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Oyama M, Watanabe S, Iwai T, Tanabe M. Selective inhibition of A-fiber-mediated excitatory transmission underlies the analgesic effects of KCNQ channel opening in the spinal dorsal horn. Neuropharmacology 2024; 254:109994. [PMID: 38750803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal voltage-gated KCNQ (Kv7) channels, expressed centrally and peripherally, mediate low-threshold and non-inactivating M-currents responsible for the control of tonic excitability of mammalian neurons. Pharmacological opening of KCNQ channels has been reported to generate analgesic effects in animal models of neuropathic pain. Here, we examined the possible involvement of central KCNQ channels in the analgesic effects of retigabine, a KCNQ channel opener. Behaviorally, intraperitoneally applied retigabine exerted analgesic effects on thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in male mice developing neuropathic pain after partial sciatic nerve ligation, which was antagonized by the KCNQ channel blocker XE991 preadministered intraperitoneally and intrathecally. Intrathecally applied retigabine also exerted analgesic effects that were inhibited by intrathecally injected XE991. We then explored the synaptic mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of retigabine in the spinal dorsal horn. Whole-cell recordings were made from dorsal horn neurons in spinal slices with attached dorsal roots from adult male mice developing neuropathic pain, and the effects of retigabine on miniature and afferent-evoked postsynaptic currents were examined. Retigabine reduced the amplitude of A-fiber-mediated EPSCs without affecting C-fiber-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. A-fiber-mediated EPSCs remained unaltered by retigabine in the presence of XE991, consistently with the behavioral findings. The frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs were not affected by retigabine. Thus, opening of KCNQ channels in the central terminals of primary afferent A-fibers inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn, most likely contributing to the analgesic effect of retigabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Oyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Shun Watanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Iwai
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Tanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan; Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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Luque MA, Morcuende S, Torres B, Herrero L. Kv7/M channel dysfunction produces hyperexcitability in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of Fmr1 knockout mice. J Physiol 2024; 602:3769-3791. [PMID: 38976504 DOI: 10.1113/jp285244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent monogenic form of intellectual disability, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene that could render neuronal hyperexcitability. Here we show that pyramidal cells (PCs) in the dorsal CA1 region of the hippocampus elicited a larger action potential (AP) number in response to suprathreshold stimulation in juvenile Fmr1 knockout (KO) than wild-type (WT) mice. Because Kv7/M channels modulate CA1 PC excitability in rats, we investigated if their dysfunction produces neuronal hyperexcitability in Fmr1 KO mice. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed no differences in the expression of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channel subunits between genotypes; however, the current mediated by Kv7/M channels was reduced in Fmr1 KO mice. In both genotypes, bath application of XE991 (10 μM), a blocker of Kv7/M channels: produced an increased AP number, produced an increased input resistance, produced a decreased AP voltage threshold and shaped AP medium afterhyperpolarization by increasing mean velocities. Retigabine (10 μM), an opener of Kv7/M channels, produced opposite effects to XE991. Both XE991 and retigabine abolished differences in all these parameters found in control conditions between genotypes. Furthermore, a low concentration of retigabine (2.5 μM) normalized CA1 PC excitability of Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, ex vivo seizure-like events evoked by 4-aminopyiridine (200 μM) in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and were abolished by retigabine (5-10 μM). We conclude that CA1 PCs of Fmr1 KO mice exhibit hyperexcitability, caused by Kv7/M channel dysfunction, and increased epileptiform activity, which were abolished by retigabine. KEY POINTS: Dorsal pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice exhibit hyperexcitability. Kv7/M channel activity, but not expression, is reduced in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Kv7/M channel dysfunction causes hyperexcitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice by increasing input resistance, decreasing AP voltage threshold and shaping medium afterhyperpolarization. A Kv7/M channel opener normalizes neuronal excitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Ex vivo seizure-like events evoked in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and such an epileptiform activity was abolished by a Kv7/M channel opener depending on drug concentration. Kv7/M channels may represent a therapeutic target for treating symptoms associated with hippocampal alterations in fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angeles Luque
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Blas Torres
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Herrero
- Departamento Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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3
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Singh V, Auerbach DS. Neurocardiac pathologies associated with potassium channelopathies. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 39087855 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18066] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels are expressed throughout the human body and are essential for physiological functions. These include delayed rectifiers, A-type channels, outward rectifiers, and inward rectifiers. They impact electrical function in the heart (repolarization) and brain (repolarization and stabilization of the resting membrane potential). KCNQx and KCNHx encode Kv7.x and Kv11.x proteins, which form delayed rectifier potassium channels. KCNQx and KCNHx channelopathies are associated with both cardiac and neuronal pathologies. These include electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death (SCD), epileptiform discharges, seizures, bipolar disorder, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Due to the ubiquitous expression of KCNQx and KCNHx channels, abnormalities in their function can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of sudden death. For example, KCNH2 variants have a dual role in both cardiac and neuronal pathologies, whereas KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 variants are associated with severe and refractory epilepsy. Recurrent and uncontrolled seizures lead to secondary abnormalities, which include autonomics, cardiac electrical function, respiratory drive, and neuronal electrical activity. Even with a wide array of anti-seizure therapies available on the market, one-third of the more than 70 million people worldwide with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures (i.e., intractable/drug-resistant epilepsy), which negatively impact neurodevelopment and quality of life. To capture the current state of the field, this review examines KCNQx and KCNHx expression patterns and electrical function in the brain and heart. In addition, it discusses several KCNQx and KCNHx variants that have been clinically and electrophysiologically characterized. Because these channel variants are associated with multi-system pathologies, such as epileptogenesis, Kv7 channel modulators provide a potential anti-seizure therapy, particularly for people with intractable epilepsy. Ultimately an increased understanding of the role of Kv channels throughout the body will fuel the development of innovative, safe, and effective therapies for people at a high risk of sudden death (SCD and SUDEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - David S Auerbach
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Urena ES, Diezel CC, Serna M, Hala'ufia G, Majuta L, Barber KR, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. K v7 channel opener retigabine reduces self-administration of cocaine but not sucrose in rats. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13428. [PMID: 39087789 PMCID: PMC11292668 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The increasing rates of drug misuse highlight the urgency of identifying improved therapeutics for treatment. Most drug-seeking behaviours that can be modelled in rodents utilize the repeated intravenous self-administration (SA) of drugs. Recent studies examining the mesolimbic pathway suggest that Kv7/KCNQ channels may contribute to the transition from recreational to chronic drug use. However, to date, all such studies used noncontingent, experimenter-delivered drug model systems, and the extent to which this effect generalizes to rats trained to self-administer drugs is not known. Here, we tested the ability of retigabine (ezogabine), a Kv7 channel opener, to regulate instrumental behaviour in male Sprague Dawley rats. We first validated the ability of retigabine to target experimenter-delivered cocaine in a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay and found that retigabine reduced the acquisition of place preference. Next, we trained rats for cocaine-SA under a fixed-ratio or progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and found that retigabine pretreatment attenuated the SA of low to moderate doses of cocaine. This was not observed in parallel experiments, with rats self-administering sucrose, a natural reward. Compared with sucrose-SA, cocaine-SA was associated with reductions in the expression of the Kv7.5 subunit in the nucleus accumbens, without alterations in Kv7.2 and Kv7.3. Therefore, these studies reveal a reward-specific reduction in SA behaviour and support the notion that Kv7 is a potential therapeutic target for human psychiatric diseases with dysfunctional reward circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban S. Urena
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Cody C. Diezel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Mauricio Serna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Grace Hala'ufia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Lisa Majuta
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Kara R. Barber
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary ProgramUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction‐Center (CPA‐C)University of Arizona Health SciencesTucsonArizonaUSA
- The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS)University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Arthur C. Riegel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of MedicineUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary ProgramUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction‐Center (CPA‐C)University of Arizona Health SciencesTucsonArizonaUSA
- The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS)University of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- James C. Wyant College of Optical SciencesUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
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5
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Qiu J, Voliotis M, Bosch MA, Li XF, Zweifel LS, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, O’Byrne KT, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. Estradiol elicits distinct firing patterns in arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons of females through altering ion channel conductances. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581121. [PMID: 38915596 PMCID: PMC11195100 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are vital for pubertal development and reproduction. Arcuate nucleus Kiss1 (Kiss1ARH) neurons are responsible for the pulsatile release of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH). In females, the behavior of Kiss1ARH neurons, expressing Kiss1, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Dynorphin (Dyn), varies throughout the ovarian cycle. Studies indicate that 17β-estradiol (E2) reduces peptide expression but increases Vglut2 mRNA and glutamate neurotransmission in these neurons, suggesting a shift from peptidergic to glutamatergic signaling. To investigate this shift, we combined transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling. Our results demonstrate that E2 treatment upregulates the mRNA expression of voltage-activated calcium channels, elevating the whole-cell calcium current and that contribute to high-frequency burst firing. Additionally, E2 treatment decreased the mRNA levels of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential (TPRC) 5 and G protein-coupled K+ (GIRK) channels. When TRPC5 channels in Kiss1ARH neurons were deleted using CRISPR, the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (sEPSP) was eliminated. Our data enabled us to formulate a biophysically realistic mathematical model of the Kiss1ARH neuron, suggesting that E2 modifies ionic conductances in Kiss1ARH neurons, enabling the transition from high frequency synchronous firing through NKB-driven activation of TRPC5 channels to a short bursting mode facilitating glutamate release. In a low E2 milieu, synchronous firing of Kiss1ARH neurons drives pulsatile release of GnRH, while the transition to burst firing with high, preovulatory levels of E2 would facilitate the GnRH surge through its glutamatergic synaptic connection to preoptic Kiss1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Margaritis Voliotis
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter, EX4 4PY, UK
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter, EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Xiao Feng Li
