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Eck RJ, Stair JG, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. Simple models to understand complex disease: 10 years of progress from Caenorhabditis elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1300705. [PMID: 38239833 PMCID: PMC10794587 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1300705] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are a powerful model system to study human disease, with numerous experimental advantages including significant genetic and cellular homology to vertebrate animals, a short lifespan, and tractable behavioral, molecular biology and imaging assays. Beginning with the identification of SOD1 as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), C. elegans have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. More recently this work has expanded to encompass models of other types of ALS and the related disease frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), including those characterized by mutation or accumulation of the proteins TDP-43, C9orf72, FUS, HnRNPA2B1, ALS2, DCTN1, CHCHD10, ELP3, TUBA4A, CAV1, UBQLN2, ATXN3, TIA1, KIF5A, VAPB, GRN, and RAB38. In this review we summarize these models and the progress and insights from the last ten years of using C. elegans to study the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD-TDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Eck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jade G. Stair
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
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2
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Nam YW, Rahman MA, Yang G, Orfali R, Cui M, Zhang M. Loss-of-function K Ca2.2 mutations abolish channel activity. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C658-C664. [PMID: 36717104 PMCID: PMC10069973 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00584.2022] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels subtype 2 (KCa2.2, also called SK2) are operated exclusively by a Ca2+-calmodulin gating mechanism. Heterozygous genetic mutations of KCa2.2 channels have been associated with autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorders including cerebellar ataxia and tremor in humans and rodents. Taking advantage of these pathogenic mutations, we performed structure-function studies of the rat KCa2.2 channel. No measurable current was detected from HEK293 cells heterologously expressing these pathogenic KCa2.2 mutants. When coexpressed with the KCa2.2_WT channel, mutations of the pore-lining amino acid residues (I360M, Y362C, G363S, and I389V) and two proline substitutions (L174P and L433P) dominant negatively suppressed and completely abolished the activity of the coexpressed KCa2.2_WT channel. Coexpression of the KCa2.2_I289N and the KCa2.2_WT channels reduced the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity compared with the KCa2.2_WT channel, which was rescued by a KCa2.2 positive modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Mohammad Asikur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
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3
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Nam YW, Pala R, El-Sayed NS, Larin-Henriquez D, Amirrad F, Yang G, Rahman MA, Orfali R, Downey M, Parang K, Nauli SM, Zhang M. Subtype-Selective Positive Modulation of K Ca2.3 Channels Increases Cilia Length. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2344-2354. [PMID: 35947779 PMCID: PMC9396613 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium
(KCa2.x) channels are gated exclusively by intracellular
Ca2+. The activation of KCa2.3 channels induces
hyperpolarization,
which augments Ca2+ signaling in endothelial cells. Cilia
are specialized Ca2+ signaling compartments. Here, we identified
compound 4 that potentiates human KCa2.3 channels
selectively. The subtype selectivity of compound 4 for
human KCa2.3 over rat KCa2.2a channels relies
on an isoleucine residue in the HA/HB helices. Positive modulation
of KCa2.3 channels by compound 4 increased
flow-induced Ca2+ signaling and cilia length, while negative
modulation by AP14145 reduced flow-induced Ca2+ signaling
and cilia length. These findings were corroborated by the increased
cilia length due to the expression of Ca2+-hypersensitive
KCa2.3_G351D mutant channels and the reduced cilia length
resulting from the expression of Ca2+-hyposensitive KCa2.3_I438N channels. Collectively, we were able to associate
functions of KCa2.3 channels and cilia, two crucial components
in the flow-induced Ca2+ signaling of endothelial cells,
with potential implications in vasodilation and ciliopathic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Rajasekharreddy Pala
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Naglaa Salem El-Sayed
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Denisse Larin-Henriquez
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Farideh Amirrad
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Mohammad Asikur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Myles Downey
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Surya M Nauli
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
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4
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Channelopathy-causing mutations in the S 45A/S 45B and HA/HB helices of K Ca2.3 and K Ca3.1 channels alter their apparent Ca 2+ sensitivity. Cell Calcium 2022; 102:102538. [PMID: 35030515 PMCID: PMC8844225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa2.x and KCa3.1, also called SK and IK) channels are activated exclusively by a Ca2+-calmodulin gating mechanism. Wild-type KCa2.3 channels have a Ca2+ EC50 value of ∼0.3 μM, while the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of wild-type KCa3.1 channels is ∼0.27 μM. Heterozygous genetic mutations of KCa2.3 channels have been associated with Zimmermann-Laband syndrome and idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension, while KCa3.1 channel mutations were reported in hereditary xerocytosis patients. KCa2.3_S436C and KCa2.3_V450L channels with mutations in the S45A/S45B helices exhibited hypersensitivity to Ca2+. The corresponding mutations in KCa3.1 channels also elevated the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity. KCa3.1_S314P, KCa3.1_A322V and KCa3.1_R352H channels with mutations in the HA/HB helices are hypersensitive to Ca2+, whereas KCa2.3 channels with the equivalent mutations are not. The different effects of the equivalent mutations in the HA/HB helices on the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels may imply distinct modulation of the two channel subtypes by the HA/HB helices. AP14145 reduced the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of the hypersensitive mutant KCa2.3 channels, suggesting the potential therapeutic usefulness of negative gating modulators.
