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Valladares-Hernández IU, Hernández-Martínez JM, Cuaxospa JM, Jiménez-Vázquez EN, Sánchez-Jaramillo E, Arias JM, García U. Molecular cloning, functional characterization and differential expression of two novel GABA AR-like subunits from red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39275952 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16540] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we cloned and functionally expressed two novel GABAA receptor subunits from Procambarus clarkii crayfish. These two new subunits, PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-β2, revealed significant sequence homology with the PcGABAA-β subunit, previously identified in our laboratory. In addition, PcGABAA-α subunit also shared a significant degree of identity with the Drosophila melanogaster genes DmGRD (GABA and glycine-like receptor subunits of Drosophila) as well as PcGABAA-β2 subunit with DmLCCH3 (ligand-gated chloride channel homolog 3). Electrophysiological recordings showed that the expression in HEK cells of the novel subunits, either alone or in combination, failed to form functional homo- or heteromeric receptors. However, the co-expression of PcGABAA-α with PcGABAA-β evoked sodium- or chloride-dependent currents that accurately reproduced the time course of the GABA-evoked currents in the X-organ neurons from crayfish, suggesting that these GABA subunits combine to form two types of GABA receptors, one with cationic selectivity filter and the other preferentially permeates anions. On the other hand, PcGABAA-β2 and PcGABAA-β co-expression generated a chloride current that does not show desensitization. Muscimol reproduced the time course of GABA-evoked currents in all functional receptors, and picrotoxin blocked these currents; bicuculline did not block any of the recorded currents. Reverse transcription polymerae chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplifications and FISH revealed that PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-β2 are predominantly expressed in the crayfish nervous system. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence of a neural GABA-gated cationic channel in the crayfish, increasing our understanding of the role of these new GABAA receptor subunits in native heteromeric receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Uriel Valladares-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Hernández-Martínez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Miguel Cuaxospa
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Edith Sánchez-Jaramillo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Arias
- Proyecto de Neurociencias, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ubaldo García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Ghosh AK, Chowdhury M, Kumar Das P. Nipecotic-Acid-Tethered, Naphthalene-Diimide-Based, Orange-Emitting Organic Nanoparticles as Targeted Delivery Vehicle and Diagnostic Probe toward GABA A-Receptor-Enriched Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7563-7577. [PMID: 35006693 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This article demonstrates target-specific cellular imaging of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) receptor (GABAAR)-enriched cells (SH-SY5Y and A549) with therapeutic efficacy by naphthalene diimide (NDI)-derived fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs). Self-assembly-driven formation of spherical organic particles by nipecotic-acid-tethered l-aspartic acid appended NDI derivative (NDI-nip) took place in DMSO-water through J-type aggregation. NDI-nip having a naphthyl residue and a nipecotic acid unit at both terminals exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE) at and above 60% water content in DMSO because of excimer formation at λem = 579 nm. The orange-emitting NDI-nip FONPs (1:99 v/v DMSO-water) having excellent cell viability and high photostability were used for selective bioimaging and killing of GABAAR-overexpressed cancer cells through target-specific delivery of the anticancer drug curcumin. The fluorescence intensity of NDI-nip FONPs were quenched in GABAAR-enriched neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) and cancerous cells (A549). Notably, in the presence of GABA, the NDI-nip FONPs exhibited their native fluorescence within the same cell lines. Importantly, no such quenching and regaining of NDI-nip FONP emission in the presence of GABA was noted in the case of the noncancerous cell NIH3T3. The killing efficiency of curcumin-loaded NDI-nip FONPs ([curcumin] = 100 μM and [NDI-nip FONPs] = 50 μM) was significantly higher in the cases of SH-SY5Y (88 ± 3%) and A549 (72 ± 2%) than in NIH3T3 (37 ± 2). The presence of a nipecotic acid moiety facilitated the selective cellular internalization of NDI-nip FONPs into GABAAR-overexpressing cells. Hence, these orange-emitting NDI-nip FONPs may be exploited as a targeted diagnostic probe as well as a drug delivery vehicle for GABAAR-enriched cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Kumar Ghosh
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Monalisa Chowdhury
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Das
