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Miller CJ, Golovina E, Wicker JS, Jacobsen JC, O'Sullivan JM. De novo network analysis reveals autism causal genes and developmental links to co-occurring traits. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302142. [PMID: 37553252 PMCID: PMC10410065 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in various ways. Autism is often accompanied by other conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia, which can complicate diagnosis and management. Although research has investigated the role of specific genes in autism, their relationship with co-occurring traits is not fully understood. To address this, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis and identified four genes located at the 17q21.31 locus that are putatively causal for autism in fetal cortical tissue (LINC02210, LRRC37A4P, RP11-259G18.1, and RP11-798G7.6). LINC02210 was also identified as putatively causal for autism in adult cortical tissue. By integrating data from expression quantitative trait loci, genes and protein interactions, we identified that the 17q21.31 locus contributes to the intersection between autism and other neurological traits in fetal cortical tissue. We also identified a distinct cluster of co-occurring traits, including cognition and worry, linked to the genetic loci at 3p21.1. Our findings provide insights into the relationship between autism and co-occurring traits, which could be used to develop predictive models for more accurate diagnosis and better clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona J Miller
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Evgeniia Golovina
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joerg S Wicker
- School of Computer Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessie C Jacobsen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Justin M O'Sullivan
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Maurice Wilkins Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, Zealand
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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Recent Advances in the Discovery of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Allosteric Modulators. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031270. [PMID: 36770942 PMCID: PMC9920195 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), silent agonists, allosteric activating PAMs and neutral or silent allosteric modulators are compounds capable of modulating the nicotinic receptor by interacting at allosteric modulatory sites distinct from the orthosteric sites. This survey is focused on the compounds that have been shown or have been designed to interact with nicotinic receptors as allosteric modulators of different subtypes, mainly α7 and α4β2. Minimal chemical changes can cause a different pharmacological profile, which can then lead to the design of selective modulators. Experimental evidence supports the use of allosteric modulators as therapeutic tools for neurological and non-neurological conditions.
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Cooper SY, Akers AT, Journigan VB, Henderson BJ. Novel Putative Positive Modulators of α4β2 nAChRs Potentiate Nicotine Reward-Related Behavior. Molecules 2021; 26:4793. [PMID: 34443380 PMCID: PMC8398432 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The popular tobacco and e-cigarette chemical flavorant (-)-menthol acts as a nonselective, noncompetitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and contributes to multiple physiological effects that exacerbates nicotine addiction-related behavior. Menthol is classically known as a TRPM8 agonist; therefore, some have postulated that TRPM8 antagonists may be potential candidates for novel nicotine cessation pharmacotherapies. Here, we examine a novel class of TRPM8 antagonists for their ability to alter nicotine reward-related behavior in a mouse model of conditioned place preference. We found that these novel ligands enhanced nicotine reward-related behavior in a mouse model of conditioned place preference. To gain an understanding of the potential mechanism, we examined these ligands on mouse α4β2 nAChRs transiently transfected into neuroblastoma-2a cells. Using calcium flux assays, we determined that these ligands act as positive modulators (PMs) on α4β2 nAChRs. Due to α4β2 nAChRs' important role in nicotine dependence, as well as various neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, the identification of these ligands as α4β2 nAChR PMs is an important finding, and they may serve as novel molecular tools for future nAChR-related investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar Y. Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (S.Y.C.); (A.T.A.); (V.B.J.)
| | - Austin T. Akers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (S.Y.C.); (A.T.A.); (V.B.J.)
| | - Velvet Blair Journigan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (S.Y.C.); (A.T.A.); (V.B.J.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Brandon J. Henderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (S.Y.C.); (A.T.A.); (V.B.J.)