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Larry S. Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Depatment of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter, EX4 4PY, UK
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter, EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Kevin T. O’Byrne
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Martin J. Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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Krüger J, Lerche H. Retigabine and gabapentin restore channel function and neuronal firing in a cellular model of an epilepsy-associated dominant-negative KCNQ5 variant. Neuropharmacology 2024; 250:109892. [PMID: 38428481 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
KCNQ5 encodes the voltage-gated potassium channel KV7.5, a member of the KV7 channel family, which conducts the M-current. This current is a potent regulator of neuronal excitability by regulating membrane potential in the subthreshold range of action potentials and mediating the medium and slow afterhyperpolarization. Recently, we have identified five loss-of-function variants in KCNQ5 in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy. Using the most severe dominant-negative variant (R359C), we set out to investigate pharmacological therapeutic intervention by KV7 channel openers on channel function and neuronal firing. Retigabine and gabapentin increased R359C-derived M-current amplitudes in HEK cells expressing homomeric or heteromeric mutant KV7.5 channels. Retigabine was most effective in restoring K+ currents. Ten μM retigabine was sufficient to reach the level of WT currents without retigabine, whereas 100 μM of gabapentin showed less than half of this effect and application of 50 μM ZnCl2 only significantly increased M-current amplitude in heteromeric channels. Overexpression of KV7.5-WT potently inhibited neuronal firing by increasing the M-current, whereas R359C overexpression had the opposite effect and additionally decreased the medium afterhyperpolarization current. Both aforementioned drugs and Zn2+ reversed the effect of R359C expression by reducing firing to nearly normal levels at high current injections. Our study shows that a dominant-negative variant with a complete loss-of-function in KV7.5 leads to largely increased neuronal firing which may explain a neuronal hyperexcitability in patients. KV7 channel openers, such as retigabine or gabapentin, could be treatment options for patients currently displaying pharmacoresistant epilepsy and carrying loss-of-function variants in KCNQ5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Krüger
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Tian G, Bartas K, Hui M, Chen L, Vasquez JJ, Azouz G, Derdeyn P, Manville RW, Ho EL, Fang AS, Li Y, Tyler I, Setola V, Aoto J, Abbott GW, Beier KT. Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596557. [PMID: 38853899 PMCID: PMC11160764 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit, receiving strong input from the indirect pathway and regulating a variety of functions, including locomotor output and habit formation. We recently showed that it also acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity, as inhibition of parvalbumin-positive cells in the GPe (GPe PV ) prevents the development of cocaine-induced reward and sensitization. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. Here we show that GPe PV cells control cocaine reward and sensitization by inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr GABA ), and ultimately, selectively modulating the activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA DA ) cells projecting to the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcLat). A major input to GPe PV cells is the indirect pathway of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS D 2 ), which receives DAergic innervation from collaterals of VTA DA →NAcLat cells, making this a closed-loop circuit. Cocaine likely facilitates reward and sensitization not directly through actions in the GPe, but rather in the upstream DMS, where the cocaine-induced elevation of DA triggers a depression in DMS D 2 cell activity. This cocaine-induced elevation in DA levels can be blocked by inhibition of GPe PV cells, closing the loop. Interestingly, the level of GPe PV cell activity prior to cocaine administration is correlated with the extent of reward and sensitization that animals experience in response to future administration of cocaine, indicating that GPe PV cell activity is a key predictor of future behavioral responses to cocaine. Single nucleus RNA-sequencing of GPe cells indicated that genes encoding voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 that control intrinsic cellular excitability are downregulated in GPe PV cells following a single cocaine exposure, contributing to the elevation in GPe PV cell excitability. Acutely activating channels containing KCNQ3 and/or KCNQ5 using the small molecule carnosic acid, a key psychoactive component of Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) extract, reduced GPe PV cell excitability and also impaired cocaine reward, sensitization, and volitional cocaine intake, indicating its potential as a therapeutic to counteract psychostimulant use disorder. Our findings illuminate the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which the GPe orchestrates brain-wide changes in response to cocaine that are required for reward, sensitization, and self-administration behaviors.
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8
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Tsvetkov D, Schleifenbaum J, Wang Y, Kassmann M, Polovitskaya MM, Ali M, Schütze S, Rothe M, Luft FC, Jentsch TJ, Gollasch M. KCNQ5 Controls Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Mediated Vasodilation. Hypertension 2024; 81:561-571. [PMID: 38354270 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small arteries exhibit resting tone, a partially contracted state that maintains arterial blood pressure. In arterial smooth muscle cells, potassium channels control contraction and relaxation. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to exert anticontractile effects on the blood vessels. However, the mechanisms by which PVAT signals small arteries, and their relevance remain largely unknown. We aimed to uncover key molecular components in adipose-vascular coupling. METHODS A wide spectrum of genetic mouse models targeting Kcnq3, Kcnq4, and Kcnq5 genes (Kcnq3-/-, Kcnq4-/-, Kcnq5-/-, Kcnq5dn/dn, Kcnq4-/-/Kcnq5dn/dn, and Kcnq4-/-/Kcnq5-/-), telemetry blood pressure measurements, targeted lipidomics, RNA-Seq profiling, wire-myography, patch-clamp, and sharp-electrode membrane potential measurements was used. RESULTS We show that PVAT causes smooth muscle cell KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane potential. This effect relaxes small arteries and regulates blood pressure. Oxygenation of polyunsaturated fats generates oxylipins, a superclass of lipid mediators. We identified numerous oxylipins released by PVAT, which potentiate vasodilatory action in small arteries by opening smooth muscle cell KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a key molecular function of the KV7.5 family of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels in the adipose-vascular coupling, translating PVAT signals, particularly oxylipins, to the central physiological function of vasoregulation. This novel pathway opens new therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Tsvetkov
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (D.T., M.K., M.A., M.G.)
| | - Johanna Schleifenbaum
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany (J.S.)
| | - Yibin Wang
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (Y.W., F.C.L.)
| | - Mario Kassmann
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (D.T., M.K., M.A., M.G.)
| | - Maya M Polovitskaya
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (D.T., M.K., M.A., M.G.)
| | - Sebastian Schütze
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
| | | | - Friedrich C Luft
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (Y.W., F.C.L.)
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (M.M.P., S.S., T.J.J.)
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (T.J.J.)
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (D.T., M.K., M.A., M.G.)
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9
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Deng PY, Kumar A, Cavalli V, Klyachko VA. Circuit-based intervention corrects excessive dentate gyrus output in the fragile X mouse model. eLife 2024; 12:RP92563. [PMID: 38345852 PMCID: PMC10942577 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal cellular and circuit excitability is believed to drive many core phenotypes in fragile X syndrome (FXS). The dentate gyrus is a brain area performing critical computations essential for learning and memory. However, little is known about dentate circuit defects and their mechanisms in FXS. Understanding dentate circuit dysfunction in FXS has been complicated by the presence of two types of excitatory neurons, the granule cells and mossy cells. Here we report that loss of FMRP markedly decreased excitability of dentate mossy cells, a change opposite to all other known excitability defects in excitatory neurons in FXS. This mossy cell hypo-excitability is caused by increased Kv7 function in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. By reducing the excitatory drive onto local hilar interneurons, hypo-excitability of mossy cells results in increased excitation/inhibition ratio in granule cells and thus paradoxically leads to excessive dentate output. Circuit-wide inhibition of Kv7 channels in Fmr1 KO mice increases inhibitory drive onto granule cells and normalizes the dentate output in response to physiologically relevant theta-gamma coupling stimulation. Our study suggests that circuit-based interventions may provide a promising strategy in this disorder to bypass irreconcilable excitability defects in different cell types and restore their pathophysiological consequences at the circuit level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Yue Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Ajeet Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Vitaly A Klyachko
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
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10
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Deng PY, Kumar A, Cavalli V, Klyachko VA. Circuit-based intervention corrects excessive dentate gyrus output in the Fragile X mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559792. [PMID: 37808793 PMCID: PMC10557679 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal cellular and circuit excitability is believed to drive many core phenotypes in fragile X syndrome (FXS). The dentate gyrus is a brain area performing critical computations essential for learning and memory. However, little is known about dentate circuit defects and their mechanisms in FXS. Understanding dentate circuit dysfunction in FXS has been complicated by the presence of two types of excitatory neurons, the granule cells and mossy cells. Here we report that loss of FMRP markedly decreased excitability of dentate mossy cells, a change opposite to all other known excitability defects in excitatory neurons in FXS. This mossy cell hypo-excitability is caused by increased Kv7 function in Fmr1 KO mice. By reducing the excitatory drive onto local hilar interneurons, hypo-excitability of mossy cells results in increased excitation/inhibition ratio in granule cells and thus paradoxically leads to excessive dentate output. Circuit-wide inhibition of Kv7 channels in Fmr1 KO mice increases inhibitory drive onto granule cells and normalizes the dentate output in response to physiologically relevant theta-gamma coupling stimulation. Our study suggests that circuit-based interventions may provide a promising strategy in this disorder to bypass irreconcilable excitability defects in different cell types and restore their pathophysiological consequences at the circuit level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Yue Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Ajeet Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Vitaly A. Klyachko
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
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11
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Alam KA, Svalastoga P, Martinez A, Glennon JC, Haavik J. Potassium channels in behavioral brain disorders. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential: A narrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105301. [PMID: 37414376 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels (K+-channels) selectively control the passive flow of potassium ions across biological membranes and thereby also regulate membrane excitability. Genetic variants affecting many of the human K+-channels are well known causes of Mendelian disorders within cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. K+-channels are also primary targets of many natural toxins from poisonous organisms and drugs used within cardiology and metabolism. As genetic tools are improving and larger clinical samples are being investigated, the spectrum of clinical phenotypes implicated in K+-channels dysfunction is rapidly expanding, notably within immunology, neurosciences, and metabolism. K+-channels that previously were considered to be expressed in only a few organs and to have discrete physiological functions, have recently been found in multiple tissues and with new, unexpected functions. The pleiotropic functions and patterns of expression of K+-channels may provide additional therapeutic opportunities, along with new emerging challenges from off-target effects. Here we review the functions and therapeutic potential of K+-channels, with an emphasis on the nervous system, roles in neuropsychiatric disorders and their involvement in other organ systems and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pernille Svalastoga
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey Colm Glennon
- Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Jan Haavik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.
