (PE2I and FETT) competed strongly in all regions investigated (striatum, cortex, superior colliculus and cerebellum). Of the new compounds, 2alpha-amido-fluoroethyl-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (4) and 2beta-amido-fluoroethyl-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (4a) competed strongly with [(131)I]beta-CIT in DAT-rich striatum, but also in other brain regions suggesting poor DAT selectivity. Because [(131)I]beta-CIT binds unselectively both to DAT and serotonin transporters, no definite conclusion about the selectivity of the new compounds is possible. However, preclinical studies using the compounds and labeled with fluorine-18 or iodine-131 are encouraged.

Less is more: pathophysiology of dopaminergic-therapy-related augmentation in restless legs syndrome

Therapy-related augmentation of the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an important clinical problem reported in up to 60% of patients treated with levodopa and, to a lesser extent, with dopamine agonists. The efficacy of low-dose dopaminergic drugs for RLS has been established, but the mode of action is unknown. Here, we review the existing data and conclude that augmentation is a syndrome characterised by a severely increased dopamine concentration in the CNS; overstimulation of the dopamine D1 receptors compared with D2 receptors in the spinal cord may lead to D1-related pain and generate periodic limb movements; iron deficiency may be a main predisposing factor of augmentation, probably caused by a reduced function of the dopamine transporter; therapy with levodopa or dopamine agonists should remain at low doses and; iron supplementation and opiates are the therapy of choice to counter augmentation.

The N-terminus of the norepinephrine transporter regulates the magnitude and selectivity of the transporter-associated leak current

The norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) mediates the removal of NE from synaptic spaces and is a major target for antidepressants, amphetamine and cocaine. Previously, we have shown that syntaxin 1A (SYN 1A) supports human NET (hNET) cell surface expression, that hNET/SYN 1A interactions are direct and mediated by the hNET N-terminus, and that the hNET/SYN 1A association limits substrate-induced hNET-associated currents [Sung, U., Apparsundaram, S., Galli, A., Kahlig, K.M., Savchenko, V., Schroeter, S., Quick, M.W., Blakely, R.D., 2003. A regulated interaction of syntaxin 1A with the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter establishes catecholamine clearance capacity. J. Neurosci. 23, 1697-1709]. These data raise the possibility that the hNET N-terminus, and potentially its interaction with SYN 1A, might regulate other hNET conductance states, including the hNET-mediated leak current. Importantly for monoamine transporters, the leak conductance has been shown to play a critical role in regulating cell membrane potential and possibly neuronal excitability [Quick, M.W., 2003. Regulating the conducting states of a mammalian serotonin transporter. Neuron 40, 537-549]. Here we demonstrate that deletion of the binding domain for SYN 1A in the NET N-terminus robustly enhances the NET-mediated leak current as well as its selectivity for Cl- permeation under particular intracellular ionic compositions. In addition, we show that the NET N-terminus coordinates the ability of intracellular Na+ and Cl- to regulate the leak conductance. These data suggest that the NET N-terminus regulates and defines the ionic specificity of the NET-mediated leak current.

Receptors and transporter for serotonin in Merkel cell-nerve endings in the rat sinus hair follicle. An immunohistochemical study

Serotonin (5-HT) has been a candidate for neurotransmitters in cutaneous type I mechanoreceptors (i.e., Merkel cell-nerve endings). Although recent electrophysiological studies have suggested the presence of the 5-HT2 and 3 receptors in the Merkel cell-nerve endings, the histological localization of these receptors are obscure. We thus immunohistochemically examined the presence of 5-HT1, 2, 3 receptors in Merkel cell-nerve endings in sinus hair follicles of the rat whisker pad. We also studied the immunohistochemical localization of the 5-HT transporter to confirm the site of 5-HT secretion. For this purpose, we used antibodies for the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C and 5-HT3 receptors, and for the 5-HT transporter, as well as antibodies for cytokeratin 20 (as a marker of Merkel cells) and neurofilament H (a marker of type I sensory nerve terminals). The immuno-stained sections were analyzed under a laser-scanning microscope. It was found that the sensory nerve terminals in the Merkel cell-nerve endings showed strong positive immunoreactions of 5-HT1A and 1B receptors but not 5-HT2A, 2C, and 3 receptors. Furthermore, both the Merkel cells and related axon terminals showed strong immunoreactions of the 5-HT transporter. These findings support the idea that 5-HT molecules are released from the Merkel cells during mechanical reception and indirectly regulate neural actions of sensory neurons via 5-HT1 receptors. The localization of the 5-HT transporter found in this study also suggests a possibility that axon terminals in the Merkel cell-nerve endings also release 5-HT.

Norepinephrine Transporter (NET), Serotonin Transporter (SERT), Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (VMAT2) and Organic Cation Transporters (OCT1, 2 and EMT) in Human Placenta from Pre-eclamptic and Normotensive Pregnancies

Pre-eclampsia is one of the most common causes of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. High blood pressure and proteinuria are important clinical signs of pre-eclampsia. Sympathetic overactivity and elevated level of circulating vaso active substances, such as monoamines has been shown. Extracellular concentrations of monoamines are normally kept low by specific transporter proteins of which many are expressed in the placenta. In this study we used in situ hybridization and real-time PCR to study the gene expression of monoamine transporters, such as NET, SERT, VMAT2, EMT and OCT1/2, in normal as well as in pre-eclamptic placentae. We demonstrated high expression of NET mRNA in the trophoblast cells of the anchoring villi and a lower expression intensity in the chorionic villi. SERT mRNA was mainly detected in chorionic villi. VMAT2 mRNA was not detected in the central part of the placenta but was present in the spiral arteries of placenta bed biopsies, in cytokeratin positive cells. EMT mRNA was mainly detected in the intra lobular septa and together with OCT1 and OCT2 mRNAs also expressed in scattered cells of placental vessel adventitias. Moreover, quantitative analysis showed a significant lower expression of NET and EMT mRNAs in pre-eclamptic placentae as compared to the control group. A defective gene expression or function of these monoamines transporters might explain the elevated concentrations of monoamines in pre-eclamptic patients. Monoamine transporters may serve as a protective mechanism preventing vasoconstriction in the placental vascular bed and thereby securing a stable blood flow to the fetus.

