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Trus M, Atlas D. Non-ionotropic voltage-gated calcium channel signaling. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2341077. [PMID: 38601983 PMCID: PMC11017947 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2341077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are the major conduits for calcium ions (Ca2+) within excitable cells. Recent studies have highlighted the non-ionotropic functionality of VGCCs, revealing their capacity to activate intracellular pathways independently of ion flow. This non-ionotropic signaling mode plays a pivotal role in excitation-coupling processes, including gene transcription through excitation-transcription (ET), synaptic transmission via excitation-secretion (ES), and cardiac contraction through excitation-contraction (EC). However, it is noteworthy that these excitation-coupling processes require extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and Ca2+ occupancy of the channel ion pore. Analogous to the "non-canonical" characterization of the non-ionotropic signaling exhibited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), which requires extracellular Ca2+ without the influx of ions, VGCC activation requires depolarization-triggered conformational change(s) concomitant with Ca2+ binding to the open channel. Here, we discuss the contributions of VGCCs to ES, ET, and EC coupling as Ca2+ binding macromolecules that transduces external stimuli to intracellular input prior to elevating intracellular Ca2+. We emphasize the recognition of calcium ion occupancy within the open ion-pore and its contribution to the excitation coupling processes that precede the influx of calcium. The non-ionotropic activation of VGCCs, triggered by the upstroke of an action potential, provides a conceptual framework to elucidate the mechanistic aspects underlying the microseconds nature of synaptic transmission, cardiac contractility, and the rapid induction of first-wave genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trus
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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2
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Barragan EV, Anisimova M, Vijayakumar V, Coblentz A, Park DK, Salaka RJ, Nisan AFK, Petshow S, Dore K, Zito K, Gray JA. d-Serine Inhibits Non-ionotropic NMDA Receptor Signaling. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0140242024. [PMID: 38942470 PMCID: PMC11308331 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0140-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are widely recognized as master regulators of synaptic plasticity, most notably for driving long-term changes in synapse size and strength that support learning. NMDARs are unique among neurotransmitter receptors in that they require binding of both neurotransmitter (glutamate) and co-agonist (e.g., d-serine) to open the receptor channel, which leads to the influx of calcium ions that drive synaptic plasticity. Over the past decade, evidence has accumulated that NMDARs also support synaptic plasticity via ion flux-independent (non-ionotropic) signaling upon the binding of glutamate in the absence of co-agonist, although conflicting results have led to significant controversy. Here, we hypothesized that a major source of contradictory results might be attributed to variable occupancy of the co-agonist binding site under different experimental conditions. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated co-agonist availability in acute hippocampal slices from mice of both sexes. We found that enzymatic scavenging of endogenous co-agonists enhanced the magnitude of long-term depression (LTD) induced by non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling in the presence of the NMDAR pore blocker MK801. Conversely, a saturating concentration of d-serine completely inhibited LTD and spine shrinkage induced by glutamate binding in the presence of MK801 or Mg2+ Using a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay in cultured neurons, we further found that d-serine completely blocked NMDA-induced conformational movements of the GluN1 cytoplasmic domains in the presence of MK801. Our results support a model in which d-serine availability serves to modulate NMDAR signaling and synaptic plasticity even when the NMDAR is blocked by magnesium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden V Barragan
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Margarita Anisimova
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Vishnu Vijayakumar
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience and Section for Neurobiology, Division of Biology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California 92093
| | - Azariah Coblentz
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Deborah K Park
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Raghava Jagadeesh Salaka
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Neurology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Atheer F K Nisan
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Samuel Petshow
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Kim Dore
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience and Section for Neurobiology, Division of Biology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California 92093
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - John A Gray
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Neurology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, California 95618
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3
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Keith RE, Wild GA, Keith MJ, Chen D, Pack S, Dumas TC. Individual NMDA receptor GluN2 subunit signaling domains differentially regulate the postnatal maturation of hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity but not dendritic morphology. Synapse 2024; 78:e22292. [PMID: 38813758 PMCID: PMC11141731 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at hippocampal excitatory synapses undergo a late postnatal shift in subunit composition, from an initial prevalence of GluN2B subunit incorporation to a later predominance of GluN2A. This GluN2B to GluN2A shift alters NMDAR calcium conductance dynamics and intracellular molecular signaling that are individually regulated by distinct GluN2 signaling domains and temporally align with developmental alterations in dendritic and synaptic plasticity. However, the impacts of individual GluN2B to GluN2A signaling domains on neuronal development remain unknown. Ionotropic and intracellular signaling domains of GluN2 subunits were separated by creating chimeric GluN2 subunits that were expressed in two transgenic mouse lines. Western blot and immunoprecipitation revealed that roughly one third of native synaptic NMDARs were replaced by transformed NMDARs without altering total synaptic NMDAR content. Schaffer collateral synaptic strength was transiently increased in acutely prepared hippocampal slices at just over 3 weeks of age in animals overexpressing the GluN2B carboxy terminus. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induction following lower frequency stimulation was regulated by GluN2 ionotropic signaling domains in an age-dependent manner and LTP maintenance was enhanced by overexpression of the GluN2B CTD in mature animals. After higher frequency stimulation, the induction and maintenance of LTP were increased in young adult animals overexpressing the GluN2B ionotropic signaling domains but reduced in juveniles just over 3 weeks of age. Confocal imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)- labeled CA1 pyramidal neurons revealed no alterations in dendritic morphology or spine density in mice expressing chimeric GluN2 subunits. These results illustrate how individual GluN2 subunit signaling domains do or do not control physiological and morphological development of hippocampal excitatory neurons and better clarify the neurobiological factors that govern hippocampal maturation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A developmental reduction in the magnitude of hippocampal long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) and a concomitant improvement in spatial maze performance coincide with greater incorporation of GluN2A subunits into synaptic NMDARs. Corroborating our prior discovery that overexpression of GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling domains enables context-based navigation in immature mice, GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling domain overexpression reduces LTP induction threshold and magnitude in immature mice. Also, we previously found that GluN2B carboxy terminal domain (CTD) overexpression enhances long-term spatial memory in mature mice and now report that the GluN2B CTD is associated with greater amplitude of LTP after induction in mature mice. Thus, the late postnatal maturation of context encoding likely relies on a shift toward GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling and a reduction in the threshold to induce LTP while memory consolidation and LTP maintenance are regulated by GluN2B subunit CTD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Grace A. Wild
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Matthew J. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Diyi Chen
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | | | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
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4
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Dunot J, Moreno S, Gandin C, Pousinha PA, Amici M, Dupuis J, Anisimova M, Winschel A, Uriot M, Petshow SJ, Mensch M, Bethus I, Giudici C, Hampel H, Wefers B, Wurst W, Naumann R, Ashby MC, Laube B, Zito K, Mellor JR, Groc L, Willem M, Marie H. APP fragment controls both ionotropic and non-ionotropic signaling of NMDA receptors. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00404-5. [PMID: 38878768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic receptors crucial for brain information processing. Yet, evidence also supports an ion-flux-independent signaling mode mediating synaptic long-term depression (LTD) and spine shrinkage. Here, we identify AETA (Aη), an amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) cleavage product, as an NMDAR modulator with the unique dual regulatory capacity to impact both signaling modes. AETA inhibits ionotropic NMDAR activity by competing with the co-agonist and induces an intracellular conformational modification of GluN1 subunits. This favors non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling leading to enhanced LTD and favors spine shrinkage. Endogenously, AETA production is increased by in vivo chemogenetically induced neuronal activity. Genetic deletion of AETA production alters NMDAR transmission and prevents LTD, phenotypes rescued by acute exogenous AETA application. This genetic deletion also impairs contextual fear memory. Our findings demonstrate AETA-dependent NMDAR activation (ADNA), characterizing AETA as a unique type of endogenous NMDAR modulator that exerts bidirectional control over NMDAR signaling and associated information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Dunot
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastien Moreno
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Carine Gandin
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Paula A Pousinha
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Mascia Amici
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Julien Dupuis
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Margarita Anisimova
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Alex Winschel
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Magalie Uriot
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Samuel J Petshow
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Maria Mensch
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Ingrid Bethus
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Camilla Giudici
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Hampel
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wefers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael C Ashby
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Bodo Laube
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Jack R Mellor
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Laurent Groc
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Michael Willem
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hélène Marie
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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5
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Munaron L, Chinigò G, Scarpellino G, Ruffinatti FA. The fallacy of functional nomenclature in the kingdom of biological multifunctionality: physiological and evolutionary considerations on ion channels. J Physiol 2024; 602:2367-2381. [PMID: 37635695 DOI: 10.1113/jp284422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms are multiscale complex systems that have evolved high degrees of multifunctionality and redundancy in the structure-function relationship. A number of factors, only in part determined genetically, affect the jobs of proteins. The overall structural organization confers unique molecular properties that provide the potential to perform a pattern of activities, some of which are co-opted by specific environments. The variety of multifunctional proteins is expanding, but most cases are handled individually and according to the still dominant 'one structure-one function' approach, which relies on the attribution of canonical names typically referring to the first task identified for a given protein. The present topical review focuses on the multifunctionality of ion channels as a paradigmatic example. Mounting evidence reports the ability of many ion channels (including members of voltage-dependent, ligand-gated and transient receptor potential families) to exert biological effects independently of their ion conductivity. 'Functionally based' nomenclature (the practice of naming a protein or family of proteins based on a single purpose) is a conceptual bias for three main reasons: (i) it increases the amount of ambiguity, deceiving our understanding of the multiple contributions of biomolecules that is the heart of the complexity; (ii) it is in stark contrast to protein evolution dynamics, largely based on multidomain arrangement; and (iii) it overlooks the crucial role played by the microenvironment in adjusting the actions of cell structures and in tuning protein isoform diversity to accomplish adaptational requirements. Biological information in protein physiology is distributed among different entwined layers working as the primary 'locus' of natural selection and of evolutionary constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Chinigò
