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Lai HJ, Lee MJ, Yu HW, Chen KW, Tsai KL, Lin PC, Huang CW. Biophysical mechanisms underlying tefluthrin-induced modulation of gating changes and resurgent current generation in the human Na v1.4 channel. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105833. [PMID: 38582596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Human skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by activation of Nav1.4 channels. Nav1.4 channels can generate resurgent currents by channel reopening at hyperpolarized potentials through a gating transition dependent on the intracellular Navβ4 peptide in the physiological conditions. Tefluthrin (TEF) is a pyrethroid insecticide that can disrupt electrical signaling in nerves and skeletal muscle, resulting in seizures, muscle spasms, fasciculations, and mental confusion. TEF can also induce tail currents through other voltage-gated sodium channels in the absence of Navβ4 peptide, suggesting that muscle spasms may be caused by resurgent currents. Further, intracellular Navβ4 peptide and extracellular TEF may show competitive or synergistic effects; however, their binding sites are still unknown. To address these issues, electrophysiological recordings were performed on CHO-K1 cells expressing Nav1.4 channels with intracellular Navβ4 peptide, extracellular TEF, or both. TEF and Navβ4 peptide induced a hyperpolarizing shift of activation and inactivation curves in the Nav1.4 channel. TEF also substantially prolonged the inactivation time constants, while simultaneous application of Navβ4 peptide partially reversed this effect. Resurgent currents were enhanced by TEF and Navβ4 peptide at negative potentials, but TEF more potently enhances resurgent currents and dampens decay of resurgent currents. With longer depolarization, peak resurgent currents decay was fastest with the TEF alone. Molecular docking suggested that TEF and Navβ4 peptide binding site(s) are not in the narrowest part of the channel pore, but rather in the bundle-crossing regions and in the domain linkers, respectively. TEF can induce resurgent currents independently and synergistically with Navβ4 peptide, which may explain the muscle spasms observed in TEF intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Medical genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Yu
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Wen Chen
- Genetics Generation Advancement Corporation, Taipei 11494, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Li Tsai
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Chen Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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2
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Thompson AC, Aizenman CD. Characterization of Na + currents regulating intrinsic excitability of optic tectal neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302232. [PMID: 37918964 PMCID: PMC10622587 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing neurons adapt their intrinsic excitability to maintain stable output despite changing synaptic input. The mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. In this study, we examined Xenopus optic tectal neurons and found that the expressions of Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 voltage-gated Na+ channels are regulated during changes in intrinsic excitability, both during development and becsuse of changes in visual experience. Using whole-cell electrophysiology, we demonstrate the existence of distinct, fast, persistent, and resurgent Na+ currents in the tectum, and show that these Na+ currents are co-regulated with changes in Nav channel expression. Using antisense RNA to suppress the expression of specific Nav subunits, we found that up-regulation of Nav1.6 expression, but not Nav1.1, was necessary for experience-dependent increases in Na+ currents and intrinsic excitability. Furthermore, this regulation was also necessary for normal development of sensory guided behaviors. These data suggest that the regulation of Na+ currents through the modulation of Nav1.6 expression, and to a lesser extent Nav1.1, plays a crucial role in controlling the intrinsic excitability of tectal neurons and guiding normal development of the tectal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Thompson
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carlos D Aizenman
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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3
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Aman TK, Raman IM. Resurgent current in context: Insights from the structure and function of Na and K channels. Biophys J 2023:S0006-3495(23)04154-1. [PMID: 38130058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovered just over 25 years ago in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, resurgent Na current was originally described operationally as a component of voltage-gated Na current that flows upon repolarization from relatively depolarized potentials and speeds recovery from inactivation, increasing excitability. Its presence in many excitable cells and absence from others has raised questions regarding its biophysical and molecular mechanisms. Early studies proposed that Na channels capable of generating resurgent current are subject to a rapid open-channel block by an endogenous blocking protein, which binds upon depolarization and unblocks upon repolarization. Since the time that this mechanism was suggested, many physiological and structural studies of both Na and K channels have revealed aspects of gating and conformational states that provide insights into resurgent current. These include descriptions of domain movements for activation and inactivation, solution of cryo-EM structures with pore-blocking compounds, and identification of native blocking domains, proteins, and modulatory subunits. Such results not only allow the open-channel block hypothesis to be refined but also link it more clearly to research that preceded it. This review considers possible mechanisms for resurgent Na current in the context of earlier and later studies of ion channels and suggests a framework for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K Aman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Indira M Raman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
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4
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Raman IM. The Hodgkin-Huxley-Katz Prize Lecture: A Markov model with permeation-dependent gating that accounts for resurgent current of voltage-gated Na channels. J Physiol 2023; 601:5147-5164. [PMID: 37837315 PMCID: PMC10913027 DOI: 10.1113/jp285166] [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] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurons that fire high-frequency action potentials express specialized voltage-gated Na channel complexes that not only conduct transient current upon depolarization, but also pass resurgent current upon repolarization. The resurgent current is associated with recovery of transient current, even at moderately negative potentials where fast inactivation is usually absorbing. The combined results of many experimental studies have led to the hypothesis that resurgent current flows upon repolarization when an endogenous blocking protein that occludes open channels at depolarized potentials is expelled by inwardly permeating Na ions. Additional observations have suggested that the position of the voltage sensor of domain IV regulates the affinity of the channel for the putative blocker. To test the effectiveness of a kinetic scheme incorporating these features, here we develop and justify a Markov model with states grounded in known Na channel conformations. Simulations were designed to investigate whether including a permeation-dependent unblocking rate constant and two open-blocked states, superimposed on conformations and voltage-sensitive movements present in all voltage-gated Na channels, is sufficient to account for the unusual gating of channels with a resurgent component. Optimizing rate constant parameters against a wide range of experimental data from cerebellar Purkinje cells demonstrates that a kinetic scheme for Na channels incorporating the novel aspects of a permeation-dependent unblock, as well as distinct high- and low-affinity blocked states, reproduces all the attributes of experimentally recorded Na currents in a physiologically plausible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira M Raman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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5
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Baeza-Loya S, Eatock RA. Effects of transient, persistent, and resurgent sodium currents on excitability and spike regularity in vestibular ganglion neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.569044. [PMID: 38076890 PMCID: PMC10705474 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular afferent neurons occur as two populations, regular and irregular, that provide distinct information about head motions. Differences in spike timing regularity are correlated with the different sensory responses important for vestibular processing. Relative to irregular afferents, regular afferents have more sustained firing patterns in response to depolarizing current steps, are more excitable, and have different complements of ion channels. Models of vestibular regularity and excitability emphasize the influence of increased expression of low-voltage-activated potassium currents in irregular neurons. We investigated the potential impact of different modes of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) current (transient, persistent, and resurgent) in cell bodies from vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs), dissociated and cultured overnight. We hypothesized that regular VGNs would show the greatest impact of persistent (non-inactivating) NaV currents and of resurgent NaV currents, which flow when NaV channels are blocked and then unblocked. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that much of the NaV current modes is carried by NaV1.6 channels. With simulations, we detected little substantial effect in any model VGN of persistent or resurgent modes on regularity of spike timing driven by postsynaptic current trains. For simulated irregular neurons, we also saw little effect on spike rate or firing pattern. For simulated regular VGNs, adding resurgent current changed the detailed timing of spikes during a current step, while the small persistent conductance (less than10% of transient NaV conductance density) strongly depolarized resting potential, altered spike waveform, and increased spike rate. These results suggest that persistent and resurgent NaV current can have a greater effect on the regular VGNs than on irregular VGNs, where low-voltage-activated K conductances dominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Baeza-Loya
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruth Anne Eatock
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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6
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Gimenez-Gomez P, Le T, Martin GE. Modulation of neuronal excitability by binge alcohol drinking. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1098211. [PMID: 36866357 PMCID: PMC9971943 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1098211] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug use poses a serious threat to health systems throughout the world. The number of consumers rises every year being alcohol the drug of abuse most consumed causing 3 million deaths (5.3% of all deaths) worldwide and 132.6 million disability-adjusted life years. In this review, we present an up-to-date summary about what is known regarding the global impact of binge alcohol drinking on brains and how it affects the development of cognitive functions, as well as the various preclinical models used to probe its effects on the neurobiology of the brain. This will be followed by a detailed report on the state of our current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of binge drinking on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity, with an emphasis on brain regions of the meso-cortico limbic neurocircuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Gimenez-Gomez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Timmy Le
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Worcester, MA, United States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Gilles E. Martin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Worcester, MA, United States
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7
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Valente P, Marte A, Franchi F, Sterlini B, Casagrande S, Corradi A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. A Push-Pull Mechanism Between PRRT2 and β4-subunit Differentially Regulates Membrane Exposure and Biophysical Properties of NaV1.2 Sodium Channels. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1281-1296. [PMID: 36441479 PMCID: PMC9899197 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03112-x] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) is a neuron-specific protein implicated in the control of neurotransmitter release and neural network stability. Accordingly, PRRT2 loss-of-function mutations associate with pleiotropic paroxysmal neurological disorders, including paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia, benign familial infantile seizures, and hemiplegic migraine. PRRT2 is a negative modulator of the membrane exposure and biophysical properties of Na+ channels NaV1.2/NaV1.6 predominantly expressed in brain glutamatergic neurons. NaV channels form complexes with β-subunits that facilitate the membrane targeting and the activation of the α-subunits. The opposite effects of PRRT2 and β-subunits on NaV channels raises the question of whether PRRT2 and β-subunits interact or compete for common binding sites on the α-subunit, generating Na+ channel complexes with distinct functional properties. Using a heterologous expression system, we have observed that β-subunits and PRRT2 do not interact with each other and act as independent non-competitive modulators of NaV1.2 channel trafficking and biophysical properties. PRRT2 antagonizes the β4-induced increase in expression and functional activation of the transient and persistent NaV1.2 currents, without affecting resurgent current. The data indicate that β4-subunit and PRRT2 form a push-pull system that finely tunes the membrane expression and function of NaV channels and the intrinsic neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Franchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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8