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Epstein M, Bali K, Piggot TJ, Green AC, Timperley CM, Bird M, Tattersall JEH, Bermudez I, Biggin PC. Molecular determinants of binding of non-oxime bispyridinium nerve agent antidote compounds to the adult muscle nAChR. Toxicol Lett 2021; 340:114-122. [PMID: 33482275 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphorus nerve agents (NAs) are the most lethal chemical warfare agents and have been used by state and non-state actors since their discovery in the 1930s. They covalently modify acetylcholinesterase, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh) with subsequent loss of synaptic transmission, which can result in death. Despite the availability of several antidotes for OPNA exposure, none directly targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) mediated component of toxicity. Non-oxime bispyridinium compounds (BPDs) have been shown previously to partially counteract the effects of NAs at skeletal muscle tissue, and this has been attributed to inhibition of the muscle nAChR. Functional data indicate that, by increasing the length of the alkyl linker between the pyridinium moieties of BPDs, the antagonistic activity at nAChRs can be improved. Molecular dynamics simulations of the adult muscle nAChR in the presence of BPDs identified key residues likely to be involved in binding. Subsequent two-electrode voltage clamp recordings showed that one of the residues, εY131, acts as an allosteric determinant of BPD binding, and that longer BPDs have a greater stabilizing effect on the orthosteric loop C than shorter ones. The work reported will inform future design work on novel antidotes for treating NA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Epstein
- Department of Biochemistry, Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karan Bali
- Department of Biochemistry, Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas J Piggot
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Sciences Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - A Christopher Green
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Sciences Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Christopher M Timperley
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Sciences Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Mike Bird
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Sciences Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - John E H Tattersall
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological Sciences Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Isabel Bermudez
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip C Biggin
- Department of Biochemistry, Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Hamouda AK, Wang ZJ, Stewart DS, Jain AD, Glennon RA, Cohen JB. Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr) and [3H]dFBr-Labeled Binding Sites in a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 88:1-11. [PMID: 25870334 PMCID: PMC4468644 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.098913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr) is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α4β2 and α2β2 nAChRs that, at concentrations >1 µM, also inhibits these receptors and α7 nAChRs. However, its interactions with muscle-type nAChRs have not been characterized, and the locations of its binding site(s) in any nAChR are not known. We report here that dFBr inhibits human muscle (αβεδ) and Torpedo (αβγδ) nAChR expressed in Xenopus oocytes with IC50 values of ∼ 1 μM. dFBr also inhibited the equilibrium binding of ion channel blockers to Torpedo nAChRs with higher affinity in the nAChR desensitized state ([(3)H]phencyclidine; IC50 = 4 μM) than in the resting state ([(3)H]tetracaine; IC50 = 60 μM), whereas it bound with only very low affinity to the ACh binding sites ([(3)H]ACh, IC50 = 1 mM). Upon irradiation at 312 nm, [(3)H]dFBr photoincorporated into amino acids within the Torpedo nAChR ion channel with the efficiency of photoincorporation enhanced in the presence of agonist and the agonist-enhanced photolabeling inhibitable by phencyclidine. In the presence of agonist, [(3)H]dFBr also photolabeled amino acids in the nAChR extracellular domain within binding pockets identified previously for the nonselective nAChR PAMs galantamine and physostigmine at the canonical α-γ interface containing the transmitter binding sites and at the noncanonical δ-β subunit interface. These results establish that dFBr inhibits muscle-type nAChR by binding in the ion channel and that [(3)H]dFBr is a photoaffinity probe with broad amino acid side chain reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman K Hamouda
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
| | - Ze-Jun Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
| | - Deirdre S Stewart
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
| | - Atul D Jain
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
| | - Richard A Glennon
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
| | - Jonathan B Cohen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (A.K.H., D.S.S., J.B.C.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.D.J., R.A.G.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Kingsville,Texas (A.K.H., Z.-J.W.)
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Henderson BJ, Lester HA. Inside-out neuropharmacology of nicotinic drugs. Neuropharmacology 2015; 96:178-93. [PMID: 25660637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) is a venerable result of chronic exposure to nicotine; but it is one of several consequences of pharmacological chaperoning by nicotine and by some other nicotinic ligands, especially agonists. Nicotinic ligands permeate through cell membranes, bind to immature AChR oligomers, elicit incompletely understood conformational reorganizations, increase the interaction between adjacent AChR subunits, and enhance the maturation process toward stable AChR pentamers. These changes and stabilizations in turn lead to increases in both anterograde and retrograde traffic within the early secretory pathway. In addition to the eventual upregulation of AChRs at the plasma membrane, other effects of pharmacological chaperoning include modifications to endoplasmic reticulum stress and to the unfolded protein response. Because these processes depend on pharmacological chaperoning within intracellular organelles, we group them as "inside-out pharmacology". This term contrasts with the better-known, acute, "outside-in" effects of activating and desensitizing plasma membrane AChRs. We review current knowledge concerning the mechanisms and consequences of inside-out pharmacology. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: From Molecular Biology to Cognition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Henderson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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