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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6
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Barragan EV, Anisimova M, Vijayakumar V, Coblentz AC, Park DK, Salaka RJ, Nisan AFK, Petshow S, Dore K, Zito K, Gray JA. D-Serine inhibits non-ionotropic NMDA receptor signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596266. [PMID: 38854020 PMCID: PMC11160797 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are widely recognized as master regulators of synaptic plasticity, most notably for driving long-term changes in synapse size and strength that support learning. NMDARs are unique among neurotransmitter receptors in that they require binding of both neurotransmitter (glutamate) and co-agonist (e.g. d -serine) to open the receptor channel, which leads to the influx of calcium ions that drive synaptic plasticity. Over the past decade, evidence has accumulated that NMDARs also support synaptic plasticity via ion flux-independent (non-ionotropic) signaling upon the binding of glutamate in the absence of co-agonist, although conflicting results have led to significant controversy. Here, we hypothesized that a major source of contradictory results can be attributed to variable occupancy of the co-agonist binding site under different experimental conditions. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated co-agonist availability in acute hippocampal slices from mice of both sexes. We found that enzymatic scavenging of endogenous co-agonists enhanced the magnitude of LTD induced by non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling in the presence of the NMDAR pore blocker, MK801. Conversely, a saturating concentration of d -serine completely inhibited both LTD and spine shrinkage induced by glutamate binding in the presence of MK801. Using a FRET-based assay in cultured neurons, we further found that d -serine completely blocked NMDA-induced conformational movements of the GluN1 cytoplasmic domains in the presence of MK801. Our results support a model in which d -serine inhibits ion flux-independent NMDAR signaling and plasticity, and thus d -serine availability could serve to modulate NMDAR signaling even when the NMDAR is blocked by magnesium. Significance Statement NMDARs are glutamate-gated cation channels that are key regulators of neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity and unique in their requirement for binding of a co-agonist (e.g. d -serine) in order for the channel to open. NMDARs have been found to drive synaptic plasticity via non-ionotropic (ion flux-independent) signaling upon the binding of glutamate in the absence of co-agonist, though conflicting results have led to controversy. Here, we found that d -serine inhibits non-ionotropic NMDAR-mediated LTD and LTD-associated spine shrinkage. Thus, a major source of the contradictory findings might be attributed to experimental variability in d -serine availability. In addition, the developmental regulation of d -serine levels suggests a role for non-ionotropic NMDAR plasticity during critical periods of plasticity.
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7
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Agnes EJ, Vogels TP. Co-dependent excitatory and inhibitory plasticity accounts for quick, stable and long-lasting memories in biological networks. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:964-974. [PMID: 38509348 PMCID: PMC11089004 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01597-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The brain's functionality is developed and maintained through synaptic plasticity. As synapses undergo plasticity, they also affect each other. The nature of such 'co-dependency' is difficult to disentangle experimentally, because multiple synapses must be monitored simultaneously. To help understand the experimentally observed phenomena, we introduce a framework that formalizes synaptic co-dependency between different connection types. The resulting model explains how inhibition can gate excitatory plasticity while neighboring excitatory-excitatory interactions determine the strength of long-term potentiation. Furthermore, we show how the interplay between excitatory and inhibitory synapses can account for the quick rise and long-term stability of a variety of synaptic weight profiles, such as orientation tuning and dendritic clustering of co-active synapses. In recurrent neuronal networks, co-dependent plasticity produces rich and stable motor cortex-like dynamics with high input sensitivity. Our results suggest an essential role for the neighborly synaptic interaction during learning, connecting micro-level physiology with network-wide phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everton J Agnes
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tim P Vogels
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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8
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Brunetti V, Soda T, Berra-Romani R, De Sarro G, Guerra G, Scarpellino G, Moccia F. Two Signaling Modes Are Better than One: Flux-Independent Signaling by Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Is Coming of Age. Biomedicines 2024; 12:880. [PMID: 38672234 PMCID: PMC11048239 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040880] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamatergic transmission can be mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), which mediate rapid synaptic depolarization that can be associated with Ca2+ entry and activity-dependent change in the strength of synaptic transmission, as well as by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which mediate slower postsynaptic responses through the recruitment of second messenger systems. A wealth of evidence reported over the last three decades has shown that this dogmatic subdivision between iGluRs and mGluRs may not reflect the actual physiological signaling mode of the iGluRs, i.e., α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxasolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPAR), kainate receptors (KARs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs). Herein, we review the evidence available supporting the notion that the canonical iGluRs can recruit flux-independent signaling pathways not only in neurons, but also in brain astrocytes and cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Understanding the signaling versatility of iGluRs can exert a profound impact on our understanding of glutamatergic synapses. Furthermore, it may shed light on novel neuroprotective strategies against brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Brunetti
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, 27110 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (T.S.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico;
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (T.S.); (G.D.S.)
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88110 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, 27110 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
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9
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Zhou L, Duan J. The role of NMDARs in the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14464. [PMID: 37680076 PMCID: PMC11017467 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14464] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a phencyclidine (PCP) analog, ketamine can generate rapid-onset and substantial anesthetic effects. Contrary to traditional anesthetics, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and can induce loss of consciousness in patients. Recently, the subanaesthetic dose of ketamine was found to produce rapid-onset and lasting antidepressant effects. AIM However, how different concentrations of ketamine can induce diverse actions remains unclear. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the NMDAR-mediated anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine are not fully understood. METHOD In this review, we have introduced ketamine and its metabolism, summarized recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying NMDAR inhibition in the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine, explored the possible functions of NMDAR subunits in the effects of ketamine, and discussed the future directions of ketamine-based anesthetic and antidepressant drugs. RESULT Both the anesthetic and antidepressant effects of ketamine were thought to be mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition. CONCLUSION The roles of NMDARs have been extensively studied in the anaesthetic effects of ketamine. However, the roles of NMDARs in antidepressant effects of ketamine are complicated and controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSunYat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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10
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Cabrera Y, Koymans KJ, Poe GR, Kessels HW, Van Someren EJW, Wassing R. Overnight neuronal plasticity and adaptation to emotional distress. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:253-271. [PMID: 38443627 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00799-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Expressions such as 'sleep on it' refer to the resolution of distressing experiences across a night of sound sleep. Sleep is an active state during which the brain reorganizes the synaptic connections that form memories. This Perspective proposes a model of how sleep modifies emotional memory traces. Sleep-dependent reorganization occurs through neurophysiological events in neurochemical contexts that determine the fates of synapses to grow, to survive or to be pruned. We discuss how low levels of acetylcholine during non-rapid eye movement sleep and low levels of noradrenaline during rapid eye movement sleep provide a unique window of opportunity for plasticity in neuronal representations of emotional memories that resolves the associated distress. We integrate sleep-facilitated adaptation over three levels: experience and behaviour, neuronal circuits, and synaptic events. The model generates testable hypotheses for how failed sleep-dependent adaptation to emotional distress is key to mental disorders, notably disorders of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress with the common aetiology of insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Cabrera
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karin J Koymans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gina R Poe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Synaptic Plasticity and Behaviour, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Society for Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eus J W Van Someren
- Department of Sleep and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Society for Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology and Psychiatry, VU University, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rick Wassing
- Sleep and Circadian Research, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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11
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Napoli AJ, Laderwager S, Zoodsma JD, Biju B, Mucollari O, Schubel SK, Aprea C, Sayed A, Morgan K, Napoli A, Flanagan S, Wollmuth LP, Sirotkin HI. Developmental loss of NMDA receptors results in supernumerary forebrain neurons through delayed maturation of transit-amplifying neuroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3395. [PMID: 38336823 PMCID: PMC10858180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental neurogenesis is a tightly regulated spatiotemporal process with its dysregulation implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. NMDA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels that are widely expressed in the early nervous system, yet their contribution to neurogenesis is poorly understood. Notably, a variety of mutations in genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. To rigorously define the role of NMDA receptors in developmental neurogenesis, we used a mutant zebrafish line (grin1-/-) that lacks all NMDA receptors yet survives to 10 days post-fertilization, offering the opportunity to study post-embryonic neurodevelopment in the absence of NMDA receptors. Focusing on the forebrain, we find that these fish have a progressive supernumerary neuron phenotype confined to the telencephalon at the end of embryonic neurogenesis, but which extends to all forebrain regions during postembryonic neurogenesis. This enhanced neuron population does not arise directly from increased numbers or mitotic activity of radial glia cells, the principal neural stem cells. Rather, it stems from a lack of timely maturation of transit-amplifying neuroblasts into post-mitotic neurons, as indicated by a decrease in expression of the ontogenetically-expressed chloride transporter, KCC2. Pharmacological blockade with MK-801 recapitulates the grin1-/- supernumerary neuron phenotype, indicating a requirement for ionotropic signaling. Thus, NMDA receptors are required for suppression of indirect, transit amplifying cell-driven neurogenesis by promoting maturational termination of mitosis. Loss of suppression results in neuronal overpopulation that can fundamentally change brain circuitry and may be a key factor in pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by NMDA receptor dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia J Napoli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Stephanie Laderwager
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Josiah D Zoodsma
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Bismi Biju
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Olgerta Mucollari
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Sarah K Schubel
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Christieann Aprea
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Aaliya Sayed
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Kiele Morgan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Annelysia Napoli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Stephanie Flanagan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Lonnie P Wollmuth
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5215, USA
- Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Howard I Sirotkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA.