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Xiao Y, Theile JW, Zybura A, Pan Y, Lin Z, Cummins TR. A-type FHFs mediate resurgent currents through TTX-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels. eLife 2022; 11:77558. [PMID: 35441593 PMCID: PMC9071269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resurgent currents (INaR) produced by voltage-gated sodium channels are required for many neurons to maintain high-frequency firing, and contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability and disease pathophysiology. Here we show, for the first time, that INaR can be reconstituted in a heterologous system by co-expression of sodium channel α-subunits and A-type fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs). Specifically, A-type FHFs induces INaR from Nav1.8, Nav1.9 tetrodotoxin-resistant neuronal channels and, to a lesser extent, neuronal Nav1.7 and cardiac Nav1.5 channels. Moreover, we identified the N-terminus of FHF as the critical molecule responsible for A-type FHFs-mediated INaR. Among the FHFs, FHF4A is the most important isoform for mediating Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 INaR. In nociceptive sensory neurons, FHF4A knockdown significantly reduces INaR amplitude and the percentage of neurons that generate INaR, substantially suppressing excitability. Thus, our work reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying TTX-resistant INaR generation and provides important potential targets for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Xiao
- Biology Department, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, United States
| | | | - Agnes Zybura
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Yanling Pan
- Biology Department, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, United States
| | | | - Theodore R Cummins
- Biology Department, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, United States
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9
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Horváth B, Szentandrássy N, Almássy J, Dienes C, Kovács ZM, Nánási PP, Banyasz T. Late Sodium Current of the Heart: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020231. [PMID: 35215342 PMCID: PMC8879921 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020231] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Late sodium current has long been linked to dysrhythmia and contractile malfunction in the heart. Despite the increasing body of accumulating information on the subject, our understanding of its role in normal or pathologic states is not complete. Even though the role of late sodium current in shaping action potential under physiologic circumstances is debated, it’s unquestioned role in arrhythmogenesis keeps it in the focus of research. Transgenic mouse models and isoform-specific pharmacological tools have proved useful in understanding the mechanism of late sodium current in health and disease. This review will outline the mechanism and function of cardiac late sodium current with special focus on the recent advances of the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Horváth
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
| | - Norbert Szentandrássy
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Almássy
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
| | - Csaba Dienes
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
| | - Zsigmond Máté Kovács
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
| | - Péter P. Nánási
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
- Department of Dental Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamas Banyasz
- Department of Physiology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.H.); (N.S.); (J.A.); (C.D.); (Z.M.K.); (P.P.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-(52)-255-575; Fax: +36-(52)-255-116
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10
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Ransdell JL, Moreno JD, Bhagavan D, Silva JR, Nerbonne JM. Intrinsic mechanisms in the gating of resurgent Na + currents. eLife 2022; 11:70173. [PMID: 35076394 PMCID: PMC8824471 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The resurgent component of the voltage-gated sodium current (INaR) is a depolarizing conductance, revealed on membrane hyperpolarizations following brief depolarizing voltage steps, which has been shown to contribute to regulating the firing properties of numerous neuronal cell types throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although mediated by the same voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels that underlie the transient and persistent Nav current components, the gating mechanisms that contribute to the generation of INaR remain unclear. Here, we characterized Nav currents in mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons, and used tailored voltage-clamp protocols to define how the voltage and the duration of the initial membrane depolarization affect the amplitudes and kinetics of INaR. Using the acquired voltage-clamp data, we developed a novel Markov kinetic state model with parallel (fast and slow) inactivation pathways and, we show that this model reproduces the properties of the resurgent, as well as the transient and persistent, Nav currents recorded in (mouse) cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Based on the acquired experimental data and the simulations, we propose that resurgent Na+ influx occurs as a result of fast inactivating Nav channels transitioning into an open/conducting state on membrane hyperpolarization, and that the decay of INaR reflects the slow accumulation of recovered/opened Nav channels into a second, alternative and more slowly populated, inactivated state. Additional simulations reveal that extrinsic factors that affect the kinetics of fast or slow Nav channel inactivation and/or impact the relative distribution of Nav channels in the fast- and slow-inactivated states, such as the accessory Navβ4 channel subunit, can modulate the amplitude of INaR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Ransdell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Jonathan D Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Druv Bhagavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Jeanne M Nerbonne
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, United States
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11
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Resurgent Na + currents promote ultrafast spiking in projection neurons that drive fine motor control. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6762. [PMID: 34799550 PMCID: PMC8604930 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms that promote precise spiking in upper motor neurons controlling fine motor skills are not well understood. Here we report that projection neurons in the adult zebra finch song nucleus RA display robust high-frequency firing, ultra-narrow spike waveforms, superfast Na+ current inactivation kinetics, and large resurgent Na+ currents (INaR). These properties of songbird pallial motor neurons closely resemble those of specialized large pyramidal neurons in mammalian primary motor cortex. They emerge during the early phases of song development in males, but not females, coinciding with a complete switch of Na+ channel subunit expression from Navβ3 to Navβ4. Dynamic clamping and dialysis of Navβ4's C-terminal peptide into juvenile RA neurons provide evidence that Navβ4, and its associated INaR, promote neuronal excitability. We thus propose that INaR modulates the excitability of upper motor neurons that are required for the execution of fine motor skills.
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12
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Quattrocolo G, Dunville K, Nigro MJ. Resurgent Sodium Current in Neurons of the Cerebral Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:760610. [PMID: 34658797 PMCID: PMC8517112 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.760610] [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: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the late ’90, Dr. Indira Raman, at the time a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Bruce Bean, at Harvard University, identified a new type of sodium current, flowing through the channels that reopens when the membrane is repolarized. This current, called “resurgent Sodium current,” was originally identified in cerebellar Purkinje neurons and has now been confirmed in around 20 different neuronal types. Since moving to Northwestern University in 1999 to establish her own research group, Dr. Raman has dedicated great efforts in identifying the mechanisms supporting the resurgent Sodium current and how its biophysical properties shape the firing of the different cell types. Her work has impacted greatly the field of cellular neurophysiology, from basic research to translation neuroscience. In fact, alterations in the resurgent sodium currents have been observed in several neuropathologies, from Huntington’s disease to epilepsy. In this Perspective we will focus on the current knowledge on the expression and function of the resurgent Sodium current in neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. We will also briefly highlight the role of Dr. Raman’s as teacher and mentor, not only for her pupils, but for the whole scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Quattrocolo
- Center for Neural Computation, Egil and Pauline Braathen and Fred Kavli Center for Cortical Microcircuits, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Keagan Dunville
- Center for Neural Computation, Egil and Pauline Braathen and Fred Kavli Center for Cortical Microcircuits, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Maximiliano José Nigro
- Center for Neural Computation, Egil and Pauline Braathen and Fred Kavli Center for Cortical Microcircuits, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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13
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Doray A, Lemoine R, Severin M, Chadet S, Lopez-Charcas O, Héraud A, Baron C, Besson P, Monteil A, Pedersen SF, Roger S. The Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Beta4 Subunit Maintains Epithelial Phenotype in Mammary Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071624. [PMID: 34209614 PMCID: PMC8304757 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The SCN4B gene, coding for the NaVβ4 subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels, was recently found to be expressed in normal epithelial cells and down-regulated in several cancers. However, its function in normal epithelial cells has not been characterized. In this study, we demonstrated that reducing NaVβ4 expression in MCF10A non-cancer mammary epithelial cells generated important morphological changes observed both in two-dimensional cultures and in three-dimensional cysts. Most notably, the loss of NaVβ4 induced a complete loss of epithelial organisation in cysts and increased proteolytic activity towards the extracellular matrix. Loss of epithelial morphology was associated with an increased degradation of β-catenin, reduced E-cadherin expression and induction of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA expression. Overall, our results suggest that Navβ4 may participate in the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype in mammary cells and that its downregulation might be a determining step in early carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Doray
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Roxane Lemoine
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Marc Severin
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.S.); (S.F.P.)
| | - Stéphanie Chadet
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Osbaldo Lopez-Charcas
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Audrey Héraud
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Christophe Baron
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Pierre Besson
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Arnaud Monteil
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5203, INSERM U1191, 34094 Montpellier, France;
| | - Stine Falsig Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.S.); (S.F.P.)
| | - Sébastien Roger
- Transplantation, Immunologie et Inflammation T2I-EA 4245, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France; (A.D.); (R.L.); (S.C.); (O.L.-C.); (A.H.); (C.B.); (P.B.)
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-247-36-61-30
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14
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Zybura A, Hudmon A, Cummins TR. Distinctive Properties and Powerful Neuromodulation of Na v1.6 Sodium Channels Regulates Neuronal Excitability. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071595. [PMID: 34202119 PMCID: PMC8307729 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) are critical determinants of cellular excitability. These ion channels exist as large heteromultimeric structures and their activity is tightly controlled. In neurons, the isoform Nav1.6 is highly enriched at the axon initial segment and nodes, making it critical for the initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Changes in Nav1.6 expression and function profoundly impact the input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. While mutations in Nav1.6 may cause channel dysfunction, aberrant changes may also be the result of complex modes of regulation, including various protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which can alter membrane excitability and neuronal firing properties. Despite decades of research, the complexities of Nav1.6 modulation in health and disease are still being determined. While some modulatory mechanisms have similar effects on other Nav isoforms, others are isoform-specific. Additionally, considerable progress has been made toward understanding how individual protein interactions and/or modifications affect Nav1.6 function. However, there is still more to be learned about how these different modes of modulation interact. Here, we examine the role of Nav1.6 in neuronal function and provide a thorough review of this channel’s complex regulatory mechanisms and how they may contribute to neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Zybura
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Bant JS, Hardcastle K, Ocko SA, Giocomo LM. Topography in the Bursting Dynamics of Entorhinal Neurons. Cell Rep 2021; 30:2349-2359.e7. [PMID: 32075768 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medial entorhinal cortex contains neural substrates for representing space. These substrates include grid cells that fire in repeating locations and increase in scale progressively along the dorsal-to-ventral entorhinal axis, with the physical distance between grid firing nodes increasing from tens of centimeters to several meters in rodents. Whether the temporal scale of grid cell spiking dynamics shows a similar dorsal-to-ventral organization remains unknown. Here, we report the presence of a dorsal-to-ventral gradient in the temporal spiking dynamics of grid cells in behaving mice. This gradient in bursting supports the emergence of a dorsal grid cell population with a high signal-to-noise ratio. In vitro recordings combined with a computational model point to a role for gradients in non-inactivating sodium conductances in supporting the bursting gradient in vivo. Taken together, these results reveal a complementary organization in the temporal and intrinsic properties of entorhinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Bant
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Kiah Hardcastle
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Samuel A Ocko
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Lisa M Giocomo
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA.