Organic cation transporters

Over the last 15 years, a number of transporters that translocate organic cations were characterized functionally and also identified on the molecular level. Organic cations include endogenous compounds such as monoamine neurotransmitters, choline, and coenzymes, but also numerous drugs and xenobiotics. Some of the cloned organic cation transporters accept one main substrate or structurally similar compounds (oligospecific transporters), while others translocate a variety of structurally diverse organic cations (polyspecific transporters). This review provides a survey of cloned organic cation transporters and tentative models that illustrate how different types of organic cation transporters, expressed at specific subcellular sites in hepatocytes and renal proximal tubular cells, are assembled into an integrated functional framework. We briefly describe oligospecific Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent monoamine neurotransmitter transporters ( SLC6-family), high-affinity choline transporters ( SLC5-family), and high-affinity thiamine transporters ( SLC19-family), as well as polyspecific transporters that translocate some organic cations next to their preferred, noncationic substrates. The polyspecific cation transporters of the SLC22 family including the subtypes OCT1-3 and OCTN1-2 are presented in detail, covering the current knowledge about distribution, substrate specificity, and recent data on their electrical properties and regulation. Moreover, we discuss artificial and spontaneous mutations of transporters of the SLC22 family that provide novel insight as to the function of specific protein domains. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of the increasing knowledge about polymorphisms and mutations in polyspecific organic cation transporters.

Lactic acidosis progressively impairs dopamine uptake in rat striatal synaptosomes by a mechanism partially independent of the Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction

Previous experiments reported that incubation of rat striatal synaptosomes with lactic acid (pH 5.5) resulted in an inhibition of dopamine (DA) uptake partially mediated by free radical damage. Since the DA uptake process is highly dependent on the functionality of Na+/K+-ATPase, the present study investigated whether this inhibition of DA uptake could be related to an alteration of the Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Striatal lactic acidosis was performed by direct addition of lactic acid in the incubation medium to obtain a pH as close as possible to that observed in ischemia. Acidosis (pH 5.5) induced a progressive decline in the specific DA uptake and a decrease of Na+/K+-ATPase activity in striatal synaptosomes. However, whereas loss of Na+/K+-ATPase activity was totally prevented by Trolox, a powerful antioxidant, DA uptake remained partially inhibited. Taken together, these data suggest that acidosis, in a degree encountered during ischemia, alters the high-affinity DA uptake in part by a mechanism that does not involve a Na+/K+ pump deficiency.

Cell surface trafficking of the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter revealed with an ectodomain antibody

The antidepressant-sensitive L-norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET;SLC6A2) is a critical determinant of neurotransmitter inactivation following NE release at synapses. Although regulated trafficking of NET has been documented in transfected cells, a lack of reagents suitable for reporting native NET surface exposition has limited validation of this concept in neurons. In the current report, we document the utility of a novel antibody (43408) directed at conserved sequences in the NET second extracellular loop. Using human NET (hNET) stably transfected cells, we document loss of NET surface expression following acute (30 min) phorbol ester treatments. In superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cultures, NET surface expression is prominent on varicosities defined by FM1-43 labeling of living neurons or synaptophysin labeling of fixed preparations. Moreover, NET surface density can be rapidly augmented by brief depolarization (5 min, 40 mM K(+)). Similarly, in brainstem cultures, we demonstrate an increase in NET surface labeling following either depolarization or angiotensin II stimulation. These findings provide the first evidence for regulated trafficking of NET in neurons and support the suggestion that activity-dependent NET trafficking may provide additional modulatory capacity for noradrenergic signaling.

Serotonin transport is modulated differently by tetanus toxin and growth factors

It has been previously shown that 5-HT uptake inhibition produced by tetanus toxin (TeTx) corresponds to a non-competitive inhibition, and it is preceded by phosphorylation of the tyrosine-kinase receptor trkA, phospholipase C activation and translocation of protein kinase C isoforms [FEBS Lett. 481 (2000) 177; FEBS Lett. 486 (2000) 136]. In the present work, it is shown that agonists of tyrosine-kinase receptors (NGF, EGF, basic FGF) enhance Na(+)-dependent, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) uptake in the synaptosomal-enriched P(2) fraction from rat-brain, suggesting a divergence in the intracellular signal pathways triggered by TeTx and by agonists of TyrK receptors. Co-applications of TeTx and agonists of TyrK receptors result in a mutual and partial reversion of their effects on 5-HT transport. In spite of their differences on transport, TeTx, TPA and NGF produce an increase in serotonin transporter phosphorylation in Ser separately, which is abolished by the PKC-inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide-1. Co-application of sodium vanadate, a tyrosine-phosphatase inhibitor, partially abolishes the effect produced by TeTx, whereas genistein, a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, does not exert any variation of TeTx inhibition. Analyses by immunoblotting of the activation of specific PKC isoforms activation, determined as translocation to the membrane compartment, reveals differences in the pattern produced by NGF and TeTx. PKC gamma, delta, and epsilon isoforms are equally activated by both compounds, whereas the beta isoform is activated in a sustained manner only by TeTx, and the alpha isoform is only down-regulated by NGF. The aim of the present work was to explore whether NGF have the same effect on 5-HT transport than TeTx, since both compounds share the ability of activate part of the same transduction pathways. In spite of this, growth factors and TeTx show an opposite effect on 5-HT transport, even though SERT phosphorylation is enhanced in both cases. The differential effect on alpha- and beta-PKC isoenzymes found between NGF and TeTx action could explain this apparent discrepancy.

