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Li Z, Wu Q, Yan N. A structural atlas of druggable sites on Na v channels. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2287832. [PMID: 38033122 PMCID: PMC10732651 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2287832] [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] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels govern membrane excitability by initiating and propagating action potentials. Consistent with their physiological significance, dysfunction, or mutations in these channels are associated with various channelopathies. Nav channels are thereby major targets for various clinical and investigational drugs. In addition, a large number of natural toxins, both small molecules and peptides, can bind to Nav channels and modulate their functions. Technological breakthrough in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has enabled the determination of high-resolution structures of eukaryotic and eventually human Nav channels, alone or in complex with auxiliary subunits, toxins, and drugs. These studies have not only advanced our comprehension of channel architecture and working mechanisms but also afforded unprecedented clarity to the molecular basis for the binding and mechanism of action (MOA) of prototypical drugs and toxins. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent advances in structural pharmacology of Nav channels, encompassing the structural map for ligand binding on Nav channels. These findings have established a vital groundwork for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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2
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Maleš P, Nikšić-Franjić I, Wang A, Pem B, Bakarić D. Optical and molecular features of negatively curved surfaces created by POPE lipids: A crucial role of the initial conditions. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 317:124462. [PMID: 38754204 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Membrane fusion is closely related to plasma membrane domains rich in cone-shaped phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids that can reverse membrane curvature under certain conditions. The phase transition of PE-based lipid membranes from the lamellar fluid phase (Lα) to the inverse hexagonal phase (HII) is commonly taken as a general model in reconstructing the membrane fusion pathway, and whose structural features have been mostly described so far using structural and microscopic techniques. The aim of this paper is to decipher the optical and molecular features of Lβ → Lα and especially of Lα → HII transition of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) lipids at pH = 7.0 when they are initially prepared in the form of both multi- and unilamellar liposomes (MLVs and LUVs). The distinction between optical properties of MLS- and LUVs-derived HII phase, provided from turbidity-sensitive temperature-dependent UV-Vis spectra, was attributed to different formation mechanisms of HII phase. Most importantly, from FTIR spectroscopic data of POPE lipids in Lβ (15 °C), Lα (50 °C) and HII (85 °C) phases we identified the changes in molecular features of POPE lipids during phase transitions. Among the latter, by far the most significant is different hydration pattern of POPE lipids in MLVs- and LUVs-derived HII phase which extends from the polar-apolar interface all the way to the terminal amino group of the POPE lipid, along with the changes in the conformation of glycerol backbone as evidenced by the signature of α-methylene groups. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed higher water penetration in HII phase and provided insight into hydrogen bonding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Maleš
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Nikšić-Franjić
- School of Science, Constructor University, Bremen GmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna Wang
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for Astrobiology, and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Bedegal Country, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Barbara Pem
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danijela Bakarić
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Krogman WL, Woodard T, McKay RSF. Anesthetic Mechanisms: Synergistic Interactions With Lipid Rafts and Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Anesth Analg 2024; 139:92-106. [PMID: 37968836 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite successfully utilizing anesthetics for over 150 years, the mechanism of action remains relatively unknown. Recent studies have shown promising results, but due to the complex interactions between anesthetics and their targets, there remains a clear need for further mechanistic research. We know that lipophilicity is directly connected to anesthetic potency since lipid solubility relates to anesthetic partition into the membrane. However, clinically relevant concentrations of anesthetics do not significantly affect lipid bilayers but continue to influence various molecular targets. Lipid rafts are derived from liquid-ordered phases of the plasma membrane that contain increased concentrations of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and act as staging platforms for membrane proteins, including ion channels. Although anesthetics do not perturb membranes at clinically relevant concentrations, they have recently been shown to target lipid rafts. In this review, we summarize current research on how different types of anesthetics-local, inhalational, and intravenous-bind and affect both lipid rafts and voltage-gated sodium channels, one of their major targets, and how those effects synergize to cause anesthesia and analgesia. Local anesthetics block voltage-gated sodium channel pores while also disrupting lipid packing in ordered membranes. Inhalational anesthetics bind to the channel pore and the voltage-sensing domain while causing an increase in the number, size, and diameter of lipid rafts. Intravenous anesthetics bind to the channel primarily at the voltage-sensing domain and the selectivity filter, while causing lipid raft perturbation. These changes in lipid nanodomain structure possibly give proteins access to substrates that have translocated as a result of these structural alterations, resulting in lipid-driven anesthesia. Overall, anesthetics can impact channel activity either through direct interaction with the channel, indirectly through the lipid raft, or both. Together, these result in decreased sodium ion flux into the cell, disrupting action potentials and producing anesthetic effects. However, more research is needed to elucidate the indirect mechanisms associated with channel disruption through the lipid raft, as not much is known about anionic lipid products and their influence over voltage-gated sodium channels. Anesthetics' effect on S-palmitoylation, a promising mechanism for direct and indirect influence over voltage-gated sodium channels, is another auspicious avenue of research. Understanding the mechanisms of different types of anesthetics will allow anesthesiologists greater flexibility and more specificity when treating patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Krogman
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, Wichita, Kansas
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Williams ZJ, Payne LB, Wu X, Gourdie RG. New focus on cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel β1 and β1B: Novel targets for treating and understanding arrhythmias? Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)02742-5. [PMID: 38908461 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are transmembrane protein complexes that are vital to the generation and propagation of action potentials in nerve and muscle fibers. The canonical VGSC is generally conceived as a heterotrimeric complex formed by two classes of membrane-spanning subunit-an α-subunit (pore forming) and two β-subunits (non-pore forming). NaV1.5 is the main sodium channel α-subunit of mammalian ventricle, with lower amounts of other α-subunits, including NaV1.6, being present. There are four β-subunits, β1-β4, encoded by four genes, SCN1B-SCN4B, each of which are expressed in cardiac tissues. Recent studies suggest that in addition to assignments in channel gating and trafficking, products of Scn1b may have novel roles in conduction of action potential in the heart and intracellular signaling. This includes evidence that the β-subunit extracellular Amino-terminal domain facilitates adhesive interactions in intercalated discs and that its Carboxyl-terminal region is a substrate for a regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) signaling pathway-with a Carboxyl-terminal peptide generated by β1 RIP trafficked to the nucleus and altering transcription of various genes, including NaV1.5. In addition to β1, the Scn1b gene encodes for an alternative splice variant, β1B, which contains an identical extracellular adhesion domain to β1, but has a unique Carboxyl-terminus. Whilst β1B is generally understood to be a secreted variant, evidence indicates that when co-expressed with NaV1.5, it is maintained at the cell membrane, suggesting potential unique roles for this understudied protein. In this review, we focus on what is known on the two β-subunit variants encoded by Scn1b in heart, with particular focus on recent findings and the questions raised by this new information. We also explore data that indicate β1 and β1B may be attractive targets for novel anti-arrhythmic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Laura Beth Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; School of Medicine, Virgina Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic University, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
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5
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Hassan MT, Tayara H, Chong KT. NaII-Pred: An ensemble-learning framework for the identification and interpretation of sodium ion inhibitors by fusing multiple feature representation. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108737. [PMID: 38879934 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
High-affinity ligand peptides for ion channels are essential for controlling the flow of ions across the plasma membrane. These peptides are now being investigated as possible therapeutic possibilities for a variety of illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. So, the identification and interpretation of ligand peptide inhibitors to control ion flow across cells become pivotal for exploration. In this work, we developed an ensemble-based model, NaII-Pred, for the identification of sodium ion inhibitors. The ensemble model was trained, tested, and evaluated on three different datasets. The NaII-Pred method employs six different descriptors and a hybrid feature set in conjunction with five conventional machine learning classifiers to create 35 baseline models. Through an ensemble approach, the top five baseline models trained on the hybrid feature set were integrated to yield the final predictive model, NaII-Pred. Our proposed model, NaII-Pred, outperforms the baseline models and the current predictors on both datasets. We believe NaII-Pred will play a critical role in screening and identifying potential sodium ion inhibitors and will be an invaluable tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Tanveerul Hassan
- Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea
| | - Hilal Tayara
- School of International Engineering and Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea.
| | - Kil To Chong
- Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea; Advances Electronics and Information Research Centre, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea.