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16
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Binda F, Valente P, Marte A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. Increased responsiveness at the cerebellar input stage in the PRRT2 knockout model of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105275. [PMID: 33515674 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PRoline-Rich Transmembrane protein-2 (PRRT2) is a recently described neuron-specific type-2 integral membrane protein with a large cytosolic N-terminal domain that distributes in presynaptic and axonal domains where it interacts with several presynaptic proteins and voltage-gated Na+ channels. Several PRRT2 mutations are the main cause of a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of paroxysmal disorders with a loss-of-function pathomechanism. The highest expression levels of PRRT2 in brain occurs in cerebellar granule cells (GCs) and cerebellar dysfunctions participate in the dyskinetic phenotype of PRRT2 knockout (KO) mice. We have investigated the effects of PRRT2 deficiency on the intrinsic excitability of GCs and the input-output relationships at the mossy fiber-GC synapses. We show that PRRT2 KO primary GCs display increased expression of Na+ channels, increased amplitude of Na+ currents and increased length of the axon initial segment, leading to an overall enhancement of intrinsic excitability. In acute PRRT2 KO cerebellar slices, GCs were more prone to action potential discharge in response to mossy fiber activation and exhibited an enhancement of transient and persistent Na+ currents, in the absence of changes at the mossy fiber-GC synapses. The results support a key role of PRRT2 expressed in GCs in the physiological regulation of the excitatory input to the cerebellum and are consistent with a major role of a cerebellar dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the PRRT2-linked paroxysmal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Binda
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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17
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Zybura AS, Baucum AJ, Rush AM, Cummins TR, Hudmon A. CaMKII enhances voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 activity and neuronal excitability. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11845-11865. [PMID: 32611770 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nav1.6 is the primary voltage-gated sodium channel isoform expressed in mature axon initial segments and nodes, making it critical for initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Thus, Nav1.6 modulation and dysfunction may have profound effects on input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. Phosphorylation is a powerful and reversible mechanism regulating ion channel function. Because Nav1.6 and the multifunctional Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) are independently linked to excitability disorders, we sought to investigate modulation of Nav1.6 function by CaMKII signaling. We show that inhibition of CaMKII, a Ser/Thr protein kinase associated with excitability, synaptic plasticity, and excitability disorders, with the CaMKII-specific peptide inhibitor CN21 reduces transient and persistent currents in Nav1.6-expressing Purkinje neurons by 87%. Using whole-cell voltage clamp of Nav1.6, we show that CaMKII inhibition in ND7/23 and HEK293 cells significantly reduces transient and persistent currents by 72% and produces a 5.8-mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Immobilized peptide arrays and nanoflow LC-electrospray ionization/MS of Nav1.6 reveal potential sites of CaMKII phosphorylation, specifically Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 within the first intracellular loop of the channel. Using site-directed mutagenesis to test multiple potential sites of phosphorylation, we show that Ala substitutions of Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 recapitulate the depolarizing shift in activation and reduction in current density. Computational simulations to model effects of CaMKII inhibition on Nav1.6 function demonstrate dramatic reductions in spontaneous and evoked action potentials in a Purkinje cell model, suggesting that CaMKII modulation of Nav1.6 may be a powerful mechanism to regulate neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S Zybura
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Anthony J Baucum
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Biology Department, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Science, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Theodore R Cummins
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Biology Department, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Science, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA .,Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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18
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The Sodium Channel B4-Subunits are Dysregulated in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Drug-Resistant Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082955. [PMID: 32331418 PMCID: PMC7216270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of partial epilepsy referred for surgery due to antiepileptic drug (AED) resistance. A common molecular target for many of these drugs is the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC). The VGSC consists of four domains of pore-forming α-subunits and two auxiliary β-subunits, several of which have been well studied in epileptic conditions. However, despite the β4-subunits' role having been reported in some neurological conditions, there is little research investigating its potential significance in epilepsy. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the role of SCN4β in epilepsy by using a combination of molecular and bioinformatics approaches. We first demonstrated that there was a reduction in the relative expression of SCN4B in the drug-resistant TLE patients compared to non-epileptic control specimens, both at the mRNA and protein levels. By analyzing a co-expression network in the neighborhood of SCN4B we then discovered a linkage between the expression of this gene and K+ channels activated by Ca2+, or K+ two-pore domain channels. Our approach also inferred several potential effector functions linked to variation in the expression of SCN4B. These observations support the hypothesis that SCN4B is a key factor in AED-resistant TLE, which could help direct both the drug selection of TLE treatments and the development of future AEDs.
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19
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Mason ER, Cummins TR. Differential Inhibition of Human Nav1.2 Resurgent and Persistent Sodium Currents by Cannabidiol and GS967. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072454. [PMID: 32244818 PMCID: PMC7177867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many epilepsy patients are refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Resurgent and persistent currents can be enhanced by epilepsy mutations in the Nav1.2 channel, but conventional antiepileptic drugs inhibit normal transient currents through these channels, along with aberrant resurgent and persistent currents that are enhanced by Nav1.2 epilepsy mutations. Pharmacotherapies that specifically target aberrant resurgent and/or persistent currents would likely have fewer unwanted side effects and be effective in many patients with refractory epilepsy. This study investigated the effects of cannbidiol (CBD) and GS967 (each at 1 μM) on transient, resurgent, and persistent currents in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing wild-type hNav1.2 channels. We found that CBD preferentially inhibits resurgent currents over transient currents in this paradigm; and that GS967 preferentially inhibits persistent currents over transient currents. Therefore, CBD and GS967 may represent a new class of more targeted and effective antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Mason
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, IUPUI campus, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, Purdue School of Science, IUPUI campus, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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20
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Pan Y, Cummins TR. Distinct functional alterations in SCN8A epilepsy mutant channels. J Physiol 2020; 598:381-401. [PMID: 31715021 PMCID: PMC7216308 DOI: 10.1113/jp278952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mutations in the SCN8A gene cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in the human SCN8A channel and present gain-of-function properties of the mutant channel. Systematic comparison of R850Q with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T761I, R1617Q and R1872Q, identifies one common dysfunction in resurgent current, although these mutations alter distinct properties of the channel. Computational simulations in two different neuron models predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations, which explains the over-excitation that underlies seizure activities in patients. These data provide further insight into the mechanism of SCN8A-related epilepsy and reveal subtle but potentially important distinction of functional characterization performed in the human vs. rodent channels. ABSTRACT SCN8A is a novel causal gene for early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. It is well accepted that gain-of-function mutations in SCN8A underlie the disorder, although the remarkable heterogeneity of its clinical presentation and poor treatment response demand a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in human Nav1.6. We show that it is a gain-of-function mutation, with a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, a two-fold increase of persistent current and a slowed decay of resurgent current. We systematically compare its biophysics with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T767I, R1617Q and R1872Q, in the human Nav1.6 channel. Although all of these mutations are gain-of-function, the mutations affect different aspects of channel properties. One commonality that we discovered is an alteration of resurgent current kinetics, although the mechanisms by which resurgent currents are augmented remain unclear for all of the mutations. Computational simulations predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations with differential enhancement by open channel blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Pan
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Science, IUPUI, IN, USA
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21
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Mason ER, Wu F, Patel RR, Xiao Y, Cannon SC, Cummins TR. Resurgent and Gating Pore Currents Induced by De Novo SCN2A Epilepsy Mutations. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0141-19.2019. [PMID: 31558572 PMCID: PMC6795554 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0141-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 150 mutations in the SCN2A gene, which encodes the neuronal Nav1.2 protein, have been implicated in human epilepsy cases. Of these, R1882Q and R853Q are two of the most commonly reported mutations. This study utilized voltage-clamp electrophysiology to characterize the biophysical effects of the R1882Q and R853Q mutations on the hNav1.2 channel, including their effects on resurgent current and gating pore current, which are not typically investigated in the study of Nav1.2 channel mutations. HEK cells transiently transfected with DNA encoding either wild-type (WT) or mutant hNav1.2 revealed that the R1882Q mutation induced a gain-of-function phenotype, including slowed fast inactivation, depolarization of the voltage dependence of inactivation, and increased persistent current. In this model system, the R853Q mutation primarily produced loss-of-function effects, including reduced transient current amplitude and density, hyperpolarization of the voltage dependence of inactivation, and decreased persistent current. The presence of a Navβ4 peptide (KKLITFILKKTREK-OH) in the pipette solution induced resurgent currents, which were increased by the R1882Q mutation and decreased by the R853Q mutation. Further study of the R853Q mutation in Xenopus oocytes indicated a reduced surface expression and revealed a robust gating pore current at negative membrane potentials, a function absent in the WT channel. This not only shows that different epileptogenic point mutations in hNav1.2 have distinct biophysical effects on the channel, but also illustrates that individual mutations can have complex consequences that are difficult to identify using conventional analyses. Distinct mutations may, therefore, require tailored pharmacotherapies in order to eliminate seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Mason
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Fenfen Wu
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751
| | - Reesha R Patel
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- School of Science, Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Stephen C Cannon
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- School of Science, Biology Department Chair, Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202
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22
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White HV, Brown ST, Bozza TC, Raman IM. Effects of FGF14 and Na Vβ4 deletion on transient and resurgent Na current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:1300-1318. [PMID: 31558566 PMCID: PMC6829560 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201912390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Na channels of Purkinje cells are specialized to maintain high availability during high-frequency repetitive firing. They enter fast-inactivated states relatively slowly and undergo a voltage-dependent open-channel block by an intracellular protein (or proteins) that prevents stable fast inactivation and generates resurgent Na current. These properties depend on the pore-forming α subunits, as well as modulatory subunits within the Na channel complex. The identity of the factors responsible for open-channel block remains a question. Here we investigate the effects of genetic mutation of two Na channel auxiliary subunits highly expressed in Purkinje cells, NaVβ4 and FGF14, on modulating Na channel blocked as well as inactivated states. We find that although both NaVβ4 and the FGF14 splice variant FGF14-1a contain sequences that can generate resurgent-like currents when applied to Na channels in peptide form, deletion of either protein, or both proteins simultaneously, does not eliminate resurgent current in acutely dissociated Purkinje cell bodies. Loss of FGF14 expression does, however, reduce resurgent current amplitude and leads to an acceleration and stabilization of inactivation that is not reversed by application of the site-3 toxin, anemone toxin II (ATX). Tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity is higher for resurgent than transient components of Na current, and loss of FGF14 preferentially affects a highly TTX-sensitive subset of Purkinje α subunits. The data suggest that NaV1.6 channels, which are known to generate the majority of Purkinje cell resurgent current, bind TTX with high affinity and are modulated by FGF14 to facilitate open-channel block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley V White