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12
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Newell AJ, Jima D, Reading B, Patisaul HB. Machine learning reveals common transcriptomic signatures across rat brain and placenta following developmental organophosphate ester exposure. Toxicol Sci 2023; 195:103-122. [PMID: 37399109 PMCID: PMC10695431 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxicogenomics is a critical area of inquiry for hazard identification and to identify both mechanisms of action and potential markers of exposure to toxic compounds. However, data generated by these experiments are highly dimensional and present challenges to standard statistical approaches, requiring strict correction for multiple comparisons. This stringency often fails to detect meaningful changes to low expression genes and/or eliminate genes with small but consistent changes particularly in tissues where slight changes in expression can have important functional differences, such as brain. Machine learning offers an alternative analytical approach for "omics" data that effectively sidesteps the challenges of analyzing highly dimensional data. Using 3 rat RNA transcriptome sets, we utilized an ensemble machine learning approach to predict developmental exposure to a mixture of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in brain (newborn cortex and day 10 hippocampus) and late gestation placenta of male and female rats, and identified genes that informed predictor performance. OPE exposure had sex specific effects on hippocampal transcriptome, and significantly impacted genes associated with mitochondrial transcriptional regulation and cation transport in females, including voltage-gated potassium and calcium channels and subunits. To establish if this holds for other tissues, RNAseq data from cortex and placenta, both previously published and analyzed via a more traditional pipeline, were reanalyzed with the ensemble machine learning methodology. Significant enrichment for pathways of oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain was found, suggesting a transcriptomic signature of OPE exposure impacting mitochondrial metabolism across tissue types and developmental epoch. Here we show how machine learning can complement more traditional analytical approaches to identify vulnerable "signature" pathways disrupted by chemical exposures and biomarkers of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Newell
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Dereje Jima
- Molecular Education, Technology, and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Benjamin Reading
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
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13
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Chen KJ, Yoshimura R, Edmundo CA, Truong TM, Civelli O, Alachkar A, Abbott GW. Behavioral and neuro-functional consequences of eliminating the KCNQ3 GABA binding site in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1192628. [PMID: 37305551 PMCID: PMC10248464 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1192628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels formed by α subunits KCNQ2-5 are important in regulating neuronal excitability. We previously found that GABA directly binds to and activates channels containing KCNQ3, challenging the traditional understanding of inhibitory neurotransmission. To investigate the functional significance and behavioral role of this direct interaction, mice with a mutated KCNQ3 GABA binding site (Kcnq3-W266L) were generated and subjected to behavioral studies. Kcnq3-W266L mice exhibited distinctive behavioral phenotypes, of which reduced nociceptive and stress responses were profound and sex-specific. In female Kcnq3-W266L mice, the phenotype was shifted towards more nociceptive effects, while in male Kcnq3-W266L mice, it was shifted towards the stress response. In addition, female Kcnq3-W266L mice exhibited lower motor activity and reduced working spatial memory. The neuronal activity in the lateral habenula and visual cortex was altered in the female Kcnq3-W266L mice, suggesting that GABAergic activation of KCNQ3 in these regions may play a role in the regulation of the responses. Given the known overlap between the nociceptive and stress brain circuits, our data provide new insights into a sex-dependent role of KCNQ3 in regulating neural circuits involved in nociception and stress, via its GABA binding site. These findings identify new targets for effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions such as pain and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiki J. Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Yoshimura
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa Adriana Edmundo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tri Minh Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Geoffrey W. Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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14
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Urena ES, Diezel CC, Serna M, Hala'ufia G, Majuta L, Barber KR, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. K v 7 Channel Opener Retigabine Reduces Self-Administration of Cocaine but Not Sucrose in Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541208. [PMID: 37292619 PMCID: PMC10245780 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing rates of drug misuse highlight the urgency of identifying improved therapeutics for treatment. Most drug-seeking behaviors that can be modeled in rodents utilize the repeated intravenous self-administration (SA) of drugs. Recent studies examining the mesolimbic pathway suggest that K v 7/KCNQ channels may contribute in the transition from recreational to chronic drug use. However, to date, all such studies used noncontingent, experimenter-delivered drug model systems, and the extent to which this effect generalizes to rats trained to self-administer drug is not known. Here, we tested the ability of retigabine (ezogabine), a K v 7 channel opener, to regulate instrumental behavior in male Sprague Dawley rats. We first validated the ability of retigabine to target experimenter-delivered cocaine in a CPP assay and found that retigabine reduced the acquisition of place preference. Next, we trained rats for cocaine-SA under a fixed-ratio or progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and found that retigabine-pretreatment attenuated the self-administration of low to moderate doses of cocaine. This was not observed in parallel experiments, with rats self-administering sucrose, a natural reward. Compared to sucrose-SA, cocaine-SA was associated with reductions in the expression of the K v 7.5 subunit in the nucleus accumbens, without alterations in K v 7.2 and K v 7.3. Therefore, these studies reveal a reward specific reduction in SA behavior considered relevant for the study of long-term compulsive-like behavior and supports the notion that K v 7 is a potential therapeutic target for human psychiatric diseases with dysfunctional reward circuitry.
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15
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Dattilo V, Ulivi S, Minelli A, La Bianca M, Giacopuzzi E, Bortolomasi M, Bignotti S, Gennarelli M, Gasparini P, Concas MP. Genome-wide association studies on Northern Italy isolated populations provide further support concerning genetic susceptibility for major depressive disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:135-148. [PMID: 35615967 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2082523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disorder with pathogenesis influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. To date, the molecular-level understanding of its aetiology remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to identify genetic variants and susceptibility genes for MDD with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of GWASs and a gene-based analysis on two Northern Italy isolated populations (cases/controls n = 166/472 and 33/320), followed by replication and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses in Italian independent samples (cases n = 464, controls n = 339). RESULTS We identified two novel MDD-associated genes, KCNQ5 (lead SNP rs867262, p = 3.82 × 10-9) and CTNNA2 (rs6729523, p = 1.25 × 10-8). The gene-based analysis revealed another six genes (p < 2.703 × 10-6): GRM7, CTNT4, SNRK, SRGAP3, TRAPPC9, and FHIT. No replication of the genome-wide significant SNPs was found in the independent cohort, even if 14 SNPs around CTNNA2 showed association with MDD and related phenotypes at the nominal level of p (<0.05). Furthermore, the PRS model developed in the discovery cohort discriminated cases and controls in the replication cohort. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests new possible genes associated with MDD, and the PRS analysis confirms the polygenic nature of this disorder. Future studies are required to better understand the role of these findings in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Dattilo
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sheila Ulivi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martina La Bianca
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giacopuzzi
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Stefano Bignotti
- Unit of Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gasparini
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Concas
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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16
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Emerging mechanisms involving brain Kv7 channel in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115318. [PMID: 36283445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a prevalent health problem inducing many organ damages. The pathogenesis of hypertension involves a complex integration of different organ systems including the brain. The elevated sympathetic nerve activity is closely related to the etiology of hypertension. Ion channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to hypothalamic-driven elevated sympathetic activity, including altered ion channel function. Recent findings indicate one of the voltage-gated potassium channels, Kv7 channels (M channels), plays a vital role in regulating cardiovascular-related neurons activity, and the expression of Kv7 channels is downregulated in hypertension. This review highlights recent findings that the Kv7 channels in the brain, blood vessels, and kidneys are emerging targets involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, suggesting new therapeutic targets for treating drug-resistant, neurogenic hypertension.
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17
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Krüger J, Schubert J, Kegele J, Labalme A, Mao M, Heighway J, Seebohm G, Yan P, Koko M, Aslan-Kara K, Caglayan H, Steinhoff BJ, Weber YG, Keo-Kosal P, Berkovic SF, Hildebrand MS, Petrou S, Krause R, May P, Lesca G, Maljevic S, Lerche H. Loss-of-function variants in the KCNQ5 gene are implicated in genetic generalized epilepsies. EBioMedicine 2022; 84:104244. [PMID: 36088682 PMCID: PMC9471468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background De novo missense variants in KCNQ5, encoding the voltage-gated K+ channel KV7.5, have been described to cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) or intellectual disability (ID). We set out to identify disease-related KCNQ5 variants in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and their underlying mechanisms. Methods 1292 families with GGE were studied by next-generation sequencing. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, biotinylation and phospholipid overlay assays were performed in mammalian cells combined with homology modelling. Findings We identified three deleterious heterozygous missense variants, one truncation and one splice site alteration in five independent families with GGE with predominant absence seizures; two variants were also associated with mild to moderate ID. All missense variants displayed a strongly decreased current density indicating a loss-of-function (LOF). When mutant channels were co-expressed with wild-type (WT) KV7.5 or KV7.5 and KV7.3 channels, three variants also revealed a significant dominant-negative effect on WT channels. Other gating parameters were unchanged. Biotinylation assays indicated a normal surface expression of the variants. The R359C variant altered PI(4,5)P2-interaction. Interpretation Our study identified deleterious KCNQ5 variants in GGE, partially combined with mild to moderate ID. The disease mechanism is a LOF partially with dominant-negative effects through functional deficits. LOF of KV7.5 channels will reduce the M-current, likely resulting in increased excitability of KV7.5-expressing neurons. Further studies on network level are necessary to understand which circuits are affected and how this induces generalized seizures. Funding DFG/FNR Research Unit FOR-2715 (Germany/Luxemburg), BMBF rare disease network Treat-ION (Germany), foundation ‘no epilep’ (Germany).