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Maraslioglu-Sperber A, Pizzi E, Fisch JO, Kattler K, Ritter T, Friauf E. Molecular and functional profiling of cell diversity and identity in the lateral superior olive, an auditory brainstem center with ascending and descending projections. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354520. [PMID: 38846638 PMCID: PMC11153811 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The lateral superior olive (LSO), a prominent integration center in the auditory brainstem, contains a remarkably heterogeneous population of neurons. Ascending neurons, predominantly principal neurons (pLSOs), process interaural level differences for sound localization. Descending neurons (lateral olivocochlear neurons, LOCs) provide feedback into the cochlea and are thought to protect against acoustic overload. The molecular determinants of the neuronal diversity in the LSO are largely unknown. Here, we used patch-seq analysis in mice at postnatal days P10-12 to classify developing LSO neurons according to their functional and molecular profiles. Across the entire sample (n = 86 neurons), genes involved in ATP synthesis were particularly highly expressed, confirming the energy expenditure of auditory neurons. Two clusters were identified, pLSOs and LOCs. They were distinguished by 353 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), most of which were novel for the LSO. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the transcriptomic clustering. We focused on genes affecting neuronal input-output properties and validated some of them by immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and pharmacology. These genes encode proteins such as osteopontin, Kv11.3, and Kvβ3 (pLSO-specific), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (LOC-specific), or Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 (no DEGs). We identified 12 "Super DEGs" and 12 genes showing "Cluster similarity." Collectively, we provide fundamental and comprehensive insights into the molecular composition of individual ascending and descending neurons in the juvenile auditory brainstem and how this may relate to their specific functions, including developmental aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Maraslioglu-Sperber
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Erika Pizzi
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jonas O. Fisch
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kattler
- Genetics/Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tamara Ritter
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Eckhard Friauf
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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7
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Heinle JW, Dalessio S, Janicki P, Ouyang A, Vrana KE, Ruiz-Velasco V, Coates MD. Insights into the voltage-gated sodium channel, Na V1.8, and its role in visceral pain perception. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1398409. [PMID: 38855747 PMCID: PMC11158627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1398409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a major issue in healthcare throughout the world. It remains one of the major clinical issues of our time because it is a common sequela of numerous conditions, has a tremendous impact on individual quality of life, and is one of the top drivers of cost in medicine, due to its influence on healthcare expenditures and lost productivity in those affected by it. Patients and healthcare providers remain desperate to find new, safer and more effective analgesics. Growing evidence indicates that the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a critical role in transmission of pain-related signals throughout the body. For that reason, this channel appears to have strong potential to help develop novel, more selective, safer, and efficacious analgesics. However, many questions related to the physiology, function, and clinical utility of Nav1.8 remain to be answered. In this article, we discuss the latest studies evaluating the role of Nav1.8 in pain, with a particular focus on visceral pain, as well as the steps taken thus far to evaluate its potential as an analgesic target. We also review the limitations of currently available studies related to this topic, and describe the next scientific steps that have already been undertaken, or that will need to be pursued, to fully unlock the capabilities of this potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Westley Heinle
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shannon Dalessio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Piotr Janicki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Ann Ouyang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Victor Ruiz-Velasco
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Coates
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Huang H, Wang K, Liu X, Wang J, Suo M, Liu X, Li Z. Can self-powered piezoelectric materials be used to treat disc degeneration by means of electrical stimulation? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1397261. [PMID: 38784767 PMCID: PMC11111946 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1397261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) due to multiple causes is one of the major causes of low back pain (LBP). A variety of traditional treatments and biologic therapies are currently used to delay or even reverse IDD; however, these treatments still have some limitations. Finding safer and more effective treatments is urgent for LBP patients. With increasing reports it has been found that the intervertebral disc (IVD) can convert pressure loads from the spine into electrical stimulation in a variety of ways, and that this electrical stimulation is of great importance in modulating cell behavior, the immune microenvironment and promoting tissue repair. However, when intervertebral disc degeneration occurs, the normal structures within the IVD are destroyed. This eventually leads to a weakening or loss of self-powered. Currently various piezoelectric materials with unique crystal structures can mimic the piezoelectric effect of normal tissues. Based on this, tissue-engineered scaffolds prepared using piezoelectric materials have been widely used for regenerative repair of various types of tissues, however, there are no reports of their use for the treatment of IDD. For this reason, we propose to utilize tissue-engineered scaffolds prepared from piezoelectric biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and self-powered properties to be implanted into degenerated IVD to help restore cell type and number, restore extracellular matrix, and modulate immune responses. It provides a feasible and novel therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huagui Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Kaizhong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Xianyan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Jinzuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Moran Suo
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, China
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Zhao F, Liu Y, Liu Y, Ye Q, Yang H, Gui M, Song Y. The road to evolution of ProTx2: how to be a subtype-specific inhibition of human Na v1.7. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374183. [PMID: 38756380 PMCID: PMC11096480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The human voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a widely proven target for analgesic drug studies. ProTx2, a 30-residue polypeptide from Peruvian green tarantula venom, shows high specificity to activity against human Nav1.7, suggesting its potential to become a non-addictive analgesic. However, its high sensitivity to human Nav1.4 raises concerns about muscle side effects. Here, we engineered three mutants (R13A, R13D, and K27Y) of ProTx2 to evaluate their pharmacological activities toward Nav1.7 and Nav1.4. It is demonstrated that the mutant R13D maintained the analgesic effect in mice while dramatically reducing its muscle toxicity compared with ProTx2. The main reason is the formation of a strong electrostatic interaction between R13D and the negatively charged amino acid residues in DII/S3-S4 of Nav1.7, which is absent in Nav1.4. This study advances our understanding and insights on peptide toxins, paving the way for safer, effective non-addictive analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Mei T, Liu W, Sun F, Chen Y, Xu G, Huang Z, Jiang Y, Wang S, Chen L, Liu J, Fan F, Xiao K. Bio-inspired Two-dimensional Nanofluidic Ionic Transistor for Neuromorphic Signal Processing. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401477. [PMID: 38419469 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401477] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels prevalent in neurons play important roles in generating action potential and information transmission by responding to transmembrane potential. Fabricating bio-inspired ionic transistors with ions as charge carriers will be crucial for realizing neuro-inspired devices and brain-liking computing. Here, we reported a two-dimensional nanofluidic ionic transistor based on a MXene membrane with sub-1 nm interlayer channels. By applying a gating voltage on the MXene nanofluidic, a transmembrane potential will be generated to active the ionic transistor, which is similar to the transmembrane potential of neuron cells and can be effectively regulated by changing membrane parameters, e.g., thickness, composition, and interlayer spacing. For the symmetric MXene nanofluidic, a high on/off ratio of ~2000 can be achieved by forming an ionic depletion or accumulation zone, contingent on the sign of the gating potential. An asymmetric PET/MXene-composited nanofluidic transitioned the ionic transistor from ambipolar to unipolar, resulting in a more sensitive gate voltage characteristic with a low subthreshold swing of 560 mV/decade. Furthermore, ionic logic gate circuits, including the "NOT", "NAND", and "NOR" gate, were implemented for neuromorphic signal processing successfully, which provides a promising pathway towards highly parallel, low energy consumption, and ion-based brain-like computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Mei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
- School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Wenchao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Fusai Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, 2011-iChEM, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physic, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China
| | - Yuanxia Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Guoheng Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Zijia Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yisha Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Senyao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Junjun Liu
- School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Fengtao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, 2011-iChEM, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physic, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China
| | - Kai Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Innovative Materials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
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11
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Kranjčević JK, Čonkaš J, Ozretić P. The Role of Estrogen and Estrogen Receptors in Head and Neck Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1575. [PMID: 38672656 PMCID: PMC11049451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. The main risk factors include consumption of tobacco in all forms and alcohol, as well as infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus. Regardless of the etiological agent, the risk of developing different types of HNTs is from two to more than six times higher in males than in females. The reason for such disparities probably lies in a combination of both biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure to female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, provides women with protection against the formation and metastasis of HNTs. In this review, we synthesized available knowledge on the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the development and progression of HNTs, with special emphasis on membrane ERs, which are much less studied. We can summarize that in addition to epidemiologic studies unequivocally pointing to the protective effect of estrogen in women, an increased expression of both nuclear ERs, ERα, and ERβ, and membrane ERs, ERα36, GPER1, and NaV1.2, was present in different types of HNSCC, for which anti-estrogens could be used as an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (J.Č.)
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12
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Alexa AL, Sargarovschi S, Ionescu D. Neutrophils and Anesthetic Drugs: Implications in Onco-Anesthesia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4033. [PMID: 38612841 PMCID: PMC11012681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074033] [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] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Apart from being a significant line of defense in the host defense system, neutrophils have many immunological functions. Although there are not many publications that accurately present the functions of neutrophils in relation to oncological pathology, their activity and implications have been studied a lot recently. This review aims to extensively describe neutrophils functions'; their clinical implications, especially in tumor pathology; the value of clinical markers related to neutrophils; and the implications of neutrophils in onco-anesthesia. This review also aims to describe current evidence on the influence of anesthetic drugs on neutrophils' functions and their potential influence on perioperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Leonard Alexa
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care I, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.S.); (D.I.)
- Association for Research in Anesthesia and Intensive Care (ACATI), 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Onco-Anaesthesia Research Group, ESAIC, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sergiu Sargarovschi
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care I, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.S.); (D.I.)
- Association for Research in Anesthesia and Intensive Care (ACATI), 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Ionescu
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care I, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.S.); (D.I.)
