Four 5-hydroxytryptamine7 (5-HT7) receptor isoforms in human and rat produced by alternative splicing: species differences due to altered intron-exon organization

Serotonin Receptors in Myocardial Infarction: Friend or Foe?

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and treatment costs pose a major burden on the global health care system. Despite the variety of treatment options, individual recovery can be still poor and the mortality rate, especially in the first few years after the event, remains high. Therefore, intense research is currently focused on identifying novel target molecules to improve the outcome following AMI. One of the potentially interesting targets is the serotonergic system (5-HT system), not at least because of its connection to mental disorders. It is known that patients suffering from AMI have an increased risk of developing depression and vice versa. This implicates that the 5-HT system can be affected in response to AMI and might thus represent a target structure for patients' treatment. This review aims to highlight the importance of the 5-HT system after AMI by describing the role of individual serotonin receptors (5-HTR) in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological responses. It particularly focuses on the signaling pathways of the serotonin receptors 1, 2, 4, and 7, which are expressed in the cardiovascular system, during disease onset, and the following remodeling process. This overview also emphasizes the importance of the 5-HT system in AMI etiology and highlights 5-HTRs as potential treatment targets.

Therapeutic Potential and Limitation of Serotonin Type 7 Receptor Modulation

Although a number of mood-stabilising atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants modulate serotonin type 7 receptor (5-HT7), the detailed contributions of 5-HT7 function to clinical efficacy and pathophysiology have not been fully understood. The mood-stabilising antipsychotic agent, lurasidone, and the serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor, vortioxetine, exhibit higher binding affinity to 5-HT7 than other conventional antipsychotics and antidepressants. To date, the initially expected rapid onset of antidepressant effects-in comparison with conventional antidepressants or mood-stabilising antipsychotics-due to 5-HT7 inhibition has not been observed with lurasidone and vortioxetine; however, several clinical studies suggest that 5-HT7 inhibition likely contributes to quality of life of patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders via the improvement of cognition. Furthermore, recent preclinical studies reported that 5-HT7 inhibition might mitigate antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic complication by blocking other monoamine receptors. Further preclinical studies for the development of 5-HT7 modulation against neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases have been ongoing. To date, various findings from various preclinical studies indicate the possibility that 5-HT7 modifications can provide two independent strategies. The first is that 5-HT7 inhibition ameliorates the dysfunction of inter-neuronal transmission in mature networks. The other is that activation of 5-HT7 can improve transmission dysfunction due to microstructure abnormality in the neurotransmission network-which could be unaffected by conventional therapeutic agents-via modulating intracellular signalling during the neurodevelopmental stage or via loss of neural networks with aging. This review attempts to describe the current and novel clinical applications of 5-HT7 modulation based on preclinical findings.

Serotonergic 5-HT7 Receptors as Modulators of the Nociceptive System

The biogenic amine serotonin modulates pain perception by activating several types of serotonergic receptors, including the 5-HT7 type. These receptors are widely expressed along the pain axis, both peripherally, on primary nociceptors, and centrally, in the spinal cord and the brain. The role of 5-HT7 receptors in modulating pain has been explored in vivo in different models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. While most studies have reported an antinociceptive effect of 5-HT7 receptor activation, some authors have suggested a pronociceptive action. Differences in pain models, animal species and gender, receptor types, agonists, and route of administration could explain these discrepancies. In this mini-review, some of the main findings concerning the function of 5-HT7 receptors in the pain system have been presented. The expression patterns of the receptors at the different levels of the pain axis, along with the cellular mechanisms involved in their activity, have been described. Alterations in receptor expression and/or function in different pain models and the role of 5-HT7 receptors in controlling pain transmission have also been discussed. Finally, some of the future perspectives in this field have been outlined.

Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of Two Serotonin Type 7 Receptor Isoforms from Mythimna separata

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neuroactive molecule, as neurotransmitters regulate various biological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates by binding and activating specific 5-HT receptors. The pharmacology and tissue distribution of 5-HT receptors have been investigated in several model insects, and these receptors are recognized as potential insecticide targets. However, little is known about the pharmacological characterization of the 5-HT receptors in important agricultural pests. In this study, we investigated the sequence, pharmacology, and tissue distribution of 5-HT7 receptors from oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important migratory and polyphagous pest species. We found that the 5-HT7 receptor gene encodes two molecularly distinct transcripts, Msep5-HT7L and Msep5-HT7S, by the mechanism of alternative splicing in M. separata. Msep5-HT7S differs from Msep5-HT7L based on the deletion of 95 amino acids within the third intracellular loop. Two Msep5-HT7 receptor isoforms were activated by 5-HT and synthetic agonists α-methylserotonin, 8-hydroxy-DPAT, and 5-methoxytryptamine, resulting in increased intracellular cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner, although these agonists showed much poorer potency and efficacy than 5-HT. The maximum efficacy of 5-HT compared to the two 5-HT isoforms was equivalent, but 5-HT exhibited 2.63-fold higher potency against the Msep5-HT7S than the Msep5-HT7L receptor. These two isoforms were also blocked by the non-selective antagonist methiothepin and the selective antagonists WAY-100635, ketanserin, SB-258719, and SB-269970. Moreover, two distinct mRNA transcripts were expressed preferentially in the brain and chemosensory organs of M. separata adults, as determined by qPCR assay. This study is the first comprehensive characterization of two splicing isoforms of 5-HT7 receptors in M. separata, and the first to demonstrate that alternative splicing is also the mechanism for producing multiple 5-HT7 isoforms in insects. Pharmacological and gene expression profiles offer important information that could facilitate further exploration of their function in the central nervous system and peripheral chemosensory organs, and may even contribute to the development of new selective pesticides.

Central nervous system effects of 5-HT7 receptors: a potential target for neurodegenerative diseases

5-HT₇ receptors (5-HT₇R) are the most recently identified among the family of serotonin receptors. Their role in health and disease, particularly as mediators of, and druggable targets for, neurodegenerative diseases, is incompletely understood. Unlike other serotonin receptors, for which abundant preclinical and clinical data evaluating their effect on neurodegenerative conditions exist, the available information on the role of the 5-HT₇R receptor is limited. In this review, we describe the signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms implicated in the activation of the 5-HT₇R; also, we analyze different mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the potential therapeutic implications of pharmacological interventions for 5-HT₇R signaling.