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12
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Martinez TP, Larsen ME, Sullivan E, Woolfrey KM, Dell’Acqua ML. Amyloid-β-induced dendritic spine elimination requires Ca 2+-permeable AMPA receptors, AKAP-Calcineurin-NFAT signaling, and the NFAT target gene Mdm2. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0175-23.2024. [PMID: 38331575 PMCID: PMC10925900 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0175-23.2024] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is associated with brain accumulation of synaptotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides produced by the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Cognitive impairments associated with AD correlate with dendritic spine and excitatory synapse loss, particularly within the hippocampus. In rodents, soluble Aβ oligomers impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, promote dendritic spine loss, inhibit NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP), and promote synaptic depression (LTD), at least in part through activation of the Ca2+-CaM-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CaN). Yet, questions remain regarding Aβ-dependent postsynaptic CaN signaling specifically at the synapse to mediate its synaptotoxicity. Here, we use pharmacologic and genetic approaches to demonstrate a role for postsynaptic signaling via A kinase-anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150)-scaffolded CaN in mediating Aβ-induced dendritic spine loss in hippocampal neurons from rats and mice of both sexes. In particular, we found that Ca2+-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors (CP-AMPARs), which were previously shown to signal through AKAP-anchored CaN to promote both LTD and Aβ-dependent inhibition of LTP, are also required upstream of AKAP-CaN signaling to mediate spine loss via overexpression of APP containing multiple mutations linked to familial, early-onset AD and increased Aβ production. In addition, we found that the CaN-dependent nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) transcription factors are required downstream to promote Aβ-mediated dendritic spine loss. Finally, we identified the E3-ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, which was previously linked to LTD and developmental synapse elimination, as a downstream NFAT target gene upregulated by Aβ whose enzymatic activity is required for Aβ-mediated spine loss.Significance Statement Impaired hippocampal function and synapse loss are hallmarks of AD linked to Aβ oligomers. Aβ exposure acutely blocks hippocampal LTP and enhances LTD and chronically leads to dendritic spine synapse loss. In particular, Aβ hijacks normal plasticity mechanisms, biasing them toward synapse weakening/elimination, with previous studies broadly linking CaN phosphatase signaling to this synaptic dysfunction. However, we do not understand how Aβ engages signaling specifically at synapses. Here we elucidate a synapse-to-nucleus signaling pathway coordinated by the postsynaptic scaffold protein AKAP150 that is activated by Ca2+ influx through CP-AMPARs and transduced to nucleus by CaN-NFAT signaling to transcriptionally upregulate the E3-ubiquitin ligase Mdm2 that is required for Aβ-mediated spine loss. These findings identify Mdm2 as potential therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler P. Martinez
- Pharmacology PhD Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Matthew E. Larsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Neuroscience PhD Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Emily Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Kevin M. Woolfrey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Mark L. Dell’Acqua
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Neurotechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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13
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Le AA, Lauterborn JC, Jia Y, Cox CD, Lynch G, Gall CM. Metabotropic NMDA Receptor Signaling Contributes to Sex Differences in Synaptic Plasticity and Episodic Memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577478. [PMID: 38328108 PMCID: PMC10849651 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Men generally outperform women on encoding spatial components of episodic memory whereas the reverse holds for semantic elements. Here we show that female mice outperform males on tests for non-spatial aspects of episodic memory ("what", "when"), suggesting that the human findings are influenced by neurobiological factors common to mammals. Analysis of hippocampal synaptic plasticity mechanisms and encoding revealed unprecedented, sex-specific contributions of non-classical metabotropic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) functions. While both sexes used non-ionic NMDAR signaling to trigger actin polymerization needed to consolidate long-term potentiation (LTP), NMDAR GluN2B subunit antagonism blocked these effects in males only and had the corresponding sex-specific effect on episodic memory. Conversely, blocking estrogen receptor alpha eliminated metabotropic stabilization of LTP and episodic memory in females only. The results show that sex differences in metabotropic signaling critical for enduring synaptic plasticity in hippocampus have significant consequences for encoding episodic memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A. Le
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Julie C. Lauterborn
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Yousheng Jia
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Conor D. Cox
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Gary Lynch
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92868, USA
| | - Christine M. Gall
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
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14
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Hanson JE, Yuan H, Perszyk RE, Banke TG, Xing H, Tsai MC, Menniti FS, Traynelis SF. Therapeutic potential of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor modulators in psychiatry. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:51-66. [PMID: 37369776 PMCID: PMC10700609 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate a slow component of excitatory synaptic transmission, are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, and regulate synaptic plasticity. NMDA receptor modulators have long been considered as potential treatments for psychiatric disorders including depression and schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett Syndrome, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. New interest in NMDA receptors as therapeutic targets has been spurred by the findings that certain inhibitors of NMDA receptors produce surprisingly rapid and robust antidepressant activity by a novel mechanism, the induction of changes in the brain that well outlast the presence of drug in the body. These findings are driving research into an entirely new paradigm for using NMDA receptor antagonists in a host of related conditions. At the same time positive allosteric modulators of NMDA receptors are being pursued for enhancing synaptic function in diseases that feature NMDA receptor hypofunction. While there is great promise, developing the therapeutic potential of NMDA receptor modulators must also navigate the potential significant risks posed by the use of such agents. We review here the emerging pharmacology of agents that target different NMDA receptor subtypes, offering new avenues for capturing the therapeutic potential of targeting this important receptor class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse E Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Riley E Perszyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tue G Banke
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hao Xing
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ming-Chi Tsai
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Frank S Menniti
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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15
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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16
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Sullere S, Kunczt A, McGehee DS. A cholinergic circuit that relieves pain despite opioid tolerance. Neuron 2023; 111:3414-3434.e15. [PMID: 37734381 PMCID: PMC10843525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a tremendous burden for afflicted individuals and society. Although opioids effectively relieve pain, significant adverse outcomes limit their utility and efficacy. To investigate alternate pain control mechanisms, we explored cholinergic signaling in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), a critical nexus for descending pain modulation. Biosensor assays revealed that pain states decreased acetylcholine release in vlPAG. Activation of cholinergic projections from the pedunculopontine tegmentum to vlPAG relieved pain, even in opioid-tolerant conditions, through ⍺7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Activating ⍺7 nAChRs with agonists or stimulating endogenous acetylcholine inhibited vlPAG neuronal activity through Ca2+ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR⍺)-dependent signaling. In vivo 2-photon imaging revealed that chronic pain induces aberrant excitability of vlPAG neuronal ensembles and that ⍺7 nAChR-mediated inhibition of these cells relieves pain, even after opioid tolerance. Finally, pain relief through these cholinergic mechanisms was not associated with tolerance, reward, or withdrawal symptoms, highlighting its potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivang Sullere
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alissa Kunczt
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Daniel S McGehee
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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17
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Ma H, Khaled HG, Wang X, Mandelberg NJ, Cohen SM, He X, Tsien RW. Excitation-transcription coupling, neuronal gene expression and synaptic plasticity. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:672-692. [PMID: 37773070 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Excitation-transcription coupling (E-TC) links synaptic and cellular activity to nuclear gene transcription. It is generally accepted that E-TC makes a crucial contribution to learning and memory through its role in underpinning long-lasting synaptic enhancement in late-phase long-term potentiation and has more recently been linked to late-phase long-term depression: both processes require de novo gene transcription, mRNA translation and protein synthesis. E-TC begins with the activation of glutamate-gated N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptors and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels at the membrane and culminates in the activation of transcription factors in the nucleus. These receptors and ion channels mediate E-TC through mechanisms that include long-range signalling from the synapse to the nucleus and local interactions within dendritic spines, among other possibilities. Growing experimental evidence links these E-TC mechanisms to late-phase long-term potentiation and learning and memory. These advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of E-TC mean that future efforts can focus on understanding its mesoscale functions and how it regulates neuronal network activity and behaviour in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Houda G Khaled
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nataniel J Mandelberg
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel M Cohen