- Association for Research in Anesthesia and Intensive Care (ACATI), 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Onco-Anaesthesia Research Group, ESAIC, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Outcome Research Consortium, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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13
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Sahu M, Vashishth S, Kukreti N, Gulia A, Russell A, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Synergizing drug repurposing and target identification for neurodegenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 205:111-169. [PMID: 38789177 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite dedicated research efforts, the absence of disease-curing remedies for neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) continues to jeopardize human society and stands as a challenge. Drug repurposing is an attempt to find new functionality of existing drugs and take it as an opportunity to discourse the clinically unmet need to treat neurodegeneration. However, despite applying this approach to rediscover a drug, it can also be used to identify the target on which a drug could work. The primary objective of target identification is to unravel all the possibilities of detecting a new drug or repurposing an existing drug. Lately, scientists and researchers have been focusing on specific genes, a particular site in DNA, a protein, or a molecule that might be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the new era discusses directing the signaling mechanism involved in the disease progression, where receptors, ion channels, enzymes, and other carrier molecules play a huge role. This review aims to highlight how target identification can expedite the whole process of drug repurposing. Here, we first spot various target-identification methods and drug-repositioning studies, including drug-target and structure-based identification studies. Moreover, we emphasize various drug repurposing approaches in NDDs, namely, experimental-based, mechanism-based, and in silico approaches. Later, we draw attention to validation techniques and stress on drugs that are currently undergoing clinical trials in NDDs. Lastly, we underscore the future perspective of synergizing drug repurposing and target identification in NDDs and present an unresolved question to address the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehar Sahu
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Shrutikirti Vashishth
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Neha Kukreti
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Ashima Gulia
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Russell
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
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14
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Salaria P, Subrahmanyeswara Rao NN, Dhameliya TM, Amarendar Reddy M. In silico investigation of potential phytoconstituents against ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels as antiepileptic agents. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:99. [PMID: 38456083 PMCID: PMC10914661 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The most promising anticonvulsant phytocompounds were explored in this work using docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, and Molecular Mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) approaches. A total of 70 phytochemicals were screened against α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), voltage-gated sodium ion channels (VGSC), and carbonic anhydrase enzyme II (CA II) receptors, and the docking results were compared to the reference drug phenytoin. Amentoflavone displayed the highest affinity for AMPA and VGSC receptors, with docking scores of - 10.4 and - 10.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Oliganthin H-NMDA and epigallocatechin-3-gallate-CA II complexes showed docking scores of - 10.9 and - 6.9 kcal/mol, respectively. All four complexes depicted a high dock score compared to the phenytoin complex at the binding site of the corresponding proteins. The MD simulation investigated the stabilities and favorable conformation of apoproteins and ligand/reference-bound complexes. The results revealed that proteins AMPA, VGSC, and CA II were more efficiently stabilized by lead phytochemicals than phenytoin binding. Additionally, principal component analysis and MM-PBSA results suggested that these lead phytocompounds have good compactness and strong binding free energy. Further, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic studies revealed that these final lead phytochemicals would be suitable for oral intake, have sufficient intestinal permeability, and have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Comprehensively, this study predicted amentoflavone as the best lead phytochemical out of the 70 anticonvulsant phytocompounds that can be used to treat epilepsy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03948-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punam Salaria
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh 534101 India
| | - N N Subrahmanyeswara Rao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (Autonomous), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Tejas M Dhameliya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481 India
| | - M Amarendar Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh 534101 India
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15
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Liu SJ, Zhao Q, Liu XC, Gamble AB, Huang W, Yang QQ, Han B. Bioactive atropisomers: Unraveling design strategies and synthetic routes for drug discovery. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38515232 DOI: 10.1002/med.22037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Atropisomerism, an expression of axial chirality caused by limited bond rotation, is a prominent aspect within the field of medicinal chemistry. It has been shown that atropisomers of a wide range of compounds, including established FDA-approved drugs and experimental molecules, display markedly different biological activities. The time-dependent reversal of chirality in atropisomers poses complexity and obstacles in the process of drug discovery and development. Nonetheless, recent progress in understanding atropisomerism and enhanced characterization methods have greatly assisted medicinal chemists in the effective development of atropisomeric drug molecules. This article provides a comprehensive review of their special design thoughts, synthetic routes, and biological activities, serving as a reference for the synthesis and biological evaluation of bioactive atropisomers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Allan B Gamble
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian-Qian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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16
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Lin Y, Tao E, Champion JP, Corry B. A binding site for phosphoinositides described by multiscale simulations explains their modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels. eLife 2024; 12:RP91218. [PMID: 38465747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91218] [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] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Naᵥ) are membrane proteins which open to facilitate the inward flux of sodium ions into excitable cells. In response to stimuli, Naᵥ channels transition from the resting, closed state to an open, conductive state, before rapidly inactivating. Dysregulation of this functional cycle due to mutations causes diseases including epilepsy, pain conditions, and cardiac disorders, making Naᵥ channels a significant pharmacological target. Phosphoinositides are important lipid cofactors for ion channel function. The phosphoinositide PI(4,5)P2 decreases Naᵥ1.4 activity by increasing the difficulty of channel opening, accelerating fast inactivation and slowing recovery from fast inactivation. Using multiscale molecular dynamics simulations, we show that PI(4,5)P2 binds stably to inactivated Naᵥ at a conserved site within the DIV S4-S5 linker, which couples the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) to the pore. As the Naᵥ C-terminal domain is proposed to also bind here during recovery from inactivation, we hypothesize that PI(4,5)P2 prolongs inactivation by competitively binding to this site. In atomistic simulations, PI(4,5)P2 reduces the mobility of both the DIV S4-S5 linker and the DIII-IV linker, responsible for fast inactivation, slowing the conformational changes required for the channel to recover to the resting state. We further show that in a resting state Naᵥ model, phosphoinositides bind to VSD gating charges, which may anchor them and impede VSD activation. Our results provide a mechanism by which phosphoinositides alter the voltage dependence of activation and the rate of recovery from inactivation, an important step for the development of novel therapies to treat Naᵥ-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiechang Lin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Elaine Tao
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - James P Champion
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ben Corry
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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17
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Kawai F. Somatic ion channels and action potentials in olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:455-471. [PMID: 38264787 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00137.2023] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptor cells are primary sensory neurons that catch odor molecules in the olfactory system, and vomeronasal receptor cells catch pheromones in the vomeronasal system. When odor or pheromone molecules bind to receptor proteins expressed on the membrane of the olfactory cilia or vomeronasal microvilli, receptor potentials are generated in their receptor cells. This initial excitation is transmitted to the soma via dendrites, and action potentials are generated in the soma and/or axon and transmitted to the central nervous system. Thus, olfactory and vomeronasal receptor cells play an important role in converting chemical signals into electrical signals. In this review, the electrophysiological characteristics of ion channels in the somatic membrane of olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells in various species are described and the differences between the action potential dynamics of olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells are compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusao Kawai
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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18
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Kapur MM, Soliman M, Blanke EN, Herold PB, Janicki PK, Vrana KE, Coates MD, Ruiz-Velasco V. Heterologous expression of the human wild-type and variant Na V 1.8 (A1073V) in rat sensory neurons. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14748. [PMID: 38263802 PMCID: PMC10922522 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition in which individuals with the active disease experience minor to no pain. Voltage-gated Na+ (NaV ) channels expressed in sensory neurons play a major role in pain perception. Previously, we reported that a NaV 1.8 genetic polymorphism (A1073V, rs6795970) was more common in a cohort of silent IBD patients. The expression of this variant (1073V) in rat sympathetic neurons activated at more depolarized potentials when compared to the more common variant (1073A). In this study, we investigated whether expression of either NaV 1.8 variant in rat sensory neurons would exhibit different biophysical characteristics than previously observed in sympathetic neurons. METHODS Endogenous NaV 1.8 channels were first silenced in DRG neurons and then either 1073A or 1073V human NaV 1.8 cDNA constructs were transfected. NaV 1.8 currents were recorded with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. KEY RESULTS The results indicate that 1073A and 1073V NaV 1.8 channels exhibited similar activation values. However, the slope factor (k) for activation determined for this same group of neurons decreased by 5 mV, suggesting an increase in voltage sensitivity. Comparison of inactivation parameters indicated that 1073V channels were shifted to more depolarized potentials than 1073A-expressing neurons, imparting a proexcitatory characteristic. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES These findings differ from previous observations in other expression models and underscore the challenges with heterologous expression systems. Therefore, the use of human sensory neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells may help address these inconsistencies and better determine the effect of the polymorphism present in IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam M. Kapur
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Marwa Soliman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Emily N. Blanke
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Paul B. Herold
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Piotr K. Janicki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Matthew D. Coates
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Victor Ruiz-Velasco
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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19
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Li Z, Wu Q, Huang G, Jin X, Li J, Pan X, Yan N. Dissection of the structure-function relationship of Na v channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322899121. [PMID: 38381792 PMCID: PMC10907234 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322899121] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) undergo conformational shifts in response to membrane potential changes, a mechanism known as the electromechanical coupling. To delineate the structure-function relationship of human Nav channels, we have performed systematic structural analysis using human Nav1.7 as a prototype. Guided by the structural differences between wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 and an eleven mutation-containing variant, designated Nav1.7-M11, we generated three additional intermediate mutants and solved their structures at overall resolutions of 2.9-3.4 Å. The mutant with nine-point mutations in the pore domain (PD), named Nav1.7-M9, has a reduced cavity volume and a sealed gate, with all voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) remaining up. Structural comparison of WT and Nav1.7-M9 pinpoints two residues that may be critical to the tightening of the PD. However, the variant containing these two mutations, Nav1.7-M2, or even in combination with two additional mutations in the VSDs, named Nav1.7-M4, failed to tighten the PD. Our structural analysis reveals a tendency of PD contraction correlated with the right shift of the static inactivation I-V curves. We predict that the channel in the resting state should have a "tight" PD with down VSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou310024, China
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Jiaao Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen518107, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen518107, China
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20