Serotonin Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors as well as difficulties with social interaction and communication. According to reports for prevalence rates of ASD, approximately 1~2% of children worldwide have been diagnosed with ASD. Although there are a couple of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)—approved drugs for ASD treatment such as aripiprazole and risperidone, they are efficient for alleviating aggression, hyperactivity, and self-injury but not the core symptoms. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as a neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in the early neurodevelopmental stage. In particular, 5-HT has been known to regulate a variety of neurobiological processes including neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, shaping neuronal circuits, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Given the roles of serotonergic systems, the 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) become emerging as potential therapeutic targets in the ASD. In this review, we will focus on the recent development of small molecule modulators of 5-HTRs as therapeutic targets for the ASD treatment.

Benzoxazolone-arylpiperazinyl scaffold-based PET ligand for 5-HT7 : Synthesis and biological evaluation

Efforts are underway to improve the diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders like depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) 5-HT₇   receptor, the most recently identified member of 5-HT receptor family dysregulation has an association with various central nervous system (CNS) disorders and its ligands have an edge as potential therapeutics. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of diversely substituted methoxy derivatives of 2-benzoxazolone arylpiperazine for targeting 5-HT₇  receptors. Out of all derivatives, only C-2 substituted derivative, 3-(4-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzoxazol-2(3H)-one/ABO demonstrate a high affinity for human 5-HT₇ receptors. [¹¹ C]ABO was obtained by O-methylation of desmethyl-precursor using [¹¹ C]CH₃ OTf in the presence of NaOH giving a high radiochemical yield of 25 ± 12% (decay-corrected, n = 7) with stability up to 1.5 h postradiolabeling. In vitro autoradiography displays binding of [¹¹ C]ABO in accordance with 5-HT₇ distribution with a decrease of approximately 80% and 40% activity in the hippocampus and cerebellum brain region when administered with 10 µM cold ligand. Prefatory positron emission tomography scan results in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat brain revealed fast and high radioactivity build-up in 5-HT₇ receptor-rich regions, namely, the hippocampus (2.75 ± 0.16 SUV) and the cerebral cortex (2.27 ± 0.02 SUV) establishing selective targeting of [¹¹ C]ABO. In summary, these pieces of data designate [¹¹ C]ABO as a promising 5-HT₇  receptor ligand that can have possible roles in clinics after its further optimization on different animal models.

5-HT Receptors and Temperature Homeostasis

The present review summarizes the data concerning the influence of serotonin (5-HT) receptors on body temperature in warm-blooded animals and on processes associated with its maintenance. This review includes the most important part of investigations from the first studies to the latest ones. The established results on the pharmacological activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT2 receptor types are discussed. Such activation of the first 3 type of receptors causes a decrease in body temperature, whereas the 5-HT2 activation causes its increase. Physiological mechanisms leading to changes in body temperature as a result of 5-HT receptors' activation are discussed. In case of 5-HT1A receptor, they include an inhibition of shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis, as well simultaneous increase of peripheral blood flow, i.e., the processes of heat production and heat loss. The physiological processes mediated by 5-HT2 receptor are opposite to those of the 5-HT1A receptor. Mechanisms of 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptor participation in these processes are yet to be studied in more detail. Some facts indicating that in natural conditions, without pharmacological impact, these 5-HT receptors are important links in the system of temperature homeostasis, are also discussed.

Serotonin and beyond-a tribute to Manfred Göthert (1939-2019)

Manfred Göthert, who had served Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol as Managing Editor from 1998 to 2005, deceased in June 2019. His scientific oeuvre encompasses more than 20 types of presynaptic receptors, mostly on serotoninergic and noradrenergic neurones. He was the first to identify presynaptic receptors for somatostatin and ACTH and described many presynaptic receptors, known from animal preparations, also in human tissue. In particular, he elucidated the pharmacology of presynaptic 5-HT receptors. A second field of interest included ligand-gated and voltage-dependent channels. The negative allosteric effect of anesthetics at peripheral nACh receptors is relevant for the peripheral clinical effects of these drugs and modified the Meyer-Overton hypothesis. The negative allosteric effect of ethanol at NMDA receptors in human brain tissue occurred at concentrations found in the range of clinical ethanol intoxication. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of gabapentinoids on P/Q Ca2+ channels and the subsequent decrease in AMPA-induced noradrenaline release may contribute to their clinical effect. Another ligand-gated ion channel, the 5-HT3 receptor, attracted the interest of Manfred Göthert from the whole animal via isolated preparations down to the cellular level. He contributed to that molecular study in which 5-HT3 receptor subtypes were disclosed. Finally, he found altered pharmacological properties of 5-HT receptor variants like the Arg219Leu 5-HT1A receptor (which was also shown to be associated with major depression) and the Phe124Cys 5-HT1B receptor (which may be related to sumatriptan-induced vasospasm). Manfred Göthert was a brilliant scientist and his papers have a major impact on today's pharmacology.

Multiple facets of serotonergic modulation

The serotonergic system of the central nervous system (CNS) has been implicated in a broad range of physiological functions and behaviors, such as cognition, mood, social interaction, sexual behavior, feeding behavior, sleep-wake cycle and thermoregulation. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) establishes a plethora of interactions with neurochemical systems in the CNS via its numerous 5-HT receptors and autoreceptors. The facets of this control are multiple if we consider the molecular actors playing a role in the autoregulation of 5-HT neuron activity including the 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_1D, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT₇ receptors as well as the serotonin transporter. Moreover, extrinsic loops involving other neurotransmitters giving the other 5-HT receptors the possibility to impact 5-HT neuron activity. Grasping the complexity of these interactions is essential for the development of a variety of therapeutic strategies for cognitive defects and mood disorders. Presently we can illustrate the plurality of the mechanisms and only conceive that these 5-HT controls are likely not uniform in terms of regional and neuronal distribution. Our understanding of the specific expression patterns of these receptors on specific circuits and neuronal populations are progressing and will expand our comprehension of the function and interaction of these receptors with other chemical systems. Thus, the development of new approaches profiling the expression of 5-HT receptors and autoreceptors should reveal additional facets of the 5-HT controls of neurochemical systems in the CNS.