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xingzhi He
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Units for Emotion and Emotional Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Richard W Tsien
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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18
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Nicoll RA, Schulman H. Synaptic memory and CaMKII. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2877-2925. [PMID: 37290118 PMCID: PMC10642921 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were discovered within a decade of each other and have been inextricably intertwined ever since. However, like many marriages, it has had its up and downs. Based on the unique biochemical properties of CaMKII, it was proposed as a memory molecule before any physiological linkage was made to LTP. However, as reviewed here, the convincing linkage of CaMKII to synaptic physiology and behavior took many decades. New technologies were critical in this journey, including in vitro brain slices, mouse genetics, single-cell molecular genetics, pharmacological reagents, protein structure, and two-photon microscopy, as were new investigators attracted by the exciting challenge. This review tracks this journey and assesses the state of this marriage 40 years on. The collective literature impels us to propose a relatively simple model for synaptic memory involving the following steps that drive the process: 1) Ca2+ entry through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activates CaMKII. 2) CaMKII undergoes autophosphorylation resulting in constitutive, Ca2+-independent activity and exposure of a binding site for the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B. 3) Active CaMKII translocates to the postsynaptic density (PSD) and binds to the cytoplasmic C-tail of GluN2B. 4) The CaMKII-GluN2B complex initiates a structural rearrangement of the PSD that may involve liquid-liquid phase separation. 5) This rearrangement involves the PSD-95 scaffolding protein, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), and their transmembrane AMPAR-regulatory protein (TARP) auxiliary subunits, resulting in an accumulation of AMPARs in the PSD that underlies synaptic potentiation. 6) The stability of the modified PSD is maintained by the stability of the CaMKII-GluN2B complex. 7) By a process of subunit exchange or interholoenzyme phosphorylation CaMKII maintains synaptic potentiation in the face of CaMKII protein turnover. There are many other important proteins that participate in enlargement of the synaptic spine or modulation of the steps that drive and maintain the potentiation. In this review we critically discuss the data underlying each of the steps. As will become clear, some of these steps are more firmly grounded than others, and we provide suggestions as to how the evidence supporting these steps can be strengthened or, based on the new data, be replaced. Although the journey has been a long one, the prospect of having a detailed cellular and molecular understanding of learning and memory is at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A Nicoll
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Howard Schulman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
- Panorama Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California, United States
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19
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Napoli AJ, Laderwager S, Zoodsma JD, Biju B, Mucollari O, Schubel SK, Aprea C, Sayed A, Morgan K, Napoli A, Flanagan S, Wollmuth LP, Sirotkin HI. Loss of NMDA receptor function during development results in decreased KCC2 expression and increased neurons in the zebrafish forebrain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.25.554812. [PMID: 37786708 PMCID: PMC10541604 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.25.554812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurogenesis is a tightly regulated spatiotemporal process with its dysregulation implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. NMDA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels that are widely expressed in the early nervous system, yet their contribution to neurogenesis is poorly understood. Notably, a variety of mutations in genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. To rigorously define the role of NMDA receptors in developmental neurogenesis, we used a mutant zebrafish line ( grin1 -/- ) that lacks all NMDA receptors yet survives to 10 days post-fertilization, offering the opportunity to study post-embryonic neurodevelopment in the absence of NMDA receptors. Focusing on the forebrain, we find that these fish have a progressive supernumerary neuron phenotype confined to the telencephalon at the end of embryonic neurogenesis, but which extends to all forebrain regions during postembryonic neurogenesis. This enhanced neuron population does not arise directly from increased numbers or mitotic activity of radial glia cells, the principal neural stem cells. Rather, it stems from a lack of timely maturation of transit-amplifying neuroblasts into post-mitotic neurons, as indicated by a decrease in expression of the ontogenetically-expressed chloride transporter, KCC2. Pharmacological blockade with MK-801 recapitulates the grin1 -/- supernumerary neuron phenotype, indicating a requirement for ionotropic signaling. Thus, NMDA receptors are required for suppression of indirect, transit amplifying cell-driven neurogenesis by promoting maturational termination of mitosis. Loss of suppression results in neuronal overpopulation that can fundamentally change brain circuitry and may be a key factor in pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by NMDA receptor dysfunction.
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20
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Jain A, Nakahata Y, Watabe T, Rusina P, South K, Adachi K, Yan L, Simorowski N, Furukawa H, Yasuda R. Dendritic, delayed, and stochastic CaMKII activation underlies behavioral time scale plasticity in CA1 synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.549180. [PMID: 37577549 PMCID: PMC10418109 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.549180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral time scale plasticity (BTSP), is a form of non-Hebbian plasticity induced by integrating pre- and postsynaptic components separated by behavioral time scale (seconds). BTSP in the hippocampal CA1 neurons underlies place cell formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this behavioral time scale (eligibility trace) and synapse specificity are unknown. CaMKII can be activated in a synapse-specific manner and remain active for a few seconds, making it a compelling candidate for the eligibility trace during BTSP. Here, we show that BTSP can be induced in a single dendritic spine using 2-photon glutamate uncaging paired with postsynaptic current injection temporally separated by behavioral time scale. Using an improved CaMKII sensor, we saw no detectable CaMKII activation during this BTSP induction. Instead, we observed a dendritic, delayed, and stochastic CaMKII activation (DDSC) associated with Ca 2+ influx and plateau 20-40 s after BTSP induction. DDSC requires both pre-and postsynaptic activity, suggesting that CaMKII can integrate these two signals. Also, optogenetically blocking CaMKII 30 s after the BTSP protocol inhibited synaptic potentiation, indicating that DDSC is an essential mechanism of BTSP. IP3-dependent intracellular Ca 2+ release facilitates both DDSC and BTSP. Thus, our study suggests that the non-synapse specific CaMKII activation provides an instructive signal with an extensive time window over tens of seconds during BTSP.
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21
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O’Day DH. Alzheimer's Disease beyond Calcium Dysregulation: The Complex Interplay between Calmodulin, Calmodulin-Binding Proteins and Amyloid Beta from Disease Onset through Progression. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6246-6261. [PMID: 37623212 PMCID: PMC10453589 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A multifactorial syndrome, Alzheimer's disease is the main cause of dementia, but there is no existing therapy to prevent it or stop its progression. One of the earliest events of Alzheimer's disease is the disruption of calcium homeostasis but that is just a prelude to the disease's devastating impact. Calcium does not work alone but must interact with downstream cellular components of which the small regulatory protein calmodulin is central, if not primary. This review supports the idea that, due to calcium dyshomeostasis, calmodulin is a dominant regulatory protein that functions in all stages of Alzheimer's disease, and these regulatory events are impacted by amyloid beta. Amyloid beta not only binds to and regulates calmodulin but also multiple calmodulin-binding proteins involved in Alzheimer's. Together, they act on the regulation of calcium dyshomeostasis, neuroinflammation, amyloidogenesis, memory formation, neuronal plasticity and more. The complex interactions between calmodulin, its binding proteins and amyloid beta may explain why many therapies have failed or are doomed to failure unless they are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada;
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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22
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Larsen ME, Buonarati OR, Qian H, Hell JW, Bayer KU. Stimulating β-adrenergic receptors promotes synaptic potentiation by switching CaMKII movement from LTD to LTP mode. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104706. [PMID: 37061000 PMCID: PMC10200978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning, memory, and cognition are thought to require synaptic plasticity, specifically including hippocampal long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD). LTP versus LTD is induced by high-frequency stimulation versus low-frequency, but stimulating β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) enables LTP induction also by low-frequency stimulation (1 Hz) or theta frequencies (∼5 Hz) that do not cause plasticity by themselves. In contrast to high-frequency stimulation-LTP, such βAR-LTP requires Ca2+-flux through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+-channels, not N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors. Surprisingly, we found that βAR-LTP still required a nonionotropic scaffolding function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor: the stimulus-induced binding of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to its GluN2B subunit that mediates CaMKII movement to excitatory synapses. In hippocampal neurons, β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol (Iso) transformed LTD-type CaMKII movement to LTP-type movement, resulting in CaMKII movement to excitatory instead of inhibitory synapses. Additionally, Iso enabled induction of a major cell-biological feature of LTP in response to LTD stimuli: increased surface expression of GluA1 fused with super-ecliptic pHluorein. Like for βAR-LTP in hippocampal slices, the Iso effects on CaMKII movement and surface expression of GluA1 fused with super-ecliptic pHluorein involved L-type Ca2+-channels and specifically required β2-ARs. Taken together, these results indicate that Iso transforms LTD stimuli to LTP signals by switching CaMKII movement and GluN2B binding to LTP mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Larsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Olivia R Buonarati
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hai Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Johannes W Hell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA.