High-affinity GABA uptake in retinal glial (Müller) cells of the guinea pig: electrophysiological characterization, immunohistochemical localization, and modeling of efficiency

Glial cells may act as important modulators of neuronal information processing, in particular, via fast uptake of neuronally released transmitters. Here, we characterize the electrogenic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters present in the plasma membranes of Müller (glial) cells of the guinea pig retina and present an estimate of their functional efficiency. The GABA-evoked whole-cell currents are voltage-dependent, with increasing amplitudes and decreasing affinity constants at more negative membrane potentials. The transmembranal GABA transport is concentration-dependent, with near-maximal currents at 100 microM GABA, and is dependent on extracellular sodium and chloride ions; the stoichiometry is 1 GABA/2 Na(+)/1 Cl(-). Immunohistochemical labeling and whole-cell voltage-clamp records reveal that Müller cells express both GAT-1 and GAT-3 (but not GAT-2), and that the transporter proteins are expressed predominantly at plasma membrane sites that, in situ, are localized in the outer retina where GABA uptake is performed exclusively by Müller cells. When extracellular GABA enters the cell interior, it evokes, via activation of the GABA transaminase, an NAD(P)H fluorescence signal selectively in the distal region of the Müller cells where their mitochondria are located. Using our experimental data, we simulated the GABA clearance from the extracellular space surrounding one Müller cell; these estimates show that a pulse of 100 microM extracellular GABA is fully cleared after 70 ms. It is suggested that Müller cells may be involved in the regulation of GABAergic transmission within the retina by providing a fast termination of GABAergic signaling via their highly efficient GABA uptake.

Functional significance of a highly conserved glutamate residue of the human noradrenaline transporter

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of glutamate residue 113 in transmembrane domain 2 of the human noradrenaline transporter in determining cell surface expression and functional activity. This residue is absolutely conserved in all members of the Na+- and Cl--dependent transporter family. Mutations to alanine (hE113A), aspartate (hE113D) and glutamine (hE113Q) were achieved by site-directed mutagenesis and the mutants were expressed in transfected COS-7 or HEK-293 cells. Cell surface expression of hE113A and hE113D, but not hE113Q, was markedly reduced compared with wild type, and functional noradrenaline uptake was detected only for the hE113Q mutant. The pharmacological properties of the hE113Q mutant showed very little change compared with wild type, except for a decrease in Vmax values for noradrenaline and dopamine uptake of 2-3-fold. However, the hE113D mutant showed very marked changes in its properties, compared with wild type, with 82-260-fold decreases in the affinities of the substrates, noradrenaline, dopamine and MPP+, and increased Na+ affinity for stimulation of nisoxetine binding. The results of the study show that the size and not the charge of the 113 glutamate residue of the noradrenaline transporter seems to be the most critical factor for maintenance of transporter function and surface expression.

Pharmacological properties of the naturally occurring Ala(457)Pro variant of the human norepinephrine transporter

Recently, another research group has reported an almost complete loss of function of the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) in patients who had orthostatic intolerance and who were heterozygous for a guanine to cytosine exchange, resulting in a hNET Ala(457)Pro variant. To explore the reason for the deficiency in NET function, we compared in detail the pharmacology of the Ala(457)Pro variant with that of the wild-type hNET in COS-7 cells transiently transfected with hNET or Ala(457)Pro cDNA. Compared to the wild-type hNET, the Ala(457)Pro variant exhibited a five-fold higher affinity for cocaine, but a two-fold lower affinity for the NET inhibitor nisoxetine, and an unchanged affinity for the antidepressant desipramine. Plasma membrane expression (measured as Bmax of [3H]nisoxetine binding) of the Ala(457)Pro variant was only 40% of that of the wild-type hNET. The Ala(457)Pro variant showed a six- to 10-fold decrease in affinity for the substrates dopamine and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)). Compared with the wild-type hNET, the maximum rate (V(max)) of norepinephrine uptake by the Ala(457)Pro variant was slightly reduced, whereas the turnover number (calculated from V(max)/B(max)) was approximately two-fold higher. However, the Ala(457)Pro variant exhibited a 50-fold higher K(m) (i.e. lower apparent affinity) for norepinephrine than the wild-type hNET. Thus, the previously reported loss of function of the Ala(457)Pro variant associated with orthostatic intolerance is only partly due to a reduction in plasma membrane expression of the transporter, and is mainly caused by the pronounced reduction in the apparent affinity of norepinephrine.