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Spencer T Brown
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Thomas C Bozza
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Indira M Raman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL .,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
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23
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Wu B, McDermott JS, Krajewski JL, Knopp KL, Nisenbaum ES, Cummins TR, Tan ZY. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases mediate the enhancing effects of inflammatory mediators on resurgent currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919837104. [PMID: 30803321 PMCID: PMC6452589 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919837104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously we reported that a group of inflammatory mediators significantly enhanced resurgent currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. To understand the underlying intracellular signaling mechanism, we investigated the effects of inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase C on the enhancing effects of inflammatory mediators on resurgent currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. We found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibitor U0126 completely prevented the enhancing effects of the inflammatory mediators on both Tetrodotoxin-sensitive and Tetrodotoxin-resistant resurgent currents in both small and medium dorsal root ganglion neurons. U0126 substantially reduced repetitive firing in small dorsal root ganglion neurons exposed to inflammatory mediators, consistent with prevention of resurgent current amplitude increases. The protein kinase C inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide I also showed attenuating effects on resurgent currents, although to a lesser extent compared to extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibition. These results indicate a critical role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases signaling in modulating resurgent currents and membrane excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons treated with inflammatory mediators. It is also suggested that targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases-resurgent currents might be a useful strategy to reduce inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly L Knopp
- 2 Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Theodore R Cummins
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,3 Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zhi-Yong Tan
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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24
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Friedrich SR, Lovell PV, Kaser TM, Mello CV. Exploring the molecular basis of neuronal excitability in a vocal learner. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:629. [PMID: 31375088 PMCID: PMC6679542 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vocal learning, the ability to learn to produce vocalizations through imitation, relies on specialized brain circuitry known in songbirds as the song system. While the connectivity and various physiological properties of this system have been characterized, the molecular genetic basis of neuronal excitability in song nuclei remains understudied. We have focused our efforts on examining voltage-gated ion channels to gain insight into electrophysiological and functional features of vocal nuclei. A previous investigation of potassium channel genes in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) revealed evolutionary modifications unique to songbirds, as well as transcriptional specializations in the song system [Lovell PV, Carleton JB, Mello CV. BMC Genomics 14:470 2013]. Here, we expand this approach to sodium, calcium, and chloride channels along with their modulatory subunits using comparative genomics and gene expression analysis encompassing microarrays and in situ hybridization. RESULTS We found 23 sodium, 38 calcium, and 33 chloride channel genes (HGNC-based classification) in the zebra finch genome, several of which were previously unannotated. We determined 15 genes are missing relative to mammals, including several genes (CLCAs, BEST2) linked to olfactory transduction. The majority of sodium and calcium but few chloride channels showed differential expression in the song system, among them SCN8A and CACNA1E in the direct motor pathway, and CACNG4 and RYR2 in the anterior forebrain pathway. In several cases, we noted a seemingly coordinated pattern across multiple nuclei (SCN1B, SCN3B, SCN4B, CACNB4) or sparse expression (SCN1A, CACNG5, CACNA1B). CONCLUSION The gene families examined are highly conserved between avian and mammalian lineages. Several cases of differential expression likely support high-frequency and burst firing in specific song nuclei, whereas cases of sparse patterns of expression may contribute to the unique electrophysiological signatures of distinct cell populations. These observations lay the groundwork for manipulations to determine how ion channels contribute to the neuronal excitability properties of vocal learning systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R. Friedrich
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR USA
| | - Peter V. Lovell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR USA
| | - Taylor M. Kaser
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR USA
| | - Claudio V. Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR USA
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25
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Israel MR, Tanaka BS, Castro J, Thongyoo P, Robinson SD, Zhao P, Deuis JR, Craik DJ, Durek T, Brierley SM, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD, Vetter I. Na V 1.6 regulates excitability of mechanosensitive sensory neurons. J Physiol 2019; 597:3751-3768. [PMID: 31087362 DOI: 10.1113/jp278148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Voltage-gated sodium channels are critical for peripheral sensory neuron transduction and have been implicated in a number of painful and painless disorders. The β-scorpion toxin, Cn2, is selective for NaV 1.6 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. NaV 1.6 plays an essential role in peripheral sensory neurons, specifically at the distal terminals of mechanosensing fibres innervating the skin and colon. NaV 1.6 activation also leads to enhanced response to mechanical stimulus in vivo. This works highlights the use of toxins in elucidating pain pathways moreover the importance of non-peripherally restricted NaV isoforms in pain generation. ABSTRACT Peripheral sensory neurons express multiple voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV ) critical for the initiation and propagation of action potentials and transmission of sensory input. Three pore-forming sodium channel isoforms are primarily expressed in the peripheral nervous system (PNS): NaV 1.7, NaV 1.8 and NaV 1.9. These sodium channels have been implicated in painful and painless channelopathies and there has been intense interest in them as potential therapeutic targets in human pain. Emerging evidence suggests NaV 1.6 channels are an important isoform in pain sensing. This study aimed to assess, using pharmacological approaches, the function of NaV 1.6 channels in peripheral sensory neurons. The potent and NaV 1.6 selective β-scorpion toxin Cn2 was used to assess the effect of NaV 1.6 channel activation in the PNS. The multidisciplinary approach included Ca2+ imaging, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, skin-nerve and gut-nerve preparations and in vivo behavioural assessment of pain. Cn2 facilitates NaV 1.6 early channel opening, and increased persistent and resurgent currents in large-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. This promotes enhanced excitatory drive and tonic action potential firing in these neurons. In addition, NaV 1.6 channel activation in the skin and gut leads to increased response to mechanical stimuli. Finally, intra-plantar injection of Cn2 causes mechanical but not thermal allodynia. This study confirms selectivity of Cn2 on NaV 1.6 channels in sensory neurons. Activation of NaV 1.6 channels, in terminals of the skin and viscera, leads to profound changes in neuronal responses to mechanical stimuli. In conclusion, sensory neurons expressing NaV 1.6 are important for the transduction of mechanical information in sensory afferents innervating the skin and viscera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde R Israel
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Brian S Tanaka
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology and Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Panumart Thongyoo
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Peng Zhao
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology and Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Irina Vetter
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd (Building 80), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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26
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Blednov YA, Bajo M, Roberts AJ, Da Costa AJ, Black M, Edmunds S, Mayfield J, Roberto M, Homanics GE, Lasek AW, Hitzemann RJ, Harris RA. Scn4b regulates the hypnotic effects of ethanol and other sedative drugs. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12562. [PMID: 30817077 PMCID: PMC6612599 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel subunit β4 (SCN4B) regulates neuronal activity by modulating channel gating and has been implicated in ethanol consumption in rodent models and human alcoholics. However, the functional role for Scn4b in ethanol-mediated behaviors is unknown. We determined if genetic global knockout (KO) or targeted knockdown of Scn4b in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) altered ethanol drinking or related behaviors. We used four different ethanol consumption procedures (continuous and intermittent two-bottle choice (2BC), drinking-in-the dark and chronic intermittent ethanol vapor) and found that male and female Scn4b KO mice did not differ from their wild-type (WT) littermates in ethanol consumption in any of the tests. Knockdown of Scn4b mRNA in the CeA also did not alter 2BC ethanol drinking. However, Scn4b KO mice showed longer duration of the loss of righting reflex induced by ethanol, gaboxadol, pentobarbital and ketamine. KO mice showed slower recovery to basal levels of handling-induced convulsions after ethanol injection, which is consistent with the increased sedative effects observed in these mice. However, Scn4b KO mice did not differ in the severity of acute ethanol withdrawal. Acoustic startle responses, ethanol-induced hypothermia and clearance of blood ethanol also did not differ between the genotypes. There were also no functional differences in the membrane properties or excitability of CeA neurons from Scn4b KO and WT mice. Although we found no evidence that Scn4b regulates ethanol consumption in mice, it was involved in the acute hypnotic effects of ethanol and other sedatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Amanda J Roberts
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Adriana J Da Costa
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mendy Black
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Stephanie Edmunds
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, Portland
| | - Jody Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert J Hitzemann
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, Portland
| | - Robert A Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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27
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Increased Resurgent Sodium Currents in Nav1.8 Contribute to Nociceptive Sensory Neuron Hyperexcitability Associated with Peripheral Neuropathies. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1539-1550. [PMID: 30617209 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0468-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a significant public health challenge, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Painful small fiber neuropathy (SFN) may be caused by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.8, a sodium channel subtype predominantly expressed in peripheral nociceptive neurons. However, it is not clear how Nav1.8 disease mutations induce sensory neuron hyperexcitability. Here we studied two mutations in Nav1.8 associated with hypersensitive sensory neurons: G1662S reported in painful SFN; and T790A, which underlies increased pain behaviors in the Possum transgenic mouse strain. We show that, in male DRG neurons, these mutations, which impair inactivation, significantly increase TTX-resistant resurgent sodium currents mediated by Nav1.8. The G1662S mutation doubled resurgent currents, and the T790A mutation increased them fourfold. These unusual currents are typically evoked during the repolarization phase of action potentials. We show that the T790A mutation greatly enhances DRG neuron excitability by reducing current threshold and increasing firing frequency. Interestingly, the mutation endows DRG neurons with multiple early afterdepolarizations and leads to substantial prolongation of action potential duration. In DRG neurons, siRNA knockdown of sodium channel β4 subunits fails to significantly alter T790A current density but reduces TTX-resistant resurgent currents by 56%. Furthermore, DRG neurons expressing T790A channels exhibited reduced excitability with fewer early afterdepolarizations and narrower action potentials after β4 knockdown. Together, our data demonstrate that open-channel block of TTX-resistant currents, enhanced by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.8, can make major contributions to the hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons, likely leading to altered sensory phenotypes including neuropathic pain in SFN.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work demonstrates that two disease mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 that induce nociceptor hyperexcitability increase resurgent currents. Nav1.8 is crucial for pain sensations. Because resurgent currents are evoked during action potential repolarization, they can be crucial regulators of action potential activity. Our data indicate that increased Nav1.8 resurgent currents in DRG neurons greatly prolong action potential duration and enhance repetitive firing. We propose that Nav1.8 open-channel block is a major factor in Nav1.8-associated pain mechanisms and that targeting the molecular mechanism underlying these unique resurgent currents represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of aberrant pain sensations.