| | - K Ulrich Bayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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23
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Ge Y, Wang YT. GluN2B-containing NMDARs in the mammalian brain: pharmacology, physiology, and pathology. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1190324. [PMID: 37324591 PMCID: PMC10264587 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1190324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is critical for promoting physiological synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability. As a major subpopulation of the NMDAR, the GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs have distinct pharmacological properties, physiological functions, and pathological relevance to neurological diseases compared with other NMDAR subtypes. In mature neurons, GluN2B-containing NMDARs are likely expressed as both diheteromeric and triheteromeric receptors, though the functional importance of each subpopulation has yet to be disentangled. Moreover, the C-terminal region of the GluN2B subunit forms structural complexes with multiple intracellular signaling proteins. These protein complexes play critical roles in both activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival and death signaling, thus serving as the molecular substrates underlying multiple physiological functions. Accordingly, dysregulation of GluN2B-containing NMDARs and/or their downstream signaling pathways has been implicated in neurological diseases, and various strategies to reverse these deficits have been investigated. In this article, we provide an overview of GluN2B-containing NMDAR pharmacology and its key physiological functions, highlighting the importance of this receptor subtype during both health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ge
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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24
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Zhang H, Rodriguez-Hernandez LD, D'Souza AJ, He D, Zain M, Fung SW, Bennett LA, Bonin RP. Nociceptor activity induces nonionotropic NMDA receptor signaling to enable spinal reconsolidation and reverse pathological pain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2819. [PMID: 37205760 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Chronic, pathological pain is a highly debilitating condition that can arise and be maintained through central sensitization. Central sensitization shares mechanistic and phenotypic parallels with memory formation. In a sensory model of memory reconsolidation, plastic changes underlying pain hypersensitivity can be dynamically regulated and reversed following the reactivation of sensitized sensory pathways. However, the mechanisms by which synaptic reactivation induces destabilization of the spinal "pain engram" are unclear. We identified nonionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NI-NMDAR) signaling as necessary and sufficient for the reactive destabilization of dorsal horn long-term potentiation and the reversal of mechanical sensitization associated with central sensitization. NI-NMDAR signaling engaged directly or through the reactivation of sensitized sensory networks was associated with the degradation of excitatory postsynaptic proteins. Our findings identify NI-NMDAR signaling as a putative synaptic mechanism by which engrams are destabilized in reconsolidation and as a potential means of treating underlying causes of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis D Rodriguez-Hernandez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abigail J D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David He
- Department of Anesthesia, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maham Zain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel W Fung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura A Bennett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Dupuis JP, Nicole O, Groc L. NMDA receptor functions in health and disease: Old actor, new dimensions. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00344-6. [PMID: 37236178 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
N-Methyl-D-aspartate ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play key roles in synaptogenesis, synaptic maturation, long-term plasticity, neuronal network activity, and cognition. Mirroring this wide range of instrumental functions, abnormalities in NMDAR-mediated signaling have been associated with numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Thus, identifying the molecular mechanisms underpinning the physiological and pathological contributions of NMDAR has been a major area of investigation. Over the past decades, a large body of literature has flourished, revealing that the physiology of ionotropic glutamate receptors cannot be restricted to fluxing ions, and involves additional facets controlling synaptic transmissions in health and disease. Here, we review newly discovered dimensions of postsynaptic NMDAR signaling supporting neural plasticity and cognition, such as the nanoscale organization of NMDAR complexes, their activity-dependent redistributions, and non-ionotropic signaling capacities. We also discuss how dysregulations of these processes may directly contribute to NMDAR-dysfunction-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien P Dupuis
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Nicole
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Laurent Groc
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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26
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Gall CM, Le AA, Lynch G. Sex differences in synaptic plasticity underlying learning. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:764-782. [PMID: 33847004 PMCID: PMC10337639 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although sex differences in learning behaviors are well documented, sexual dimorphism in the synaptic processes of encoding is only recently appreciated. Studies in male rodents have built upon the discovery of long-term potentiation (LTP), and acceptance of this activity-dependent increase in synaptic strength as a mechanism of encoding, to identify synaptic receptors and signaling activities that coordinate the activity-dependent remodeling of the subsynaptic actin cytoskeleton that is critical for enduring potentiation and memory. These molecular substrates together with other features of LTP, as characterized in males, have provided an explanation for a range of memory phenomena including multiple stages of consolidation, the efficacy of spaced training, and the location of engrams at the level of individual synapses. In the present report, we summarize these findings and describe more recent results from our laboratories showing that in females the same actin regulatory mechanisms are required for hippocampal LTP and memory but, in females only, the engagement of both modulatory receptors such as TrkB and synaptic signaling intermediaries including Src and ERK1/2 requires neuron-derived estrogen and signaling through membrane-associated estrogen receptor α (ERα). Moreover, in association with the additional ERα involvement, females exhibit a higher threshold for hippocampal LTP and spatial learning. We propose that the distinct LTP threshold in females contributes to as yet unappreciated sex differences in information processing and features of learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Gall
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aliza A. Le
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gary Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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27
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Piniella D, Zafra F. Functional crosstalk of the glycine transporter GlyT1 and NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2023; 232:109514. [PMID: 37003571 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) constitute one of the main glutamate (Glu) targets in the central nervous system and are involved in synaptic plasticity, which is the molecular substrate of learning and memory. Hypofunction of NMDARs has been associated with schizophrenia, while overstimulation causes neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases or in stroke. The function of NMDARs requires coincidental binding of Glu along with other cellular signals such as neuronal depolarization, and the presence of other endogenous ligands that modulate their activity by allosterism. Among these allosteric modulators are zinc, protons and Gly, which is an obligatory co-agonist. These characteristics differentiate NMDARs from other receptors, and their structural bases have begun to be established in recent years. In this review we focus on the crosstalk between Glu and glycine (Gly), whose concentration in the NMDAR microenvironment is maintained by various Gly transporters that remove or release it into the medium in a regulated manner. The GlyT1 transporter is particularly involved in this task, and has become a target of great interest for the treatment of schizophrenia since its inhibition leads to an increase in synaptic Gly levels that enhances the activity of NMDARs. However, the only drug that has completed phase III clinical trials did not yield the expected results. Notwithstanding, there are additional drugs that continue to be investigated, and it is hoped that knowledge gained from the recently published 3D structure of GlyT1 may allow the rational design of more effective new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Piniella
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; IdiPAZ, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain
| | - Francisco Zafra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; IdiPAZ, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain.
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28
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Zhou L, Sun X, Duan J. NMDARs regulate the excitatory-inhibitory balance within neural circuits. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2022.9050020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance is essential for normal neural development, behavior and cognition. E/I imbalance leads to a variety of neurological disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) regulate AMPAR-mediated excitatory and GABAAR-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission, suggesting that NMDARs play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of the E/I balance. In this review, we briefly introduced NMDARs, AMPARs and GABAARs, summarized the current studies on E/I balance mediated by NMDARs, and discussed the current advances in NMDAR-mediated AMPAR and GABAAR development. Specifically, we analyzed the role of NMDAR subunits in the establishment and maintenance of E/I balance, which may provide new therapeutic strategies for the recovery of E/I imbalance in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
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29
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Soda T, Brunetti V, Berra-Romani R, Moccia F. The Emerging Role of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Cardiovascular System: Physiological Implications, Pathological Consequences, and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043914. [PMID: 36835323 PMCID: PMC9965111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, mediate the slow component of excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS), and induce long-term changes in synaptic plasticity. NMDARs are non-selective cation channels that allow the influx of extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ and control cellular activity via both membrane depolarization and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The distribution, structure, and role of neuronal NMDARs have been extensively investigated and it is now known that they also regulate crucial functions in the non-neuronal cellular component of the CNS, i.e., astrocytes and cerebrovascular endothelial cells. In addition, NMDARs are expressed in multiple peripheral organs, including heart and systemic and pulmonary circulations. Herein, we survey the most recent information available regarding the distribution and function of NMDARs within the cardiovascular system. We describe the involvement of NMDARs in the modulation of heart rate and cardiac rhythm, in the regulation of arterial blood pressure, in the regulation of cerebral blood flow, and in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In parallel, we describe how enhanced NMDAR activity could promote ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), and BBB dysfunction. Targeting NMDARs could represent an unexpected pharmacological strategy to reduce the growing burden of several life-threatening cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Brunetti
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0382-987613
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30
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NMDA Receptor and Its Emerging Role in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032540. [PMID: 36768862 PMCID: PMC9917092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is a key player in excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a glutamate-gated ion channel which presents several unique features and is involved in various physiological and pathological neuronal processes. Thanks to great efforts in neuroscience, its structure and the molecular mechanisms controlling its localization and functional regulation in neuronal cells are well known. The signaling mediated by NMDAR in neurons is very complex as it depends on its localization, composition, Ca2+ influx, and ion flow-independent conformational changes. Moreover, NMDA receptors are highly diffusive in the plasma membrane of neurons, where they form heterocomplexes with other membrane receptors and scaffold proteins which determine the receptor function and activation of downstream signaling. Interestingly, a recent paper demonstrates that NMDAR signaling is involved in epithelial cell competition, an evolutionary conserved cell fitness process influencing cancer initiation and progress. The idea that NMDAR signaling is limited to CNS has been challenged in the past two decades. A large body of evidence suggests that NMDAR is expressed in cancer cells outside the CNS and can respond to the autocrine/paracrine release of glutamate. In this review, we survey research on NMDAR signaling and regulation in neurons that can help illuminate its role in tumor biology. Finally, we will discuss existing data on the role of the glutamine/glutamate metabolism, the anticancer action of NMDAR antagonists in experimental models, NMDAR synaptic signaling in tumors, and clinical evidence in human cancer.
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31
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Ribarič S. Detecting Early Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease with Brain Synaptic Structural and Functional Evaluation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020355. [PMID: 36830892 PMCID: PMC9952956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020355] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Early cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's (AD) is associated with quantifiable structural and functional connectivity changes in the brain. AD dysregulation of Aβ and tau metabolism progressively disrupt normal synaptic function, leading to loss of synapses, decreased hippocampal synaptic density and early hippocampal atrophy. Advances in brain imaging techniques in living patients have enabled the transition from clinical signs and symptoms-based AD diagnosis to biomarkers-based diagnosis, with functional brain imaging techniques, quantitative EEG, and body fluids sampling. The hippocampus has a central role in semantic and episodic memory processing. This cognitive function is critically dependent on normal intrahippocampal connections and normal hippocampal functional connectivity with many cortical regions, including the perirhinal and the entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, association regions in the temporal and parietal lobes, and prefrontal cortex. Therefore, decreased hippocampal synaptic density is reflected in the altered functional connectivity of intrinsic brain networks (aka large-scale networks), including the parietal memory, default mode, and salience networks. This narrative review discusses recent critical issues related to detecting AD-associated early cognitive decline with brain synaptic structural and functional markers in high-risk or neuropsychologically diagnosed patients with subjective cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samo Ribarič
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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32
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Obot P, Subah G, Schonwald A, Pan J, Velíšek L, Velíšková J, Stanton PK, Scemes E. Astrocyte and neuronal Panx1 support long-term reference memory in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.16.524236. [PMID: 36711845 PMCID: PMC9882221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.16.524236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) are ubiquitously expressed proteins that form plasma membrane channels permeable to anions and moderate sized signaling molecules (e.g., ATP, glutamate). In the nervous system, activation of Panx1 channels have been extensively shown to contribute to distinct neurological disorders (epilepsy, chronic pain, migraine, neuroAIDS, etc.) but knowledge of extent to which these channels have a physiological role remains restricted to three studies supporting their involvement in hippocampus dependent learning. Given that Panx1 channels may provide an important mechanism for activity-dependent neuron-glia interaction, we used Panx1 transgenic mice with global and cell-type specific deletions of Panx1 to interrogate their participation in working and reference memory. Using the 8-arm radial maze, we show that long-term spatial reference memory, but not spatial working memory, is deficient in Panx1-null mice and that both astrocyte and neuronal Panx1 contribute to the consolidation of long-term spatial memory. Field potential recordings in hippocampal slices of Panx1-null mice revealed an attenuation of both long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic strength and long-term depression (LTD) at Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapses without alterations basal synaptic transmission or pre-synaptic paired-pulse facilitation. Our results implicate both neuronal and astrocyte Panx1 channels as critical players for the development and maintenance of long-term spatial reference memory in mice.