Dual phases of functional change in norepinephrine transporter in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells by long-term treatment with clozapine

The effects of long-term treatment with clozapine, a prototype of atypical antipsychotic drugs, on the functional activity, synthesis and mRNA of norepinephrine (NE) transporter were examined in bovine adrenal medullary cells in culture. Treatment of cells with clozapine at 0.1-3.0 microM concentrations produced dual phases of changes in [(3)H]NE uptake, i.e. the first phase showed a decrease in [(3)H]NE uptake at 2-48 h, and the following phase showed an increase in uptake at 72-168 h. Treatment with clozapine for 6 h decreased V(max) to 40% of the control without changing the K(m) value for [(3)H]NE uptake. However, treatment with clozapine for 96 h increased V(max) by 56% over the control without a change in K(m). Scatchard plot analysis of [(3)H]desipramine (DMI) binding to membranes isolated from cells treated with clozapine for 6 h revealed a decrease in B(max) without any change in K(d); in contrast, treatment with clozapine for 96 h caused an increase in B(max) without any change in K(d). Both actinomycin D and cycloheximide, which are inhibitors of protein synthesis, suppressed the clozapine (96 h)-induced increase in [(3)H]NE uptake. Treatment of cells with clozapine for 12-96 h increased the level of NE transporter mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner (0.3-3.0 microM). These findings suggest that treatment of cells with clozapine results in the down-regulation and subsequent up-regulation of NE transporter. The latter change may be caused by the synthesis of new proteins of NE transporter via an increase in its mRNA.

The NH(2)-terminus of norepinephrine transporter contains a basolateral localization signal for epithelial cells

When expressed in epithelial cells, dopamine transporter (DAT) was detected predominantly in the apical plasma membrane, whereas norepinephrine transporter (NET) was found in the basolateral membrane, despite 67% overall amino acid sequence identity. To identify possible localization signals responsible for this difference, DAT-NET chimeras were expressed in MDCK cells and localized by immunocytochemistry and transport assays. The results suggested that localization of these transporters in MDCK cells depends on their highly divergent NH(2)-terminal regions. Deletion of the first 58 amino acids of DAT (preceding TM1) did not change its apical localization. However, the replacement of that region with corresponding sequence from NET resulted in localization of the chimeric protein to the basolateral membrane, suggesting that the NH(2)-terminus of NET, which contains two dileucine motifs, contains a basolateral localization signal. Mutation of these leucines to alanines in the context of a basolaterally localized NET/DAT chimera restored transporter localization to the apical membrane, indicating that the dileucine motifs are critical to the basolateral localization signal embodied within the NET NH(2)-terminal region. However, the same mutation in the context of wild-type NET did not disrupt basolateral localization, indicating the presence of additional signals in NET directing its basolateral localization within the plasma membrane.

Glutamate uptake

Brain tissue has a remarkable ability to accumulate glutamate. This ability is due to glutamate transporter proteins present in the plasma membranes of both glial cells and neurons. The transporter proteins represent the only (significant) mechanism for removal of glutamate from the extracellular fluid and their importance for the long-term maintenance of low and non-toxic concentrations of glutamate is now well documented. In addition to this simple, but essential glutamate removal role, the glutamate transporters appear to have more sophisticated functions in the modulation of neurotransmission. They may modify the time course of synaptic events, the extent and pattern of activation and desensitization of receptors outside the synaptic cleft and at neighboring synapses (intersynaptic cross-talk). Further, the glutamate transporters provide glutamate for synthesis of e.g. GABA, glutathione and protein, and for energy production. They also play roles in peripheral organs and tissues (e.g. bone, heart, intestine, kidneys, pancreas and placenta). Glutamate uptake appears to be modulated on virtually all possible levels, i.e. DNA transcription, mRNA splicing and degradation, protein synthesis and targeting, and actual amino acid transport activity and associated ion channel activities. A variety of soluble compounds (e.g. glutamate, cytokines and growth factors) influence glutamate transporter expression and activities. Neither the normal functioning of glutamatergic synapses nor the pathogenesis of major neurological diseases (e.g. cerebral ischemia, hypoglycemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and schizophrenia) as well as non-neurological diseases (e.g. osteoporosis) can be properly understood unless more is learned about these transporter proteins. Like glutamate itself, glutamate transporters are somehow involved in almost all aspects of normal and abnormal brain activity.

The role of neuronal and extraneuronal plasma membrane transporters in the inactivation of peripheral catecholamines

Catecholamines are translocated across plasma membranes by transporters that belong to two large families with mainly neuronal or extraneuronal locations. In mammals, neuronal uptake of catecholamines involves the dopamine transporter (DAT) at dopaminergic neurons and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) at noradrenergic neurons. Extraneuronal uptake of catecholamines is mediated by organic cation transporters (OCTs), including the classic corticosterone-sensitive extraneuronal monoamine transporter. Catecholamine transporters function as part of uptake and metabolizing systems primarily responsible for inactivation of transmitter released by neurons. Additionally, the neuronal catecholamine transporters, recycle catecholamines for rerelease, thereby reducing requirements for transmitter synthesis. In a broader sense, catecholamine transporters function as part of integrated systems where catecholamine synthesis, release, uptake, and metabolism are regulated in a coordinated fashion in response to the demands placed on the system. Location is also important to function. Neuronal transporters are essential for rapid termination of the signal in neuronal-effector organ transmission, whereas non-neuronal transporters are more important for limiting the spread of the signal and for clearance of catecholamines from the bloodstream. Besides their presynaptic locations, NET and DAT are also present at several extraneuronal locations, including syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta and endothelial cells of the lung (NET), stomach and pancreas (DAT). The extraneuronal monoamine transporter shows a broad tissue distribution, whereas the other two non-neuronal catecholamine transporters (OCT1 and OCT2) are mainly localized to the liver, kidney, and intestine. Altered function of peripheral catecholamine transporters may be involved in disturbances of the autonomic nervous system, such as occurs in congestive heart failure and hypernoradrenergic hypertension. Peripheral catecholamine transporters provide important targets for clinical imaging of sympathetic nerves and diagnostic localization and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, such as neuroblastomas and pheochromocytomas.