Current Limitations and Candidate Potential of 5-HT7 Receptor Antagonism in Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy

Several mood-stabilizing atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants weakly block serotonin (5-HT) receptor type-7 (5-HT7R); however, the contributions of 5-HT7R antagonism to clinical efficacy and pathophysiology are yet to be clarified. A novel mood-stabilizing antipsychotic agent, lurasidone exhibits predominant binding affinity to 5-HT7R when compared with other monoamine receptors. To date, we have failed to discover the superior clinical efficacy of lurasidone on schizophrenia, mood, or anxiety disorders when compared with conventional mood-stabilizing atypical antipsychotics; however, numerous preclinical findings have indicated the possible potential of 5-HT7R antagonism against several neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as the generation of novel therapeutic options that could not be expected with conventional atypical antipsychotics. Traditional experimental techniques, electrophysiology, and microdialysis have demonstrated that the effects of 5-HT receptor type-1A (5-HT1AR) and 5-HT7R on neurotransmission are in contrast, but the effect of 5-HT1AR is more predominant than that of 5-HT7R, resulting in an insufficient understanding of the 5-HT7R function in the field of psychopharmacology. Accumulating knowledge regarding the pharmacodynamic profiles of 5-HT7R suggests that 5-HT7R is one of the key players in the establishment and remodeling of neural development and cytoarchitecture during the early developmental stage to the mature brain, and dysfunction or modulation of 5-HT7R is linked to the pathogenesis/pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, to explore candidate novel applications for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, and other cognitive disturbance disorders, we discuss perspectives of psychopharmacology regarding the effects of 5-HT7R antagonism on transmission and intracellular signaling systems, based on preclinical findings.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CX. Classification of Receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine; Pharmacology and Function

5-HT receptors expressed throughout the human body are targets for established therapeutics and various drugs in development. Their diversity of structure and function reflects the important role 5-HT receptors play in physiologic and pathophysiological processes. The present review offers a framework for the official receptor nomenclature and a detailed understanding of each of the 14 5-HT receptor subtypes, their roles in the systems of the body, and, where appropriate, the (potential) utility of therapeutics targeting these receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive account of the classification and function of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, including how they are targeted for therapeutic benefit.

Mitochondrial Membranes of Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells Express Serotonin 5-HT7 Receptor

Mitochondria in neurons contribute to energy supply, the regulation of synaptic transmission, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, neuronal excitability, and stress adaptation. In recent years, several studies have highlighted that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in mitochondrial biogenesis in cortical neurons, and regulates mitochondrial activity and cellular function in cardiomyocytes. 5-HT exerts its diverse actions by binding to cell surface receptors that are classified into seven distinct families (5-HT1 to 5-HT7). Recently, it was shown that 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors are located on the mitochondrial membrane and participate in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, it was observed that activation of brain 5-HT7 receptors rescued mitochondrial dysfunction in female mice from two models of Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe behavioral and physiological symptoms. Our Western blot analyses performed on cell-lysate and purified mitochondria isolated from neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y showed that 5-HT7 receptors are also expressed into mitochondria. Maximal binding capacity (Bmax) obtained by Scatchard analysis on purified mitochondrial membranes was 0.081 pmol/mg of 5-HT7 receptor protein. Lastly, we evaluated the effect of selective 5-HT7 receptor agonist LP-211 and antagonist (inverse agonist) SB-269970 on mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) cytochrome c oxidase activity on mitochondria from SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings provide the first evidence that 5-HT7 receptor is also expressed in mitochondria.

Sex and the serotonergic underpinnings of depression and migraine

Most psychiatric disorders demonstrate sex differences in their prevalence and symptomatology, and in their response to treatment. These differences are particularly pronounced in mood disorders. Differences in sex hormone levels are among the most overt distinctions between males and females and are thus an intuitive underpinning for these clinical observations. In fact, treatment with estrogen and testosterone was shown to exert antidepressant effects, which underscores this link. Changes to monoaminergic signaling in general, and serotonergic transmission in particular, are understood as central components of depressive pathophysiology. Thus, modulation of the serotonin system may serve as a mechanism via which sex hormones exert their clinical effects in mental health disorders. Over the past 20 years, various experimental approaches have been applied to identify modes of influence of sex and sex hormones on the serotonin system. This chapter provides an overview of different molecular components of the serotonin system, followed by a review of studies performed in animals and in humans with the purpose of elucidating sex hormone effects. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies performed with positron emission tomography, a method that allows for human in vivo molecular imaging and, therefore, assessment of effects in a clinically representative context. The studies addressed in this chapter provide a wealth of information on the interaction between sex, sex hormones, and serotonin in the brain. In general, they offer evidence for the concept that the influence of sex hormones on various components of the serotonin system may serve as an underpinning for the clinical effects these hormones demonstrate.

Structural manipulation of aporphines via C10 nitrogenation leads to the identification of new 5-HT7AR ligands

Aporphine alkaloids containing a C10 nitrogen motif were synthesized and evaluated for affinity at 5-HT_1AR, 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT₆R and 5-HT_7AR. Three series of racemic aporphines were investigated: 1,2,10-trisubstituted, C10 N-monosubstituted and compounds containing a C10 benzofused aminothiazole moiety. The 1,2,10-trisubstituted series of compounds as a group displayed modest selectivity for 5-HT_7AR and also had moderate 5-HT_7AR affinity. Compounds from the C10 N-monosubstituted series generally lacked affinity for 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT₆R and showed strong affinity for 5-HT_1A or 5-HT_7AR. Compounds in this series that contained an N6-methyl group were up to 27-fold selective for 5-HT_7AR over 5-HT_1AR, whereas compounds with an N6-propyl substituent showed a reversal in this selectivity. The C10 benzofused aminothiazole analogues showed a similar binding profile as the C10 N-monosubstituted series i.e. strong affinity for 5-HT_1AR or 5-HT_7AR, with selectivity between the two receptors being similarly influenced by N6-methyl or N6-propyl substituents. Compounds 29 and 34a exhibit high 5-HT_7AR affinity, excellent selectivity versus dopamine receptors and function as antagonists in 5-HT_7AR cAMP-based assays. Compounds 29 and 34a have been identified as new lead molecules for further tool and pharmaceutical optimization.