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33
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Chen H, Dong Y, Wu Y, Yi F. Targeting NMDA receptor signaling for therapeutic intervention in brain disorders. Rev Neurosci 2023:revneuro-2022-0096. [PMID: 36586105 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hyperfunction plays a key role in the pathological processes of depression and neurodegenerative diseases, whereas NMDA receptor hypofunction is implicated in schizophrenia. Considerable efforts have been made to target NMDA receptor function for the therapeutic intervention in those brain disorders. In this mini-review, we first discuss ion flux-dependent NMDA receptor signaling and ion flux-independent NMDA receptor signaling that result from structural rearrangement upon binding of endogenous agonists. Then, we review current strategies for exploring druggable targets of the NMDA receptor signaling and promising future directions, which are poised to result in new therapeutic agents for several brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Yuanping Dong
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Yun Wu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Feng Yi
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
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34
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KASAI H. Unraveling the mysteries of dendritic spine dynamics: Five key principles shaping memory and cognition. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2023; 99:254-305. [PMID: 37821392 PMCID: PMC10749395 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.99.018] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent research extends our understanding of brain processes beyond just action potentials and chemical transmissions within neural circuits, emphasizing the mechanical forces generated by excitatory synapses on dendritic spines to modulate presynaptic function. From in vivo and in vitro studies, we outline five central principles of synaptic mechanics in brain function: P1: Stability - Underpinning the integral relationship between the structure and function of the spine synapses. P2: Extrinsic dynamics - Highlighting synapse-selective structural plasticity which plays a crucial role in Hebbian associative learning, distinct from pathway-selective long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). P3: Neuromodulation - Analyzing the role of G-protein-coupled receptors, particularly dopamine receptors, in time-sensitive modulation of associative learning frameworks such as Pavlovian classical conditioning and Thorndike's reinforcement learning (RL). P4: Instability - Addressing the intrinsic dynamics crucial to memory management during continual learning, spotlighting their role in "spine dysgenesis" associated with mental disorders. P5: Mechanics - Exploring how synaptic mechanics influence both sides of synapses to establish structural traces of short- and long-term memory, thereby aiding the integration of mental functions. We also delve into the historical background and foresee impending challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruo KASAI
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Obot P, Subah G, Schonwald A, Pan J, Velíšek L, Velíšková J, Stanton PK, Scemes E. Astrocyte and Neuronal Panx1 Support Long-Term Reference Memory in Mice. ASN Neuro 2023; 15:17590914231184712. [PMID: 37365910 DOI: 10.1177/17590914231184712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) is an ubiquitously expressed protein that forms plasma membrane channels permeable to anions and moderate-sized signaling molecules (e.g., ATP, glutamate). In the nervous system, activation of Panx1 channels has been extensively shown to contribute to distinct neurological disorders (epilepsy, chronic pain, migraine, neuroAIDS, etc.), but knowledge of the extent to which these channels have a physiological role remains restricted to three studies supporting their involvement in hippocampus dependent learning. Given that Panx1 channels may provide an important mechanism for activity-dependent neuron-glia interaction, we used Panx1 transgenic mice with global and cell-type specific deletions of Panx1 to interrogate their participation in working and reference memory. Using the eight-arm radial maze, we show that long-term spatial reference memory, but not spatial working memory, is deficient in Panx1-null mice and that both astrocyte and neuronal Panx1 contribute to the consolidation of long-term spatial memory. Field potential recordings in hippocampal slices of Panx1-null mice revealed an attenuation of both long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic strength and long-term depression (LTD) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses without alterations of basal synaptic transmission or pre-synaptic paired-pulse facilitation. Our results implicate both neuronal and astrocyte Panx1 channels as critical players for the development and maintenance of long-term spatial reference memory in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Price Obot
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Galadu Subah
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Antonia Schonwald
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Libor Velíšek
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Jana Velíšková
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Patric K Stanton
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Eliana Scemes
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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36
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Tran LTT, Pham LHD, Dang NYT, Nguyen Le NT, Nguyen HB, Nguyen TK. Phytochemicals Derived from Goniothalamus elegans Ast Exhibit Anticancer Activity by Inhibiting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221138435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major health burden and a leading cause of death worldwide, with numerous new molecules being studied and developed as therapeutic agents. In this study, the cytotoxicity of compounds derived from Goniothalamus elegans was evaluated for possible anticancer activity. It was observed that the crude methanol extract of G. elegans exerted the strongest cytotoxic activity against SW-480, AGS, and SK-LU-1 cell lines. In addition, two isolated alkaloids—namely, lysicamine and liriodenine—also showed strong inhibitory ability against similar cancer cell lines. To further investigate the compounds’ mechanism of action, a molecular docking approach was utilized to evaluate the potential of the two candidates to interact with the epidermal growth factor receptor. This assay estimated that lysicamine and liriodenine acquired protein binding affinities of −8.8 and −9.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Finally, the stabilities of the ligand–protein complexes were evaluated using molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Thuy Thi Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
| | - Long-Hung Dinh Pham
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nhi Yen Thi Dang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thao Nguyen Le
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
| | - Huu Bao Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
| | - Tan Khanh Nguyen
- Institute of Applied Life Sciences, Dong A University, Da Nang city, Vietnam
- Scientific Management Department, Dong A University, Da Nang City, Vietnam
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37
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Targeting NMDA Receptors in Emotional Disorders: Their Role in Neuroprotection. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101329. [PMID: 36291261 PMCID: PMC9599159 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission mediated through N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) is essential for synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. While under pathological states, abnormal NMDAR activation is involved in the occurrence and development of psychiatric disorders, which suggests a directional modulation of NMDAR activity that contributes to the remission and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This review thus focuses on the involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiological processes of psychiatric mood disorders and analyzes the neuroprotective mechanisms of NMDARs. Firstly, we introduce NMDAR-mediated neural signaling pathways in brain function and mood regulation as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of NMDARs in emotion-related mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Then, we provide an in-depth summary of current NMDAR modulators that have the potential to be developed into clinical drugs and their pharmacological research achievements in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Based on these findings, drug-targeting for NMDARs might open up novel territory for the development of therapeutic agents for refractory anxiety and depression.