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28
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Hong H, Sanchez JT. Need for Speed and Precision: Structural and Functional Specialization in the Cochlear Nucleus of the Avian Auditory System. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518815628. [PMID: 30559595 PMCID: PMC6291874 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518815628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds such as the barn owl and zebra finch are known for their remarkable hearing abilities that are critical for survival, communication, and vocal learning functions. A key to achieving these hearing abilities is the speed and precision required for the temporal coding of sound-a process heavily dependent on the structural, synaptic, and intrinsic specializations in the avian auditory brainstem. Here, we review recent work from us and others focusing on the specialization of neurons in the chicken cochlear nucleus magnocellularis (NM)-a first-order auditory brainstem structure analogous to bushy cells in the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. Similar to their mammalian counterpart, NM neurons are mostly adendritic and receive auditory nerve input through large axosomatic endbulb of Held synapses. Axonal projections from NM neurons to their downstream auditory targets are sophisticatedly programmed regarding their length, caliber, myelination, and conduction velocity. Specialized voltage-dependent potassium and sodium channel properties also play important and unique roles in shaping the functional phenotype of NM neurons. Working synergistically with potassium channels, an atypical current known as resurgent sodium current promotes rapid and precise action potential firing for NM neurons. Interestingly, these structural and functional specializations vary dramatically along the tonotopic axis and suggest a plethora of encoding strategies for sounds of different acoustic frequencies, mechanisms likely shared across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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29
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Gu Y, Servello D, Han Z, Lalchandani RR, Ding JB, Huang K, Gu C. Balanced Activity between Kv3 and Nav Channels Determines Fast-Spiking in Mammalian Central Neurons. iScience 2018; 9:120-137. [PMID: 30390433 PMCID: PMC6218699 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast-spiking (FS) neurons can fire action potentials (APs) up to 1,000 Hz and play key roles in vital functions such as sound location, motor coordination, and cognition. Here we report that the concerted actions of Kv3 voltage-gated K+ (Kv) and Na+ (Nav) channels are sufficient and necessary for inducing and maintaining FS. Voltage-clamp analysis revealed a robust correlation between the Kv3/Nav current ratio and FS. Expressing Kv3 channels alone could convert ∼30%-60% slow-spiking (SS) neurons to FS in culture. In contrast, co-expression of either Nav1.2 or Nav1.6 together with Kv3.1 or Kv3.3, but not alone or with Kv1.2, converted SS to FS with 100% efficiency. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing-based genome-wide analysis revealed that the Kv3/Nav ratio and Kv3 expression levels strongly correlated with the maximal AP frequencies. Therefore, FS is established by the properly balanced activities of Kv3 and Nav channels and could be further fine-tuned by channel biophysical features and localization patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzheng Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, 182 Rightmire Hall, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dustin Servello
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zhi Han
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; College of Software, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rupa R Lalchandani
- Department of Neurosurgery, and Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jun B Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, and Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518037, China
| | - Chen Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, 182 Rightmire Hall, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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30
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Yamanishi T, Koizumi H, Navarro MA, Milescu LS, Smith JC. Kinetic properties of persistent Na + current orchestrate oscillatory bursting in respiratory neurons. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:1523-1540. [PMID: 30301870 PMCID: PMC6219691 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The rhythmic pattern of breathing depends on the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) in the brainstem, a vital circuit that contains a population of neurons with intrinsic oscillatory bursting behavior. Here, we investigate the specific kinetic properties that enable voltage-gated sodium channels to establish oscillatory bursting in preBötC inspiratory neurons, which exhibit an unusually large persistent Na+ current (INaP). We first characterize the kinetics of INaP in neonatal rat brainstem slices in vitro, using whole-cell patch-clamp and computational modeling, and then test the contribution of INaP to rhythmic bursting in live neurons, using the dynamic clamp technique. We provide evidence that subthreshold activation, persistence at suprathreshold potentials, slow inactivation, and slow recovery from inactivation are kinetic features of INaP that regulate all aspects of intrinsic rhythmic bursting in preBötC neurons. The slow and cumulative inactivation of INaP during the burst active phase controls burst duration and termination, while the slow recovery from inactivation controls the duration of the interburst interval. To demonstrate this mechanism, we develop a Markov state model of INaP that explains a comprehensive set of voltage clamp data. By adding or subtracting a computer-generated INaP from a live neuron via dynamic clamp, we are able to convert nonbursters into intrinsic bursters, and vice versa. As a control, we test a model with inactivation features removed. Adding noninactivating INaP into nonbursters results in a pattern of random transitions between sustained firing and quiescence. The relative amplitude of INaP is the key factor that separates intrinsic bursters from nonbursters and can change the fraction of intrinsic bursters in the preBötC. INaP could thus be an important target for regulating network rhythmogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamanishi
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.,The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Koizumi
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Marco A Navarro
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Lorin S Milescu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Jeffrey C Smith
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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31
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Ransdell JL, Nerbonne JM. Voltage-gated sodium currents in cerebellar Purkinje neurons: functional and molecular diversity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3495-3505. [PMID: 29982847 PMCID: PMC6123253 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2868-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purkinje neurons, the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, deliver GABA-mediated inhibition to the deep cerebellar nuclei. To subserve this critical function, Purkinje neurons fire repetitively, and at high frequencies, features that have been linked to the unique properties of the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels expressed. In addition to the rapidly activating and inactivating, or transient, component of the Nav current (INaT) present in many types of central and peripheral neurons, Purkinje neurons, also expresses persistent (INaP) and resurgent (INaR) Nav currents. Considerable progress has been made in detailing the biophysical properties and identifying the molecular determinants of these discrete Nav current components, as well as defining their roles in the regulation of Purkinje neuron excitability. Here, we review this important work and highlight the remaining questions about the molecular mechanisms controlling the expression and the functioning of Nav currents in Purkinje neurons. We also discuss the impact of the dynamic regulation of Nav currents on the functioning of individual Purkinje neurons and cerebellar circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Ransdell
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8086, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jeanne M Nerbonne
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8086, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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32
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Hong H, Wang X, Lu T, Zorio DAR, Wang Y, Sanchez JT. Diverse Intrinsic Properties Shape Functional Phenotype of Low-Frequency Neurons in the Auditory Brainstem. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:175. [PMID: 29997479 PMCID: PMC6028565 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the auditory system, tonotopy is the spatial arrangement of where sounds of different frequencies are processed. Defined by the organization of neurons and their inputs, tonotopy emphasizes distinctions in neuronal structure and function across topographic gradients and is a common feature shared among vertebrates. In this study we characterized action potential firing patterns and ion channel properties from neurons located in the extremely low-frequency region of the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM), an auditory brainstem structure. We found that NM neurons responsible for encoding the lowest sound frequencies (termed NMc neurons) have enhanced excitability and fired bursts of action potentials to sinusoidal inputs ≤10 Hz; a distinct firing pattern compared to higher-frequency neurons. This response property was due to lower amounts of voltage dependent potassium (KV) conductances, unique combination of KV subunits and specialized sodium (NaV) channel properties. Particularly, NMc neurons had significantly lower KV1 and KV3 currents, but higher KV2 current. NMc neurons also showed larger and faster transient NaV current (INaT) with different voltage dependence of inactivation from higher-frequency neurons. In contrast, significantly smaller resurgent sodium current (INaR) was present in NMc with kinetics and voltage dependence that differed from higher-frequency neurons. Immunohistochemistry showed expression of NaV1.6 channel subtypes across the tonotopic axis. However, various immunoreactive patterns were observed between regions, likely underlying some tonotopic differences in INaT and INaR. Finally, using pharmacology and computational modeling, we concluded that KV3, KV2 channels and INaR work synergistically to regulate burst firing in NMc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Ting Lu
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Diego A. R. Zorio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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33
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Hong H, Lu T, Wang X, Wang Y, Sanchez JT. Resurgent sodium current promotes action potential firing in the avian auditory brainstem. J Physiol 2018; 596:423-443. [PMID: 29193076 PMCID: PMC5792585 DOI: 10.1113/jp275083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Auditory brainstem neurons of all vertebrates fire phase‐locked action potentials (APs) at high rates with remarkable fidelity, a process controlled by specialized anatomical and biophysical properties. This is especially true in the avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the analogue of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to high voltage‐activated potassium (KHVA) channels, we report, using whole cell physiology and modelling, that resurgent sodium current (INaR) of sodium channels (NaV) is equally important and operates synergistically with KHVA channels to enable rapid AP firing in NM. Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near hearing maturation, which was less distinct during hearing development despite functional evidence of INaR, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing.