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Shoombuatong W, Homdee N, Schaduangrat N, Chumnanpuen P. Leveraging a meta-learning approach to advance the accuracy of Na v blocking peptides prediction. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4463. [PMID: 38396246 PMCID: PMC10891130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55160-z] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel is a crucial molecular component responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials. While the α subunit, forming the channel pore, plays a central role in this function, the complete physiological function of Nav channels relies on crucial interactions between the α subunit and auxiliary proteins, known as protein-protein interactions (PPI). Nav blocking peptides (NaBPs) have been recognized as a promising and alternative therapeutic agent for pain and itch. Although traditional experimental methods can precisely determine the effect and activity of NaBPs, they remain time-consuming and costly. Hence, machine learning (ML)-based methods that are capable of accurately contributing in silico prediction of NaBPs are highly desirable. In this study, we develop an innovative meta-learning-based NaBP prediction method (MetaNaBP). MetaNaBP generates new feature representations by employing a wide range of sequence-based feature descriptors that cover multiple perspectives, in combination with powerful ML algorithms. Then, these feature representations were optimized to identify informative features using a two-step feature selection method. Finally, the selected informative features were applied to develop the final meta-predictor. To the best of our knowledge, MetaNaBP is the first meta-predictor for NaBP prediction. Experimental results demonstrated that MetaNaBP achieved an accuracy of 0.948 and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.898 over the independent test dataset, which were 5.79% and 11.76% higher than the existing method. In addition, the discriminative power of our feature representations surpassed that of conventional feature descriptors over both the training and independent test datasets. We anticipate that MetaNaBP will be exploited for the large-scale prediction and analysis of NaBPs to narrow down the potential NaBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Nutta Homdee
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
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21
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Ngo K, Lopez Mateos D, Han Y, Rouen KC, Ahn SH, Wulff H, Clancy CE, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Vorobyov I. Elucidating molecular mechanisms of protoxin-II state-specific binding to the human NaV1.7 channel. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313368. [PMID: 38127314 PMCID: PMC10737443 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313368] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channels are responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells, and mutations have been associated with numerous cardiac and neurological disorders. hNaV1.7 channels are expressed in peripheral neurons and are promising targets for pain therapy. The tarantula venom peptide protoxin-II (PTx2) has high selectivity for hNaV1.7 and is a valuable scaffold for designing novel therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we used computational modeling to study the molecular mechanisms of the state-dependent binding of PTx2 to hNaV1.7 voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). Using Rosetta structural modeling methods, we constructed atomistic models of the hNaV1.7 VSD II and IV in the activated and deactivated states with docked PTx2. We then performed microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the systems in hydrated lipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that PTx2 binds most favorably to the deactivated VSD II and activated VSD IV. These state-specific interactions are mediated primarily by PTx2's residues R22, K26, K27, K28, and W30 with VSD and the surrounding membrane lipids. Our work revealed important protein-protein and protein-lipid contacts that contribute to high-affinity state-dependent toxin interaction with the channel. The workflow presented will prove useful for designing novel peptides with improved selectivity and potency for more effective and safe treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yanxiao Han
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle C. Rouen
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Surl-Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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22
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Orfali R, Alwatban AZ, Orfali RS, Lau L, Chea N, Alotaibi AM, Nam YW, Zhang M. Oxidative stress and ion channels in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1320086. [PMID: 38348223 PMCID: PMC10859863 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1320086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous neurodegenerative diseases result from altered ion channel function and mutations. The intracellular redox status can significantly alter the gating characteristics of ion channels. Abundant neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress have been documented, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species compounds trigger posttranslational alterations that target specific sites within the subunits responsible for channel assembly. These alterations include the adjustment of cysteine residues through redox reactions induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitration, and S-nitrosylation assisted by nitric oxide of tyrosine residues through peroxynitrite. Several ion channels have been directly investigated for their functional responses to oxidizing agents and oxidative stress. This review primarily explores the relationship and potential links between oxidative stress and ion channels in neurodegenerative conditions, such as cerebellar ataxias and Parkinson's disease. The potential correlation between oxidative stress and ion channels could hold promise for developing innovative therapies for common neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Orfali
- Neuroscience Research Department, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Z. Alwatban
- Neuroscience Research Department, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Liz Lau
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Noble Chea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Abdullah M. Alotaibi
- Neuroscience Research Department, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, United States
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Melchionna M, Ganusova EE, Harmon N, Alexandre G. TrhA, a bacterial progestin and adiponectin receptor homolog, couples membrane energetics homeostasis and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0039723. [PMID: 38054739 PMCID: PMC10810207 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00397-23] [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] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the widely conserved progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family function to maintain membrane homeostasis: membrane fluidity and fatty acid composition in eukaryotes and membrane energetics and fatty acid composition in bacteria. All PAQRs consist of a core seven transmembrane domain structure and five conserved amino acids (three histidines, one serine, and one aspartic acid) predicted to form a hydrolase-like catalytic site. PAQR homologs in Bacteria (called TrhA, for transmembrane homeostasis protein A) maintain homeostasis of membrane charge gradients, like the membrane potential and proton gradient that comprise the proton motive force, but their molecular mechanisms are not yet understood. Here, we show that TrhA in Escherichia coli has a periplasmic C-terminus, which places the five conserved residues shared by all PAQRs at the cytoplasmic interface of the membrane. Here, we characterize several conserved residues predicted to form an active site by site-directed mutagenesis. We also identify a specific role for TrhA in modulating unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis with conserved residues required to either promote or reduce the abundance of unsaturated fatty acids. We also identify distinct roles for the conserved residues in supporting TrhA's role in maintaining membrane energetics homeostasis that suggest that both functions are intertwined and probably partly dependent on one another. An analysis of domain architecture of TrhA-like domains in Bacteria further supports a function of TrhA linking membrane energetics homeostasis with biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in the membrane. IMPORTANCE Progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family proteins are evolutionary conserved regulators of membrane homeostasis and have been best characterized in eukaryotes. Bacterial PAQR homologs, named TrhA (transmembrane homeostasis protein A), regulate membrane energetics homeostasis through an unknown mechanism. Here, we present evidence linking TrhA to both membrane energetics homeostasis and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Analysis of domain architecture together with experimental evidence suggests a model where TrhA activity on unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis is regulated by changes in membrane energetics to dynamically adjust membrane homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddison Melchionna
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elena E. Ganusova
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Neyland Harmon
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gladys Alexandre
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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24
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McMahon KL, Vetter I, Schroeder CI. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Inhibition by µ-Conotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:55. [PMID: 38251271 PMCID: PMC10819908 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010055] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
µ-Conotoxins are small, potent pore-blocker inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, which have been identified as pharmacological probes and putative leads for analgesic development. A limiting factor in their therapeutic development has been their promiscuity for different NaV channel subtypes, which can lead to undesirable side-effects. This review will focus on four areas of µ-conotoxin research: (1) mapping the interactions of µ-conotoxins with different NaV channel subtypes, (2) µ-conotoxin structure-activity relationship studies, (3) observed species selectivity of µ-conotoxins and (4) the effects of µ-conotoxin disulfide connectivity on activity. Our aim is to provide a clear overview of the current status of µ-conotoxin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten L. McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Christina I. Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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25
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Chan TYC, Hung LY, Lam TYL, Sheng B, Leung FYK, Lee HHC. SCN4A-related congenital myopathy in a Han Chinese patient: A case report and literature review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23663. [PMID: 38187266 PMCID: PMC10770507 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SCN4A mutations have been shown to be associated with myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, and periodic paralyses. More recently, loss-of-function variants in the SCN4A gene were also noted to be associated with rarer, autosomal recessive forms of congenital myasthenic syndrome and congenital myopathy. Diagnosis is challenging as the initial clinical presentation and histological features on muscle biopsies are non-specific. We report a Han Chinese patient presented with congenital myopathy with two missense SCN4A variants. The patient had an antenatal history of reduced fetal movements, polyhydramnios and a very preterm birth. At birth, she was noted to have low Apgar score, respiratory distress syndrome and hypotonia. Delayed motor development was noted in early childhood. Dysmorphic features such as an elongated face, dolichocephaly and high arched palate were present. At 16 years of age, the patient developed progressive muscle weakness and was wheelchair-bound by age 20. Muscle biopsy revealed non-specific changes only. Targeted hereditary myopathy panel testing by next generation sequencing revealed two previously unreported missense variants c.1841A > T p.(Asn614Ile) and c.4420G > A p.(Ala1474Thr) in the SCN4A gene. The clinical features of SCN4A-related congenital myopathy and myasthenic syndrome were reviewed. This case exemplifies the utility of next generation sequencing in the diagnosis of undifferentiated muscle disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Yee-Ching Chan
- Kowloon West Cluster Laboratory Genetic Service, Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ling-Yin Hung
- Kowloon West Cluster Laboratory Genetic Service, Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Tiffany Yan-Lok Lam
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Bun Sheng
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Frank Ying-Kit Leung
- Kowloon West Cluster Laboratory Genetic Service, Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Department of Pathology, Yan Chai Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hencher Han-Chih Lee
- Kowloon West Cluster Laboratory Genetic Service, Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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26
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Joseph TT, Bu W, Haji-Ghassemi O, Chen YS, Woll K, Allen PD, Brannigan G, van Petegem F, Eckenhoff RG. Propofol directly binds and inhibits skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575040. [PMID: 38260485 PMCID: PMC10802444 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
As the primary Ca 2+ release channel in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) or its binding partners underlie a constellation of muscle disorders, including malignant hyperthermia (MH). In patients with MH mutations, exposure to triggering drugs such as the halogenated volatile anesthetics biases RyR1 to an open state, resulting in uncontrolled Ca 2+ release, sarcomere tension and heat production. Restoration of Ca 2+ into the SR also consumes ATP, generating a further untenable metabolic load. When anesthetizing patients with known MH mutations, the non-triggering intravenous general anesthetic propofol is commonly substituted for triggering anesthetics. Evidence of direct binding of anesthetic agents to RyR1 or its binding partners is scant, and the atomic-level interactions of propofol with RyR1 are entirely unknown. Here, we show that propofol decreases RyR1 opening in heavy SR vesicles and planar lipid bilayers, and that it inhibits activator-induced Ca 2+ release from SR in human skeletal muscle. In addition to confirming direct binding, photoaffinity labeling using m- azipropofol (AziP m ) revealed several putative propofol binding sites on RyR1. Prediction of binding affinity by molecular dynamics simulation suggests that propofol binds at least one of these sites at clinical concentrations. These findings invite the hypothesis that in addition to propofol not triggering MH, it may also be protective against MH by inhibiting induced Ca 2+ flux through RyR1.