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Nam YW, Cui M, Salem El-Sayed N, Orfali R, Nguyen M, Yang G, Rahman MA, Lee J, Zhang M. Subtype-selective positive modulation of K Ca 2 channels depends on the HA/HB helices. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:460-472. [PMID: 34458981 PMCID: PMC8799485 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In the activated state of small-conductance Ca2+ -activated potassium (KCa 2) channels, calmodulin interacts with the HA/HB helices and the S4-S5 linker. CyPPA potentiates KCa 2.2a and KCa 2.3 channel activity but not the KCa 2.1 and KCa 3.1 subtypes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Site-directed mutagenesis, patch-clamp recordings and in silico modelling were utilised to explore the structural determinants for the subtype-selective modulation of KCa 2 channels by CyPPA. KEY RESULTS Mutating residues in the HA (V420) and HB (K467) helices of KCa 2.2a channels to their equivalent residues in KCa 3.1 channels diminished the potency of CyPPA. CyPPA elicited prominent responses on mutant KCa 3.1 channels with an arginine residue in the HB helix substituted for its equivalent lysine residue in the KCa 2.2a channels (R355K). KCa 2.1 channels harbouring a three-amino-acid insertion upstream of the cognate R438 residues in the HB helix showed no response to CyPPA, whereas the deletion mutant (KCa 2.1_ΔA434/Q435/K436) became sensitive to CyPPA. In molecular dynamics simulations, CyPPA docked between calmodulin C-lobe and the HA/HB helices widens the cytoplasmic gate of KCa 2.2a channels. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Selectivity of CyPPA among KCa 2 and KCa 3.1 channel subtypes relies on the HA/HB helices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Naglaa Salem El-Sayed
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Misa Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Mohammad Asikur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Judy Lee
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, USA
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El-Sayed NS, Nam YW, Egorova PA, Nguyen HM, Orfali R, Rahman MA, Yang G, Wulff H, Bezprozvanny I, Parang K, Zhang M. Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Subtype-Selective Positive Modulators of K Ca2 Channels. J Med Chem 2022; 65:303-322. [PMID: 34962403 PMCID: PMC8758555 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A series of modified N-cyclohexyl-2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methylpyrimidin-4-amine (CyPPA) analogues were synthesized by replacing the cyclohexane moiety with different 4-substituted cyclohexane rings, tyrosine analogues, or mono- and dihalophenyl rings and were subsequently studied for their potentiation of KCa2 channel activity. Among the N-benzene-N-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinamine derivatives, halogen decoration at positions 2 and 5 of benzene-substituted 4-pyrimidineamine in compound 2q conferred a ∼10-fold higher potency, while halogen substitution at positions 3 and 4 of benzene-substituted 4-pyrimidineamine in compound 2o conferred a ∼7-fold higher potency on potentiating KCa2.2a channels, compared to that of the parent template CyPPA. Both compounds retained the KCa2.2a/KCa2.3 subtype selectivity. Based on the initial evaluation, compounds 2o and 2q were selected for testing in an electrophysiological model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Both compounds were able to normalize the abnormal firing of Purkinje cells in cerebellar slices from SCA2 mice, suggesting the potential therapeutic usefulness of these compounds for treating symptoms of ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa Salem El-Sayed
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Polina A Egorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Politekhnicheskaya Ulitsa, 29, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia
| | - Hai Minh Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Mohammad Asikur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Politekhnicheskaya Ulitsa, 29, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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Nam YW, Kong D, Wang D, Orfali R, Sherpa RT, Totonchy J, Nauli SM, Zhang M. Differential modulation of SK channel subtypes by phosphorylation. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102346. [PMID: 33422768 PMCID: PMC8415101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are voltage-independent and are activated by Ca2+ binding to the calmodulin constitutively associated with the channels. Both the pore-forming subunits and the associated calmodulin are subject to phosphorylation. Here, we investigated the modulation of different SK channel subtypes by phosphorylation, using the cultured endothelial cells as a tool. We report that casein kinase 2 (CK2) negatively modulates the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of SK1 and IK channel subtypes by more than 5-fold, whereas the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of the SK3 and SK2 subtypes is only reduced by ∼2-fold, when heterologously expressed on the plasma membrane of cultured endothelial cells. The SK2 channel subtype exhibits limited cell surface expression in these cells, partly as a result of the phosphorylation of its C-terminus by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). SK2 channels expressed on the ER and mitochondria membranes may protect against cell death. This work reveals the subtype-specific modulation of the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity and subcellular localization of SK channels by phosphorylation in cultured endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Dezhi Kong
- Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Rinzhin T Sherpa
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Jennifer Totonchy
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Surya M Nauli
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA.