Abstract Auditory brainstem neurons are functionally primed to fire action potentials (APs) at markedly high rates in order to rapidly encode the acoustic information of sound. This specialization is critical for survival and the comprehension of behaviourally relevant communication functions, including sound localization and distinguishing speech from noise. Here, we investigated underlying ion channel mechanisms essential for high‐rate AP firing in neurons of the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the avian analogue of bushy cells of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to the established function of high voltage‐activated potassium channels, we found that resurgent sodium current (INaR) plays a role in regulating rapid firing activity of late‐developing (embryonic (E) days 19–21) NM neurons. INaR of late‐developing NM neurons showed similar properties to mammalian neurons in that its unique mechanism of an ‘open channel block state’ facilitated the recovery and increased the availability of sodium (NaV) channels after depolarization. Using a computational model of NM neurons, we demonstrated that removal of INaR reduced high‐rate AP firing. We found weak INaR during a prehearing period (E11–12), which transformed to resemble late‐developing INaR properties around hearing onset (E14–16). Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near maturation, which became increasingly less distinct at hearing onset and prehearing periods, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR during development. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing. Auditory brainstem neurons of all vertebrates fire phase‐locked action potentials (APs) at high rates with remarkable fidelity, a process controlled by specialized anatomical and biophysical properties. This is especially true in the avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the analogue of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to high voltage‐activated potassium (KHVA) channels, we report, using whole cell physiology and modelling, that resurgent sodium current (INaR) of sodium channels (NaV) is equally important and operates synergistically with KHVA channels to enable rapid AP firing in NM. Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near hearing maturation, which was less distinct during hearing development despite functional evidence of INaR, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ting Lu
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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Zhou X, Xiao Z, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Tang D, Wu X, Tang C, Chen M, Shi X, Chen P, Liang S, Liu Z. Electrophysiological and Pharmacological Analyses of Na v1.9 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel by Establishing a Heterologous Expression System. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:852. [PMID: 29213238 PMCID: PMC5702848 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nav1. 9 voltage-gated sodium channel is preferentially expressed in peripheral nociceptive neurons. Recent progresses have proved its role in pain sensation, but our understanding of Nav1.9, in general, has lagged behind because of limitations in heterologous expression in mammal cells. In this work, functional expression of human Nav1.9 (hNav1.9) was achieved by fusing GFP to the C-terminal of hNav1.9 in ND7/23 cells, which has been proved to be a reliable method to the electrophysiological and pharmacological studies of hNav1.9. By using the hNav1.9 expression system, we investigated the electrophysiological properties of four mutations of hNav1.9 (K419N, A582T, A842P, and F1689L), whose electrophysiological functions have not been determined yet. The four mutations significantly caused positive shift of the steady-state fast inactivation and therefore increased hNav1.9 activity, consistent with the phenotype of painful peripheral neuropathy. Meanwhile, the effects of inflammatory mediators on hNav1.9 were also investigated. Impressively, histamine was found for the first time to enhance hNav1.9 activity, indicating its vital role in hNav1.9 modulating inflammatory pain. Taken together, our research provided a useful platform for hNav1.9 studies and new insight into mechanism of hNav1.9 linking to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhou
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Xu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongfang Tang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinzhou Wu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliu Shi
- Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Research, Department of Medical Genetics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Chen
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Songping Liang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Identification of Persistent and Resurgent Sodium Currents in Spiral Ganglion Neurons Cultured from the Mouse Cochlea. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0303-17. [PMID: 29138759 PMCID: PMC5684619 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0303-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), the afferent single units of the auditory nerve, high spontaneous and evoked firing rates ensure preservation of the temporal code describing the key features of incoming sound. During postnatal development, the spatiotemporal distribution of ion channel subtypes contributes to the maturation of action potential generation in SGNs, and to their ability to generate spike patterns that follow rapidly changing inputs. Here we describe tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+ currents in SGNs cultured from mice, whose properties may support this fast spiking behavior. A subthreshold persistent Na+ current (INaP) and a resurgent Na+ current (INaR) both emerged prior to the onset of hearing and became more prevalent as hearing matured. Navβ4 subunits, which are proposed to play a key role in mediating INaR elsewhere in the nervous system, were immunolocalized to the first heminode where spikes are generated in the auditory nerve, and to perisomatic nodes of Ranvier. ATX-II, a sea anemone toxin that slows classical Na+ channel inactivation selectively, enhanced INaP five-fold and INaR three-fold in voltage clamp recordings. In rapidly-adapting SGNs under current clamp, ATX-II increased the likelihood of firing additional action potentials. The data identify INaP and INaR as novel regulators of excitability in SGNs, and consistent with their roles in other neuronal types, we suggest that these nonclassical Na+ currents may contribute to the control of refractoriness in the auditory nerve.
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Hull JM, Isom LL. Voltage-gated sodium channel β subunits: The power outside the pore in brain development and disease. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:43-57. [PMID: 28927993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Voltage gated sodium channels (VGSCs) were first identified in terms of their role in the upstroke of the action potential. The underlying proteins were later identified as saxitoxin and scorpion toxin receptors consisting of α and β subunits. We now know that VGSCs are heterotrimeric complexes consisting of a single pore forming α subunit joined by two β subunits; a noncovalently linked β1 or β3 and a covalently linked β2 or β4 subunit. VGSC α subunits contain all the machinery necessary for channel cell surface expression, ion conduction, voltage sensing, gating, and inactivation, in one central, polytopic, transmembrane protein. VGSC β subunits are more than simple accessories to α subunits. In the more than two decades since the original cloning of β1, our knowledge of their roles in physiology and pathophysiology has expanded immensely. VGSC β subunits are multifunctional. They confer unique gating mechanisms, regulate cellular excitability, affect brain development, confer distinct channel pharmacology, and have functions that are independent of the α subunits. The vast array of functions of these proteins stems from their special station in the channelome: being the only known constituents that are cell adhesion and intra/extracellular signaling molecules in addition to being part of channel complexes. This functional trifecta and how it goes awry demonstrates the power outside the pore in ion channel signaling complexes, broadening the term channelopathy beyond defects in ion conduction. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Hull
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Lori L Isom
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Ransdell JL, Dranoff E, Lau B, Lo WL, Donermeyer DL, Allen PM, Nerbonne JM. Loss of Navβ4-Mediated Regulation of Sodium Currents in Adult Purkinje Neurons Disrupts Firing and Impairs Motor Coordination and Balance. Cell Rep 2017; 19:532-544. [PMID: 28423317 PMCID: PMC5473293 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The resurgent component of voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) currents, INaR, has been suggested to provide the depolarizing drive for high-frequency firing and to be generated by voltage-dependent Nav channel block (at depolarized potentials) and unblock (at hyperpolarized potentials) by the accessory Navβ4 subunit. To test these hypotheses, we examined the effects of the targeted deletion of Scn4b (Navβ4) on INaR and on repetitive firing in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. We show here that Scn4b-/- animals have deficits in motor coordination and balance and that firing rates in Scn4b-/- Purkinje neurons are markedly attenuated. Acute, in vivo short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated "knockdown" of Navβ4 in adult Purkinje neurons also reduced spontaneous and evoked firing rates. Dynamic clamp-mediated addition of INaR partially rescued firing in Scn4b-/- Purkinje neurons. Voltage-clamp experiments revealed that INaR was reduced (by ∼50%), but not eliminated, in Scn4b-/- Purkinje neurons, revealing that additional mechanisms contribute to generation of INaR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Ransdell
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Internal Medicine , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Edward Dranoff
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Internal Medicine , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brandon Lau
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Internal Medicine , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wan-Lin Lo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David L Donermeyer
- Department of Pathology and Immunology , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paul M Allen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jeanne M Nerbonne
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Internal Medicine , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Ji X, Saha S, Gao G, Lasek AW, Homanics GE, Guildford M, Tapper AR, Martin GE. The Sodium Channel β4 Auxiliary Subunit Selectively Controls Long-Term Depression in Core Nucleus Accumbens Medium Spiny Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:17. [PMID: 28243192 PMCID: PMC5303751 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for generating the initial rapid depolarization of neuronal membrane potential during action potentials (APs) that enable cell-to-cell communication, the propagation of signals throughout the brain, and the induction of synaptic plasticity. Although all brain neurons express one or several variants coding for the core pore-forming sodium channel α subunit, the expression of the β (β1–4) auxiliary subunits varies greatly. Of particular interest is the β4 subunit, encoded by the Scn4b gene, that is highly expressed in dorsal and ventral (i.e., nucleus accumbens – NAc) striata compared to other brain regions, and that endows sodium channels with unique gating properties. However, its role on neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, and behaviors related to drugs of abuse remains poorly understood. Combining whole-cell patch-clamp recordings with two-photon calcium imaging in Scn4b knockout (KO) and knockdown mice, we found that Scn4b altered the properties of APs in core accumbens medium spiny neurons (MSNs). These alterations are associated with a reduction of the probability of MSNs to evoke spike-timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD) and a reduced ability of backpropagating APs to evoke dendritic calcium transients. In contrast, long-term potentiation (tLTP) remained unaffected. Interestingly, we also showed that amphetamine-induced locomotor activity was significantly reduced in male Scn4b KO mice compared to wild-type controls. Taken together, these data indicate that the Scn4b subunit selectively controls tLTD by modulating dendritic calcium transients evoked by backpropagating APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincai Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Sucharita Saha
- Department of Psychiatry, The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL, USA
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Melissa Guildford
- Department of Psychiatry, The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Andrew R Tapper
- Department of Psychiatry, The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
| | - Gilles E Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA, USA
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39
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Upregulation of the sodium channel NaVβ4 subunit and its contributions to mechanical hypersensitivity and neuronal hyperexcitability in a rat model of radicular pain induced by local dorsal root ganglion inflammation. Pain 2017; 157:879-891. [PMID: 26785322 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency spontaneous firing in myelinated sensory neurons plays a key role in initiating pain behaviors in several different models, including the radicular pain model in which the rat lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are locally inflamed. The sodium channel isoform NaV1.6 contributes to pain behaviors and spontaneous activity in this model. Among all isoforms in adult DRG, NaV1.6 is the main carrier of tetrodotoxin-sensitive resurgent Na currents that allow high-frequency firing. Resurgent currents flow after a depolarization or action potential, as a blocking particle exits the pore. In most neurons, the regulatory β4 subunit is potentially the endogenous blocker. We used in vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of NaVβ4 to examine its role in the DRG inflammation model. NaVβ4 but not control siRNA almost completely blocked mechanical hypersensitivity induced by DRG inflammation. Microelectrode recordings in isolated whole DRG showed that NaVβ4 siRNA blocked the inflammation-induced increase in spontaneous activity of Aβ neurons and reduced repetitive firing and other measures of excitability. NaVβ4 was preferentially expressed in larger diameter cells; DRG inflammation increased its expression, and this was reversed by NaVβ4 siRNA, based on immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. NaVβ4 siRNA also reduced immunohistochemical NaV1.6 expression. Patch-clamp recordings of tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na currents in acutely cultured medium diameter DRG neurons showed that DRG inflammation increased transient and especially resurgent current, effects blocked by NaVβ4 siRNA. NaVβ4 may represent a more specific target for pain conditions that depend on myelinated neurons expressing NaV1.6.