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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Huang QT, Sheng CW, Jones AK, Jiang J, Tang T, Han ZJ, Zhao CQ. Functional Characteristics of the Lepidopteran Ionotropic GABA Receptor 8916 Subunit Interacting with the LCCH3 or the RDL Subunit. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11582-11591. [PMID: 34555899 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (iGABA) receptor is commonly considered as a fast inhibitory channel and is an important insecticide target. Since 1990, RDL, LCCH3, and GRD have been successively isolated and found to be potential subunits of the insect iGABA receptor. More recently, one orphan gene named 8916 was found and considered to be another potential iGABA receptor subunit according to its amino acid sequence. However, little information about 8916 has been reported. Here, the 8916 subunit from Chilo suppressalis was studied to determine whether it can form part of a functional iGABA receptor by co-expressing this subunit with CsRDL1 or CsLCCH3 in the Xenopus oocyte system. Cs8916 or CsLCCH3 did not form functional ion channels when expressed alone. However, Cs8916 was able to form heteromeric ion channels when expressed with either CsLCCH3 or CsRDL1. The recombinant heteromeric Cs8916/LCCH3 channel was a cation-selective channel, which was sensitive to GABA or β-alanine. The current of the Cs8916/LCCH3 channel was inhibited by dieldrin, endosulfan, fipronil, or ethiprole. In contrast, fluralaner, broflanilide, and avermectin showed little effect on the Cs8916/LCCH3 channel (IC50s > 10 000 nM). The Cs8916/RDL1 channel was sensitive to GABA, but was significantly different in EC50 and Imax for GABA to those of homomeric CsRDL1. Fluralaner, fipronil, or dieldrin showed antagonistic actions on Cs8916/RDL1. In conclusion, Cs8916 is a potential iGABA receptor subunit, which can interact with CsLCCH3 to generate a cation-selective channel that is sensitive to several insecticides. Also, as Cs8916/RDL1 has a higher EC50 than homomeric CsRDL1, Cs8916 may affect the physiological functions of CsRDL1 and therefore play a role in fine-tuning GABAergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Tang Huang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Wang Sheng
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China
| | - Andrew K Jones
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, U.K
| | - Jie Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China
| | - Tao Tang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Jun Han
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China
| | - Chun Qing Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China
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Henry C, Cens T, Charnet P, Cohen-Solal C, Collet C, van-Dijk J, Guiramand J, de Jésus-Ferreira MC, Menard C, Mokrane N, Roussel J, Thibault JB, Vignes M, Rousset M. Heterogeneous expression of GABA receptor-like subunits LCCH3 and GRD reveals functional diversity of GABA receptors in the honeybee Apis mellifera. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3924-3940. [PMID: 32436264 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite a growing awareness, annual losses of honeybee colonies worldwide continue to reach threatening levels for food safety and global biodiversity. Among the biotic and abiotic stresses probably responsible for these losses, pesticides, including those targeting ionotropic GABA receptors, are one of the major drivers. Most insect genomes include the ionotropic GABA receptor subunit gene, Rdl, and two GABA-like receptor subunit genes, Lcch3 and Grd. Most studies have focused on Rdl which forms homomeric GABA-gated chloride channels, and a complete analysis of all possible molecular combinations of GABA receptors is still lacking. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We cloned the Rdl, Grd, and Lcch3 genes of Apis mellifera and systematically characterized the resulting GABA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, using electrophysiological assays, fluorescence microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. KEY RESULTS The cloned subunits interacted with each other, forming GABA-gated heteromeric channels with particular properties. Strikingly, these heteromers were always more sensitive than AmRDL homomer to all the pharmacological agents tested. In particular, when expressed together, Grd and Lcch3 form a non-selective cationic channel that opens at low concentrations of GABA and with sensitivity to insecticides similar to that of homomeric Rdl channels. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS For off-target species like the honeybee, chronic sublethal exposure to insecticides constitutes a major threat. At these concentration ranges, homomeric RDL receptors may not be the most pertinent target to study and other ionotropic GABA receptor subtypes should be considered in order to understand more fully the molecular mechanisms of sublethal toxicity to insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry Cens
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Charnet
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Claude Collet
- UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE, Avignon Cedex 9, France
| | | | | | | | - Claudine Menard
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Nawfel Mokrane
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Roussel
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Michel Vignes
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Rousset
- IBMM UMR5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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Abstract