5-HT7 receptorsare over-expressed in patients with nasal polyps

Nasal polyposis (NP) is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. The primary purpose of our study is to determine the expression of 5-HT7 receptors both in nasal polyps and in healthy tissue in the nasal cavity. The subsequent aim is to compare the expression of 5-HT7 receptors in patients with NP and in inferior turbinate tissue (control).The study included 60 participants (40 with NP and 20 controls) aged 35 to 62 years. Nasal polyp samples were collected from all patients and relative 5-HT7 receptor expression analyses were performed. RT-PCR analysis of nasal polyps and control tissue identified 5-HT7 receptor expression in the nasal cavities of controls. This expression was approximately 67 times higher in nasal polyp tissue than in healthy tissue. Our study identifies the expression of 5-HT7 receptors in the nasal cavity for the first time. It is also the first demonstration of increased 5-HT7 receptor expression in tissue from nasal polyps, which occur in the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.

The role of 5-HT7 receptors on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats with high-fat diet exacerbated coronary endothelial dysfunction

The presence of 5-HT7r's in both human and rat cardiovascular and immune tissues and their contribution to inflammatory conditions prompted us to hypothesize that these receptors contribute in acute myocardial infarction (MI) with underlying chronic endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the role of 5-HT7 receptors on heart tissue that damaged by isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in rats with high-fat diet (HFD). In vitro and in vivo effects of 5-HT7r agonist (LP44) and antagonist (SB269970) have been investigated on the H9C2 cell line and rats, respectively. For in vivo analyses, rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks and after this period ISO-induced MI model has been applied to rat. To investigate the role of 5-HT7r's, two different doses of LP44 and SB269970 were evaluated and compared with standard hypolipidemic agent, atorvastatin. In vitro studies showed that LP44 has protective and proliferative effects on rat cardiomyocytes. Also in in vivo studies stimulating 5-HT7r's by LP44 improved blood lipid profile (decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-C, and triglyceride, increased high-density lipoprotein), decreased cardiac damage markers (creatine kinase and troponin-I), and corrected inflammatory status (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6). Our results showed significant improvement in LP44 administered rats in terms of histopathologic analyses. In damaged tissues, 5-HT7 mRNA expression increased and agonist administration decreased this elevation significantly. We determined for the first time that 5-HT7r's are overexpressed in ISO-induced MI of rats with underlying HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction. Restoration of this overexpression by LP44, a 5-HT7r agonist, ameliorated heart tissue in physiopathologic, enzymatic, and molecular level, showing the cardiac role of these receptors and suggesting them as future potential therapeutic targets.

5-HT7 Receptor Inhibition Transiently Improves Respiratory Function Following Daily Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic-Hypoxia in Rats With Chronic Midcervical Spinal Cord Contusion

Background. Intermittent hypoxia can induce respiratory neuroplasticity to enhance respiratory motor outputs following hypoxic treatment. This type of respiratory neuroplasticity is primarily mediated by the activation of Gq-protein-coupled 5-HT2 receptors and constrained by Gs-protein-coupled 5-HT7 receptors. Objective. The present study hypothesized that the blockade of 5-HT7 receptors can potentiate the effect of intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia on respiratory function after cervical spinal cord contusion injury. Methods. The ventilatory behaviors of unanesthetized rats with midcervical spinal cord contusions were measured before, during, and after daily acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia (10 episodes of 5 minutes of hypoxia [10% O2, 4% CO2, 86% N2] with 5 minutes of normoxia intervals for 5 days) at 8 weeks postinjury. On a daily basis, 5 minutes before intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia, rats received either a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist (SB269970, 4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or a vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide). Results. Treatment with intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia induced a similar increase in tidal volume between rats that received SB269970 and those that received dimethyl sulfoxide within 60 minutes post-hypoxia on the first day. However, after 2 to 3 days of daily acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia, the baseline tidal volumes of rats treated with SB269970 increased significantly. Conclusions. These results suggest that inhibiting the 5-HT7 receptor can transiently improve daily intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia–induced tidal volume increase in midcervical spinal contused animals. Therefore, combining pharmacological treatment with rehabilitative intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia training may be an effective strategy for synergistically enhancing respiratory neuroplasticity to improve respiratory function following chronic cervical spinal cord injury.

Role of the Serotonin Receptor 7 in Brain Plasticity: From Development to Disease

Our knowledge on the plastic functions of the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7R) in the brain physiology and pathology have advanced considerably in recent years. A wealth of data show that 5-HT7R is a key player in the establishment and remodeling of neuronal cytoarchitecture during development and in the mature brain, and its dysfunction is linked to neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. The involvement of this receptor in synaptic plasticity is further demonstrated by data showing that its activation allows the rescue of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) deficits in various animal models of neurodevelopmental diseases. In addition, it is becoming clear that the 5-HT7R is involved in inflammatory intestinal diseases, modulates the function of immune cells, and is likely to play a role in the gut-brain axis. In this review, we will mainly focus on recent findings on this receptor’s role in the structural and synaptic plasticity of the mammalian brain, although we will also illustrate novel aspects highlighted in gastrointestinal (GI) tract and immune system.

Towards selective CNS PET imaging of the 5-HT7 receptor system: Past, present and future

Since its discovery in 1993, the serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5-HT₇) has attracted significant attention as a potential drug target; due to its elucidated roles in conditions such as insomnia, schizophrenia, and more. Therefore, it is unsurprising that there has been relatively early efforts undertaken to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for said receptor system. PET can be clinically used to probe receptor systems in vivo, permitting information such as a drug's occupancy against this system to be investigated. This review focuses on the efforts towards the development of a 5-HT₇R selective PET CNS tracer over the last 20 years, critically reflecting on applied strategies and commonly employed chemical frameworks and suggests future considerations that are needed to successfully develop a PET tracer for this clinically relevant target. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.