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Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels are protein complexes comprised of one pore forming α subunit and two, non-pore forming, β subunits. The voltage-gated sodium channel β subunits were originally identified to function as auxiliary subunits, which modulate the gating, kinetics, and localization of the ion channel pore. Since that time, the five β subunits have been shown to play crucial roles as multifunctional signaling molecules involved in cell adhesion, cell migration, neuronal pathfinding, fasciculation, and neurite outgrowth. Here, we provide an overview of the evidence implicating the β subunits in their conducting and non-conducting roles. Mutations in the β subunit genes (SCN1B-SCN4B) have been linked to a variety of diseases. These include cancer, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden infant death syndrome/sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and multiple neurodegenerative disorders. β subunits thus provide novel therapeutic targets for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Bouza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2200 MSRBIII, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5632, USA
| | - Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5632, USA.
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Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias can follow disruption of the normal cellular electrophysiological processes underlying excitable activity and their tissue propagation as coherent wavefronts from the primary sinoatrial node pacemaker, through the atria, conducting structures and ventricular myocardium. These physiological events are driven by interacting, voltage-dependent, processes of activation, inactivation, and recovery in the ion channels present in cardiomyocyte membranes. Generation and conduction of these events are further modulated by intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and metabolic and structural change. This review describes experimental studies on murine models for known clinical arrhythmic conditions in which these mechanisms were modified by genetic, physiological, or pharmacological manipulation. These exemplars yielded molecular, physiological, and structural phenotypes often directly translatable to their corresponding clinical conditions, which could be investigated at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and whole animal levels. Arrhythmogenesis could be explored during normal pacing activity, regular stimulation, following imposed extra-stimuli, or during progressively incremented steady pacing frequencies. Arrhythmic substrate was identified with temporal and spatial functional heterogeneities predisposing to reentrant excitation phenomena. These could arise from abnormalities in cardiac pacing function, tissue electrical connectivity, and cellular excitation and recovery. Triggering events during or following recovery from action potential excitation could thereby lead to sustained arrhythmia. These surface membrane processes were modified by alterations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and energetics, as well as cellular and tissue structural change. Study of murine systems thus offers major insights into both our understanding of normal cardiac activity and its propagation, and their relationship to mechanisms generating clinical arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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42
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Barbosa C, Xiao Y, Johnson AJ, Xie W, Strong JA, Zhang JM, Cummins TR. FHF2 isoforms differentially regulate Nav1.6-mediated resurgent sodium currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Pflugers Arch 2016; 469:195-212. [PMID: 27999940 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-016-1911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nav1.6 and Nav1.6-mediated resurgent currents have been implicated in several pain pathologies. However, our knowledge of how fast resurgent currents are modulated in neurons is limited. Our study explored the potential regulation of Nav1.6-mediated resurgent currents by isoforms of fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 2 (FHF2) in an effort to address the gap in our knowledge. FHF2 isoforms colocalize with Nav1.6 in peripheral sensory neurons. Cell line studies suggest that these proteins differentially regulate inactivation. In particular, FHF2A mediates long-term inactivation, a mechanism proposed to compete with the open-channel blocker mechanism that mediates resurgent currents. On the other hand, FHF2B lacks the ability to mediate long-term inactivation and may delay inactivation favoring open-channel block. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that FHF2A limits resurgent currents, whereas FHF2B enhances resurgent currents. Overall, our results suggest that FHF2A negatively regulates fast resurgent current by enhancing long-term inactivation and delaying recovery. In contrast, FHF2B positively regulated resurgent current and did not alter long-term inactivation. Chimeric constructs of FHF2A and Navβ4 (likely the endogenous open channel blocker in sensory neurons) exhibited differential effects on resurgent currents, suggesting that specific regions within FHF2A and Navβ4 have important regulatory functions. Our data also indicate that FHFAs and FHF2B isoform expression are differentially regulated in a radicular pain model and that associated neuronal hyperexcitability is substantially attenuated by a FHFA peptide. As such, these findings suggest that FHF2A and FHF2B regulate resurgent current in sensory neurons and may contribute to hyperexcitability associated with some pain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew J Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wenrui Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judith A Strong
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Dumitrescu AS, Evans MD, Grubb MS. Evaluating Tools for Live Imaging of Structural Plasticity at the Axon Initial Segment. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:268. [PMID: 27932952 PMCID: PMC5120105 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized neuronal compartment involved in the maintenance of axo-dendritic polarity and in the generation of action potentials. It is also a site of significant structural plasticity—manipulations of neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo can produce changes in AIS position and/or size that are associated with alterations in intrinsic excitability. However, to date all activity-dependent AIS changes have been observed in experiments carried out on fixed samples, offering only a snapshot, population-wide view of this form of plasticity. To extend these findings by following morphological changes at the AIS of individual neurons requires reliable means of labeling the structure in live preparations. Here, we assessed five different immunofluorescence-based and genetically-encoded tools for live-labeling the AIS of dentate granule cells (DGCs) in dissociated hippocampal cultures. We found that an antibody targeting the extracellular domain of neurofascin provided accurate live label of AIS structure at baseline, but could not follow rapid activity-dependent changes in AIS length. Three different fusion constructs of GFP with full-length AIS proteins also proved unsuitable: while neurofascin-186-GFP and NaVβ4-GFP did not localize to the AIS in our experimental conditions, overexpressing 270kDa-AnkyrinG-GFP produced abnormally elongated AISs in mature neurons. In contrast, a genetically-encoded construct consisting of a voltage-gated sodium channel intracellular domain fused to yellow fluorescent protein (YFP-NaVII–III) fulfilled all of our criteria for successful live AIS label: this construct specifically localized to the AIS, accurately revealed plastic changes at the structure within hours, and, crucially, did not alter normal cell firing properties. We therefore recommend this probe for future studies of live AIS plasticity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adna S Dumitrescu
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London London, UK
| | - Mark D Evans
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London London, UK
| | - Matthew S Grubb
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London London, UK
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Dover K, Marra C, Solinas S, Popovic M, Subramaniyam S, Zecevic D, D'Angelo E, Goldfarb M. FHF-independent conduction of action potentials along the leak-resistant cerebellar granule cell axon. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12895. [PMID: 27666389 PMCID: PMC5052690 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in vertebrate central nervous systems initiate and conduct sodium action potentials in distinct subcellular compartments that differ architecturally and electrically. Here, we report several unanticipated passive and active properties of the cerebellar granule cell's unmyelinated axon. Whereas spike initiation at the axon initial segment relies on sodium channel (Nav)-associated fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF) proteins to delay Nav inactivation, distal axonal Navs show little FHF association or FHF requirement for high-frequency transmission, velocity and waveforms of conducting action potentials. In addition, leak conductance density along the distal axon is estimated as <1% that of somatodendritic membrane. The faster inactivation rate of FHF-free Navs together with very low axonal leak conductance serves to minimize ionic fluxes and energetic demand during repetitive spike conduction and at rest. The absence of FHFs from Navs at nodes of Ranvier in the central nervous system suggests a similar mechanism of current flux minimization along myelinated axons. FHFs are known to regulate voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs). Here, the authors compare the role of FHFs in cerebellar granule cell propagation, and find NaVs in the distal axon function independently of FHFs, allowing for faster inactivation rates and reducing energy demands during repetitive spiking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dover
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of City University, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Graduate Center of City University, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Subprogram, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Christopher Marra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of City University, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Graduate Center of City University, Neuroscience Subprogram, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Sergio Solinas
- Brain Connectivity Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Via Forlanini 6, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Marko Popovic
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
| | - Sathyaa Subramaniyam
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Dejan Zecevic
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
| | - Egidio D'Angelo
- Brain Connectivity Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Via Forlanini 6, Pavia 27100, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Mitchell Goldfarb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of City University, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Graduate Center of City University, Neuroscience Subprogram, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, USA
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45