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Vitello R, Kerff F, Liégeois J. Deciphering the molecular mechanism of SK2 channel activation by intracellular calcium to develop new therapeutic agents. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13574. [PMID: 33119956 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Vitello
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry Department of Pharmacy CIRM ULiège Belgium
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- Center for Protein Engineering (CIP) Laboratory of Macromolecule Crystallography InBioS ULiège Belgium
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Nam YW, Cui M, Orfali R, Viegas A, Nguyen M, Mohammed EHM, Zoghebi KA, Rahighi S, Parang K, Zhang M. Hydrophobic interactions between the HA helix and S4-S5 linker modulate apparent Ca 2+ sensitivity of SK2 channels. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13552. [PMID: 32865319 PMCID: PMC7736289 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Small-conductance Ca2+ -activated potassium (SK) channels are activated exclusively by increases in intracellular Ca2+ that binds to calmodulin constitutively associated with the channel. Wild-type SK2 channels are activated by Ca2+ with an EC50 value of ~0.3 μmol/L. Here, we investigate hydrophobic interactions between the HA helix and the S4-S5 linker as a major determinant of channel apparent Ca2+ sensitivity. METHODS Site-directed mutagenesis, electrophysiological recordings and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were utilized. RESULTS Mutations that decrease hydrophobicity at the HA-S4-S5 interface lead to Ca2+ hyposensitivity of SK2 channels. Mutations that increase hydrophobicity result in hypersensitivity to Ca2+ . The Ca2+ hypersensitivity of the V407F mutant relies on the interaction of the cognate phenylalanine with the S4-S5 linker in the SK2 channel. Replacing the S4-S5 linker of the SK2 channel with the S4-S5 linker of the SK4 channel results in loss of the hypersensitivity caused by V407F. This difference between the S4-S5 linkers of SK2 and SK4 channels can be partially attributed to I295 equivalent to a valine in the SK4 channel. A N293A mutation in the S4-S5 linker also increases hydrophobicity at the HA-S4-S5 interface and elevates the channel apparent Ca2+ sensitivity. The double N293A/V407F mutations generate a highly Ca2+ sensitive channel, with an EC50 of 0.02 μmol/L. The MD simulations of this double-mutant channel revealed a larger channel cytoplasmic gate. CONCLUSION The electrophysiological data and MD simulations collectively suggest a crucial role of the interactions between the HA helix and S4-S5 linker in the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of SK2 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woo Nam
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Razan Orfali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Adam Viegas
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Misa Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Eman H M Mohammed
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Khalid A Zoghebi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Simin Rahighi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
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10
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Shrestha A, Sultana R, Adeniyi PA, Lee CC, Ogundele OM. Positive Modulation of SK Channel Impedes Neuron-Specific Cytoskeletal Organization and Maturation. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:59-71. [PMID: 32580196 PMCID: PMC7486235 DOI: 10.1159/000507989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulates the structural plasticity of dendritic spines by impacting cytoskeletal organization and kinase signaling. In the developing nervous system, activation of NMDAR is pertinent for neuronal migration, neurite differentiation, and cellular organization. Given that small conductance potassium channels (SK2/3) repress NMDAR ionotropic signaling, this study highlights the impact of neonatal SK channel potentiation on adult cortical and hippocampal organization. Neonatal SK channel potentiation was performed by one injection of SK2/3 agonist (CyPPA) into the pallium of mice on postnatal day 2 (P2). When the animals reached adulthood (P55), the hippocampus and cortex were examined to assess neuronal maturation, lamination, and the distribution of synaptic cytoskeletal proteins. Immunodetection of neuronal markers in the brain of P2-treated P55 mice revealed the presence of immature neurons in the upper cortical layers (layers II-IV) and CA1 (hippocampus). Also, layer-dependent cortical-cell density was attenuated due to the ectopic localization of mature (NeuN+) and immature (Doublecortin+ [DCX+]) neurons in cortical layers II-IV. Similarly, the decreased count of NeuN+ neurons in the CA1 is accompanied by an increase in the number of immature DCX+ neurons. Ectopic localization of neurons in the upper cortex and CA1 caused the dramatic expression of neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins. In line with this, structural deformity of neuronal projections and the loss of postsynaptic densities suggests that postsynaptic integrity is compromised in the SK2/3+ brain. From these results, we deduced that SK channel activity in the developing brain likely impacts neuronal maturation through its effects on cytoskeletal formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Shrestha