Stimulating DDX3 expression by serotonin 5-HT receptor 7 through phosphorylation of p53 via the AC-PKA-ERK signaling pathway

DDX3 is a host viral factor that can inhibit the hepatitis B virus-induced innate immune responses. In this study, the 20 bioactive compounds have screened the effects on DDX3 and we found that 5-HT upregulated DDX3 promoter activity via the 5-HT₇ receptor on liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2 cells) by using a luciferase assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, we are trying to elucidate the pathways involved in the stimulating effect of 5-HT on DDX3 expression to induce innate immune responses against hepatitis B virus infection. A knockdown of the 5-HT₇ receptor by transfection si-5-HT₇ receptors or si-control into HepG2 cells treated by 5-HT (or 5-HT plus agonist) confirmed the role of the 5-HT₇ receptor in DDX3 expression. The IFN-β-Luc expression and level of hepatitis B virus surface Antigen (HBsAg) showed that DDX3 mediated by the 5-HT₇ agonist (AS-19) increased IFN-β expression and inhibited HBV replication. Luciferase assays showed the involvement of 5-HT₇ receptors in DDX3 expression via cAMP/AC/PKA pathways by using protein kinase A (PKA) and adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (MDL 12330A). AS-19 mediated DDX3 promoter activated PKA extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK signaling the p53 phosphorylation (-1080/-1070) resulted in upregulation of DDX3 promoter transactivation via the 5-HT₇ receptors agonist. Overall, 5-HT₇ was found to be a new potential target to inhibit hepatitis B infection by activating AC/PKA/ERK pathways by phosphorylating p53 via the 5-HT₇ agonist response by mediating DDX3 expression.

Serotonin Receptor Binding Characteristics of Geissoschizine Methyl Ether, an Indole Alkaloid in Uncaria Hook

Background:

Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) is one of the indole alkaloids in Uncaria hook, and an active ingredient of yokukansan (YKS) that improves behavioral and psychological symp-toms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with several types of dementia. The pharmacological action of GM has been related to various serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to review the binding characteristics of GM to the 5-HT receptor sub-types in the brains using our own data and previous findings.

Methods:

Competitive receptor-binding and agonist/antagonist activity assays for several 5-HT receptor subtypes were performed. Moreover, the articles describing pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of GM were searched in PubMed.

Results:

GM bound the following 5-HT receptor subtypes: 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT4, 5-HT5A, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7. Among these receptors, GM had partial agonistic activity for 5-HT1A receptors and antagonistic activity for 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT7 receptors. Also, GM was me-tabolized by various CYP isoforms, mainly CYP3A4. Parent/unchanged GM was detected in both the blood and brain of rats after oral administration of YKS. In the brains, GM was presumed to bind to 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT7 receptors on neuron-like large cells mainly in the frontal cor-tex.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that GM is a pharmacologically important alkaloid that regulates vari-ous serotonergic activities or functions by binding to multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes. Thus, this review provides recent 5-HT receptor-related evidence that GM is partly responsible for pharmacological effects of YKS.

Serotonin receptors in depression and anxiety: Insights from animal studies

Serotonin regulates many physiological processes including sleep, appetite, and mood. Thus, serotonergic system is an important target in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as major depression and anxiety. This natural neurotransmitter interacts with 7 families of its receptors (5-HT1-7), which cause a variety of pharmacological effects. Using genetically modified animals and selective or preferential agonists and antagonist, numerous studies demonstrated the involvement of almost all serotonin receptor subtypes in antidepressant- or anxiolytic-like effects. In this review, based on animal studies, we discuss the possible involvement of serotonin receptor subtypes in depression and anxiety.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Therapeutic Potentials of 5-HT7 Receptor Ligands: An Update

Serotonin 5-HT₇ receptor (5-HT₇R) has been the subject of intense research efforts because of its presence in brain areas such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex. Preclinical data link the 5-HT₇R to a variety of central nervous system processes including the regulation of circadian rhythms, mood, cognition, pain processing, and mechanisms of addiction. 5-HT₇R blockade has antidepressant effects and may ameliorate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. 5-HT₇R has been recently shown to modulate neuronal morphology, excitability, and plasticity, thus contributing to shape brain networks during development and to remodel neuronal wiring in the mature brain. Therefore, the activation of 5-HT₇R has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with abnormal neuronal connectivity. This Perspective celebrates the silver jubilee of the discovery of 5-HT₇R by providing a survey of recent studies on the medicinal chemistry of 5-HT₇R ligands and on the neuropharmacology of 5-HT₇R.

Whole genome sequencing of a dizygotic twin suggests a role for the serotonin receptor HTR7 in autism spectrum disorder

Whole genome sequencing of a severely affected dizygotic twin with an autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability revealed a compound heterozygous mutation in the HTR7 gene as the only variation not detected in control databases. Each parent carries one allele of the mutation, which is not present in an unaffected stepsister. The HTR7 gene encodes the 5-HT₇ serotonin receptor that is involved in brain development, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. The paternally inherited p.W60C variant is situated at an evolutionary conserved nucleotide and predicted damaging by Polyphen2. A mutation akin to the maternally inherited pV286I mutation has been reported to significantly affect the binding characteristics of the receptor. Therefore, the observed sequence alterations provide a first suggestive link between a genetic abnormality in the HTR7 gene and a neurodevelopmental disorder. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Serotonin disrupts esophageal mucosal integrity: an investigation using a stratified squamous epithelial model

BACKGROUND

Serotonin regulates gastrointestinal function, and mast cells are a potential nonneuronal source of serotonin in the esophagus. Tight junction (TJ) proteins in the esophageal epithelium contribute to the barrier function, and the serotonin signaling pathway may contribute to epithelial leakage in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of serotonin on barrier function, TJ proteins, and related signaling pathways.

METHODS

Normal primary human esophageal epithelial cells were cultured with use of an air-liquid interface system. Serotonin was added to the basolateral compartment, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured. The expression of TJ proteins and serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT₇) was assessed by Western blotting. The involvement of 5-HT₇ was assessed with use of an antagonist and an agonist. The underlying cellular signaling pathways were examined with use of specific blockers.

RESULTS

Serotonin decreased TEER and reduced the expression of TJ proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin 1, but not claudin 4. A 5-HT₇ antagonist blocked the serotonin-induced decrease in TEER, and a 5-HT₇ agonist decreased TEER. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduced the serotonin-induced decrease in TEER. Inhibition of p38 MAPK blocked the decrease of ZO-1 levels, whereas extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition blocked the decrease in occludin levels. Cell signaling pathway inhibitors had no effect on serotonin-induced alterations in claudin 1 and claudin 4 levels. Serotonin induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK, and a 5-HT₇ antagonist partially blocked serotonin-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but not that of ERK.