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27
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Chen Y, Xiao L, Qiu J. Neuronomodulation of Excitable Neurons. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:103-112. [PMID: 37584858 PMCID: PMC10774251 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01095-w] [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] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronomodulation refers to the modulation of neural conduction and synaptic transmission (i.e., the conduction process involved in synaptic transmission) of excitable neurons via changes in the membrane potential in response to chemical substances, from spillover neurotransmitters to paracrine or endocrine hormones circulating in the blood. Neuronomodulation can be direct or indirect, depending on the transduction pathways from the ligand binding site to the ion pore, either on the same molecule, i.e. the ion channel, or through an intermediate step on different molecules. The major players in direct neuronomodulation are ligand-gated or voltage-gated ion channels. The key process of direct neuronomodulation is the binding and chemoactivation of ligand-gated or voltage-gated ion channels, either orthosterically or allosterically, by various ligands. Indirect neuronomodulation involves metabotropic receptor-mediated slow potentials, where steroid hormones, cytokines, and chemokines can implement these actions. Elucidating neuronomodulation is of great significance for understanding the physiological mechanisms of brain function, and the occurrence and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhang Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lin Xiao
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences of Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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28
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Makau CM, Towett PK, Kanui TI, Abelson KSP. Effects of inhibition of Nav1.3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 channels on pain-related behavior in Speke's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys spekii). J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25274. [PMID: 38284848 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25274] [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] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Comparative studies using reptiles as experimental animals in pain research could expand our knowledge on the evolution and adaptation of pain mechanisms. Currently, there are no data reported on the involvement of voltage-gated sodium ion channels on nociception in reptiles. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of Nav1.3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 ion channels in nociception in Speke's hinge-back tortoise. ICA 121341 (selective blocker for Nav1.1/Nav1.3), NAV 26 (selective blocker for Nav1.7), and A803467 (selective blocker for Nav1.8) were used to investigate the involvement of Nav1.3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8, respectively. The chemicals were administered intracoelomically thirty minutes before the start of nociceptive tests. ICA 121341 did not cause a significant decrease in the time spent in pain-related behavior in all the nociceptive tests. NAV 26 and A8034667 caused a statistically significant decrease in the mean time spent in pain-related behavior in the formalin and capsaicin tests. Only A803467 caused a statistically significant increase in the mean latency to pain-related behavior in the hot plate test. NAV 26 and A803467 had no observable side effects. In conclusion, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 are involved in the processing of chemically induced inflammatory pain in Speke's hinge back tortoise. In addition, Nav1.8 are also significantly involved in the development of thermal-induced pain-related behavior in this species of reptile. However, our results do not support the involvement of Nav1.3 on the development of chemical or thermal induced pain-related behavior in the Speke's hinge back tortoise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Makau
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Philemon K Towett
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Titus I Kanui
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Klas S P Abelson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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29
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Sumino A, Sumikama T, Shibata M, Irie K. Voltage sensors of a Na + channel dissociate from the pore domain and form inter-channel dimers in the resting state. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7835. [PMID: 38114487 PMCID: PMC10730821 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43347-3] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels is significant since they generate action potential. Nav channels consist of a pore domain (PD) and a voltage sensor domain (VSD). All resolved Nav structures in different gating states have VSDs that tightly interact with PDs; however, it is unclear whether VSDs attach to PDs during gating under physiological conditions. Here, we reconstituted three different voltage-dependent NavAb, which is cloned from Arcobacter butzleri, into a lipid membrane and observed their structural dynamics by high-speed atomic force microscopy on a sub-second timescale in the steady state. Surprisingly, VSDs dissociated from PDs in the mutant in the resting state and further dimerized to form cross-links between channels. This dimerization would occur at a realistic channel density, offering a potential explanation for the facilitation of positive cooperativity of channel activity in the rising phase of the action potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Sumino
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Takashi Sumikama
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Mikihiro Shibata
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Katsumasa Irie
- Department of Biophysical chemistry School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan.
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30
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Barbe P, Molgó J, Thai R, Urman A, Servent D, Arnich N, Keck M. Acute Effects of Brevetoxin-3 Administered via Oral Gavage to Mice. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:644. [PMID: 38132965 PMCID: PMC10744354 DOI: 10.3390/md21120644] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Brevetoxins (BTXs) constitute a family of lipid-soluble toxic cyclic polyethers mainly produced by Karenia brevis, which is the main vector for a foodborne syndrome known as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) in humans. To prevent health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated shellfish in France, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) recommended assessing the effects of BTXs via an acute oral toxicity study in rodents. Here, we investigated the effect of a single oral administration in both male and female mice with several doses of BTX-3 (100 to 1,500 µg kg-1 bw) during a 48 h observation period in order to provide toxicity data to be used as a starting point for establishing an acute oral reference dose (ARfD). We monitored biological parameters and observed symptomatology, revealing different effects of this toxin depending on the sex. Females were more sensitive than males to the impact of BTX-3 at the lowest doses on weight loss. For both males and females, BTX-3 induced a rapid, transient and dose-dependent decrease in body temperature, and a transient dose-dependent reduced muscle activity. Males were more sensitive to BTX-3 than females with more frequent observations of failures in the grip test, convulsive jaw movements, and tremors. BTX-3's impacts on symptomatology were rapid, appearing during the 2 h after administration, and were transient, disappearing 24 h after administration. The highest dose of BTX-3 administered in this study, 1,500 µg kg-1 bw, was more toxic to males, leading to the euthanasia of three out of five males only 4 h after administration. BTX-3 had no effect on water intake, and affected neither the plasma chemistry parameters nor the organs' weight. We identified potential points of departure that could be used to establish an ARfD (decrease in body weight, body temperature, and muscle activity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Barbe
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
| | - Jordi Molgó
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
| | - Robert Thai
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
| | - Apolline Urman
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
| | - Denis Servent
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
| | - Nathalie Arnich
- Risk Assessment Directorate, ANSES—French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Mathilde Keck
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (P.B.); (J.M.); (R.T.); (A.U.); (D.S.)