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18
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Wei AD, Wakenight P, Zwingman TA, Bard AM, Sahai N, Willemsen MH, Schelhaas HJ, Stegmann APA, Verhoeven JS, de Man SA, Wessels MW, Kleefstra T, Shinde DN, Helbig KL, Basinger A, Wagner VF, Rodriguez-Buritica D, Bryant E, Millichap JJ, Millen KJ, Dobyns WB, Ramirez JM, Kalume FK. Human KCNQ5 de novo mutations underlie epilepsy and intellectual disability. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:40-61. [PMID: 35583973 PMCID: PMC9236882 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00509.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified six novel de novo human KCNQ5 variants in children with motor/language delay, intellectual disability (ID), and/or epilepsy by whole exome sequencing. These variants, comprising two nonsense and four missense alterations, were functionally characterized by electrophysiology in HEK293/CHO cells, together with four previously reported KCNQ5 missense variants (Lehman A, Thouta S, Mancini GM, Naidu S, van Slegtenhorst M, McWalter K, Person R, Mwenifumbo J, Salvarinova R; CAUSES Study; EPGEN Study; Guella I, McKenzie MB, Datta A, Connolly MB, Kalkhoran SM, Poburko D, Friedman JM, Farrer MJ, Demos M, Desai S, Claydon T. Am J Hum Genet 101: 65-74, 2017). Surprisingly, all eight missense variants resulted in gain of function (GOF) due to hyperpolarized voltage dependence of activation or slowed deactivation kinetics, whereas the two nonsense variants were confirmed to be loss of function (LOF). One severe GOF allele (P369T) was tested and found to extend a dominant GOF effect to heteromeric KCNQ5/3 channels. Clinical presentations were associated with altered KCNQ5 channel gating: milder presentations with LOF or smaller GOF shifts in voltage dependence [change in voltage at half-maximal conduction (ΔV50) = ∼-15 mV] and severe presentations with larger GOF shifts in voltage dependence (ΔV50 = ∼-30 mV). To examine LOF pathogenicity, two Kcnq5 LOF mouse lines were created with CRISPR/Cas9. Both lines exhibited handling- and thermal-induced seizures and abnormal cortical EEGs consistent with epileptiform activity. Our study thus provides evidence for in vivo KCNQ5 LOF pathogenicity and strengthens the contribution of both LOF and GOF mutations to global pediatric neurological impairment, including ID/epilepsy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Six novel de novo human KCNQ5 variants were identified from children with neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, and/or epilepsy. Expression of these variants along with four previously reported KCNQ5 variants from a similar cohort revealed GOF potassium channels, negatively shifted in V50 of activation and/or delayed deactivation kinetics. GOF is extended to KCNQ5/3 heteromeric channels, making these the predominant channels affected in heterozygous de novo patients. Kcnq5 LOF mice exhibited seizures, consistent with in vivo pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aguan D Wei
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Wakenight
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Theresa A Zwingman
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Angela M Bard
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nikhil Sahai
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Marjolein H Willemsen
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Helenius J Schelhaas
- Department of Neurology, Academic Centre for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander P A Stegmann
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith S Verhoeven
- Department of Neurology, Academic Centre for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Stella A de Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marja W Wessels
- Department of Human Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Katherine L Helbig
- Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, California.,Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alice Basinger
- Medical Genetics, Cook Children's Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Victoria F Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Emily Bryant
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John J Millichap
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Epilepsy Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kathleen J Millen
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - William B Dobyns
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Franck K Kalume
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Frampton DJA, Choudhury K, Nikesjö J, Delemotte L, Liin SI. Subtype-specific responses of hKv7.4 and hKv7.5 channels to polyunsaturated fatty acids reveal an unconventional modulatory site and mechanism. eLife 2022; 11:77672. [PMID: 35642964 PMCID: PMC9159753 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The KV7.4 and KV7.5 subtypes of voltage-gated potassium channels play a role in important physiological processes such as sound amplification in the cochlea and adjusting vascular smooth muscle tone. Therefore, the mechanisms that regulate KV7.4 and KV7.5 channel function are of interest. Here, we study the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on human KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We report that PUFAs facilitate activation of hKV7.5 by shifting the V50 of the conductance versus voltage (G(V)) curve toward more negative voltages. This response depends on the head group charge, as an uncharged PUFA analogue has no effect and a positively charged PUFA analogue induces positive V50 shifts. In contrast, PUFAs inhibit activation of hKV7.4 by shifting V50 toward more positive voltages. No effect on V50 of hKV7.4 is observed by an uncharged or a positively charged PUFA analogue. Thus, the hKV7.5 channel's response to PUFAs is analogous to the one previously observed in hKV7.1-7.3 channels, whereas the hKV7.4 channel response is opposite, revealing subtype-specific responses to PUFAs. We identify a unique inner PUFA interaction site in the voltage-sensing domain of hKV7.4 underlying the PUFA response, revealing an unconventional mechanism of modulation of hKV7.4 by PUFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon J A Frampton
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Koushik Choudhury
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Johan Nikesjö
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lucie Delemotte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sara I Liin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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20
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Singh SP, William M, Malavia M, Chu XP. Behavior of KCNQ Channels in Neural Plasticity and Motor Disorders. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050499. [PMID: 35629827 PMCID: PMC9143857 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The broad distribution of voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) in the human body makes them a critical component for the study of physiological and pathological function. Within the KCNQ family of VGKCs, these aqueous conduits serve an array of critical roles in homeostasis, especially in neural tissue. Moreover, the greater emphasis on genomic identification in the past century has led to a growth in literature on the role of the ion channels in pathological disease as well. Despite this, there is a need to consolidate the updated findings regarding both the pharmacotherapeutic and pathological roles of KCNQ channels, especially regarding neural plasticity and motor disorders which have the largest body of literature on this channel. Specifically, KCNQ channels serve a remarkable role in modulating the synaptic efficiency required to create appropriate plasticity in the brain. This role can serve as a foundation for clinical approaches to chronic pain. Additionally, KCNQ channels in motor disorders have been utilized as a direction for contemporary pharmacotherapeutic developments due to the muscarinic properties of this channel. The aim of this study is to provide a contemporary review of the behavior of these channels in neural plasticity and motor disorders. Upon review, the behavior of these channels is largely dependent on the physiological role that KCNQ modulatory factors (i.e., pharmacotherapeutic options) serve in pathological diseases.
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21
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Gain of function due to increased opening probability by two KCNQ5 pore variants causing developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2116887119. [PMID: 35377796 PMCID: PMC9169635 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116887119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in genes encoding neuronally expressed potassium channel subunits are frequent causes of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). Characterization of their functional consequences is critical to confirm diagnosis, assess prognosis, and implement personalized treatments. In the present work, we describe two patients carrying variants in KCNQ5, a gene very recently and rarely found involved in DEEs, and reveal that they both cause remarkable gain-of-function consequences on channel activity. A PIP2-independent increase in open probability, without effects on membrane abundance or single-channel conductance, was responsible for the observed mutation-induced functional changes, thus revealing a pathomolecular disease mechanism for DEEs. Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by refractory epilepsy, distinct electroencephalographic and neuroradiological features, and various degrees of developmental delay. Mutations in KCNQ2, KCNQ3, and, more rarely, KCNQ5 genes encoding voltage-gated potassium channel subunits variably contributing to excitability control of specific neuronal populations at distinct developmental stages have been associated to DEEs. In the present work, the clinical features of two DEE patients carrying de novo KCNQ5 variants affecting the same residue in the pore region of the Kv7.5 subunit (G347S/A) are described. The in vitro functional properties of channels incorporating these variants were investigated with electrophysiological and biochemical techniques to highlight pathophysiological disease mechanisms. Currents carried by Kv7.5 G347 S/A channels displayed: 1) large (>10 times) increases in maximal current density, 2) the occurrence of a voltage-independent component, 3) slower deactivation kinetics, and 4) hyperpolarization shift in activation. All these functional features are consistent with a gain-of-function (GoF) pathogenetic mechanism. Similar functional changes were also observed when the same variants were introduced at the corresponding position in Kv7.2 subunits. Nonstationary noise analysis revealed that GoF effects observed for both Kv7.2 and Kv7.5 variants were mainly attributable to an increase in single-channel open probability, without changes in membrane abundance or single-channel conductance. The mutation-induced increase in channel opening probability was insensitive to manipulation of membrane levels of the critical Kv7 channel regulator PIP2. These results reveal a pathophysiological mechanism for KCNQ5-related DEEs, which might be exploited to implement personalized treatments.