CONCLUSIONS

Serotonin disrupted esophageal squamous epithelial barrier function by modulating the levels of TJ proteins. Serotonin signaling pathways may mediate the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

New advances in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a persistent condition characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, mainly comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are recommended as first-line treatment of GAD. However, some patients may not respond to the treatment or discontinue due to adverse effects. Vortioxetine (VRX) is a multimodal antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action, by acting as 5-HT3A, 5-HT1D and 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, partial agonist at the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors and inhibitor at the 5-HT transporter. Preliminary clinical trials showed contrasting findings in terms of improvement of the anxiety symptomatology and/or cognitive impairment. Here, we aim to systematically review the evidence currently available on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of VRX in the treatment of GAD. The generalizability of results on the efficacy of VRX in patients with anxiety symptomatology and GAD is limited due to few and contrasting RCTs so far available. Only two studies, of which one prevention relapse trial, reported a significant improvement in anxiety symptomatology compared to three with negative findings.

Serotonergic modulation of the activity of mesencephalic dopaminergic systems: Therapeutic implications

Since their discovery in the mammalian brain, it has been apparent that serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) interactions play a key role in normal and abnormal behavior. Therefore, disclosure of this interaction could reveal important insights into the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia, depression and drug addiction or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Tourette's syndrome. Unfortunately, this interaction remains difficult to study for many reasons, including the rich and widespread innervations of 5-HT and DA in the brain, the plethora of 5-HT receptors and the release of co-transmitters by 5-HT and DA neurons. The purpose of this review is to present electrophysiological and biochemical data showing that endogenous 5-HT and pharmacological 5-HT ligands modify the mesencephalic DA systems' activity. 5-HT receptors may control DA neuron activity in a state-dependent and region-dependent manner. 5-HT controls the activity of DA neurons in a phasic and excitatory manner, except for the control exerted by 5-HT_2C receptors which appears to also be tonically and/or constitutively inhibitory. The functional interaction between the two monoamines will also be discussed in view of the mechanism of action of antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-Parkinsonians and drugs of abuse.

Downregulation of 5-HT7 Serotonin Receptors by the Atypical Antipsychotics Clozapine and Olanzapine. Role of Motifs in the C-Terminal Domain and Interaction with GASP-1

The human 5-HT7 serotonin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), activates adenylyl cyclase constitutively and upon agonist activation. Biased ligands differentially activate 5-HT7 serotonin receptor desensitization, internalization and degradation in addition to G protein activation. We have previously found that the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine inhibited G protein activation and, surprisingly, induced both internalization and lysosomal degradation of 5-HT7 receptors. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanism of clozapine- and olanzapine-mediated degradation of 5-HT7 receptors. In the C-terminus of the 5-HT7 receptor, we identified two YXXΦ motifs, LR residues, and a palmitoylated cysteine anchor as potential sites involved in receptor trafficking to lysosomes followed by receptor degradation. Mutating either of these sites inhibited clozapine- and olanzapine-mediated degradation of 5-HT7 receptors and also interfered with G protein activation. In addition, we tested whether receptor degradation was mediated by the GPCR-associated sorting protein-1 (GASP-1). We show that GASP-1 binds the 5-HT7 receptor and regulates the clozapine-mediated degradation. Mutations of the identified motifs and residues, located in or close to Helix-VIII of the 5-HT7 receptor, modified antipsychotic-stimulated binding of proteins (such as GASP-1), possibly by altering the flexibility of Helix-VIII, and also interfered with G protein activation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that binding of clozapine or olanzapine to the 5-HT7 receptor leads to antagonist-mediated lysosomal degradation by exposing key residues in the C-terminal tail that interact with GASP-1.

The atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine promote down-regulation and display functional selectivity at human 5-HT7 receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Classically, ligands of GPCRs have been classified primarily upon their affinity and efficacy to activate a signal transduction pathway. Recent reports indicate that the efficacy of a particular ligand can vary depending on the receptor-mediated response measured (e.g. activating G proteins, other downstream responses, internalization). Previously, we reported that inverse agonists induce both homo- and heterologous desensitization, similar to agonist stimulation, at the Gs -coupled 5-HT7 receptor. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether different inverse agonists at the 5-HT7 receptor also induce internalization and/or degradation of 5-HT7 receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

HEK293 cells expressing 5-HT7(a, b or d) receptors were pre-incubated with 5-HT, clozapine, olanzapine, mesulergine or SB269970 and their effects upon receptor density, AC activity, internalization, recruitment of β-arrestins and lysosomal trafficking were measured.

KEY RESULTS

The agonist 5-HT and three out of four inverse agonists tested increased internalization independently of β-arrestin recruitment. Among these, only the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine promoted lysosomal sorting and reduced 5-HT7 receptor density (∼60% reduction within 24 h). Inhibition of lysosomal degradation with chloroquine blocked the clozapine- and olanzapine-induced down-regulation of 5-HT7 receptors. Incubation with SB269970 decreased both 5-HT7(b) constitutive internalization and receptor density but increased 5-HT7(d) receptor density, indicating differential ligand regulation among the 5-HT7 splice variants.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, we found that various ligands differentially activate regulatory processes governing receptor internalization and degradation in addition to signal transduction. Thus, these data extend our understanding of functional selectivity at the 5-HT7 receptor.