Methamphetamine-induced rapid and reversible changes in dopamine transporter function: an in vitro model

This laboratory has demonstrated that a single methamphetamine (METH) injection rapidly and reversibly decreases the activity of the dopamine transporter (DAT), as assessed ex vivo in synaptosomes prepared from treated rats. This decrease does not occur because of residual drug introduced by the original injection or nor is it associated with a change in binding of the DAT ligand WIN35428. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism or mechanisms of this METH effect by determining whether direct application of this stimulant to synaptosomes causes changes in DAT similar to those observed ex vivo. Similar to the ex vivo effect, incubation of striatal synaptosomes with METH decreased DAT activity, but not WIN35428 binding: the effect on activity was not eliminated by repeated washing of synaptosomes. Also, as observed ex vivo, incubation with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, but not cocaine or methylphenidate, caused a METH-like reduction in DAT function. The rapid and reversible METH-induced diminution in DAT activity did not occur because of a change in membrane potential, as assessed in vitro and ex vivo by [(3)H]tetraphenylphosphonium accumulation. However, the METH-related decline in DAT function may be attributed to phosphorylation because NPC15437, a protein kinase C inhibitor, attenuated the METH-induced decline in DAT function. Similarities between previously reported effects ex vivo of a single METH injection on serotonin and norepinephrine transporter function and effects of direct METH application in vitro were also found. Together, these data demonstrate that the in vitro incubation model mimics the rapid and reversible effects observed after a single METH injection.

Effects of short- and long-term exposure to c-AMP and c-GMP on the noradrenaline transporter

The effects of short- and long-term exposure of cells to elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP), using dibutyryl-c-AMP, 8-bromo-c-AMP, cholera toxin or forskolin, or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP), using dibutyryl-c-GMP or 8-bromo-c-GMP, on the activity and expression of the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) were examined. Short- or long-term c-GMP elevation had no effects on (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells or human SK-N-SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Short-term c-AMP elevation (for 17 min experiment duration) caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells or COS-7 cells transfected with human or rat NAT cDNA. c-AMP did not affect (3)H-nisoxetine binding to PC12 cells. Long-term (24 h) exposure to elevated c-AMP levels caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake and NAT mRNA in PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells and caused a small increase in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake in COS-7 cells heterologously expressing rat or human NAT. Hence, c-AMP, but not c-GMP, causes a cell type-dependent reduction in NAT activity after short-term exposure and a reduction in NAT expression after long-term exposure.

Serotonin transporter phosphorylation modulated by tetanus toxin

Tetanus toxin (TeTx) modifies Na(+)-dependent, high-affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) uptake in a synaptosomal-enriched P(2) fraction from rat brain. The effect corresponds to a rapid and non-competitive uptake inhibition, and it is preceded by induction of phospholipase C (PLC) activity and translocation and down-regulation of the classical protein kinase C (PKC-alpha, -beta and -gamma) isoforms. The effects on serotonin transport and on cPKC activation were similar to the effects exhibited by phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Moreover, after treatment with TeTx, an increase in Ser- and Tyr-specific phosphorylation was found. Activation of PKC by both TeTx and TPA results in a loss of transport capacity and serotonin transporter (SERT) phosphorylation, which are abolished by coapplication of the specific PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide-1. Since a specific PLCgamma1 phosphorylation prior to TeTx's inducing SERT phosphorylation was found, the studies suggest that part of the action of TeTx consists of modifying the signal cascade initiated in tyrosine kinase receptors on nerve tissue previous to its cellular internalization, resulting in transporter phosphorylation.

Serotonin transporter polymorphism and response to SSRIs in major depression and relevance to anxiety disorders and substance abuse

The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which modulate serotonergic activity are effective in the treatment of serotonin-related mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These agents bind to the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and inhibit its capacity to transport serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of 5-HTT (5-HTTLPR) has been described. The insertion variant of this polymorphism (long allele) is associated with higher expression of brain 5-HTT compared to the deletion variant (short allele). An association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and mental disorders has been reported by some, but not all, investigators. In addition, the 5-HTT gene polymorphisms were found to be associated with a better and faster response to SSRIs with or without pindolol augmentation in depressed patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between the 5-HTT genotype, the susceptibility to mental disorders, the response to serotonergic agents and the side effect profile.