γ-aminobutyric acid has become one of the most widely known neurotransmitter molecules in the brain over the last 50 years, recognised for its pivotal role in inhibiting neural excitability. It emerged from studies of crustacean muscle and neurons before its significance to the mammalian nervous system was appreciated. Now, after five decades of investigation, we know that most neurons are γ-aminobutyric-acid-sensitive, it is a cornerstone of neural physiology and dysfunction to γ-aminobutyric acid signalling is increasingly documented in a range of neurological diseases. In this review, we briefly chart the neurodevelopment of γ-aminobutyric acid and its two major receptor subtypes: the γ-aminobutyric acidA and γ-aminobutyric acidB receptors, starting from the humble invertebrate origins of being an 'interesting molecule' acting at a single γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type, to one of the brain's most important neurochemical components and vital drug targets for major therapeutic classes of drugs. We document the period of molecular cloning and the explosive influence this had on the field of neuroscience and pharmacology up to the present day and the production of atomic γ-aminobutyric acidA and γ-aminobutyric acidB receptor structures. γ-Aminobutyric acid is no longer a humble molecule but the instigator of rich and powerful signalling processes that are absolutely vital for healthy brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor G Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
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6
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Phulera S, Zhu H, Yu J, Claxton DP, Yoder N, Yoshioka C, Gouaux E. Cryo-EM structure of the benzodiazepine-sensitive α1β1γ2S tri-heteromeric GABA A receptor in complex with GABA. eLife 2018; 7:39383. [PMID: 30044221 PMCID: PMC6086659 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian nervous system is largely mediated by GABAA receptors, chloride-selective members of the superfamily of pentameric Cys-loop receptors. Native GABAA receptors are heteromeric assemblies sensitive to many important drugs, from sedatives to anesthetics and anticonvulsant agents, with mutant forms of GABAA receptors implicated in multiple neurological diseases. Despite the profound importance of heteromeric GABAA receptors in neuroscience and medicine, they have proven recalcitrant to structure determination. Here we present the structure of a tri-heteromeric α1β1γ2SEM GABAA receptor in complex with GABA, determined by single particle cryo-EM at 3.1–3.8 Å resolution, elucidating molecular principles of receptor assembly and agonist binding. Remarkable N-linked glycosylation on the α1 subunit occludes the extracellular vestibule of the ion channel and is poised to modulate receptor assembly and perhaps ion channel gating. Our work provides a pathway to structural studies of heteromeric GABAA receptors and a framework for rational design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Phulera
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Jie Yu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Derek P Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Nate Yoder
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Craig Yoshioka
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
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7
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Hannan S, Smart TG. Cell surface expression of homomeric GABA A receptors depends on single residues in subunit transmembrane domains. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13427-13439. [PMID: 29986886 PMCID: PMC6120189 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface expression of type A GABA receptors (GABAARs) is a critical determinant of the efficacy of inhibitory neurotransmission. Pentameric GABAARs are assembled from a large pool of subunits according to precise co-assembly rules that limit the extent of receptor structural diversity. These rules ensure that particular subunits, such as ρ1 and β3, form functional cell surface ion channels when expressed alone in heterologous systems, whereas other brain-abundant subunits, such as α and γ, are retained within intracellular compartments. Why some of the most abundant GABAAR subunits fail to form homomeric ion channels is unknown. Normally, surface expression of α and γ subunits requires co-assembly with β subunits via interactions between their N-terminal sequences in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, using molecular biology, imaging, and electrophysiology with GABAAR chimeras, we have identified two critical residues in the transmembrane domains of α and γ subunits, which, when substituted for their ρ1 counterparts, permit cell surface expression as homomers. Consistent with this, substitution of the ρ1 transmembrane residues for the α subunit equivalents reduced surface expression and altered channel gating, highlighting their importance for GABAAR trafficking and signaling. Although not ligand-gated, the formation of α and γ homomeric ion channels at the cell surface was revealed by incorporating a mutation that imparts the functional signature of spontaneous channel activity. Our study identifies two single transmembrane residues that enable homomeric GABAAR subunit cell surface trafficking and demonstrates that α and γ subunits can form functional ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Hannan
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor G Smart
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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8