Interplay between serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors in depressive disorders

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter regulating a wide range of physiological and pathological functions via activation of heterogeneously expressed 5-HT receptors. Besides the important role of 5-HT receptors in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders and in their clinical medications, underlying mechanisms are far from being completely understood. This review focuses on possible cross talk between two serotonin receptors, 5-HT1A and the 5-HT7 . Although these receptors are highly co-expressed in brain regions implicated in depression, and most agonists developed for the 5-HT1A or 5-HT7 receptors have cross-reactivity, their functional interaction has not been yet established. It has been recently shown that 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors form homo- and heterodimers both in vitro and in vivo. From the functional point of view, heterodimerization has been shown to play an important role in regulation of receptor-mediated signaling and internalization, suggesting the implication of heterodimerization in the development and maintenance of depression. Interaction between these receptors is also of clinical interest, because both receptors represent an important pharmacological target for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

The 5-HT7 receptor as a potential target for treating drug and alcohol abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse take a large toll on society and affected individuals. However, very few effective treatments are currently available to treat alcohol and drug addiction. Basic and clinical research has begun to provide some insights into the underlying neurobiological systems involved in the addiction process. Several neurotransmitter pathways have been implicated and distinct reward neurocircuitry have been proposed—including the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (MCL-DA) system and the extended amygdala. The serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter system is of particular interest and multiple 5-HT receptors are thought to play significant roles in alcohol and drug self-administration and the development of drug dependence. Among the 5-HT receptors, the 5-HT7 receptor is currently undergoing characterization as a potential target for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders. Although this receptor has received only limited research regarding addictive behaviors, aspects of its neuroanatomical, biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral profiles suggest that it could play a key role in the addiction process. For instance, genomic studies in humans have suggested a link between variants in the gene encoding the 5-HT7 receptor and alcoholism. Recent behavioral testing using high-affinity antagonists in mice and preliminary tests with alcohol-preferring rats suggest that this receptor could mediate alcohol consumption and/or reinforcement and play a role in seeking/craving behavior. Interest in the development of new and more selective pharmacological agents for this receptor will aid in examining the 5-HT7 receptor as a novel target for treating addiction.

Cellular mechanisms of the 5-HT7 receptor-mediated signaling

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter regulating a wide range of physiological and pathological functions via activation of heterogeneously expressed 5-HT receptors. The 5-HT₇ receptor is one of the most recently described members of the 5-HT receptor family. Functionally, 5-HT₇ receptor is associated with a number of physiological and pathological responses, including serotonin-induced phase shifting of the circadian rhythm, control of memory as well as locomotor and exploratory activity. A large body of evidence indicates involvement of the 5-HT₇ receptor in anxiety and depression, and recent studies suggest that 5-HT₇ receptor can be highly relevant for the treatment of major depressive disorders. The 5-HT₇ receptor is coupled to the stimulatory G_s-protein, and receptor stimulation results in activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) leading to a rise of cAMP concentration. In addition, this receptor is coupled to the G₁₂-protein to activate small GTPases of the Rho family. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms responsible for the 5-HT₇ receptor-mediated signaling. We provide detailed overview of signaling cascades controlled and regulated by the 5-HT₇ receptor and discuss the functional impact of 5-HT₇ receptor for the regulation of different cellular and subcellular processes.

5-HT7 receptors and tryptophan hydroxylase in lymphocytes of rats: mitogen activation, physical restraint or treatment with reserpine

OBJECTIVES

Serotonin (5-HT)7 receptors in lymphocytes play a relevant role as modulators of T cell functions and might be modified by stress protocols. The aims of this work were to evaluate: (i) the presence of 5-HT7 receptors in specific lymphocyte populations, (ii) the probable modifications of them by inflammatory stress with mitogen and (iii) the effects of physical and pharmacological stress.

METHODS

Blood lymphocytes were isolated by density gradients and differential adhesion to plastic. Concanavalin A (Con A) was systemically administered (500 μg/kg) or added to lymphocyte cultures (2.5 μg/ml, final volume 200 μl). Physical restraint was performed in Plexiglass boxes for 5 h per day for 5 days. Reserpine administration was 2.5 mg/kg for 3 days. Immunocytochemical labeling of CD4+, CD8+ and 5-HT7 receptors, and also tryptophan hydroxylase cells was performed. mRNA of 5-HT7 receptors was evaluated by RT-PCR. Controls were included for each protocol.

RESULTS

Con A treatment or culture exposure increased the number of lymphocytes expressing 5-HT7 receptors or tryptophan hydroxylase, as compared to absence of the mitogen. Receptors were present in 12-16% of total rat lymphocytes, in ∼10% of CD4+ and in ∼5% of CD8+ cells from control rats. CD4+ decreased, and CD8+ and 5-HT7 cells increased after physical restraint. Reserpine treatment elevated CD8+ and 5-HT7 cells. Con A and physical restraint, but not reserpine treatment, significantly augmented 5-HT7 receptor mRNA in lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Rat lymphocytes, expressing tryptophan hydroxylase, could synthesize 5-HT, functioning as a direct autocrine modulator. The modifications of CD4+, CD8+ and 5-HT7 receptors in lymphocytes by three stress protocols could have an impact on immune responses. In addition, the differential distribution of 5-HT7 receptors indicates potential specific physiopathological roles.

Peripheral 5-HT7 receptors as a new target for prevention of lung injury and mortality in septic rats

Sepsis is a complex pathophysiological event involving metabolic acidosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, tissue damage and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Although many new mechanisms are being investigated to enlighten the pathophysiology of sepsis, there is no effective treatment protocol yet. Presence of 5-HT7 receptors in immune tissues prompted us to hypothesize that these receptors have roles in inflammation and sepsis. We investigated the effects of 5-HT7 receptor agonists and antagonists on serum cytokine levels, lung oxidative stress, lung histopathology, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) positivity and lung 5-HT7 receptor density in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model of rats. Agonist administration to septic rats increased survival time; decreased serum cytokine response against CLP; decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant system in lungs; decreased the tissue NF-κB immunopositivity, which is high in septic rats; and decreased the sepsis-induced lung injury. In septic rats, as a result of high inflammatory response, 5-HT7 receptor expression in lungs increased significantly and agonist administration, which decreased inflammatory response and related mortality, decreased the 5-HT7 receptor expression. In conclusion, all these data suggest that stimulation of 5-HT7 receptors may be a new therapeutic target for prevention of impaired inflammatory response related lung injury and mortality.