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22
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Shen B, Pade LR, Choi SB, Muñoz-LLancao P, Manzini MC, Nemes P. Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry for Scalable Single-Cell Proteomics. Front Chem 2022; 10:863979. [PMID: 35464213 PMCID: PMC9024316 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.863979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biochemistry of the cell requires measurement of all the molecules it produces. Single-cell proteomics recently became possible through advances in microanalytical sample preparation, separation by nano-flow liquid chromatography (nanoLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), and detection using electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Here, we demonstrate capillary microsampling CE-ESI-HRMS to be scalable to proteomics across broad cellular dimensions. This study established proof-of-principle using giant, ∼250-µm-diameter cells from embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis and small, ∼35-µm-diameter neurons in culture from the mouse hippocampus. From ∼18 ng, or ∼0.2% of the total cellular proteome, subcellular analysis of the ventral-animal midline (V11) and equatorial (V12) cells identified 1,133 different proteins in a 16-cell embryo. CE-HRMS achieved ∼20-times higher sensitivity and doubled the speed of instrumental measurements compared to nanoLC, the closest neighboring single-cell technology of choice. Microanalysis was scalable to 722 proteins groups from ∼5 ng of cellular protein digest from identified left dorsal-animal midline cell (D11), supporting sensitivity for smaller cells. Capillary microsampling enabled the isolation and transfer of individual neurons from the culture, identifying 37 proteins between three different cells. A total of 224 proteins were detected from 500 pg of neuronal protein digest, which estimates to a single neuron. Serial dilution returned 157 proteins from sample amounts estimating to about half a cell (250 pg protein) and 70 proteins from ca. a quarter of a neuron (125 pg protein), suggesting sufficient sensitivity for subcellular proteomics. CE-ESI-HRMS complements nanoLC proteomics with scalability, sensitivity, and speed across broad cellular dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Leena R. Pade
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Sam B. Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Pablo Muñoz-LLancao
- Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - M. Chiara Manzini
- Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Peter Nemes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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23
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Biba N, Becq H, Pallesi-Pocachard E, Sarno S, Granjeaud S, Montheil A, Kurz M, Villard L, Milh M, Santini PPL, Aniksztejn L. Time-limited alterations in cortical activity of a knock-in mice model of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. J Physiol 2022; 600:2429-2460. [PMID: 35389519 DOI: 10.1113/jp282536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The electrophysiological impact of the pathogenic c.821C>T mutation of the KCNQ2 gene (p.T274M variant in Kv7.2 subunit) related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy has been analyzed both in vivo and ex-vivo in layers II/III and V of motor cortical slice from a knock-in mice model during development at neonatal, post-weaning and juvenile stages. M current density and conductance are decreased and excitability of layers II/III pyramidal cells is increased in slices from neonatal and post-weaning KI mice but not from juvenile KI mice. M current and excitability of layer V pyramidal cells are impacted in KI mice only at post-weaning stage. Spontaneous GABAergic network-driven events are recorded until post-weaning stage and their frequency are increased in layers II/III of the KI mice. KI mice displayed spontaneous seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile stages. ABSTRACT De novo missense variants in the KCNQ2 gene encoding the Kv7.2 subunit of the voltage-gated potassium Kv7/M channels are the main cause of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) with neonatal onset. While seizures usually resolve during development, cognitive/motor deficits persist. To better understand the cellular mechanisms underlying network dysfunction and their progression over time, we investigated in vivo, using local field potential recordings of freely moving animals, and ex-vivo in layers II/III and V of motor cortical slices, using patch-clamp recordings, the electrophysiological properties of pyramidal cells from a heterozygous knock-in (KI) mouse model carrying the Kv7.2 p.T274M pathogenic variant during neonatal, post-weaning and juvenile developmental stages. We found that KI mice displayed spontaneous seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile stages. At the cellular level, the variant led to a reduction in M current density/conductance and to neuronal hyperexcitability. These alterations were observed during the neonatal period in pyramidal cells of layers II /III and during post-weaning stage in pyramidal cells of layer V. Moreover, there was an increase in the frequency of spontaneous network driven events mediated by GABA receptors suggesting that the excitability of interneurons was also increased. However, all these alterations were no more observed in layers II/III and V of juvenile mice. Thus, our data indicate that the action of the variant is developmentally regulated. This raises the possibility that the age related seizure remission observed in KCNQ2-related DEE patient results from a time limited alteration of Kv7 channels activity and neuronal excitability. Abstract figure legend Knock-in mice harboring the heterozygous pathogenic p.T274M variant in the Kv7.2 subunit (c.821C>T mutation of the KCNQ2 gene) related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy displayed epileptic seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile developmental stages. At cellular level, in motor cortical slices the variant led to a reduction in M current density, to a hyperexcitability of pyramidal cells and to an increase in the frequency of spontaneous network driven events mediated by GABA receptors. All these alterations are time limited and are observed in pyramidal cells of neonatal mice until post-weaning but not of juvenile mice in which the pyramidal cells have electrophysiological properties similar to those of wild-type mice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua Biba
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Hélène Becq
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Pallesi-Pocachard
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Stefania Sarno
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM, U1068, Institut Paoli Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Montheil
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Kurz
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Villard
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, La Timone Childrens's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Mathieu Milh
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Aniksztejn
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
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24
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Ye H, Liu ZX, He YJ, Wang X. Effects of M currents on the persistent activity of pyramidal neurons in mouse primary auditory cortex. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:1269-1278. [PMID: 35294269 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00332.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal persistent activity (PA) is a common phenomenon observed in many types of neurons. PA can be induced in neurons in the mouse auditory nucleus by activating cholinergic receptors with carbachol (CCh), a dual muscarinic and nicotinic receptor agonist. PA is presumed to be associated with learning-related auditory plasticity at the cellular level. However, the mechanism is not clearly understood. Many studies have reported that muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonists inhibit muscarinic-sensitive potassium channels (M channels). Potassium influx through M channels produces potassium currents, called M currents, which play an essential role in regulating neural excitability and synaptic plasticity. Further study is needed to determine whether M currents affect the PA of auditory central neurons and provide additional analysis of the variations in electrophysiological properties. We used in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in isolated mouse brain slices to investigate the effects of M currents on the PA in pyramidal neurons in layer V of the primary auditory cortex (AI-L5). We found that blocking M currents with XE991 depolarized the AI-L5 pyramidal neurons, which significantly increased the input resistance. The active threshold and threshold intensity were significantly reduced, indicating that the intrinsic excitability was enhanced. Our results also showed that blocking M currents with XE991 switched the neuronal firing patterns in the AI-L5 pyramidal neurons from regular-spiking to intrinsic-bursting. Blocking M currents facilitated PA by increasing the plateau potential and enhancing intrinsic excitability. Our results suggested that blocking M currents might facilitate the PA in AI-L5 pyramidal neurons, which underlies auditory plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ye
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen-Xu Liu
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Jie He
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Hubei Key Lab of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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25
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Sahu G, Turner RW. The Molecular Basis for the Calcium-Dependent Slow Afterhyperpolarization in CA1 Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons. Front Physiol 2022; 12:759707. [PMID: 35002757 PMCID: PMC8730529 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.759707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signal transmission depends on the frequency, pattern, and timing of spike output, each of which are shaped by spike afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). There are classically three post-spike AHPs of increasing duration categorized as fast, medium and slow AHPs that hyperpolarize a cell over a range of 10 ms to 30 s. Intensive early work on CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells revealed that all three AHPs incorporate activation of calcium-gated potassium channels. The ionic basis for a fAHP was rapidly attributed to the actions of big conductance (BK) and the mAHP to small conductance (SK) or Kv7 potassium channels. In stark contrast, the ionic basis for a prominent slow AHP of up to 30 s duration remained an enigma for over 30 years. Recent advances in pharmacological, molecular, and imaging tools have uncovered the expression of a calcium-gated intermediate conductance potassium channel (IK, KCa3.1) in central neurons that proves to contribute to the slow AHP in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells. Together the data show that the sAHP arises in part from a core tripartite complex between Cav1.3 (L-type) calcium channels, ryanodine receptors, and IK channels at endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions. Work on the sAHP in CA1 pyramidal neurons has again quickened pace, with identified contributions by both IK channels and the Na-K pump providing answers to several mysteries in the pharmacological properties of the sAHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giriraj Sahu
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Ray W Turner
- Department Cell Biology & Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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26
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Yang Q, Tan QQ, Lan CJ, Lv BZ, Zhou GM, Zhong WQ, Gu ZM, Mao YM, Liao X. The Changes of KCNQ5 Expression and Potassium Microenvironment in the Retina of Myopic Guinea Pigs. Front Physiol 2021; 12:790580. [PMID: 35002772 PMCID: PMC8733613 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.790580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNQ5 is suggestively associated with myopia, but its specific role in the myopic process has not been studied further. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of potassium channel gene KCNQ5 and the changes of K+ microenvironment within the retina of form deprivation myopia (FDM) guinea pigs. A total of 60 guinea pigs were randomly divided into the normal control (NC) group, the self-control (SC) group, and the form-deprivation (FD) group for different treatments. Molecular assays and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to measure the expression and distribution of KCNQ5-related gene and protein in the retina. We determined the K+ concentration in the retina. In addition, the possible effects of form deprivation on potassium ionic currents and the pharmacological sensitivity of KCNQ5 activator Retigabine and inhibitor XE991 to the M-current in RPE cells were investigated using the patch-clamp technique. As a result, FD eyes exhibited more myopic refraction and longer AL. The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ5 significantly decreased in the FD eyes, but the K+ concentration increased. In addition, the M-type K+ current [IK(M)] density decreased in FD RPE cells, and were activated or inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner due to the addition of Retigabine or XE991. Overall, KCNQ5 was significantly downregulated in the retina of FD guinea pigs, which may be associated with the increasing K+ concentration, decreasing IK(M) density, and elongating ocular axis. It suggested that KCNQ5 may play a role in the process of myopia, and the intervention of potassium channels may contribute to the prevention and control of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- The Translational Medicine Research Center and the Hepatobiliary Research Institute (North Sichuan Medical College), Nanchong, China
| | - Qing Qing Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chang Jun Lan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Bo Zhen Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Gui Mei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wei Qi Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- The Translational Medicine Research Center and the Hepatobiliary Research Institute (North Sichuan Medical College), Nanchong, China
| | - Zhi Ming Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- The Translational Medicine Research Center and the Hepatobiliary Research Institute (North Sichuan Medical College), Nanchong, China
| | - Yu Mei Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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27
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Abbott GW, Redford KE, Yoshimura RF, Manville RW, Moreira L, Tran K, Arena G, Kookootsedes A, Lasky E, Gunnison E. KCNQ and KCNE Isoform-Dependent Pharmacology Rationalizes Native American Dual Use of Specific Plants as Both Analgesics and Gastrointestinal Therapeutics. Front Physiol 2021; 12:777057. [PMID: 34858215 PMCID: PMC8632246 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.777057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Indigenous peoples of the Americas are proficient in botanical medicine. KCNQ family voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are sensitive to a variety of ligands, including plant metabolites. Here, we screened methanolic extracts prepared from 40 Californian coastal redwood forest plants for effects on Kv current and membrane potential in Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing KCNQ2/3, which regulates excitability of neurons, including those that sense pain. Extracts from 9 of the 40 plant species increased KCNQ2/3 current at –60 mV by ≥threefold (maximally, 15-fold by Urtica dioica) and/or hyperpolarized membrane potential by ≥-3 mV (maximally, –11 mV by Arctostaphylos glandulosa). All nine plants have traditionally been used as both analgesics and gastrointestinal therapeutics. Of two extracts tested, both acted as KCNQ-dependent analgesics in mice. KCNQ2/3 activation at physiologically relevant, subthreshold membrane potentials by tannic acid, gallic acid and quercetin provided molecular correlates for analgesic action of several of the plants. While tannic acid also activated KCNQ1 and KCNQ1-KCNE1 at hyperpolarized, negative membrane potentials, it inhibited KCNQ1-KCNE3 at both negative and positive membrane potentials, mechanistically rationalizing historical use of tannic acid-containing plants as gastrointestinal therapeutics. KCNE dependence of KCNQ channel modulation by plant metabolites therefore provides a molecular mechanistic basis for Native American use of specific plants as both analgesics and gastrointestinal aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn E Redford