Pharmacological properties of naturally occurring variants of the human norepinephrine transporter

The human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) gene has five sequence polymorphisms that predict amino acid substitutions in the transporter protein: Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, Val245Ile, Val449Ile, and Gly478Ser. In order to functionally characterize the naturally occurring transporter variants, we used site-directed mutagenesis to establish the hNET variants and compared some basic pharmacological properties (uptake of norepinephrine and its inhibition by the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine) in COS-7 cells transiently expressing variant hNETs and wild-type hNET. None of the hNET variants displayed changes in the potency (Ki) of desipramine for inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. Furthermore, variants Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, ValZ45Ile, and Val449Ile did not affect kinetic constants (Km, Vmax) of norepinephrine uptake. However, COS-7 cells expressing the hNET variant Gly478Ser displayed an approximately four-fold increase in the Km for norepinephrine, while the Vmax was unaffected. The increase in the Km, which is equivalent to a four-fold reduction in the affinity of the variant hNET for its natural substrate norepinephrine, indicates that the glycine in position 478 is part of a substrate recognition domain. The reduced clearance of released norepinephrine by reuptake through the Gly478Ser variant might cause an increase in the synaptic and the circulating concentration of norepinephrine. Elevated norepinephrine concentrations have been associated with human diseases and it will be interesting to explore a possible contribution by the Gly478Ser variant to certain disease states.

Permeation and gating residues in serotonin transporter

The third transmembrane domain (TM3) of serotonin transporter (SERT) contains two isoleucine residues previously proposed to be involved in binding and transport of serotonin. When Ile-172 was replaced with cysteine, SERT became sensitive to inactivation by externally added [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethio-sulfonate (MTSET). The disulfide product of this inactivation was not sensitive to reduction by externally added sulfhydryl compounds, but apparently reacted with intracellular reducing agents to spontaneously regenerate active SERT. The apparent accessibility of this residue to both external and cytoplasmic reagents is consistent with its localization near a serotonin binding site that is alternately exposed to both internal and external media. In another SERT mutant, I179C, transport also was inactivated by MTSET but substrate binding was resistant. External substrate bound to the inactivated I179C and enhanced its reactivation by free thiols. In norepinephrine transporter (NET), cysteine replacement of Ile-155 (corresponding to SERT Ile-179) also rendered the transporter sensitive to MTSET inactivation. In NET I155C, cocaine enhanced this inactivation, and the substrate, dopamine, apparently protected against inactivation. The characteristics of this protection suggest that dopamine was transported, converting NET to a form in which Ile-155 was occluded. The results support the proposal that TM3 of SERT and NET constitute part of the substrate permeation pathway, and that Ile-172 in SERT resides close to the substrate binding site. They also suggest that Ile-179 in SERT (and Ile-155 in NET) is in a conformationally sensitive part of TM3, which may act as part of an external gate.

A serotonin transporter gene intron 2 polymorphic region, correlated with affective disorders, has allele-dependent differential enhancer-like properties in the mouse embryo

Polymorphic regions consisting of a variable number of tandem repeats within intron 2 of the gene coding for the serotonin transporter protein 5-HTT have been associated with susceptibility to affective disorders. We have cloned two of these intronic polymorphisms, Stin2.10 and Stin2.12, into an expression vector containing a heterologous minimal promoter and the bacterial LacZ reporter gene. These constructs were then used to produce transgenic mice. In embryonic day 10.5 embryos, both Stin2.10 and Stin2.12 produced consistent beta-galactosidase expression in the embryonic midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord floor plate. However, we observed that the levels of beta-galactosidase expression produced by both the Stin2.10 and Stin2.12 within the rostral hindbrain differed significantly at embryonic day 10.5. Our data suggest that these polymorphic variable number of tandem repeats regions act as transcriptional regulators and have allele-dependent differential enhancer-like properties within an area of the hindbrain where the 5-HTT gene is known to be transcribed at this stage of development.

The human desipramine-sensitive noradrenaline transporter and the importance of defined amino acids for its function

1. This article gives a short overview of the physiology, pharmacology and the molecular biology of the human Na+/Cl(-)-dependent noradrenaline transporter (hNAT) and its gene. 2. Furthermore, naturally occurring variants of the hNAT are described and new results obtained through site-directed mutagenesis of the hNAT are presented, which increase our understanding about structural domains and amino acids critically involved in substrate, cosubstrate and inhibitor binding to the hNAT.

Cloning and functional expression of a human Na(+) and Cl(-)-dependent neutral and cationic amino acid transporter B(0+)

A Na(+)-dependent neutral and cationic amino acid transport system (B(0+)) plays an important role in many cells and tissues; however, the molecular basis for this transport system is still unknown. To identify new transporters, the expressed sequence tag database was queried, and cDNA fragments with sequence similarity to the Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family were identified. Based on these sequences, rapid amplification of cDNA ends of human mammary gland cDNA was used to obtain a cDNA of 4.5 kilobases (kb). The open reading frame encodes a 642-amino acid protein named amino acid transporter B(0+). Human ATB(0+) (hATB(0+)) is a novel member of the Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family with the highest sequence similarity to the glycine and proline transporters. Northern blot analysis identified transcripts of approximately 4.5 kb and approximately 2 kb in the lung. Another tissue survey suggests expression in the trachea, salivary gland, mammary gland, stomach, and pituitary gland. Electrophysiology and radiolabeled amino acid uptake measurements were used to functionally characterize the transporter expressed in Xenopus oocytes. hATB(0+) was found to transport both neutral and cationic amino acids, with the highest affinity for hydrophobic amino acids and the lowest affinity for proline. Amino acid transport was Na(+) and Cl(-)-dependent and was attenuated in the presence of 2-aminobicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid, a system B(0+) inhibitor. These characteristics are consistent with system B(0+) amino acid transport. Thus, hATB(0+) is the first cloned B(0+) amino acid transporter.