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Razia Sultana
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Philip A Adeniyi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Charles C Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Olalekan M Ogundele
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA,
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11
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Núñez E, Muguruza-Montero A, Villarroel A. Atomistic Insights of Calmodulin Gating of Complete Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041285. [PMID: 32075037 PMCID: PMC7072864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular calcium is essential for many physiological processes, from neuronal signaling and exocytosis to muscle contraction and bone formation. Ca2+ signaling from the extracellular medium depends both on membrane potential, especially controlled by ion channels selective to K+, and direct permeation of this cation through specialized channels. Calmodulin (CaM), through direct binding to these proteins, participates in setting the membrane potential and the overall permeability to Ca2+. Over the past years many structures of complete channels in complex with CaM at near atomic resolution have been resolved. In combination with mutagenesis-function, structural information of individual domains and functional studies, different mechanisms employed by CaM to control channel gating are starting to be understood at atomic detail. Here, new insights regarding four types of tetrameric channels with six transmembrane (6TM) architecture, Eag1, SK2/SK4, TRPV5/TRPV6 and KCNQ1–5, and its regulation by CaM are described structurally. Different CaM regions, N-lobe, C-lobe and EF3/EF4-linker play prominent signaling roles in different complexes, emerging the realization of crucial non-canonical interactions between CaM and its target that are only evidenced in the full-channel structure. Different mechanisms to control gating are used, including direct and indirect mechanical actuation over the pore, allosteric control, indirect effect through lipid binding, as well as direct plugging of the pore. Although each CaM lobe engages through apparently similar alpha-helices, they do so using different docking strategies. We discuss how this allows selective action of drugs with great therapeutic potential.
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Gain-of-Function Mutations in KCNN3 Encoding the Small-Conductance Ca 2+-Activated K + Channel SK3 Cause Zimmermann-Laband Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:1139-1157. [PMID: 31155282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Zimmermann-Laband syndrome (ZLS) is characterized by coarse facial features with gingival enlargement, intellectual disability (ID), hypertrichosis, and hypoplasia or aplasia of nails and terminal phalanges. De novo missense mutations in KCNH1 and KCNK4, encoding K+ channels, have been identified in subjects with ZLS and ZLS-like phenotype, respectively. We report de novo missense variants in KCNN3 in three individuals with typical clinical features of ZLS. KCNN3 (SK3/KCa2.3) constitutes one of three members of the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels that are part of a multiprotein complex consisting of the pore-forming channel subunits, the constitutively bound Ca2+ sensor calmodulin, protein kinase CK2, and protein phosphatase 2A. CK2 modulates Ca2+ sensitivity of the channels by phosphorylating SK-bound calmodulin. Patch-clamp whole-cell recordings of KCNN3 channel-expressing CHO cells demonstrated that disease-associated mutations result in gain of function of the mutant channels, characterized by increased Ca2+ sensitivity leading to faster and more complete activation of KCNN3 mutant channels. Pretreatment of cells with the CK2 inhibitor 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole revealed basal inhibition of wild-type and mutant KCNN3 channels by CK2. Analogous experiments with the KCNN3 p.Val450Leu mutant previously identified in a family with portal hypertension indicated basal constitutive channel activity and thus a different gain-of-function mechanism compared to the ZLS-associated mutant channels. With the report on de novo KCNK4 mutations in subjects with facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, epilepsy, ID, and gingival overgrowth, we propose to combine the phenotypes caused by mutations in KCNH1, KCNK4, and KCNN3 in a group of neurological potassium channelopathies caused by an increase in K+ conductance.
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