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ryan F Yoshimura
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rían W Manville
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Luiz Moreira
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Tran
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Grey Arena
- Redwood Creek Vegetation Team, National Park Service, Sausalito, CA, United States
| | | | - Emma Lasky
- Redwood Creek Vegetation Team, National Park Service, Sausalito, CA, United States
| | - Elliot Gunnison
- Redwood Creek Vegetation Team, National Park Service, Sausalito, CA, United States
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28
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Gao X, Bender F, Soh H, Chen C, Altafi M, Schütze S, Heidenreich M, Gorbati M, Corbu MA, Carus-Cadavieco M, Korotkova T, Tzingounis AV, Jentsch TJ, Ponomarenko A. Place fields of single spikes in hippocampus involve Kcnq3 channel-dependent entrainment of complex spike bursts. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4801. [PMID: 34376649 PMCID: PMC8355348 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal pyramidal cells encode an animal's location by single action potentials and complex spike bursts. These elementary signals are believed to play distinct roles in memory consolidation. The timing of single spikes and bursts is determined by intrinsic excitability and theta oscillations (5-10 Hz). Yet contributions of these dynamics to place fields remain elusive due to the lack of methods for specific modification of burst discharge. In mice lacking Kcnq3-containing M-type K+ channels, we find that pyramidal cell bursts are less coordinated by the theta rhythm than in controls during spatial navigation, but not alert immobility. Less modulated bursts are followed by an intact post-burst pause of single spike firing, resulting in a temporal discoordination of network oscillatory and intrinsic excitability. Place fields of single spikes in one- and two-dimensional environments are smaller in the mutant. Optogenetic manipulations of upstream signals reveal that neither medial septal GABA-ergic nor cholinergic inputs alone, but rather their joint activity, is required for entrainment of bursts. Our results suggest that altered representations by bursts and single spikes may contribute to deficits underlying cognitive disabilities associated with KCNQ3-mutations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Gao
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Bender
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heun Soh
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Changwan Chen
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Vegetative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mahsa Altafi
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schütze
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Heidenreich
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Gorbati
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marta Carus-Cadavieco
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatiana Korotkova
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Vegetative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexey Ponomarenko
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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29
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Stincic TL, Bosch MA, Hunker AC, Juarez B, Connors AM, Zweifel LS, Rønnekleiv OK, Kelly MJ. CRISPR knockdown of Kcnq3 attenuates the M-current and increases excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons to alter energy balance. Mol Metab 2021; 49:101218. [PMID: 33766732 PMCID: PMC8093934 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons drive ingestive behavior. The M-current, a subthreshold non-inactivating potassium current, plays a critical role in regulating NPY/AgRP neuronal excitability. Fasting decreases while 17β-estradiol increases the M-current by regulating the mRNA expression of Kcnq2, 3, and 5 (Kv7.2, 3, and 5) channel subunits. Incorporating KCNQ3 into heteromeric channels has been considered essential to generate a robust M-current. Therefore, we investigated the behavioral and physiological effects of selective Kcnq3 deletion from NPY/AgRP neurons. METHODS We used a single adeno-associated viral vector containing a recombinase-dependent Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 with a single-guide RNA to selectively delete Kcnq3 in NPY/AgRP neurons. Single-cell quantitative measurements of mRNA expression and whole-cell patch clamp experiments were conducted to validate the selective knockdown. Body weight, food intake, and locomotor activity were measured in male mice to assess disruptions in energy balance. RESULTS The virus reduced the expression of Kcnq3 mRNA without affecting Kcnq2 or Kcnq5. The M-current was attenuated, causing NPY/AgRP neurons to be more depolarized, exhibit a higher input resistance, and require less depolarizing current to fire action potentials, indicative of increased excitability. Although the resulting decrease in the M-current did not overtly alter ingestive behavior, it significantly reduced the locomotor activity as measured by open-field testing. Control mice on a high-fat diet exhibited an enhanced M-current and increased Kcnq2 and Kcnq3 expression, but the M-current remained significantly attenuated in KCNQ3 knockdown animals. CONCLUSIONS The M-current plays a critical role in modulating the intrinsic excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons that is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Stincic
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Martha A Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Barbara Juarez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ashley M Connors
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
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30
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Boscia F, Elkjaer ML, Illes Z, Kukley M. Altered Expression of Ion Channels in White Matter Lesions of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: What Do We Know About Their Function? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:685703. [PMID: 34276310 PMCID: PMC8282214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.685703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), knowledge about contribution of individual ion channels to axonal impairment and remyelination failure in progressive MS remains incomplete. Ion channel families play a fundamental role in maintaining white matter (WM) integrity and in regulating WM activities in axons, interstitial neurons, glia, and vascular cells. Recently, transcriptomic studies have considerably increased insight into the gene expression changes that occur in diverse WM lesions and the gene expression fingerprint of specific WM cells associated with secondary progressive MS. Here, we review the ion channel genes encoding K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl- channels; ryanodine receptors; TRP channels; and others that are significantly and uniquely dysregulated in active, chronic active, inactive, remyelinating WM lesions, and normal-appearing WM of secondary progressive MS brain, based on recently published bulk and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing datasets. We discuss the current state of knowledge about the corresponding ion channels and their implication in the MS brain or in experimental models of MS. This comprehensive review suggests that the intense upregulation of voltage-gated Na+ channel genes in WM lesions with ongoing tissue damage may reflect the imbalance of Na+ homeostasis that is observed in progressive MS brain, while the upregulation of a large number of voltage-gated K+ channel genes may be linked to a protective response to limit neuronal excitability. In addition, the altered chloride homeostasis, revealed by the significant downregulation of voltage-gated Cl- channels in MS lesions, may contribute to an altered inhibitory neurotransmission and increased excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Louise Elkjaer
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Kukley
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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31
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Borgini M, Mondal P, Liu R, Wipf P. Chemical modulation of Kv7 potassium channels. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:483-537. [PMID: 34046626 PMCID: PMC8128042 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00328j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising interest in Kv7 modulators originates from their ability to evoke fundamental electrophysiological perturbations in a tissue-specific manner. A large number of therapeutic applications are, in part, based on the clinical experience with two broad-spectrum Kv7 agonists, flupirtine and retigabine. Since precise molecular structures of human Kv7 channel subtypes in closed and open states have only very recently started to emerge, computational studies have traditionally been used to analyze binding modes and direct the development of more potent and selective Kv7 modulators with improved safety profiles. Herein, the synthetic and medicinal chemistry of small molecule modulators and the representative biological properties are summarized. Furthermore, new therapeutic applications supported by in vitro and in vivo assay data are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Borgini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Pravat Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Ruiting Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Peter Wipf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
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32
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Springer K, Varghese N, Tzingounis AV. Flexible Stoichiometry: Implications for KCNQ2- and KCNQ3-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:191-200. [PMID: 33794528 PMCID: PMC8440324 DOI: 10.1159/000515495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 pathogenic channel variants have been associated with a spectrum of developmentally regulated diseases that vary in age of onset, severity, and whether it is transient (i.e., benign familial neonatal seizures) or long-lasting (i.e., developmental and epileptic encephalopathy). KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels have also emerged as a target for novel antiepileptic drugs as their activation could reduce epileptic activity. Consequently, a great effort has taken place over the last 2 decades to understand the mechanisms that control the assembly, gating, and modulation of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels. The current view that KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels assemble as heteromeric channels (KCNQ2/3) forms the basis of our understanding of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channelopathies and drug design. Here, we review the evidence that supports the formation of KCNQ2/3 heteromers in neurons. We also highlight functional and transcriptomic studies that suggest channel composition might not be necessarily fixed in the nervous system, but rather is dynamic and flexible, allowing some neurons to express KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 homomers. We propose that to fully understand KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channelopathies, we need to adopt a more flexible view of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channel stoichiometry, which might differ across development, brain regions, cell types, and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Springer
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nissi Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anastasios V Tzingounis
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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33
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Varghese N, Lauritano A, Taglialatela M, Tzingounis AV. KCNQ3 is the principal target of retigabine in CA1 and subicular excitatory neurons. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:1440-1449. [PMID: 33729829 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00564.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retigabine is a first-in-class potassium channel opener approved for patients with epilepsy. Unfortunately, several side effects have limited its use in clinical practice, overshadowing its beneficial effects. Multiple studies have shown that retigabine acts by enhancing the activity of members of the voltage-gated KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel family, particularly the neuronal KCNQ channels KCNQ2-KCNQ5. However, it is currently unknown whether retigabine's action in neurons is mediated by all KCNQ neuronal channels or by only a subset. This knowledge is necessary to elucidate retigabine's mechanism of action in the central nervous system and its adverse effects and to design more effective and selective retigabine analogs. In this study, we show that the action of retigabine in excitatory neurons strongly depends on the presence of KCNQ3 channels. Deletion of Kcnq3 severely limited the ability of retigabine to reduce neuronal excitability in mouse CA1 and subiculum excitatory neurons. In addition, we report that in the absence of KCNQ3 channels, retigabine can enhance CA1 pyramidal neuron activity, leading to a greater number of action potentials and reduced spike frequency adaptation; this finding further supports a key role of KCNQ3 channels in mediating the action of retigabine. Our work provides new insight into the action of retigabine in forebrain neurons, clarifying retigabine's action in the nervous system.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Retigabine has risen to prominence as a first-in-class potassium channel opener approved by the Food and Drug Administration, with potential for treating multiple neurological disorders. Here, we demonstrate that KCNQ3 channels are the primary target of retigabine in excitatory neurons, as deleting these channels greatly diminishes the effect of retigabine in pyramidal neurons. Our data provide the first indication that retigabine controls neuronal firing properties primarily through KCNQ3 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nissi Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Anna Lauritano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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34
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Bayasgalan T, Csemer A, Kovacs A, Pocsai K, Pal B. Topographical Organization of M-Current on Dorsal and Median Raphe Serotonergic Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:614947. [PMID: 33716672 PMCID: PMC7947297 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.614947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorsal and median raphe nuclei (DR and MR, respectively) are members of the reticular activating system and play important role in the regulation of the sleep-wakefulness cycle, movement, and affective states. M-current is a voltage-gated potassium current under the control of neuromodulatory mechanisms setting neuronal excitability. Our goal was to determine the proportion of DR and MR serotonergic neurons possessing M-current and whether they are organized topographically. Electrophysiological parameters of raphe serotonergic neurons influenced by this current were also investigated. We performed slice electrophysiology on genetically identified serotonergic neurons. Neurons with M-current are located rostrally in the DR and dorsally in the MR. M-current determines firing rate, afterhyperpolarization amplitude, and adaptation index (AI) of these neurons, but does not affect input resistance, action potential width, and high threshold oscillations.These findings indicate that M-current has a strong impact on firing properties of certain serotonergic neuronal subpopulations and it might serve as an effective contributor to cholinergic and local serotonergic neuromodulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsogbadrakh Bayasgalan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Csemer
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Kovacs
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Pocsai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balazs Pal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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35
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Abstract
Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K+ channels are voltage-gated K+ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K+ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac IKs. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.