Molecular chaperones stimulate the functional expression of the cocaine-sensitive serotonin transporter

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is an N-glycosylated integral membrane protein that is predicted to contain 12 transmembrane regions. SERT is the major binding site in the brain for antidepressant drugs, and it also binds amphetamines and cocaine. The ability of various molecular chaperones to interact with a tagged version of SERT (Myc-SERT) was investigated using the baculovirus expression system. Overexpression of Myc-SERT using the baculovirus system led to substantial quantities of inactive transporter, together with small amounts of fully active and, therefore, correctly folded molecules. The high levels of inactive Myc-SERT probably arose because folding was rate-limiting due, perhaps, to insufficient molecular chaperones. Therefore, Myc-SERT was co-expressed with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperones calnexin, calreticulin and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP), and the foldase, ERp57. The expression of functional Myc-SERT, as determined by an inhibitor binding assay, was enhanced nearly 3-fold by co-expressing calnexin, and to a lesser degree on co-expression of calreticulin and BiP. Co-expression of ERp57 did not increase the functional expression of Myc-SERT. A physical interaction between Myc-SERT-calnexin and Myc-SERT-calreticulin was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. These associations were inhibited in vivo by deoxynojirimycin, an inhibitor of N-glycan precusor trimming that is known to prevent the calnexin/calreticulin-N-glycan interaction. Functional expression of the unglycosylated SERT mutant, SERT-QQ, was also increased on co-expression of calnexin, suggesting that the interaction between calnexin and SERT is not entirely dictated by the N-glycan. SERT is the first member of the neurotransmitter transporter family whose folding has been shown to be assisted by the molecular chaperones calnexin, calreticulin, and BiP.

Concentration-dependent isoflurane effects on depolarization-evoked glutamate and GABA outflows from mouse brain slices

The synaptic concentrations of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are modulated by their release and re-uptake. The effects of general anaesthetics on these two processes remain unclear. This study evaluates the effects of isoflurane, a clinically important anaesthetic, on glutamate and GABA release and re-uptake in superfused mouse cerebrocortical slices. Experiments consisted of two 1.5-min exposures to 40 mM KCl in 30 min intervals. During the second exposure, different concentrations of isoflurane with and without 0.3 mM L-transpyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (PDC, a competitive inhibitor of glutamate uptake transporter) or 1 mM nipecotic acid (a competitive inhibitor of GABA uptake transporter) were introduced. The ratios of the second to first KCl-evoked increases in glutamate and GABA were used to determine the isoflurane concentration-response curves. The results can be described as a sum of two independent processes, corresponding to the inhibitions of release and re-uptake, respectively. The EC50 values for the inhibitions of release and re-uptake were 295+/-16 and 805+/-43 microM for glutamate, and 229+/-13 and 520+/-25 microM for GABA, respectively. Addition of PDC did not significantly affect glutamate release but shifted the re-uptake curve to the left (EC50= 315+/-20 microM). Nipecotic acid completely blocked GABA uptake, rendering isoflurane inhibition of GABA re-uptake undetectable. Our data suggest that isoflurane inhibits both the release and re-uptake of neurotransmitters and that the inhibitions occur at different EC50's. For GABA, both EC50's are within the clinical concentration range. The net anaesthetic effect on extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, depends on the competition between inhibition of release and that of re-uptake.

Effects of PKA and PKC modulators on high affinity glutamate uptake in primary neuronal cell cultures from rat cerebral cortex

In this study, the effects of various agents known to alter protein phosphorylation, via protein kinase C or A, on high affinity glutamate uptake were investigated in primary neuronal cell cultures of rat cerebral cortex. Incubating the culture dishes with chelerythrine or H89 (N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide), which inhibit PKC and PKA, respectively, dramatically decreased the glutamate uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Saturation kinetic analysis showed that chelerythrine and H89 decreased the Vmax (chelerythrine: -61%, P < 0.06; -59%, P < 0.05) without affecting the Km of the transport process as compared to the control values. These inhibitory effects were counteracted by the corresponding protein kinase activators, i.e. PMA (phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate) in the case of PKC and forskolin in the case of PKA, although these protein kinase activators alone did not significantly affect the glutamate uptake. These results provide evidence that, in primary cultures of neuronal cells, the high affinity glutamate uptake may be regulated by both PKA and PKC-mediated phosphorylation processes.

Serotonin transporter messenger RNA expression in neural crest-derived structures and sensory pathways of the developing rat embryo