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38
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Prikas E, Paric E, Asih PR, Stefanoska K, Stefen H, Fath T, Poljak A, Ittner A. Tau target identification reveals NSF-dependent effects on AMPA receptor trafficking and memory formation. EMBO J 2022; 41:e10242. [PMID: 35993331 PMCID: PMC9475529 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau is a central factor in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. However, the physiological functions of tau are unclear. Here, we used proximity-labelling proteomics to chart tau interactomes in primary neurons and mouse brains in vivo. Tau interactors map onto pathways of cytoskeletal, synaptic vesicle and postsynaptic receptor regulation and show significant enrichment for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and prion disease. We find that tau interacts with and dose-dependently reduces the activity of N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF), a vesicular ATPase essential for AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) trafficking. Tau-deficient (tau-/- ) neurons showed mislocalised expression of NSF and enhanced synaptic AMPAR surface levels, reversible through the expression of human tau or inhibition of NSF. Consequently, enhanced AMPAR-mediated associative and object recognition memory in tau-/- mice is suppressed by both hippocampal tau and infusion with an NSF-inhibiting peptide. Pathologic mutant tau from mouse models or Alzheimer's disease significantly enhances NSF inhibition. Our results map neuronal tau interactomes and delineate a functional link of tau with NSF in plasticity-associated AMPAR-trafficking and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Prikas
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Esmeralda Paric
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Prita R Asih
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Holly Stefen
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Thomas Fath
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Mark Wainwright Analytical CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
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Seillier C, Lesept F, Toutirais O, Potzeha F, Blanc M, Vivien D. Targeting NMDA Receptors at the Neurovascular Unit: Past and Future Treatments for Central Nervous System Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810336. [PMID: 36142247 PMCID: PMC9499580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The excitatory neurotransmission of the central nervous system (CNS) mainly involves glutamate and its receptors, especially N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptors (NMDARs). These receptors have been extensively described on neurons and, more recently, also on other cell types. Nowadays, the study of their differential expression and function is taking a growing place in preclinical and clinical research. The diversity of NMDAR subtypes and their signaling pathways give rise to pleiotropic functions such as brain development, neuronal plasticity, maturation along with excitotoxicity, blood-brain barrier integrity, and inflammation. NMDARs have thus emerged as key targets for the treatment of neurological disorders. By their large extracellular regions and complex intracellular structures, NMDARs are modulated by a variety of endogenous and pharmacological compounds. Here, we will present an overview of NMDAR functions on neurons and other important cell types involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative, neurovascular, mental, autoimmune, and neurodevelopmental diseases. We will then discuss past and future development of NMDAR targeting drugs, including innovative and promising new approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Seillier
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, GIP Cyceron, Institute Blood and Brain @Caen-Normandie (BB@C), UMR-S U1237, Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND), 14000 Caen, France
| | - Flavie Lesept
- Lys Therapeutics, Cyceron, Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Olivier Toutirais
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, GIP Cyceron, Institute Blood and Brain @Caen-Normandie (BB@C), UMR-S U1237, Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND), 14000 Caen, France
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility (HLA), Caen University Hospital, CHU, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Fanny Potzeha
- Lys Therapeutics, Cyceron, Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Manuel Blanc
- Lys Therapeutics, Cyceron, Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Denis Vivien
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, GIP Cyceron, Institute Blood and Brain @Caen-Normandie (BB@C), UMR-S U1237, Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND), 14000 Caen, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Caen University Hospital, CHU, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence:
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40
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Butcher JB, Sims RE, Ngum NM, Bazzari AH, Jenkins SI, King M, Hill EJ, Nagel DA, Fox K, Parri HR, Glazewski S. A requirement for astrocyte IP3R2 signaling for whisker experience-dependent depression and homeostatic upregulation in the mouse barrel cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:905285. [PMID: 36090792 PMCID: PMC9452848 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.905285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes to sensory experience result in plasticity of synapses in the cortex. This experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) is a fundamental property of the brain. Yet, while much is known about neuronal roles in EDP, very little is known about the role of astrocytes. To address this issue, we used the well-described mouse whiskers-to-barrel cortex system, which expresses a number of forms of EDP. We found that all-whisker deprivation induced characteristic experience-dependent Hebbian depression (EDHD) followed by homeostatic upregulation in L2/3 barrel cortex of wild type mice. However, these changes were not seen in mutant animals (IP3R2–/–) that lack the astrocyte-expressed IP3 receptor subtype. A separate paradigm, the single-whisker experience, induced potentiation of whisker-induced response in both wild-type (WT) mice and IP3R2–/– mice. Recordings in ex vivo barrel cortex slices reflected the in vivo results so that long-term depression (LTD) could not be elicited in slices from IP3R2–/– mice, but long-term potentiation (LTP) could. Interestingly, 1 Hz stimulation inducing LTD in WT paradoxically resulted in NMDAR-dependent LTP in slices from IP3R2–/– animals. The LTD to LTP switch was mimicked by acute buffering astrocytic [Ca2+]i in WT slices. Both WT LTD and IP3R2–/– 1 Hz LTP were mediated by non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling, but only WT LTD was P38 MAPK dependent, indicating an underlying mechanistic switch. These results demonstrate a critical role for astrocytic [Ca2+]i in several EDP mechanisms in neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B. Butcher
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. Sims
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Neville M. Ngum
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amjad H. Bazzari
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart I. Jenkins
- Neural Tissue Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM), Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne King
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J. Hill
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Nagel
- Aston Medical School, Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Fox
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - H. Rheinallt Parri
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: H. Rheinallt Parri,
| | - Stanislaw Glazewski
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
- Stanislaw Glazewski,
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41
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Dean CA, Metzbower SR, Dessain SK, Blanpied TA, Benavides DR. Regulation of NMDA Receptor Signaling at Single Synapses by Human Anti-NMDA Receptor Antibodies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:940005. [PMID: 35966009 PMCID: PMC9371948 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.940005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN1 is critical for receptor function and plays a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity. Mounting evidence has shown that pathogenic autoantibody targeting of the GluN1 subunit of NMDARs, as in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, leads to altered NMDAR trafficking and synaptic localization. However, the underlying signaling pathways affected by antibodies targeting the NMDAR remain to be fully delineated. It remains unclear whether patient antibodies influence synaptic transmission via direct effects on NMDAR channel function. Here, we show using short-term incubation that GluN1 antibodies derived from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis label synapses in mature hippocampal primary neuron culture. Miniature spontaneous calcium transients (mSCaTs) mediated via NMDARs at synaptic spines are not altered in pathogenic GluN1 antibody exposed conditions. Unexpectedly, spine-based and cell-based analyses yielded distinct results. In addition, we show that calcium does not accumulate in neuronal spines following brief exposure to pathogenic GluN1 antibodies. Together, these findings show that pathogenic antibodies targeting NMDARs, under these specific conditions, do not alter synaptic calcium influx following neurotransmitter release. This represents a novel investigation of the molecular effects of anti-NMDAR antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Dean
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah R. Metzbower
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Scott K. Dessain
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, United States
| | - Thomas A. Blanpied
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David R. Benavides
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: David R. Benavides,
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42
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Park DK, Petshow S, Anisimova M, Barragan EV, Gray JA, Stein IS, Zito K. Reduced d-serine levels drive enhanced non-ionotropic NMDA receptor signaling and destabilization of dendritic spines in a mouse model for studying schizophrenia. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105772. [PMID: 35605760 PMCID: PMC9352378 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects over 20 million people globally. Notably, schizophrenia is associated with decreased density of dendritic spines and decreased levels of d-serine, a co-agonist required for opening of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). We hypothesized that lowered d-serine levels associated with schizophrenia would enhance ion flux-independent signaling by the NMDAR, driving destabilization and loss of dendritic spines. We tested our hypothesis using the serine racemase knockout (SRKO) mouse model, which lacks the enzyme for d-serine production. We show that activity-dependent spine growth is impaired in SRKO mice, but can be acutely rescued by exogenous d-serine. Moreover, we find a significant bias of synaptic plasticity toward spine shrinkage in the SRKO mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Notably, we demonstrate that enhanced ion flux-independent signaling through the NMDAR contributes to this bias toward spine destabilization, which is exacerbated by an increase in synaptic NMDARs in hippocampal synapses of SRKO mice. Our results support a model in which lowered d-serine levels associated with schizophrenia enhance ion flux-independent NMDAR signaling and bias toward spine shrinkage and destabilization.
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Koh W, Park M, Chun YE, Lee J, Shim HS, Park MG, Kim S, Sa M, Joo J, Kang H, Oh SJ, Woo J, Chun H, Lee SE, Hong J, Feng J, Li Y, Ryu H, Cho J, Lee CJ. Astrocytes Render Memory Flexible by Releasing D-Serine and Regulating NMDA Receptor Tone in the Hippocampus. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:740-752. [PMID: 34952697 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NMDA receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders with impairment of cognitive flexibility. However, the molecular mechanism of how NMDAR hypofunction with decreased NMDAR tone causes the impairment of cognitive flexibility has been minimally understood. Furthermore, it has been unclear whether hippocampal astrocytes regulate NMDAR tone and cognitive flexibility. METHODS We employed cell type-specific genetic manipulations, ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, sniffer patch recordings, cutting-edge biosensor for norepinephrine, and behavioral assays to investigate whether astrocytes can regulate NMDAR tone by releasing D-serine and glutamate. Subsequently, we further investigated the role of NMDAR tone in heterosynaptic long-term depression, metaplasticity, and cognitive flexibility. RESULTS We found that hippocampal astrocytes regulate NMDAR tone via BEST1-mediated corelease of D-serine and glutamate. Best1 knockout mice exhibited reduced NMDAR tone and impairments of homosynaptic and α1 adrenergic receptor-dependent heterosynaptic long-term depression, which leads to defects in metaplasticity and cognitive flexibility. These impairments in Best1 knockout mice can be rescued by hippocampal astrocyte-specific BEST1 expression or enhanced NMDAR tone through D-serine supplement. D-serine injection in Best1 knockout mice during initial learning rescues subsequent reversal learning. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that NMDAR tone during initial learning is important for subsequent learning, and hippocampal NMDAR tone regulated by astrocytic BEST1 is critical for heterosynaptic long-term depression, metaplasticity, and cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhyun Koh
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mijeong Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ye Eun Chun
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaekwang Lee
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Shim
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mingu Gordon Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunpil Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Moonsun Sa
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyeong Joo
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyunji Kang
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junsung Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heejung Chun
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Virus Facility, Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinpyo Hong
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiesi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeiwon Cho
- Brain and Cognitive Science, Scranton College, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.