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31
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del Carlo RE, Reimche JS, Moniz HA, Hague MT, Agarwal SR, Brodie ED, Brodie ED, Leblanc N, Feldman CR. Coevolution with toxic prey produces functional trade-offs in sodium channels of predatory snakes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.08.570760. [PMID: 38106015 PMCID: PMC10723449 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.08.570760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Seemingly unrelated traits often share the same underlying molecular mechanisms, potentially generating a pleiotropic relationship whereby selection shaping one trait can simultaneously compromise another. While such functional trade-offs are expected to influence evolutionary outcomes, their actual relevance in nature is masked by obscure links between genotype, phenotype, and fitness. Here, we describe functional trade-offs that likely govern a key adaptation and coevolutionary dynamics in a predator-prey system. Several garter snake (Thamnophis spp.) populations have evolved resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent chemical defense in their prey, toxic newts (Taricha spp.). Snakes achieve TTX resistance through mutations occurring at toxin-binding sites in the pore of snake skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.4). We hypothesized that these mutations impair basic NaV functions, producing molecular trade-offs that should ultimately scale up to compromised organismal performance. We investigate biophysical costs in two snake species with unique and independently evolved mutations that confer TTX resistance. We show electrophysiological evidence that skeletal muscle sodium channels encoded by toxin-resistant alleles are functionally compromised. Furthermore, skeletal muscles from snakes with resistance genotypes exhibit reduced mechanical performance. Lastly, modeling the molecular stability of these sodium channel variants partially explains the electrophysiological and muscle impairments. Ultimately, adaptive genetic changes favoring toxin resistance appear to negatively impact sodium channel function, skeletal muscle strength, and organismal performance. These functional trade-offs at the cellular and organ levels appear to underpin locomotor deficits observed in resistant snakes and may explain variation in the population-level success of toxin-resistant alleles across the landscape, ultimately shaping the trajectory of snake-newt coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E. del Carlo
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
- University of Nevada, Reno Program in Cell & Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology
| | - Jessica S. Reimche
- University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
- University of Nevada, Reno Program in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology
| | - Haley A. Moniz
- University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
- University of Nevada, Reno Program in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology
| | - Michael T.J. Hague
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 22904
| | - Shailesh R. Agarwal
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
| | - Edmund D. Brodie
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 22904
| | - Edmund D. Brodie
- Utah State University, Department of Biology, Logan, Utah, USA, 84322
| | - Normand Leblanc
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
| | - Chris R. Feldman
- University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biology, Reno, Nevada, USA, 89557
- University of Nevada, Reno Program in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology
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32
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Abd-Allah WH, El-Mohsen Anwar MA, Mohammed ER, El Moghazy SM. Anticonvulsant Classes and Possible Mechanism of Actions. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4076-4092. [PMID: 37948544 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00613] [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: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide; it needs long-term or life-long treatment. Despite the presence of several novel antiepileptic drugs, approximately 30% patients still suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. Subsequently, searching for new anticonvulsants with lower toxicity and better efficacy is still in paramount demand. Using target-based studies in the discovery of novel antiepileptics is uncommon owing to the insufficient information on the molecular pathway of epilepsy and complex mode of action for most of known antiepileptic drugs. In this review, we investigated the properties of anticonvulsants, types of epileptic seizures, and mechanism of action for anticonvulsants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Hamada Abd-Allah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Collage of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, P.O. 77, 12568 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Abd El-Mohsen Anwar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Collage of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, P.O. 77, 12568 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman R Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samir M El Moghazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
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33
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Felício D, du Mérac TR, Amorim A, Martins S. Functional implications of paralog genes in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1651-1676. [PMID: 37845370 PMCID: PMC10676324 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02607-4] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by (CAG/CAA)n expansions. The elongated stretches of adjacent glutamines alter the conformation of the native proteins inducing neurotoxicity, and subsequent motor and neurological symptoms. Although the etiology and neuropathology of most polyQ SCAs have been extensively studied, only a limited selection of therapies is available. Previous studies on SCA1 demonstrated that ATXN1L, a human duplicated gene of the disease-associated ATXN1, alleviated neuropathology in mice models. Other SCA-associated genes have paralogs (i.e., copies at different chromosomal locations derived from duplication of the parental gene), but their functional relevance and potential role in disease pathogenesis remain unexplored. Here, we review the protein homology, expression pattern, and molecular functions of paralogs in seven polyQ dominant ataxias-SCA1, SCA2, MJD/SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA17, and DRPLA. Besides ATXN1L, we highlight ATXN2L, ATXN3L, CACNA1B, ATXN7L1, ATXN7L2, TBPL2, and RERE as promising functional candidates to play a role in the neuropathology of the respective SCA, along with the parental gene. Although most of these duplicates lack the (CAG/CAA)n region, if functionally redundant, they may compensate for a partial loss-of-function or dysfunction of the wild-type genes in SCAs. We aim to draw attention to the hypothesis that paralogs of disease-associated genes may underlie the complex neuropathology of dominant ataxias and potentiate new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Felício
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tanguy Rubat du Mérac
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - António Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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Spekker E, Nagy-Grócz G, Vécsei L. Ion Channel Disturbances in Migraine Headache: Exploring the Potential Role of the Kynurenine System in the Context of the Trigeminovascular System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16574. [PMID: 38068897 PMCID: PMC10706278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a primary headache disorder, which is an enormous burden to the healthcare system. While some aspects of the pathomechanism of migraines remain unknown, the most accepted theory is that activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system are essential during migraine attacks. In recent decades, it has been suggested that ion channels may be important participants in the pathogenesis of migraine. Numerous ion channels are expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, including the trigeminovascular system, affecting neuron excitability, synaptic energy homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and pain sensation. Dysfunction of ion channels could result in neuronal excitability and peripheral or central sensitization. This narrative review covers the current understanding of the biological mechanisms leading to activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular pain pathway, with a focus on recent findings on ion channel activation and modulation. Furthermore, we focus on the kynurenine pathway since this system contains kynurenic acid, which is an endogenous glutamate receptor antagonist substance, and it has a role in migraine pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Preventive Health Sciences Research Group, Incubation Competence Centre of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation of the University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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35
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Ernst M, Orabi EA, Stockbridge RB, Faraldo-Gómez JD, Robertson JL. Dimerization mechanism of an inverted-topology ion channel in membranes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308454120. [PMID: 37956279 PMCID: PMC10666096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308454120] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many ion channels are multisubunit complexes where oligomerization is an obligatory requirement for function as the binding axis forms the charged permeation pathway. However, the mechanisms of in-membrane assembly of thermodynamically stable channels are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate a key advance by reporting the dimerization equilibrium reaction of an inverted-topology, homodimeric fluoride channel Fluc in lipid bilayers. While the wild-type channel is a long-lived dimer, we leverage a known mutation, N43S, that weakens Na+ binding in a buried site at the interface, thereby unlocking the complex for reversible association in lipid bilayers. Single-channel recordings show that Na+ binding is required for fluoride conduction while single-molecule microscopy experiments demonstrate that N43S Fluc exists in a dynamic monomer-dimer equilibrium in the membrane, even following removal of Na+. Quantifying the thermodynamic stability while titrating Na+ indicates that dimerization occurs first, providing a membrane-embedded binding site where Na+ binding weakly stabilizes the complex. To understand how these subunits form stable assemblies while presenting charged surfaces to the membrane, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations, which show the formation of a thinned membrane defect around the exposed dimerization interface. In simulations where subunits are permitted to encounter each other while preventing protein contacts, we observe spontaneous and selective association at the native interface, where stability is achieved by mitigation of the membrane defect. These results suggest a model wherein membrane-associated forces drive channel assembly in the native orientation while subsequent factors, such as Na+ binding, result in channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ernst
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Esam A. Orabi
- Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Section, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20894
| | - Randy B. Stockbridge
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - José D. Faraldo-Gómez
- Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Section, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20894
| | - Janice L. Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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Finkelstein DS, Du Bois J. Trifunctional Saxitoxin Conjugates for Covalent Labeling of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300493. [PMID: 37746898 PMCID: PMC10863845 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300493] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium ion channels (NaV s) are integral membrane protein complexes responsible for electrical signal conduction in excitable cells. Methods that enable selective labeling of NaV s hold potential value for understanding how channel regulation and post-translational modification are influenced during development and in response to diseases and disorders of the nervous system. We have developed chemical reagents patterned after (+)-saxitoxin (STX) - a potent and reversible inhibitor of multiple NaV isoforms - and affixed with a reactive electrophile and either a biotin cofactor, fluorophore, or 'click' functional group for labeling wild-type channels. Our studies reveal enigmatic structural effects of the probes on the potency and efficiency of covalent protein modification. Among the compounds analyzed, a STX-maleimide-coumarin derivative is most effective at irreversibly blocking Na+ conductance when applied to recombinant NaV s and endogenous channels expressed in hippocampal neurons. Mechanistic analysis supports the conclusion that high-affinity toxin binding is a prerequisite for covalent protein modification. Results from these studies are guiding the development of next-generation tool compounds for selective modification of NaV s expressed in the plasma membranes of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren S Finkelstein
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 337 Campus Dr., Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Present address: Pliant Therapeutics, 260 Littlefield Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 337 Campus Dr., Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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37
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Dongol Y, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1277143. [PMID: 38034993 PMCID: PMC10682951 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1277143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure-function and optimization studies of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins have focused on developing selective inhibitors for peripheral pain-sensing NaV1.7. With several NaV subtypes emerging as potential therapeutic targets, structure-function analysis of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins at such subtypes is warranted. Using the recently discovered spider toxin Ssp1a, this study extends the structure-function relationships of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins beyond NaV1.7 to include the epilepsy target NaV1.2 and the pain target NaV1.3. Based on these results and docking studies, we designed analogues for improved potency and/or subtype-selectivity, with S7R-E18K-rSsp1a and N14D-P27R-rSsp1a identified as promising leads. S7R-E18K-rSsp1a increased the rSsp1a potency at these three NaV subtypes, especially at NaV1.3 (∼10-fold), while N14D-P27R-rSsp1a enhanced NaV1.2/1.7 selectivity over NaV1.3. This study highlights the challenge of developing subtype-selective spider toxin inhibitors across multiple NaV subtypes that might offer a more effective therapeutic approach. The findings of this study provide a basis for further rational design of Ssp1a and related NaSpTx1 homologs targeting NaV1.2, NaV1.3 and/or NaV1.7 as research tools and therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashad Dongol
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David T. Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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38