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Huang CW, Lai HJ, Huang PY, Lee MJ, Kuo CC. The Biophysical Basis Underlying Gating Changes in the p.V1316A Mutant Nav1.7 Channel and the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inherited Erythromelalgia. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002561. [PMID: 27653502 PMCID: PMC5031448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nav1.7 channel critically contributes to the excitability of sensory neurons, and gain-of-function mutations of this channel have been shown to cause inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) with neuropathic pain. In this study, we report a case of a severe phenotype of IEM caused by p.V1316A mutation in the Nav1.7 channel. Mechanistically, we first demonstrate that the Navβ4 peptide acts as a gating modifier rather than an open channel blocker competing with the inactivating peptide to give rise to resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, there are two distinct open and two corresponding fast inactivated states in the genesis of resurgent Na+ currents. One is responsible for the resurgent route and practically existent only in the presence of Navβ4 peptide, whereas the other is responsible for the “silent” route of recovery from inactivation. In this regard, the p.V1316A mutation makes hyperpolarization shift in the activation curve, and depolarization shift in the inactivation curve, vividly uncoupling inactivation from activation. In terms of molecular gating operation, the most important changes caused by the p.V1316A mutation are both acceleration of the transition from the inactivated states to the activated states and deceleration of the reverse transition, resulting in much larger sustained as well as resurgent Na+ currents. In summary, the genesis of the resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel is ascribable to the transient existence of a distinct and novel open state promoted by the Navβ4 peptide. In addition, S4–5 linker in domain III where V1316 is located seems to play a critical role in activation–inactivation coupling, chiefly via direct modulation of the transitional kinetics between the open and the inactivated states. The sustained and resurgent Na+ currents may therefore be correlatively enhanced by specific mutations involving this linker and relevant regions, and thus marked hyperexcitability in corresponding neural tissues as well as IEM symptomatology. Mutations in the Nav1.7 sodium channel cause idiopathic erythromelalgia. This study shows that the pathogenic resurgent sodium currents arise via modification of gating behavior rather than via competing pore block by the Navβ4 peptide. The gain-of-function mutation (p.V1316A) of the Nav1.7 channel causes inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a disease characterized by extremely enhanced activity in relevant neural tissues that results in neuropathic pain. We found that the p.V1316A mutation alters the basic gating properties of the channel, leading to increased sustained currents during membrane depolarization and resurgent currents during repolarization. Neurons expressing these mutant channels are more difficult to maintain in a hyperpolarized state and are thus more excitable. We demonstrate that there is very likely a distinct set of open/inactivated (O/I) states responsible for the genesis of resurgent currents. We show that the p.V1316A mutation chiefly accelerates the I to O transition in this set, but also decelerates the transitions between different sets of O/I states, to cause the channel gating and cellular excitability changes. Contrary to the conventional view, we find that the Navβ4 peptide, a key element responsible for sizable resurgent currents, does not seem to act as a pore blocker that competes with the inactivation peptide. Instead, we show that it acts as a gating modifier of the Nav1.7 channel. Thus, the DIII/S4–5 linker, where V1316 is located, may play a critical role not only in O/I coupling but also in the couplings between different sets of O/I in the Nav1.7 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
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46
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Winters JJ, Isom LL. Developmental and Regulatory Functions of Na(+) Channel Non-pore-forming β Subunits. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2016; 78:315-51. [PMID: 27586289 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs) isolated from mammalian neurons are heterotrimeric complexes containing one pore-forming α subunit and two non-pore-forming β subunits. In excitable cells, VGSCs are responsible for the initiation of action potentials. VGSC β subunits are type I topology glycoproteins, containing an extracellular amino-terminal immunoglobulin (Ig) domain with homology to many neural cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), a single transmembrane segment, and an intracellular carboxyl-terminal domain. VGSC β subunits are encoded by a gene family that is distinct from the α subunits. While α subunits are expressed in prokaryotes, β subunit orthologs did not arise until after the emergence of vertebrates. β subunits regulate the cell surface expression, subcellular localization, and gating properties of their associated α subunits. In addition, like many other Ig-CAMs, β subunits are involved in cell migration, neurite outgrowth, and axon pathfinding and may function in these roles in the absence of associated α subunits. In sum, these multifunctional proteins are critical for both channel regulation and central nervous system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Winters
- University of Michigan Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - L L Isom
- University of Michigan Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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47
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Berret E, Kim SE, Lee SY, Kushmerick C, Kim JH. Functional and structural properties of ion channels at the nerve terminal depends on compact myelin. J Physiol 2016; 594:5593-609. [PMID: 27168396 DOI: 10.1113/jp272205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS In the present study, we document the role of compact myelin in regulating the structural and functional properties of ion channels at the nerve terminals, using electrophysiology, dynamic Na(+) imaging and immunohistochemistry. The subcellular segregation of Na(+) channel expression and intracellular Na(+) dynamics at the heminode and terminal was lost in the dysmyelinated axon from Long-Evans shaker rats, which lack compact myelin. In Long-Evans shaker rats, loss of the Nav β4 subunit specifically at the heminode reduced resurgent and persistent Na(+) currents, whereas K(+) channel expression and currents were increased. The results of the present study suggest that there is a specific role for compact myelin in dictating protein expression and function at the axon heminode and in regulating excitability of the nerve terminal. ABSTRACT Axon myelination increases the conduction velocity and precision of action potential propagation. Although the negative effects of demyelination are generally attributed to conduction failure, accumulating evidence suggests that myelination also regulates the structural properties and molecular composition of the axonal membrane. In the present study, we investigated how myelination affects ion channel expression and function, particularly at the last axon heminode before the nerve terminal, which regulates the presynaptic excitability of the nerve terminal. We compared the structure and physiology of normal axons and those of the Long-Evans shaker (LES) rat, which lacks compact myelin. The normal segregation of Na(+) channel expression and dynamics at the heminode and terminal was lost in the LES rat. Specifically, NaV -α subunits were dispersed and NaV β4 subunit was absent, whereas the density of K(+) channels was increased at the heminode. Correspondingly, resurgent and persistent Na(+) currents were reduced and K(+) current was increased. Taken together, these data suggest a specific role for compact myelin in the orchestration of ion channel expression and function at the axon heminode and in regulating excitability of the nerve terminal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jun Hee Kim
- Department of Physiology. .,Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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48
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Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), composed of a pore-forming α subunit and up to two associated β subunits, are critical for the initiation of the action potential (AP) in excitable tissues. Building on the monumental discovery and description of sodium current in 1952, intrepid researchers described the voltage-dependent gating mechanism, selectivity of the channel, and general structure of the VGSC channel. Recently, crystal structures of bacterial VGSC α subunits have confirmed many of these studies and provided new insights into VGSC function. VGSC β subunits, first cloned in 1992, modulate sodium current but also have nonconducting roles as cell-adhesion molecules and function in neurite outgrowth and neuronal pathfinding. Mutations in VGSC α and β genes are associated with diseases caused by dysfunction of excitable tissues such as epilepsy. Because of the multigenic and drug-resistant nature of some of these diseases, induced pluripotent stem cells and other novel approaches are being used to screen for new drugs and further understand how mutations in VGSC genes contribute to pathophysiology.
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49
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Sodium channel slow inactivation interferes with open channel block. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25974. [PMID: 27174182 PMCID: PMC4865801 DOI: 10.1038/srep25974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 are linked to inherited pain syndromes such as erythromelalgia (IEM) and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD). PEPD mutations impair Nav1.7 fast inactivation and increase persistent currents. PEPD mutations also increase resurgent currents, which involve the voltage-dependent release of an open channel blocker. In contrast, IEM mutations, whenever tested, leave resurgent currents unchanged. Accordingly, the IEM deletion mutation L955 (ΔL955) fails to produce resurgent currents despite enhanced persistent currents, which have hitherto been considered a prerequisite for resurgent currents. Additionally, ΔL955 exhibits a prominent enhancement of slow inactivation (SI). We introduced mutations into Nav1.7 and Nav1.6 that either enhance or impair SI in order to investigate their effects on resurgent currents. Our results show that enhanced SI is accompanied by impaired resurgent currents, which suggests that SI may interfere with open-channel block.
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Barbosa C, Cummins TR. Unusual Voltage-Gated Sodium Currents as Targets for Pain. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2016; 78:599-638. [PMID: 27586296 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a serious health problem that impacts the lives of many individuals. Hyperexcitability of peripheral sensory neurons contributes to both acute and chronic pain syndromes. Because voltage-gated sodium currents are crucial to the transmission of electrical signals in peripheral sensory neurons, the channels that underlie these currents are attractive targets for pain therapeutics. Sodium currents and channels in peripheral sensory neurons are complex. Multiple-channel isoforms contribute to the macroscopic currents in nociceptive sensory neurons. These different isoforms exhibit substantial variations in their kinetics and pharmacology. Furthermore, sodium current complexity is enhanced by an array of interacting proteins that can substantially modify the properties of voltage-gated sodium channels. Resurgent sodium currents, atypical currents that can enhance recovery from inactivation and neuronal firing, are increasingly being recognized as playing potentially important roles in sensory neuron hyperexcitability and pain sensations. Here we discuss unusual sodium channels and currents that have been identified in nociceptive sensory neurons, describe what is known about the molecular determinants of the complex sodium currents in these neurons. Finally, we provide an overview of therapeutic strategies to target voltage-gated sodium currents in nociceptive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barbosa
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - T R Cummins
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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