The serotonin 5-HT7 receptors: two decades of research

Like most neurotransmitters, serotonin possesses a simple structure. However, the pharmacological consequences are more complex and diverse. Serotonin is involved in numerous functions in the human body including the control of appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood, behavior, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation, and depression. Low levels of serotonin may be associated with several disorders, namely increase in aggressive and angry behaviors, clinical depression, Parkinson's disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus, and bipolar disease. These effects are mediated via different serotonin (5-HT) receptors. In this review, we will focus on the last discovered member of this serotonin receptor family, the 5-HT7 receptor. This receptor belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and was cloned two decades ago. Later, different splice variants were described but no major functional differences have been described so far. All 5-HT7 receptor variants are coupled to Gαs proteins and stimulate cAMP formation. Recently, several interacting proteins have been reported, which can influence receptor signaling and trafficking.

Palmitoylation of serotonin receptors

The covalent attachment of palmitic acid to one or more cysteine residues (S-palmitoylation) is a widespread modification of signalling proteins. With the finding that palmitoylation is a dynamic process, it is now widely accepted that repeated cycles of palmitoylation/depalmitoylation could be involved in the regulation of multiple signalling processes. Palmitoylation also represents a common post-translational modification of the GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors). Functionally, palmitoylation of GPCRs has been shown to play a central role in the regulation of multiple receptor functions, including determining the efficiency and selectivity of G-protein coupling, receptor phosphorylation and desensitization, endocytosis and transport to the plasma membrane. The present review summarizes our current knowledge of the palmitoylation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptors and its role in the regulation of receptor functions.

Multiple roles of serotonin in pain control mechanisms--implications of 5-HT₇ and other 5-HT receptor types

Among monoamine neurotransmitters, serotonin (5-HT) is known to play complex modulatory roles in pain signaling mechanisms since the first reports, about forty years ago, on its essentially pro-nociceptive effects at the periphery and anti-nociceptive effects when injected directly at the spinal cord level. The discovery of multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes allowed possible explanations to this dual action at the periphery versus the central nervous system (CNS) since both excitatory and inhibitory effects can be exerted through 5-HT activation of different 5-HT receptors. However, it also appeared that activation of the same receptor subtype at CNS level might induce variable effects depending on the physiological or pathophysiological status of the animal administered with agonists. In particular, the marked neuroplastic changes induced by nerve lesion, which account for sensitization of pain signaling mechanisms, can contribute to dramatic changes in the effects of a given 5-HT receptor agonist in neuropathic rats versus intact healthy rats. This has notably been observed with 5-HT₇ receptor agonists which exert a pronociceptive action in healthy rats but alleviate hyperalgesia consecutive to nerve lesion in neuropathic animals. Analysis of cellular mechanisms underlying such dual 5-HT actions mediated by a single receptor subtype indicates that the neuronal phenotype which expresses this receptor also plays a key role in determining which modulatory action 5-HT would finally exert on pain signaling mechanisms.

RhoBTB3 interacts with the 5-HT7a receptor and inhibits its proteasomal degradation

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)7 receptor is the most recently identified serotonin receptor and is involved in a wide variety of central nervous system (CNS) functions, namely circadian rhythm, REM sleep, depression, thermoregulation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy, nociception, migraine, sensation-seeking behavior, impulsivity, learning and memory. These numerous (patho)physiological processes of the CNS, in which the 5-HT7 receptor is involved, most likely reflect a diverse set of signaling pathways arising from this receptor. In order to reveal new interaction partners and possibly new signaling and/or trafficking pathways, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screening, using the C-terminal tail of the 5-HT7a receptor as bait and an adult-human brain cDNA library as prey. In this way we identified RhoBTB3 as a new interaction partner of the 5-HT7a receptor. By means of co-immunoprecipitation we were able to confirm the interaction between full length 5-HT7a receptor and RhoBTB3 in HEK293T cells. Subsequent domain mapping of this interaction revealed that not only the C-terminal tail, but also the third intracellular loop of the 5-HT7a receptor is involved. In addition, immunofluorescence microscopy showed clear co-localization between the 5-HT7a receptor and RhoBTB3 at the plasma membrane and in the endoplasmic reticulum. Despite the fact that RhoBTB3 has been shown to interact with Cul3, which in turn interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Roc1, we show here that RhoBTB3 neither recruits Cul3/Roc1 to the 5-HT7a receptor nor does it mediate ubiquitination of this receptor. Instead, we demonstrate that RhoBTB3 strongly inhibits proteasomal degradation of the 5-HT7a receptor.

Serotonin (5-HT7) receptor-stimulated activation of cAMP-PKA pathway in bovine corneal epithelial and endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) is a major neurotransmitter, and its receptors are found throughout the whole body. The 5-HT7 receptor subtype was detected in human corneal epithelial and endothelial cells and found to be functionally active in a corneal epithelial cell line. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate that native bovine corneal epithelial and endothelial cells express a functional 5-HT7 receptor positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA) formation.

METHODS

5-HT7 receptors were studied using polyclonal antibodies. cAMP concentration after 5-HT7 receptor stimulation with 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, a 5-HT7 agonist) was tested by enzyme immunoassay, PKA activity was estimated by kinase consumption of ATP.

RESULTS

Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed the presence of 5-HT7 receptors in corneal epithelial and endothelial cells. Stimulation of corneal 5-HT7 receptors with 5-CT revealed a dose-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP concentration in corneal epithelium (0.01-0.34 pmol/ml) and endothelium (0.01-0.19 pmol/ml) between 10(-10) and 10(-7) mg/ml 5-CT (p = 0.001) with maximal stimulation from 10(-7) to 10(-3) mg/ml 5-CT (0.30 ± 0.03 and 0.18 ± 0.01 pmol/ml, respectively). Incubation with 10(-6) mg/ml SB269970 (a selective 5-HT7 antagonist) blocked 5-CT-induced cAMP increase in corneal epithelial (0.03 pmol/ml) and endothelial cells (0.02 pmol/ml; p = 0.001). Stimulation of corneal 5-HT7 receptors with 5-CT revealed a dose-dependent increase in PKA activity between 10(-10) and 10(-8) mg/ml 5-CT in corneal epithelium and endothelium (<1 to >99%; p = 0.013 and p = 0.017, respectively) with maximal stimulation from 10(-8) to 10(-4) mg/ml (>99%) 5-CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that native corneal epithelial and endothelial cells express a functional 5-HT7 receptor positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and PKA formation. However, at the present time, the physiological role of 5-HT receptors and the cAMP-PKA pathway in the cornea remains a matter of speculation.