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Curcumol allosterically modulates GABA(A) receptors in a manner distinct from benzodiazepines. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46654. [PMID: 28436443 PMCID: PMC5402396 DOI: 10.1038/srep46654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory A type γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating various brain functions and represent an important molecular target in neurological and psychiatric diseases, necessitating the need for the discovery and development of novel modulators. Here, we show that a natural compound curcumol, acts as an allosteric enhancer of GABAARs in a manner distinct from benzodiazepines. Curcumol markedly facilitated GABA-activated currents and shifted the GABA concentration-response curve to the left in cultured hippocampal neurons. When co-applied with the classical benzodiazepine diazepam, curcumol further potentiated GABA-induced currents. In contrast, in the presence of a saturating concentration of menthol, a positive modulator for GABAAR, curcumol failed to further enhance GABA-induced currents, suggesting shared mechanisms underlying these two agents on GABAARs. Moreover, the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil did not alter the enhancement of GABA response by curcumol and menthol, but abolished that by DZP. Finally, mutations at the β2 or γ2 subunit predominantly eliminated modulation of recombinant GABAARs by curcumol and menthol, or diazepam, respectively. Curcumol may therefore exert its actions on GABAARs at sites distinct from benzodiazepine sites. These findings shed light on the future development of new therapeutics drugs targeting GABAARs.
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9
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Chua HC, Chebib M. GABA A Receptors and the Diversity in their Structure and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 79:1-34. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Mortensen M, Iqbal F, Pandurangan AP, Hannan S, Huckvale R, Topf M, Baker JR, Smart TG. Photo-antagonism of the GABAA receptor. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4454. [PMID: 25072879 PMCID: PMC4124873 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter receptor trafficking is fundamentally important for synaptic transmission and neural network activity. GABAA receptors and inhibitory synapses are vital components of brain function, yet much of our knowledge regarding receptor mobility and function at inhibitory synapses is derived indirectly from using recombinant receptors, antibody-tagged native receptors and pharmacological treatments. Here we describe the use of a set of research tools that can irreversibly bind to and affect the function of recombinant and neuronal GABAA receptors following ultraviolet photoactivation. These compounds are based on the competitive antagonist gabazine and incorporate a variety of photoactive groups. By using site-directed mutagenesis and ligand-docking studies, they reveal new areas of the GABA binding site at the interface between receptor β and α subunits. These compounds enable the selected inactivation of native GABAA receptor populations providing new insight into the function of inhibitory synapses and extrasynaptic receptors in controlling neuronal excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Mortensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Favaad Iqbal
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Arun P. Pandurangan
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Crystallography/Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Saad Hannan
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Rosemary Huckvale
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Crystallography/Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - James R. Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Trevor G. Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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11
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2-Guanidine-4-methylquinazoline acts as a novel competitive antagonist of A type γ-aminobutyric acid receptors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:126-37. [PMID: 23916476 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The pentameric A type γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system and have long been considered as important pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of multiple neurological or psychological disorders. Here, we show that 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ), a recently identified acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) modulator, strongly and preferentially inhibits GABAAR among the major neurotransmitter-gated ion channels in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. GMQ inhibited GABA (1 μM)-induced currents in a competitive manner, with an IC50 (0.39±0.05 μM) comparable to that of bicuculline. Schild analysis revealed a slope of 1.04±0.06 for GMQ on α1β2 GABAARs expressed in HEK293T cells. Single-channel analysis showed that GMQ decreased open probability of GABAARs without affecting conductance. Moreover, GMQ inhibited GABAergic neurotransmission in hippocampal neurons, while having no significant effect on the basal field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and the intrinsic excitability of neurons. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we further demonstrated that mutations at Glu155 of β2 subunit and Phe64 of α1 subunit, both located inside the GABA binding pocket, profoundly decreased the sensitivity of the receptor to both GABA and GMQ. Interestingly, these mutations did not significantly affect the inhibition by amiloride, a diuretic structurally similar to GMQ and a known GABAAR inhibitor. We conclude that GMQ represents a novel chemical structure that acts, possibly, by competing with GABA binding to GABAARs. It is anticipated that GMQ and its analogs will facilitate the development of new chemical probes for GABAARs.