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Fetell M, Sendel M, Li T, Marinelli L, Vollert J, Ruggerio E, Houk G, Dockum M, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, Baron R. Cutaneous nerve fiber and peripheral Nav1.7 assessment in a large cohort of patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain 2023; 164:2435-2446. [PMID: 37366590 PMCID: PMC10578423 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002950] [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] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The mechanisms of pain in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are still unclear, with some studies showing loss of cutaneous sensory nerve fibers that seemed to correlate with pain level. We report results of skin biopsies and correlations with baseline pain scores, mechanical hyperalgesia, and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) in 294 patients who participated in a clinical trial of TV-45070, a topical semiselective sodium 1.7 channel (Nav1.7) blocker. Intraepidermal nerve fibers and subepidermal Nav1.7 immunolabeled fibers were quantified in skin punch biopsies from the area of maximal PHN pain, as well as from the contralateral, homologous (mirror image) region. Across the entire study population, a 20% reduction in nerve fibers on the PHN-affected side compared with that in the contralateral side was noted; however, the reduction was much higher in older individuals, approaching 40% in those aged 70 years or older. There was a decrease in contralateral fiber counts as well, also noted in prior biopsy studies, the mechanism of which is not fully clear. Nav1.7-positive immunolabeling was present in approximately one-third of subepidermal nerve fibers and did not differ on the PHN-affected vs contralateral sides. Using cluster analysis, 2 groups could be identified, with the first cluster showing higher baseline pain, higher NPSI scores for squeezing and cold-induced pain, higher nerve fiber density, and higher Nav1.7 expression. While Nav1.7 varies from patient to patient, it does not seem to be a key pathophysiological driver of PHN pain. Individual differences in Nav1.7 expression, however, may determine the intensity and sensory aspects of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manon Sendel
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Li
- Teva Pharmaceuticals, West Chester, PA, United States
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Pain Research, MSk Lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - George Houk
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | | | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
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39
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Bian Y, Tuo J, He L, Li W, Li S, Chu H, Zhao Y. Voltage-gated sodium channels in cancer and their specific inhibitors. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154909. [PMID: 37939447 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) participate in generating and spreading action potentials in electrically excited cells such as neurons and muscle fibers. Abnormal expression of VGSCs has been observed in various types of tumors, while they are either not expressed or expressed at a low level in the matching normal tissue. Hence, this abnormal expression suggests that VGSCs confer some advantage or viability on tumor cells, making them a valuable indicator for identifying tumor cells. In addition, overexpression of VGSCs increased the ability of cancer cells to metastasize and invade, as well as correlated with the metastatic behavior of different cancers. Therefore, blocking VGSCs presents a new strategy for the treatment of cancers. A portion of this review summarizes the structure and function of VGSCs and also describes the correlation between VGSCs and cancers. Most importantly, we provide an overview of current research on various subtype-selective VGSC inhibitors and updates on ongoing clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Bian
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jiale Tuo
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Liangpeng He
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Wenwen Li
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Shangxiao Li
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, PR China
| | - Huiying Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yongshan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
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40
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Huang J, Fan X, Jin X, Teng L, Yan N. Dual-pocket inhibition of Na v channels by the antiepileptic drug lamotrigine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309773120. [PMID: 37782796 PMCID: PMC10576118 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309773120] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels govern membrane excitability, thus setting the foundation for various physiological and neuronal processes. Nav channels serve as the primary targets for several classes of widely used and investigational drugs, including local anesthetics, antiepileptic drugs, antiarrhythmics, and analgesics. In this study, we present cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human Nav1.7 bound to two clinical drugs, riluzole (RLZ) and lamotrigine (LTG), at resolutions of 2.9 Å and 2.7 Å, respectively. A 3D EM reconstruction of ligand-free Nav1.7 was also obtained at 2.1 Å resolution. RLZ resides in the central cavity of the pore domain and is coordinated by residues from repeats III and IV. Whereas one LTG molecule also binds to the central cavity, the other is found beneath the intracellular gate, known as site BIG. Therefore, LTG, similar to lacosamide and cannabidiol, blocks Nav channels via a dual-pocket mechanism. These structures, complemented with docking and mutational analyses, also explain the structure-activity relationships of the LTG-related linear 6,6 series that have been developed for improved efficacy and subtype specificity on different Nav channels. Our findings reveal the molecular basis for these drugs' mechanism of action and will aid the development of novel antiepileptic and pain-relieving drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Liming Teng
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province518107, China
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41
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Lin S, Hari K, Black S, Khatmi A, Fouad K, Gorassini MA, Li Y, Lucas-Osma AM, Fenrich KK, Bennett DJ. Locomotor-related propriospinal V3 neurons produce primary afferent depolarization and modulate sensory transmission to motoneurons. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:799-823. [PMID: 37609680 PMCID: PMC10650670 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00482.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
When a muscle is stretched, sensory feedback not only causes reflexes but also leads to a depolarization of sensory afferents throughout the spinal cord (primary afferent depolarization, PAD), readying the whole limb for further disturbances. This sensory-evoked PAD is thought to be mediated by a trisynaptic circuit, where sensory input activates first-order excitatory neurons that activate GABAergic neurons that in turn activate GABAA receptors on afferents to cause PAD, though the identity of these first-order neurons is unclear. Here, we show that these first-order neurons include propriospinal V3 neurons, as they receive extensive sensory input and in turn innervate GABAergic neurons that cause PAD, because optogenetic activation or inhibition of V3 neurons in mice mimics or inhibits sensory-evoked PAD, respectively. Furthermore, persistent inward sodium currents intrinsic to V3 neurons prolong their activity, explaining the prolonged duration of PAD. Also, local optogenetic activation of V3 neurons at one segment causes PAD in other segments, due to the long propriospinal tracts of these neurons, helping to explain the radiating nature of PAD. This in turn facilitates monosynaptic reflex transmission to motoneurons across the spinal cord. In addition, V3 neurons directly innervate proprioceptive afferents (including Ia), causing a glutamate receptor-mediated PAD (glutamate PAD). Finally, increasing the spinal cord excitability with either GABAA receptor blockers or chronic spinal cord injury causes an increase in the glutamate PAD. Overall, we show the V3 neuron has a prominent role in modulating sensory transmission, in addition to its previously described role in locomotion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Locomotor-related propriospinal neurons depolarize sensory axons throughout the spinal cord by either direct glutamatergic axoaxonic contacts or indirect innervation of GABAergic neurons that themselves form axoaxonic contacts on sensory axons. This depolarization (PAD) increases sensory transmission to motoneurons throughout the spinal cord, readying the sensorimotor system for external disturbances. The glutamate-mediated PAD is particularly adaptable, increasing with either an acute block of GABA receptors or chronic spinal cord injury, suggesting a role in motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Lin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Krishnapriya Hari
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sophie Black
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aysan Khatmi
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karim Fouad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monica A Gorassini
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yaqing Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ana M Lucas-Osma
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith K Fenrich
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David J Bennett
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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42
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Shiau AL, Lee KH, Cho HY, Chuang TH, Yu MC, Wu CL, Wu SN. Molnupiravir, a ribonucleoside antiviral prodrug against SARS-CoV-2, alters the voltage-gated sodium current and causes adverse events. Virology 2023; 587:109865. [PMID: 37572519 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Molnupiravir (MOL) is a ribonucleoside prodrug for oral treatment of COVID-19. Common adverse effects of MOL are headache, diarrhea, and nausea, which may be associated with altered sodium channel function. Here, we investigated the effect of MOL on voltage-gated Na+ current (INa) in pituitary GH3 cells. We show that MOL had distinct effects on transient and late INa, in combination with decreased time constant in the slow component of INa inactivation. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of MOL for suppressing transient and late INa were 26.1 and 6.3 μM, respectively. The overall steady-state current-voltage relationship of INa remained unchanged upon MOL exposure. MOL-induced alteration of INa may lead to changes in physiological function through sodium channels. Apart from its effect on inhibiting RNA virus replication, MOL exerts inhibitory effects on plasmalemma INa, which might constitute an additional yet crucial underlying mechanism of its pharmacological activity or adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Li Shiau
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, 60002, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hsien Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, 60002, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yen Cho
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsien Chuang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Cheng Yu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, 60002, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Sheng-Nan Wu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
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43
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Banderali U, Moreno M, Martina M. The elusive Na v1.7: From pain to cancer. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:47-69. [PMID: 38007269 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are protein complexes that play fundamental roles in the transmission of signals in the nervous system, at the neuromuscular junction and in the heart. They are mainly present in excitable cells where they are responsible for triggering action potentials. Dysfunctions in Nav ion conduction give rise to a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders, hypertension, arrhythmia, pain and cancer. Nav family 1 is composed of nine members, named numerically from 1 to 9. A Nax family also exists and is involved in body-fluid homeostasis. Of particular interest is Nav1.7 which is highly expressed in the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglions, where it is involved in the propagation of pain sensation. Gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 cause pathologies associated with increased pain sensitivity, while loss-of-function mutations cause reduced sensitivity to pain. The last decade has seen considerable effort in developing highly specific Nav1.7 blockers as pain medications, nonetheless, sufficient efficacy has yet to be achieved. Evidence is now conclusively showing that Navs are also present in many types of cancer cells, where they are involved in cell migration and invasiveness. Nav1.7 is anomalously expressed in endometrial, ovarian and lung cancers. Nav1.7 is also involved in Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). We propose that the knowledge and tools developed to study the role of Nav1.7 in pain can be exploited to develop novel cancer therapies. In this chapter, we illustrate the various aspects of Nav1.7 function in pain, cancer and CIPN, and outline therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Banderali
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Maria Moreno
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marzia Martina
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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44
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Nardini L, Brito-Fravallo E, Campagne P, Pain A, Genève C, Vernick KD, Mitri C. The voltage-gated sodium channel, para, limits Anopheles coluzzii vector competence in a microbiota dependent manner. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14572. [PMID: 37666840 PMCID: PMC10477260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40432-x] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel, para, is a target of DDT and pyrethroid class insecticides. Single nucleotide mutations in para, called knockdown resistant or kdr, which contribute to resistance against DDT and pyrethroid insecticides, have been correlated with increased susceptibility of Anopheles to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. However, a direct role of para activity on Plasmodium infection has not yet been established. Here, using RNA-mediated silencing, we provide in vivo direct evidence for the requirement of wild-type (wt) para function for insecticide activity of deltamethrin. Depletion of wt para, which is susceptible to insecticide, causes deltamethrin tolerance, indicating that insecticide-resistant kdr alleles are likely phenocopies of loss of para function. We then show that normal para activity in An. coluzzii limits Plasmodium infection prevalence for both P. falciparum and P. berghei. A transcriptomic analysis revealed that para activity does not modulate the expression of immune genes. However, loss of para function led to enteric dysbiosis with a significant increase in the total bacterial abundance, and we show that para function limiting Plasmodium infection is microbiota dependent. In the context of the bidirectional "enteric microbiota-brain" axis studied in mammals, these results pave the way for studying whether the activity of the nervous system could control Anopheles vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Nardini
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Emma Brito-Fravallo
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Campagne
- Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Integrative Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Pain
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Genève
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Kenneth D Vernick
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Christian Mitri
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France.