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44
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Li Y, Cheng X, Liu X, Wang L, Ha J, Gao Z, He X, Wu Z, Chen A, Jewell LL, Sun Y. Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia Through NMDA Receptors: Metabotropic Signaling and Future Directions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:831181. [PMID: 35264964 PMCID: PMC8900870 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.831181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive activation of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors after cerebral ischemia is a key cause of ischemic injury. For a long time, it was generally accepted that calcium influx is a necessary condition for ischemic injury mediated by NMDA receptors. However, recent studies have shown that NMDA receptor signaling, independent of ion flow, plays an important role in the regulation of ischemic brain injury. The purpose of this review is to better understand the roles of metabotropic NMDA receptor signaling in cerebral ischemia and to discuss the research and development directions of NMDA receptor antagonists against cerebral ischemia. This mini review provides a discussion on how metabotropic transduction is mediated by the NMDA receptor, related signaling molecules, and roles of metabotropic NMDA receptor signaling in cerebral ischemia. In view of the important roles of metabotropic signaling in cerebral ischemia, NMDA receptor antagonists, such as GluN2B-selective antagonists, which can effectively block both pro-death metabotropic and pro-death ionotropic signaling, may have better application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaokun Cheng
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa.,Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei Chemical & Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang, China.,New Drug Research & Development Co., Ltd., North China Pharmaceutical Group Corporation, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei Chemical & Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Technological Innovation Center of Chiral Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Ha
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Research Center of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zibin Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Research Center of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoliang He
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhuo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aibing Chen
- College of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Linda L Jewell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yongjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Research Center of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China.,State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang, China
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45
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Park DK, Stein IS, Zito K. Ion flux-independent NMDA receptor signaling. Neuropharmacology 2022; 210:109019. [PMID: 35278420 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
NMDA receptors play vital roles in a broad array of essential brain functions, from synaptic transmission and plasticity to learning and memory. Historically, the fundamental roles of NMDARs were attributed to their specialized properties of ion flux. More recently, it has become clear that NMDARs also signal in an ion flux-independent manner. Here, we review these non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling mechanisms that have been reported to contribute to a broad array of neuronal functions and dysfunctions including synaptic transmission and plasticity, cell death and survival, and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K Park
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Ivar S Stein
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, 95618, USA.
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46
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Presynaptic NMDA Receptors Influence Ca2+ Dynamics by Interacting with Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels during the Induction of Long-Term Depression. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:2900875. [PMID: 35178084 PMCID: PMC8844386 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2900875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike-timing-dependent long-term depression (t-LTD) of glutamatergic layer (L)4-L2/3 synapses in developing neocortex requires activation of astrocytes by endocannabinoids (eCBs), which release glutamate onto presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs). The exact function of preNMDARs in this context is still elusive and strongly debated. To elucidate their function, we show that bath application of the eCB 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) induces a preNMDAR-dependent form of chemically induced LTD (eCB-LTD) in L2/3 pyramidal neurons in the juvenile somatosensory cortex of rats. Presynaptic Ca2+ imaging from L4 spiny stellate axons revealed that action potential (AP) evoked Ca2+ transients show a preNMDAR-dependent broadening during eCB-LTD induction. However, blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) did not uncover direct preNMDAR-mediated Ca2+ transients in the axon. This suggests that astrocyte-mediated glutamate release onto preNMDARs does not result in a direct Ca2+ influx, but that it instead leads to an indirect interaction with presynaptic VDCCs, boosting axonal Ca2+ influx. These results reveal one of the main remaining missing pieces in the signaling cascade of t-LTD at developing cortical synapses.
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47
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Xie RG, Chu WG, Liu DL, Wang X, Ma SB, Wang F, Wang FD, Lin Z, Wu WB, Lu N, Liu YY, Han WJ, Zhang H, Bai ZT, Hu SJ, Tao HR, Kuner T, Zhang X, Kuner R, Wu SX, Luo C. Presynaptic NMDARs on spinal nociceptor terminals state-dependently modulate synaptic transmission and pain. Nat Commun 2022; 13:728. [PMID: 35132099 PMCID: PMC8821657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28429-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Postsynaptic NMDARs at spinal synapses are required for postsynaptic long-term potentiation and chronic pain. However, how presynaptic NMDARs (PreNMDARs) in spinal nociceptor terminals control presynaptic plasticity and pain hypersensitivity has remained unclear. Here we report that PreNMDARs in spinal nociceptor terminals modulate synaptic transmission in a nociceptive tone-dependent manner. PreNMDARs depresses presynaptic transmission in basal state, while paradoxically causing presynaptic potentiation upon injury. This state-dependent modulation is dependent on Ca2+ influx via PreNMDARs. Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are responsible for PreNMDARs-mediated synaptic depression. Rather, tissue inflammation induces PreNMDARs-PKG-I-dependent BDNF secretion from spinal nociceptor terminals, leading to SK channels downregulation, which in turn converts presynaptic depression to potentiation. Our findings shed light on the state-dependent characteristics of PreNMDARs in spinal nociceptor terminals on modulating nociceptive transmission and revealed a mechanism underlying state-dependent transition. Moreover, we identify PreNMDARs in spinal nociceptor terminals as key constituents of activity-dependent pain sensitization. Postsynaptic NMDARs at spinal synapses are required for postsynaptic long-term potentiation and chronic pain. Here, the authors show that also presynaptic NMDARs in spinal nociceptor terminals modulate synaptic transmission in a nociceptive tone-dependent manner.
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48
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Keith RE, Ogoe RH, Dumas TC. Behind the scenes: Are latent memories supported by calcium independent plasticity? Hippocampus 2022; 32:73-88. [PMID: 33905147 PMCID: PMC8548406 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) can be considered to be the de facto "plasticity" receptors in the brain due to their central role in the activity-dependent modification of neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission. Since the 1980s, research on NMDARs has focused on the second messenger properties of calcium and the downstream signaling pathways that mediate alterations in neural form and function. Recently, NMDARs were shown to drive activity-dependent synaptic plasticity without calcium influx. How this "nonionotropic" plasticity occurs in vitro is becoming clearer, but research on its involvement in behavior and cognition is in its infancy. There is a partial overlap in the downstream signaling molecules that are involved in ionotropic and nonionotropic NMDAR-dependent plasticity. Given this, and prior studies of the cognitive impacts of ionotropic NMDAR plasticity, a preliminary model explaining how NMDAR nonionotropic plasticity affects learning and memory can be established. We hypothesize that nonionotropic NMDAR plasticity takes part in latent memory encoding in immature rodents through nonassociative depression of synaptic efficacy, and possibly shrinking of dendritic spines. Further, the late postnatal alteration in NMDAR composition in the hippocampus appears to reduce nonionotropic signaling and remove a restriction on memory retrieval. This framework substantially alters the canonical model of NMDAR involvement in spatial cognition and hippocampal maturation and provides novel and exciting inroads for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Richard H. Ogoe
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia,Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
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49
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Le AA, Lauterborn JC, Jia Y, Wang W, Cox CD, Gall CM, Lynch G. Prepubescent female rodents have enhanced hippocampal LTP and learning relative to males, reversing in adulthood as inhibition increases. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:180-190. [PMID: 35087246 PMCID: PMC8876130 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-01001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies indicate that adult male rodents perform better than females on spatial problems and have a lower threshold for long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal CA3-to-CA1 synapses. We report here that, in rodents, prepubescent females rapidly encode spatial information and express low-threshold LTP, whereas age-matched males do not. The loss of low-threshold LTP across female puberty was associated with three inter-related changes: increased densities of α5 subunit-containing GABAARs at inhibitory synapses, greater shunting of burst responses used to induce LTP and a reduction of NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses. A negative allosteric modulator of α5-GABAARs increased burst responses to a greater degree in adult than in juvenile females and markedly enhanced both LTP and spatial memory in adults. The reasons for the gain of functions with male puberty do not involve these mechanisms. In all, puberty has opposite consequences for plasticity in the two sexes, albeit through different routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A Le
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Julie C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yousheng Jia
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Weisheng Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Conor D Cox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christine M Gall
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Gary Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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50
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France G, Volianskis R, Ingram R, Bannister N, Rothärmel R, Irvine MW, Fang G, Burnell ES, Sapkota K, Costa BM, Chopra DA, Dravid SM, Michael-Titus AT, Monaghan DT, Georgiou J, Bortolotto ZA, Jane DE, Collingridge GL, Volianskis A. Differential regulation of STP, LTP and LTD by structurally diverse NMDA receptor subunit-specific positive allosteric modulators. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108840. [PMID: 34678377 PMCID: PMC8803579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Different types of memory are thought to rely on different types of synaptic plasticity, many of which depend on the activation of the N-Methyl-D Aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in the possibility of using positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) as cognitive enhancers. Here we firstly review the evidence that NMDA receptor-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity: short-term potentiation (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) can be pharmacologically differentiated by using NMDAR ligands. These observations suggest that PAMs of NMDAR function, depending on their subtype selectivity, might differentially regulate STP, LTP and LTD. To test this hypothesis, we secondly performed experiments in rodent hippocampal slices with UBP714 (a GluN2A/2B preferring PAM), CIQ (a GluN2C/D selective PAM) and UBP709 (a pan-PAM that potentiates all GluN2 subunits). We report here, for the first time, that: (i) UBP714 potentiates sub-maximal LTP and reduces LTD; (ii) CIQ potentiates STP without affecting LTP; (iii) UBP709 enhances LTD and decreases LTP. We conclude that PAMs can differentially regulate distinct forms of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity due to their subtype selectivity. This article is part of the Neuropharmacology Special Issue on ‘Glutamate Receptors – NMDA receptors’. NMDAR-dependent STP, LTP and LTD can be dissociated pharmacologically GluN2A/2B PAM UBP714 potentiates LTP and reduces LTD GluN2C/D PAM CIQ potentiates STP without affecting LTP NMDAR pan-PAM UBP709 potentiates LTD and reduces LTP
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Affiliation(s)
- G France
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Volianskis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Ingram
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - N Bannister
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Rothärmel
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M W Irvine
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - G Fang
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - E S Burnell
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK
| | - K Sapkota
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - B M Costa
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA & Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - D A Chopra
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - S M Dravid
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - A T Michael-Titus
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - D T Monaghan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - J Georgiou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Z A Bortolotto
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - D E Jane
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - G L Collingridge
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Volianskis
- Schools of Clinical Sciences and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK; School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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