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12
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Wireduaah S, Parker TM, Lewis M. Effects of the aromatic substitution pattern in cation-π sandwich complexes. J Phys Chem A 2013; 117:2598-604. [PMID: 23452189 DOI: 10.1021/jp309740r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A computational study investigating the effects of the aromatic substitution pattern on the structure and binding energies of cation-π sandwich complexes is reported. The correlation between the binding energies (Ebind) and Hammett substituent constants is approximately the same as what is observed for cation-π half-sandwich complexes. For cation-π sandwich complexes where both aromatics contain substituents the issue of relative conformation is a possible factor in the strength of the binding; however, the work presented here shows the Ebind values are approximately the same regardless of the relative conformation of the two substituted aromatics. Finally, recent computational work has shown conflicting results on whether cation-π sandwich Ebind values (Ebind,S) are approximately equal to twice the respective half-sandwich Ebind values (Ebind,HS), or if cation-π sandwich Ebind,S values are less than double the respective half-sandwich Ebind,HS values. The work presented here shows that for cation-π sandwich complexes involving substituted aromatics the Ebind,S values are less than twice the respective half-sandwich Ebind,HS values, and this is termed nonadditive. The extent to which the cation-π sandwich complexes investigated here are nonadditive is greater for B3LYP calculated values than for MP2 calculated values and for sandwich complexes with electron-donating substituents than those with electron-withdrawing groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Wireduaah
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103, USA
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13
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Ashby JA, McGonigle IV, Price KL, Cohen N, Comitani F, Dougherty DA, Molteni C, Lummis SCR. GABA binding to an insect GABA receptor: a molecular dynamics and mutagenesis study. Biophys J 2012. [PMID: 23200041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RDL receptors are GABA-activated inhibitory Cys-loop receptors found throughout the insect CNS. They are a key target for insecticides. Here, we characterize the GABA binding site in RDL receptors using computational and electrophysiological techniques. A homology model of the extracellular domain of RDL was generated and GABA docked into the binding site. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted critical GABA binding interactions with aromatic residues F206, Y254, and Y109 and hydrophilic residues E204, S176, R111, R166, S176, and T251. These residues were mutated, expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and their functions assessed using electrophysiology. The data support the binding mechanism provided by the simulations, which predict that GABA forms many interactions with binding site residues, the most significant of which are cation-π interactions with F206 and Y254, H-bonds with E204, S205, R111, S176, T251, and ionic interactions with R111 and E204. These findings clarify the roles of a range of residues in binding GABA in the RDL receptor, and also show that molecular dynamics simulations are a useful tool to identify specific interactions in Cys-loop receptors.