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45
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Liu Y, Bassetto CAZ, Pinto BI, Bezanilla F. A mechanistic reinterpretation of fast inactivation in voltage-gated Na + channels. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5072. [PMID: 37604801 PMCID: PMC10442390 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The hinged-lid model was long accepted as the canonical model for fast inactivation in Nav channels. It predicts that the hydrophobic IFM motif acts intracellularly as the gating particle that binds and occludes the pore during fast inactivation. However, the observation in recent high-resolution structures that the bound IFM motif is located far from the pore, contradicts this preconception. Here, we provide a mechanistic reinterpretation of fast inactivation based on structural analysis and ionic/gating current measurements. We demonstrate that in Nav1.4 the final inactivation gate is comprised of two hydrophobic rings at the bottom of S6 helices. These rings function in series and close downstream of IFM binding. Reducing the volume of the sidechain in both rings leads to a partially conductive, leaky inactivated state and decreases the selectivity for Na+ ion. Altogether, we present an alternative molecular framework to describe fast inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos A Z Bassetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernardo I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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46
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Dubey NK, Mishra S, Goswami C. Progesterone interacts with the mutational hot-spot of TRPV4 and acts as a ligand relevant for fast Ca 2+-signalling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184178. [PMID: 37225030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Steroids are also known to induce immediate physiological and cellular response which occurs within minutes to seconds, or even faster. Such non-genomic actions of steroids are rapid and are proposed to be mediated by different ion channels. Transient receptor potential vanilloid sub-type 4 (TRPV4), is a non-specific polymodal ion channel which is involved in several physiological and cellular processes. In this work, we explored the possibilities of Progesterone (P4) as an endogenous ligand for TRPV4. We demonstrate that P4 docks as well as physically interacts with the TM4-loop-TM5 region of TRPV4, a region which is a mutational hotspot for different diseases. Live cell imaging experiments with a genetically encoded Ca2+-sensor suggests that P4 causes quick influx of Ca2+ specifically in the TRPV4 expressing cells, which can be partially blocked by TRPV4-specific inhibitor, suggesting that P4 can act as a ligand for TRPV4. Such P4-mediated Ca2+-influx is altered in cells expressing disease causing TRPV4 mutants, namely in L596P, R616Q, and also in embryonic lethal mutant L618P. P4 dampens, both in terms of "extent" as well as the "pattern" of the Ca2+-influx by other stimulus too in cells expressing TRPV4-Wt, suggesting that P4 crosstalk with the TRPV4-mediated Ca2+-signalling, both in quick and long-term manner. We propose that P4 crosstalk with TRPV4 might be relevant for both acute and chronic pain as well as for other health-related functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Kumar Dubey
- National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Jatni, Khurda 752050, Odisha, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Subham Mishra
- National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Jatni, Khurda 752050, Odisha, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Chandan Goswami
- National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Jatni, Khurda 752050, Odisha, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
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47
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Baumgartner TJ, Haghighijoo Z, Goode NA, Dvorak NM, Arman P, Laezza F. Voltage-Gated Na + Channels in Alzheimer's Disease: Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1655. [PMID: 37629512 PMCID: PMC10455313 DOI: 10.3390/life13081655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is classically characterized by two major histopathological abnormalities: extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, it is of the utmost importance to develop disease-modifying therapeutics that tackle AD pathology in its early stages. Attenuation of hippocampal hyperactivity, one of the earliest neuronal abnormalities observed in AD brains, has emerged as a promising strategy to ameliorate cognitive deficits and abate the spread of neurotoxic species. This aberrant hyperactivity has been attributed in part to the dysfunction of voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channels, which are central mediators of neuronal excitability. Therefore, targeting Nav channels is a promising strategy for developing disease-modifying therapeutics that can correct aberrant neuronal phenotypes in early-stage AD. This review will explore the role of Nav channels in neuronal function, their connections to AD pathology, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (T.J.B.); (Z.H.); (N.A.G.); (N.M.D.); (P.A.)
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48
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Chapman DP, Vicini S, Burns MP, Evans R. Single Neuron Modeling Identifies Potassium Channel Modulation as Potential Target for Repetitive Head Impacts. Neuroinformatics 2023; 21:501-516. [PMID: 37294503 PMCID: PMC10833395 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-023-09633-7] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repetitive head impacts can result in a wide range of neurological symptoms. Despite being the most common neurological disorder in the world, repeat head impacts and TBI do not have any FDA-approved treatments. Single neuron modeling allows researchers to extrapolate cellular changes in individual neurons based on experimental data. We recently characterized a model of high frequency head impact (HFHI) with a phenotype of cognitive deficits associated with decreases in neuronal excitability of CA1 neurons and synaptic changes. While the synaptic changes have been interrogated in vivo, the cause and potential therapeutic targets of hypoexcitability following repetitive head impacts are unknown. Here, we generated in silico models of CA1 pyramidal neurons from current clamp data of control mice and mice that sustained HFHI. We use a directed evolution algorithm with a crowding penalty to generate a large and unbiased population of plausible models for each group that approximated the experimental features. The HFHI neuron model population showed decreased voltage gated sodium conductance and a general increase in potassium channel conductance. We used partial least squares regression analysis to identify combinations of channels that may account for CA1 hypoexcitability after HFHI. The hypoexcitability phenotype in models was linked to A- and M-type potassium channels in combination, but not by any single channel correlations. We provide an open access set of CA1 pyramidal neuron models for both control and HFHI conditions that can be used to predict the effects of pharmacological interventions in TBI models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Chapman
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark P Burns
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building-EG11, 3970 Reservoir Rd, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Rebekah Evans
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building-EG11, 3970 Reservoir Rd, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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49
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Ishizuka H, Nureki A, Adachi K, Takayanagi Y, Odagi M, Yotsu-Yamashita M, Nagasawa K. Approaches to Construction of the Medium-Sized Ring Structure in Zetekitoxin AB by Ring-Closing Metathesis. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37378952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Zetekitoxin AB (ZTX), a member of the saxitoxin (STX) family isolated from the Panamanian golden frog Atelopus zeteki, shows extremely potent NaV-inhibitory activity. Here, we investigate the synthesis of 12-membered ring structure with the C11 tertiary hydroxyl group in ZTX by means of the Mislow-Evans rearrangement reaction and subsequent ring-closing metathesis reaction. Although this approach did not provide access to the 12-membered macrocycle, we obtained a new STX analog with an 18-membered macrolactam structure as a synthetic mimic of ZTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayate Ishizuka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ayato Nureki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kanna Adachi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Yuka Takayanagi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Minami Odagi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nagasawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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50
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Ngo K, Mateos DL, Han Y, Rouen KC, Ahn SH, Wulff H, Clancy CE, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Vorobyov I. Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms of Protoxin-2 State-specific Binding to the Human Na V1.7 Channel. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.27.530360. [PMID: 36909474 PMCID: PMC10002706 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.530360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channels are responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells and mutations have been associated with numerous cardiac and neurological disorders. hNaV1.7 channels are expressed in peripheral neurons and are promising targets for pain therapy. The tarantula venom peptide protoxin-2 (PTx2) has high selectivity for hNaV1.7 and serves as a valuable scaffold to design novel therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we used computational modeling to study the molecular mechanisms of the state-dependent binding of PTx2 to hNaV1.7 voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). Using Rosetta structural modeling methods, we constructed atomistic models of the hNaV1.7 VSD II and IV in the activated and deactivated states with docked PTx2. We then performed microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the systems in hydrated lipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that PTx2 binds most favorably to the deactivated VSD II and activated VSD IV. These state-specific interactions are mediated primarily by PTx2's residues R22, K26, K27, K28, and W30 with VSD as well as the surrounding membrane lipids. Our work revealed important protein-protein and protein-lipid contacts that contribute to high-affinity state-dependent toxin interaction with the channel. The workflow presented will prove useful for designing novel peptides with improved selectivity and potency for more effective and safe treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Yanxiao Han
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Kyle C. Rouen
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Surl-Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
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