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36
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Maghera J, Li J, Lamothe SM, Braun M, Appendino JP, Au PYB, Kurata HT. Familial neonatal seizures caused by the Kv7.3 selectivity filter mutation T313I. Epilepsia Open 2020; 5:562-573. [PMID: 33336127 PMCID: PMC7733659 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A spectrum of seizure disorders is linked to mutations in Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels. Linking functional effects of identified mutations to their clinical presentation requires ongoing characterization of newly identified variants. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a previously unreported mutation in the selectivity filter of Kv7.3. METHODS Next-generation sequencing was used to identify the Kv7.3[T313I] mutation in a family affected by neonatal seizures. Electrophysiological approaches were used to characterize the functional effects of this mutation on ion channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. RESULTS Substitution of residue 313 from threonine to isoleucine (Kv7.3[T313I]) likely disrupts a critical intersubunit hydrogen bond. Characterization of the mutation in homomeric Kv7.3 channels demonstrated a total loss of channel function. Assembly in heteromeric channels (with Kv7.2) leads to modest suppression of total current when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using a Kv7 activator with distinct effects on homomeric Kv7.2 vs heteromeric Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels, we demonstrated that assembly of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3[T313I] generates functional channels. SIGNIFICANCE Biophysical and clinical effects of the T313I mutation are consistent with Kv7.3 mutations previously identified in cases of pharmacoresponsive self-limiting neonatal epilepsy. These findings expand our description of functionally characterized Kv7 channel variants and report new methods to distinguish molecular mechanisms of channel mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Maghera
- Department of PharmacologyAlberta Diabetes InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Jingru Li
- Department of PharmacologyAlberta Diabetes InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Shawn M. Lamothe
- Department of PharmacologyAlberta Diabetes InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Marvin Braun
- Division of Child NeurologyDepartment of PediatricsWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Juan P. Appendino
- Section of NeurologyDepartment of PediatricsCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary, and Alberta Children’s HospitalCalgaryABCanada
| | - P. Y. Billie Au
- Department of Medical GeneticsCumming School of MedicineAlberta Children’s Hospital Research InstituteUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABCanada
| | - Harley T. Kurata
- Department of PharmacologyAlberta Diabetes InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
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37
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Baculis BC, Zhang J, Chung HJ. The Role of K v7 Channels in Neural Plasticity and Behavior. Front Physiol 2020; 11:568667. [PMID: 33071824 PMCID: PMC7530275 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.568667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent persistent changes in neuronal intrinsic excitability and synaptic strength are widely thought to underlie learning and memory. Voltage-gated KCNQ/Kv7 potassium channels have been of great interest as the potential targets for memory disorders due to the beneficial effects of their antagonists in cognition. Importantly, de novo dominant mutations in their neuronal subunits KCNQ2/Kv7.2 and KCNQ3/Kv7.3 are associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay and intellectual disability. The role of Kv7 channels in neuronal excitability and epilepsy has been extensively studied. However, their functional significance in neural plasticity, learning, and memory remains largely unknown. Here, we review recent studies that support the emerging roles of Kv7 channels in intrinsic and synaptic plasticity, and their contributions to cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Baculis
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jiaren Zhang
- Department of Molecular Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Hee Jung Chung
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.,Department of Molecular Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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38
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Redford KE, Abbott GW. The ubiquitous flavonoid quercetin is an atypical KCNQ potassium channel activator. Commun Biol 2020; 3:356. [PMID: 32641720 PMCID: PMC7343821 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many commonly consumed plants are used as folk medicines, often with unclear molecular mechanisms. Recent studies uncovered the ubiquitous and influential KCNQ family of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels as a therapeutic target for several medicinal plant compounds. Capers - immature flower buds of Capparis spinosa - have been consumed for food and medicinal purposes for millennia. Here, we show that caper extract hyperpolarizes cells expressing KCNQ1 or KCNQ2/3 Kv channels. Capers are the richest known natural source of quercetin, the most consumed dietary flavonoid. Quercetin potentiated KCNQ1/KCNE1, KCNQ2/3 and KCNQ4 currents but, unusually, not KCNQ5. Strikingly, quercetin augmented both activation and inactivation of KCNQ1, via a unique KCNQ activation mechanism involving sites atop the voltage sensor and in the pore. The findings uncover a novel potential molecular basis for therapeutic effects of quercetin-rich foods and a new chemical space for atypical modes of KCNQ channel modulation. Kaitlyn E. Redford and Geoffrey W. Abbott show that quercetin, a flavonoid highly expressed in capers, potentiates KCNQ currents to varying degrees depending on the subunit composition of the channel complex. By combining in silico docking, mutagenesis, and electrophysiology they show that this flavonoid can bind KCNQ channels atop the voltage sensor and within the pore module, highlighting an atypical mode of channel modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Redford
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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39
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van der Horst J, Greenwood IA, Jepps TA. Cyclic AMP-Dependent Regulation of Kv7 Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Front Physiol 2020; 11:727. [PMID: 32695022 PMCID: PMC7338754 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Kv7 potassium channels, encoded by KCNQ genes, have major physiological impacts cardiac myocytes, neurons, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a well-known intracellular secondary messenger, can activate numerous downstream effector proteins, generating downstream signaling pathways that regulate many functions in cells. A role for cAMP in ion channel regulation has been established, and recent findings show that cAMP signaling plays a role in Kv7 channel regulation. Although cAMP signaling is recognized to regulate Kv7 channels, the precise molecular mechanism behind the cAMP-dependent regulation of Kv7 channels is complex. This review will summarize recent research findings that support the mechanisms of cAMP-dependent regulation of Kv7 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer van der Horst
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iain A Greenwood
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A Jepps
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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40
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Li J, Maghera J, Lamothe SM, Marco EJ, Kurata HT. Heteromeric Assembly of Truncated Neuronal Kv7 Channels: Implications for Neurologic Disease and Pharmacotherapy. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:192-202. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.120.119644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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41
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Abbott GW. KCNQs: Ligand- and Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Front Physiol 2020; 11:583. [PMID: 32655402 PMCID: PMC7324551 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in the KCNQ (Kv7) family are essential features of a broad range of excitable and non-excitable cell types and are found in organisms ranging from Hydra vulgaris to Homo sapiens. Although they are firmly in the superfamily of S4 domain-bearing voltage-sensing ion channels, KCNQ channels are highly sensitive to a range of endogenous and exogenous small molecules that act directly on the pore, the voltage-sensing domain, or the interface between the two. The focus of this review is regulation of KCNQs by direct binding of neurotransmitters and metabolites from both animals and plants and the role of the latter in the effects of plants consumed for food and as traditional folk medicines. The conceptual question arises: Are KCNQs voltage-gated channels that are also sensitive to ligands or ligand-gated channels that are also sensitive to voltage?
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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42
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Kessi M, Chen B, Peng J, Tang Y, Olatoutou E, He F, Yang L, Yin F. Intellectual Disability and Potassium Channelopathies: A Systematic Review. Front Genet 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32655623 PMCID: PMC7324798 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) manifests prior to adulthood as severe limitations to intellectual function and adaptive behavior. The role of potassium channelopathies in ID is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between ID and potassium channelopathies. We hypothesized that potassium channelopathies are strongly associated with ID initiation, and that both gain- and loss-of-function mutations lead to ID. This systematic review explores the burden of potassium channelopathies, possible mechanisms, advancements using animal models, therapies, and existing gaps. The literature search encompassed both PubMed and Embase up to October 2019. A total of 75 articles describing 338 cases were included in this review. Nineteen channelopathies were identified, affecting the following genes: KCNMA1, KCNN3, KCNT1, KCNT2, KCNJ10, KCNJ6, KCNJ11, KCNA2, KCNA4, KCND3, KCNH1, KCNQ2, KCNAB1, KCNQ3, KCNQ5, KCNC1, KCNB1, KCNC3, and KCTD3. Twelve of these genes presented both gain- and loss-of-function properties, three displayed gain-of-function only, three exhibited loss-of-function only, and one had unknown function. How gain- and loss-of-function mutations can both lead to ID remains largely unknown. We identified only a few animal studies that focused on the mechanisms of ID in relation to potassium channelopathies and some of the few available therapeutic options (channel openers or blockers) appear to offer limited efficacy. In conclusion, potassium channelopathies contribute to the initiation of ID in several instances and this review provides a comprehensive overview of which molecular players are involved in some of the most prominent disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Eleonore Olatoutou
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
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Nappi P, Miceli F, Soldovieri MV, Ambrosino P, Barrese V, Taglialatela M. Epileptic channelopathies caused by neuronal Kv7 (KCNQ) channel dysfunction. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:881-898. [PMID: 32506321 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are the most common neurological manifestation in the newborn period, with an estimated incidence of 1.8-3.5 per 1000 live births. Prolonged or intractable seizures have a detrimental effect on cognition and brain function in experimental animals and are associated with adverse long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae and an increased risk of post-neonatal epilepsy in humans. The developing brain is particularly susceptible to the potentially severe effects of epilepsy, and epilepsy, especially when refractory to medications, often results in a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) with developmental arrest or regression. DEEs can be primarily attributed to genetic causes. Given the critical role of potassium (K+) currents with distinct subcellular localization, biophysical properties, modulation, and pharmacological profile in regulating intrinsic electrical properties of neurons and their responsiveness to synaptic inputs, it is not too surprising that genetic research in the past two decades has identified several K+ channel genes as responsible for a large fraction of DEE. In the present article, we review the genetically determined epileptic channelopathies affecting three members of the Kv7 family, namely Kv7.2 (KCNQ2), Kv7.3 (KCNQ3), and Kv7.5 (KCNQ5); we review the phenotypic spectrum of Kv7-related epileptic channelopathies, the different genetic and pathogenetic mechanisms, and the emerging genotype-phenotype correlations which may prove crucial for prognostic predictions, disease management, parental counseling, and individually tailored therapeutic attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Nappi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barrese