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14
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Siddiqui SZ, Brown DDR, Accardi MV, Forrester SG. Hco-LGC-38 is novel nematode cys-loop GABA receptor subunit. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 185:137-44. [PMID: 22940478 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have identified and characterized a novel cys-loop GABA receptor subunit (Hco-LGC-38) from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. This subunit is present in parasitic and free-living nematodes and shares similarity to both the UNC-49 group of GABA receptor subunits from nematodes and the resistant to dieldrin (RDL) receptors of insects. Expression of the Hco-lgc-38 gene in Xenopus oocytes and subsequent electrophysiological analysis has revealed that the gene encodes a homomeric channel sensitive to GABA (EC(50) 19 μM) and the GABA analogue muscimol. The sensitivity of the Hco-LGC-38 channel to GABA is similar to reported values for the Drosophila RDL receptor whereas its lower sensitivity to muscimol is similar to nematode GABA receptors. Hco-LGC-38 is also highly sensitive to the channel blocker picrotoxin and moderately sensitive to fipronil and dieldrin. Homology modeling of Hco-LGC-38 and subsequent docking of GABA and muscimol into the binding site has uncovered several types of potential interactions with binding-site residues and overall appears to share similarity with models of other invertebrate GABA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Z Siddiqui
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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Accardi MV, Beech RN, Forrester SG. Nematode cys-loop GABA receptors: biological function, pharmacology and sites of action for anthelmintics. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2012; 12:3-12. [PMID: 22430311 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-012-0129-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematode infection of humans and livestock is a major problem globally. Attempts to control nematode populations have led to the development of several classes of anthelmintic, which target cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels. Unlike the vertebrate nervous system, the nematode nervous system possesses a large and diversified array of ligand-gated chloride channels that comprise key components of the inhibitory neurotransmission system. In particular, cys-loop GABA receptors have evolved to play many fundamental roles in nematode behaviour such as locomotion. Analysis of the genomes of several free-living and parasitic nematodes suggests that there are several groups of cys-loop GABA receptor subunits that, for the most part, are conserved among nematodes. Despite many similarities with vertebrate cys-loop GABA receptors, those in nematodes are quite distinct in sequence similarity, subunit composition and biological function. With rising anthelmintic resistance in many nematode populations worldwide, GABA receptors should become an area of increased scientific investigation in the development of the next generation of anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Accardi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, 3649 Sir William Osler Promenade, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
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Tran PN, Laha KT, Wagner DA. A tight coupling between β₂Y97 and β₂F200 of the GABA(A) receptor mediates GABA binding. J Neurochem 2011; 119:283-93. [PMID: 21806616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The GABA(A) receptor is an oligopentameric chloride channel that is activated via conformation changes induced upon the binding of the endogenous ligand, GABA, to the extracellular inter-subunit interfaces. Although dozens of amino acid residues at the α/β interface have been implicated in ligand binding, the structural elements that mediate ligand binding and receptor activation are not yet fully described. In this study, double-mutant cycle analysis was employed to test for possible interactions between several arginines (α₁R67, α₁R120, α₁R132, and β₂R207) and two aromatic residues (β₂Y97 and β₂F200) that are present in the ligand-binding pocket and are known to influence GABA affinity. Our results show that neither α₁R67 nor α₁R120 is functionally coupled to either of the aromatics, whereas a moderate coupling exists between α₁R132 and both aromatic residues. Significant functional coupling between β₂R207 and both β₂Y97 and β₂F200 was found. Furthermore, we identified an even stronger coupling between the two aromatics, β₂Y97 and β₂F200, and for the first time provided direct evidence for the involvement of β₂Y97 and β₂F200 in GABA binding. As these residues are tightly linked, and mutation of either has similar, severe effects on GABA binding and receptor kinetics, we believe they form a single functional unit that may directly coordinate GABA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phu N Tran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-1881, USA.