A growing body of evidence suggests that serotonin plays an important role in the early development of both neural and non-neural tissues from vertebrate and invertebrate species. Serotonin is removed from the extracellular space by the cocaine- and antidepressant-sensitive serotonin transporter, thereby limiting its action on receptors. In situ hybridization histochemistry was used to delineate serotonin transporter messenger RNA expression during rat embryonic development. Serotonin transporter messenger RNA was widely expressed beginning prior to organogenesis and throughout the second half of gestation. Strikingly, serotonin transporter messenger RNA was detected in neural crest cells, some of which respond to serotonin in vitro, and neural crest-derived tissues, such as autonomic ganglia, tooth primordia, adrenal medulla, chondrocytes and neuroepithelial cells, in the skin, heart, intestine and lung. Within the peripheral sensory pathways, two major cells types were serotonin transporter messenger RNA-positive: (i) sensory ganglionic neurons and (ii) neuroepithelial cells which serve as targets for the outgrowing sensory neurons. Several sensory organs (cochlear and retinal ganglionic cells, taste buds, whisker and hair follicles) contained serotonin transporter messenger RNA by late gestation. The expression of serotonin transporter messenger RNA throughout the sensory pathways from central nervous system relay stations [Hansson S. R. et al. (1997) Neuroscience 83, 1185-1201; Lebrand C. et al. (1996) Neuron 17, 823-835] to sensory nerves and target organs as shown in this study suggests that serotonin may regulate peripheral synaptogenesis, and thereby influence later processing of sensory stimuli. If the early detection of serotonin transporter messenger RNA in skin and gastrointestinal and airway epithelia correlates with protein activity, it may permit establishment of a serotonin concentration gradient across epithelia, either from serotonin in the amniotic fluid or from neuronal enteric serotonin, as a developmental cue. Our results demonstrating serotonin transporter messenger RNA in the craniofacial and cardiac areas identify this gene product as the transporter most likely responsible for the previously identified accumulation of serotonin in skin and tooth germ [Lauder J. M. and Zimmerman E. F. (1988) J. craniofac. Genet. devl Biol. 8, 265-276], and the fluoxetine-sensitive effects on craniofacial [Lauder J. M. et al. (1988) Development 102, 709-720; Shuey D. L. et al. (1992) Teratology 46, 367-378; Shuey D. L. et al. (1993) Anat. Embryol., Berlin 187, 75-85] and cardiac [Kirby M. L. and Waldo K. L. (1995) Circulation Res. 77, 211-215; Yavarone M. S. et al. (1993) Teratology 47, 573-584] malformations. Serotonin transporter messenger RNA was detected in several neural crest cell lineages and may be useful as an early marker for the sensory lineage in particular. The distribution of serotonin transporter messenger RNA in early development supports the hypothesis that serotonin may play a role in neural crest cell migration and differentiation [Lauder J. M. (1993) Trends Neurosci. 16, 233-240], and that the morphogenetic actions of serotonin may be regulated by transport. The striking pattern of serotonin transporter messenger RNA throughout developing sensory pathways suggests that serotonin may play a role in establishing patterns of connectivity critical to processing sensory stimuli. As a target for drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamine derivatives and antidepressants, expression of serotonin transporter during development may reflect critical periods of vulnerability for fetal drug exposure. The widespread distribution of serotonin transporter messenger RNA during ontogeny suggests a previously unappreciated role of serotonin in diverse physiological systems during embryonic development.

Serotonin transporter function in vivo: assessment by chronoamperometry

Local application of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluvoxamine and citalopram, prolonged the clearance of exogenously administered serotonin (5-HT) in both the dentate gyrus and CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus, as measured using in vivo chronoamperometry. These effects were abolished in rats pretreated with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. The NE uptake inhibitors, desipramine and protriptyline, did not alter the 5-HT signal in the CA3 region, but prolonged the clearance of 5-HT in the dentate gyrus; this effect was absent in rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine. From these data, it is inferred that both the SERT and NET contribute to the active clearance of exogenously applied 5-HT in the dentate gyrus. In another experiment, cyanopindolol, an antagonist of the serotonin terminal autoreceptor, also prolonged the clearance of 5-HT from the CA3 region. These and other data have generated a working hypothesis that activation of the terminal serotonin autoreceptor enhances the kinetics of 5-HT uptake through an effect on the serotonin transporter.

Effects of 4-hydroxynonenal, a lipid peroxidation product, on dopamine transport and Na+/K+ ATPase in rat striatal synaptosomes

Incubation of rat striatal synaptosomes in ascorbic acid induced the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation aldehydic product. Incubations with 4-HNE, used at a range of concentrations comparable to those obtained during peroxidation, induced a simultaneous, dose-dependent decrease of dopamine (DA) uptake and Na+/K+ ATPase activity and a loss of sulfhydryl (SH) groups. Similar results were observed in a previous study when lipid peroxidation was induced after incubation of synaptosomes in ascorbic acid. Taken together, these data suggest that 4-HNE is an important mediator of oxidative stress and may alter DA uptake after binding to SH groups of the DA transporter and to Na+/K+ ATPase. These toxic events may contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease.

Transport of monoamine transmitters by the organic cation transporter type 2, OCT2

The recently cloned apical renal transport system for organic cations (OCT2) exists in dopamine-rich tissues such as kidney and some brain areas (Gründemann, D., Babin-Ebell, J., Martel, F., Ording, N., Schmidt, A., and Schömig, E. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 10408-10413). The study at hand was performed to answer the question of whether OCT2 accepts dopamine and other monoamine transmitters as substrate. 293 cells were stably transfected with the OCT2r cDNA resulting in the 293OCT2r cell line. Expression of OCT2r in 293 cells induces specific transport of tritiated dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Initial rates of specific 3H-dopamine, 3H-noradrenaline, 3H-adrenaline, and 3H-5-HT transport were saturable, the Km values being 2.1, 4.4, 1.9, and 3.6 mmol/liter. The corresponding Vmax values were 3.9, 1.0, 0. 59, and 2.5 nmol min-1.mg of protein-1, respectively. 1, 1'-diisopropyl-2,4'-cyanine (disprocynium24), a known inhibitor of OCT2 with a potent eukaliuric diuretic activity, inhibited 3H-dopamine uptake into 293OCT2r cells with an Ki of 5.1 (2.6, 9.9) nmol/liter. In situ hybridization reveals that, within the kidney, the OCT2r mRNA is restricted to the outer medulla and deep portions of the medullary rays indicating selective expression in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule. These findings open the possibility that OCT2r plays a role in renal dopamine handling.