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Perturbed Ca2+-dependent signaling of DYT2 hippocalcin mutant as mechanism of autosomal recessive dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104529. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Carver CM, Hastings SD, Cook ME, Shapiro MS. Functional responses of the hippocampus to hyperexcitability depend on directed, neuron-specific KCNQ2 K + channel plasticity. Hippocampus 2019; 30:435-455. [PMID: 31621989 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
M-type (KCNQ2/3) K+ channels play dominant roles in regulation of active and passive neuronal discharge properties such as resting membrane potential, spike-frequency adaptation, and hyper-excitatory states. However, plasticity of M-channel expression and function in nongenetic forms of epileptogenesis are still not well understood. Using transgenic mice with an EGFP reporter to detect expression maps of KCNQ2 mRNA, we assayed hyperexcitability-induced alterations in KCNQ2 transcription across subregions of the hippocampus. Pilocarpine and pentylenetetrazol chemoconvulsant models of seizure induction were used, and brain tissue examined 48 hr later. We observed increases in KCNQ2 mRNA in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons after chemoconvulsant-induced hyperexcitability at 48 hr, but no significant change was observed in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Using chromogenic in situ hybridization assays, changes to KCNQ3 transcription were not detected after hyper-excitation challenge, but the results for KCNQ2 paralleled those using the KCNQ2-mRNA reporter mice. In mice 7 days after pilocarpine challenge, levels of KCNQ2 mRNA were similar in all regions to those from control mice. In brain-slice electrophysiology recordings, CA1 pyramidal neurons demonstrated increased M-current amplitudes 48 hr after hyperexcitability; however, there were no significant changes to DG granule cell M-current amplitude. Traumatic brain injury induced significantly greater KCNQ2 expression in the hippocampal hemisphere that was ipsilateral to the trauma. In vivo, after a secondary challenge with subconvulsant dose of pentylenetetrazole, control mice were susceptible to tonic-clonic seizures, whereas mice administered the M-channel opener retigabine were protected from such seizures. This study demonstrates that increased excitatory activity promotes KCNQ2 upregulation in the hippocampus in a cell-type specific manner. Such novel ion channel expressional plasticity may serve as a compensatory mechanism after a hyperexcitable event, at least in the short term. The upregulation described could be potentially leveraged in anticonvulsant enhancement of KCNQ2 channels as therapeutic target for preventing onset of epileptogenic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase M Carver
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Shayne D Hastings
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mileah E Cook
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mark S Shapiro
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Manville RW, Abbott GW. Cilantro leaf harbors a potent potassium channel-activating anticonvulsant. FASEB J 2019; 33:11349-11363. [PMID: 31311306 PMCID: PMC6766653 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900485r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Herbs have a long history of use as folk medicine anticonvulsants, yet the underlying mechanisms often remain unknown. Neuronal voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily Q (KCNQ) dysfunction can cause severe epileptic encephalopathies that are resistant to modern anticonvulsants. Here we report that cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), a widely used culinary herb that also exhibits antiepileptic and other therapeutic activities, is a highly potent KCNQ channel activator. Screening of cilantro leaf metabolites revealed that one, the long-chain fatty aldehyde (E)-2-dodecenal, activates multiple KCNQs, including the predominant neuronal isoform, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 [half maximal effective concentration (EC50), 60 ± 20 nM], and the predominant cardiac isoform, KCNQ1 in complexes with the type I transmembrane ancillary subunit (KCNE1) (EC50, 260 ± 100 nM). (E)-2-dodecenal also recapitulated the anticonvulsant action of cilantro, delaying pentylene tetrazole-induced seizures. In silico docking and mutagenesis studies identified the (E)-2-dodecenal binding site, juxtaposed between residues on the KCNQ S5 transmembrane segment and S4-5 linker. The results provide a molecular basis for the therapeutic actions of cilantro and indicate that this ubiquitous culinary herb is surprisingly influential upon clinically important KCNQ channels.-Manville, R. W., Abbott, G. W. Cilantro leaf harbors a potent potassium channel-activating anticonvulsant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rían W. Manville
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Geoffrey W. Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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KCNQ5 activation is a unifying molecular mechanism shared by genetically and culturally diverse botanical hypotensive folk medicines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:21236-21245. [PMID: 31570602 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907511116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Botanical folk medicines have been used throughout human history to treat common disorders such as hypertension, often with unknown underlying mechanisms. Here, we discovered that hypotensive folk medicines from a genetically diverse range of plant species each selectively activated the vascular-expressed KCNQ5 potassium channel, a feature lacking in the modern synthetic pharmacopeia, whereas nonhypotensive plant extracts did not. Analyzing constituents of the hypotensive Sophora flavescens root, we found that the quinolizidine alkaloid aloperine is a KCNQ-dependent vasorelaxant that potently and isoform-selectively activates KCNQ5 by binding near the foot of the channel voltage sensor. Our findings reveal that KCNQ5-selective activation is a defining molecular mechanistic signature of genetically diverse traditional botanical hypotensives, transcending plant genus and human cultural boundaries. Discovery of botanical KCNQ5-selective potassium channel openers may enable future targeted therapies for diseases including hypertension and KCNQ5 loss-of-function encephalopathy.
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Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels open in response to changes in membrane potential to permit passage of K+ ions across the cell membrane, down their electrochemical gradient. Sodium-coupled solute transporters utilize the downhill sodium gradient to co-transport solutes, ranging from ions to sugars to neurotransmitters, into the cell. A variety of recent studies have uncovered cooperation between these two structurally and functionally unrelated classes of protein, revealing previously unnoticed functional crosstalk and in many cases physical interaction to form channel-transporter (chansporter) complexes. Adding to this field, Bartolomé-Martín and colleagues now report that the heteromeric KCNQ2/KCNQ3 (Kv7.2/7.3) potassium channel - the primary molecular correlate of the neuronal M-current - can physically interact with two sodium-coupled neurotransmitter transporters expressed in the brain, DAT and GLT1 (dopamine and glutamate transporters, respectively). The authors provide evidence that the interactions may enhance transporter activity while dampening the depolarizing effects of sodium influx. Cumulative evidence discussed here suggests that chansporter complexes represent a widespread form of cellular signaling hub, in the CNS and other tissues. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rían W Manville
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Gq-Coupled Muscarinic Receptor Enhancement of KCNQ2/3 Channels and Activation of TRPC Channels in Multimodal Control of Excitability in Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells. J Neurosci 2018; 39:1566-1587. [PMID: 30593498 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1781-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNQ (Kv7, "M-type") K+ channels and TRPC (transient receptor potential, "canonical") cation channels are coupled to neuronal discharge properties and are regulated via Gq/11-protein-mediated signals. Stimulation of Gq/11-coupled receptors both consumes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) via phosphalipase Cβ hydrolysis and stimulates PIP2 synthesis via rises in Ca2+ i and other signals. Using brain-slice electrophysiology and Ca2+ imaging from male and female mice, we characterized threshold K+ currents in dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) and CA1 pyramidal cells, the effects of Gq/11-coupled muscarinic M1 acetylcholine (M1R) stimulation on M current and on neuronal discharge properties, and elucidated the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved. We observed disparate signaling cascades between DGGCs and CA1 neurons. DGGCs displayed M1R enhancement of M-current, rather than suppression, due to stimulation of PIP2 synthesis, which was paralleled by increased PIP2-gated G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying K+ currents as well. Deficiency of KCNQ2-containing M-channels ablated the M1R-induced enhancement of M-current in DGGCs. Simultaneously, M1R stimulation in DGGCs induced robust increases in [Ca2+]i, mostly due to TRPC currents, consistent with, and contributing to, neuronal depolarization and hyperexcitability. CA1 neurons did not display such multimodal signaling, but rather M current was suppressed by M1R stimulation in these cells, similar to the previously described actions of M1R stimulation on M-current in peripheral ganglia that mostly involves PIP2 depletion. Therefore, these results point to a pleiotropic network of cholinergic signals that direct cell-type-specific, precise control of hippocampal function with strong implications for hyperexcitability and epilepsy.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT At the neuronal membrane, protein signaling cascades consisting of ion channels and metabotropic receptors govern the electrical properties and neurotransmission of neuronal networks. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are G-protein-coupled metabotropic receptors that control the excitability of neurons through regulating ion channels, intracellular Ca2+ signals, and other second-messenger cascades. We have illuminated previously unknown actions of muscarinic stimulation on the excitability of hippocampal principal neurons that include M channels, TRPC (transient receptor potential, "canonical") cation channels, and powerful regulation of lipid metabolism. Our results show that these signaling pathways, and mechanisms of excitability, are starkly distinct between peripheral ganglia and brain, and even between different principal neurons in the hippocampus.
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Rosti G, Tassano E, Bossi S, Divizia MT, Ronchetto P, Servetti M, Lerone M, Pisciotta L, Mancardi MM, Veneselli E, Puliti A. Intragenic duplication of KCNQ5 gene results in aberrant splicing leading to a premature termination codon in a patient with intellectual disability. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 62:103555. [PMID: 30359776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The KCNQ5 gene, widely expressed in the brain, encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv7.5) important for neuronal function. Here, we report a novel KCNQ5 intragenic duplication at 6q13 spanning about 239 Kb of genomic DNA, identified by array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). The duplication was found in heterozygosity in an adult patient affected by mild intellectual disability with history of absence epilepsy in adolescence, with no EEG nor MRI alterations. By in vitro analyses we demonstrated that this copy number variation (CNV) led to an aberrant transcript with exon 2-11 skipping and a premature stop codon causing, most likely, haploinsufficiency. The Kv7.5 channel plays an important role in the regulation of M-type current and afterhyperpolarization conductances which contribute to neuronal excitability. A recently published paper described KCNQ5 missense mutations in individuals with intellectual disability and treatment-resistant epilepsy that were thought to act through either loss-of-function or gain-of-function mechanisms, associated in both cases with altered neuronal excitability. In the case reported here, we showed that no functional protein can be produced from the allele involved by the intragenic duplication. This evidence strongly supports the hypothesis of KCNQ5 haploinsufficiency, which could lead to altered neuronal excitability, thus contributing to seizure susceptibility and intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rosti
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Tassano
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Bossi
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Martina Servetti
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Margherita Lerone
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Livia Pisciotta
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Edvige Veneselli
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
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