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Goldschen-Ohm MP, Wagner DA, Jones MV. Three arginines in the GABAA receptor binding pocket have distinct roles in the formation and stability of agonist- versus antagonist-bound complexes. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:647-56. [PMID: 21764985 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.072033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of the agonist GABA to the GABA(A) receptor causes channel gating, whereas competitive antagonists that bind at the same site do not. The details of ligand binding are not well understood, including which residues interact directly with ligands, maintain the structure of the binding pocket, or transduce the action of binding into opening of the ion channel gate. Recent work suggests that the amine group of the GABA molecule may form a cation-π bond with residues in a highly conserved "aromatic box" within the binding pocket. Although interactions with the carboxyl group of GABA remain unknown, three positively charged arginines (α(1)Arg67, α(1)Arg132, and β(2)Arg207) just outside of the aromatic box are likely candidates. To explore their roles in ligand binding, we individually mutated these arginines to alanine and measured the effects on microscopic ligand binding/unbinding rates and channel gating. The mutations α(1)R67A or β(2)R207A slowed agonist binding and sped unbinding with little effect on gating, demonstrating that these arginines are critical for both formation and stability of the agonist-bound complex. In addition, α(1)R67A sped binding of the antagonist 2-(3-carboxypropyl)-3-amino-6-(4 methoxyphenyl)pyridazinium bromide (SR-95531), indicating that this arginine poses a barrier to formation of the antagonist-bound complex. In contrast, β(2)R207A and α(1)R132A sped antagonist unbinding, indicating that these arginines stabilize the antagonist-bound state. α(1)R132A also conferred a new long-lived open state, indicating that this arginine influences the channel gate. Thus, each of these arginines plays a unique role in determining interactions with agonists versus antagonists and with the channel gate.
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Zimmermann I, Dutzler R. Ligand activation of the prokaryotic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel ELIC. PLoS Biol 2011; 9:e1001101. [PMID: 21713033 PMCID: PMC3119659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel ELIC has recently provided first insight into the architecture of the family at high resolution, its detailed investigation was so far prevented by the fact that activating ligands were unknown. Here we describe a study on the functional characterization of ELIC by electrophysiology and X-ray crystallography. ELIC is activated by a class of primary amines that include the neurotransmitter GABA at high micro- to millimolar concentrations. The ligands bind to a conserved site and evoke currents that slowly desensitize over time. The protein forms cation selective channels with properties that resemble the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The high single channel conductance and the comparably simple functional behavior make ELIC an attractive model system to study general mechanisms of ion conduction and gating in this important family of neurotransmitter receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwan Zimmermann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Accardi MV, Forrester SG. The Haemonchus contortus UNC-49B subunit possesses the residues required for GABA sensitivity in homomeric and heteromeric channels. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 178:15-22. [PMID: 21524670 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hco-UNC-49 is a GABA receptor from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus that has a relatively low overall sequence similarity to vertebrate GABA receptors but is very similar to the UNC-49 receptor found in the free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. While the nematode receptors do share >80% sequence similarity they exhibit different sensitivities to GABA. In addition, the UNC-49C subunit appears to be a positive modulator of GABA sensitivity in the H. contortus heteromeric channel, but is a negative modulator in the C. elegans heteromeric channel. The cause(s) of these differences is currently unknown since the structural elements essential for GABA sensitivity in nematode receptors have been largely unexplored. Thus, the overall aim of this study was to investigate the residues that are important for UNC-49 receptor sensitivity through the use of homology modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and two-electrode voltage clamp. This study revealed that Met(170) in Loop B of the GABA binding-site may partially account for the observed differences in GABA receptor sensitivity between the nematode species. Residues in Loops A-D that have been reported to form the GABA binding pocket in mammalian receptors, including those forming the conserved 'aromatic box', also appear to play analogous roles in Hco-UNC-49. In addition, the two mutations that produced the most significant reduction in GABA sensitivity were R66S and Y166S. Homology modeling indicates that these two residues share a hydrogen bond and are positioned close to the carboxyl end of the GABA molecule. However, of residues examined in this study, only those on the Hco-UNC-49B subunit and not its subunit partner, Hco-UNC-49C, appear important for GABA sensitivity. Overall, results from this study suggest that the binding site of the UNC-49 heteromeric GABA receptor exhibits some differences compared to classical vertebrate GABA(A) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Accardi
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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