1
|
Nguyen PT, Harris BJ, Mateos DL, González AH, Murray AM, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Structural modeling of ion channels using AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold2, and ESMFold. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2325032. [PMID: 38445990 PMCID: PMC10936637 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2325032] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play key roles in human physiology and are important targets in drug discovery. The atomic-scale structures of ion channels provide invaluable insights into a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms of channel gating and modulation. Recent breakthroughs in deep learning-based computational methods, such as AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold have transformed research in protein structure prediction and design. We review the application of AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold to structural modeling of ion channels using representative voltage-gated ion channels, including human voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel - NaV1.8, human voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel - CaV1.1, and human voltage-gated potassium (KV) channel - KV1.3. We compared AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, and ESMFold structural models of NaV1.8, CaV1.1, and KV1.3 with corresponding cryo-EM structures to assess details of their similarities and differences. Our findings shed light on the strengths and limitations of the current state-of-the-art deep learning-based computational methods for modeling ion channel structures, offering valuable insights to guide their future applications for ion channel research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Tran Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brandon John Harris
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adriana Hernández González
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Z, Wu Q, Yan N. A structural atlas of druggable sites on Na v channels. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2287832. [PMID: 38033122 PMCID: PMC10732651 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2287832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels govern membrane excitability by initiating and propagating action potentials. Consistent with their physiological significance, dysfunction, or mutations in these channels are associated with various channelopathies. Nav channels are thereby major targets for various clinical and investigational drugs. In addition, a large number of natural toxins, both small molecules and peptides, can bind to Nav channels and modulate their functions. Technological breakthrough in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has enabled the determination of high-resolution structures of eukaryotic and eventually human Nav channels, alone or in complex with auxiliary subunits, toxins, and drugs. These studies have not only advanced our comprehension of channel architecture and working mechanisms but also afforded unprecedented clarity to the molecular basis for the binding and mechanism of action (MOA) of prototypical drugs and toxins. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent advances in structural pharmacology of Nav channels, encompassing the structural map for ligand binding on Nav channels. These findings have established a vital groundwork for future drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song C, Qiu J, Luo M, Fu Y, Hu S, Liu W, Zhang D, Chen M, Cao Z, Yang X, Ke B. Identification of N-(((1S,3R,5S)-adamantan-1-yl)methyl)-3-((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)benzenesulfonamide as novel Nav1.8 inhibitor with analgesic profile. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129862. [PMID: 38944398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129862] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common and challenging clinical problem that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. The sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of chronic pain, making it one of the key targets for treating chronic pain. In this article, we combined virtual screening with cell membrane chromatography techniques to establish a novel method for rapid high-throughput screening of selective Nav1.8 inhibitors. Using this approach, we identified a small molecule compound 6, which not only demonstrated high affinity and inhibitory activity against Nav1.8 but also exhibited significant inhibitory effects on CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain. Compared to the positive drug VX-150, compound 6 showed a more prolonged analgesic effect, making it a promising candidate as a Nav1.8 inhibitor with potential clinical applications. This discovery provides a new therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Menglan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yihang Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Meiyuan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Zhihua Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phulera S, Dickson CJ, Schwalen CJ, Khoshouei M, Cassell SJ, Sun Y, Condos T, Whicher J, Weihofen WA. Scorpion α-toxin LqhαIT specifically interacts with a glycan at the pore domain of voltage-gated sodium channels. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00284-3. [PMID: 39181123 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.021] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels sense membrane potential and drive cellular electrical activity. The deathstalker scorpion α-toxin LqhαIT exerts a strong action potential prolonging effect on Nav channels. To elucidate the mechanism of action of LqhαIT, we determined a 3.9 Å cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of LqhαIT in complex with the Nav channel from Periplaneta americana (NavPas). We found that LqhαIT binds to voltage sensor domain 4 and traps it in an "S4 down" conformation. The functionally essential C-terminal epitope of LqhαIT forms an extensive interface with the glycan scaffold linked to Asn330 of NavPas that augments a small protein-protein interface between NavPas and LqhαIT. A combination of molecular dynamics simulations, structural comparisons, and prior mutagenesis experiments demonstrates the functional importance of this toxin-glycan interaction. These findings establish a structural basis for the specificity achieved by scorpion α-toxins and reveal the conserved glycan as an essential component of the toxin-binding epitope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Phulera
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Callum J Dickson
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christopher J Schwalen
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maryam Khoshouei
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samantha J Cassell
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yishan Sun
- Neuroscience, Novartis Biomedical Research, 22 Windsor St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tara Condos
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan Whicher
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Wilhelm A Weihofen
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Catterall WA, Gamal El-Din TM, Wisedchaisri G. The chemistry of electrical signaling in sodium channels from bacteria and beyond. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1405-1421. [PMID: 39151407 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Electrical signaling is essential for all fast processes in biology, but its molecular mechanisms have been uncertain. This review article focuses on studies of bacterial sodium channels in order to home in on the essential molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying transmembrane ion conductance and voltage-dependent gating without the overlay of complex protein interactions and regulatory mechanisms in mammalian sodium channels. This minimalist approach has yielded a nearly complete picture of sodium channel function at the atomic level that are mostly conserved in mammalian sodium channels, including sodium selectivity and conductance, voltage sensing and activation, electromechanical coupling to pore opening and closing, slow inactivation, and pathogenic dysfunction in a debilitating channelopathy. Future studies of nature's simplest sodium channels may continue to yield key insights into the fundamental molecular and chemical principles of their function and further elucidate the chemical basis of electrical signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A Catterall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-7280, USA.
| | - Tamer M Gamal El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-7280, USA.
| | - Goragot Wisedchaisri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-7280, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Albani S, Eswaran VSB, Piergentili A, de Souza PCT, Lampert A, Rossetti G. Depletion of membrane cholesterol modifies structure, dynamic and activation of Na v1.7. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134219. [PMID: 39097041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134219] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Cholesterol is a major component of plasma membranes and plays a significant role in actively regulating the functioning of several membrane proteins in humans. In this study, we focus on the role of cholesterol depletion on the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, which is primarily expressed in the peripheral sensory neurons and linked to various chronic inherited pain syndromes. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations revealed key dynamic changes of Nav1.7 upon membrane cholesterol depletion: A loss of rigidity in the structural motifs linked to activation and fast-inactivation is observed, suggesting an easier transition of the channel between different gating states. In-vitro whole-cell patch clamp experiments on HEK293t cells expressing Nav1.7 validated these predictions at the functional level: Hyperpolarizing shifts in the voltage-dependence of activation and fast-inactivation were observed along with an acceleration of the time to peak and onset kinetics of fast inactivation. These results underline the critical role of membrane composition, and of cholesterol in particular, in influencing Nav1.7 gating characteristics. Furthermore, our results also point to cholesterol-driven changes of the geometry of drug-binding regions, hinting to a key role of the membrane environment in the regulation of drug effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Albani
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany; Faculty of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Alessia Piergentili
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany; Faculty of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Paulo Cesar Telles de Souza
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, France; Centre Blaise Pascal de Simulation et de Modélisation Numérique, Ecole Normale, Supérieure de Lyon, 46 All'ee d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany; Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang J, Pan X, Yan N. Structural biology and molecular pharmacology of voltage-gated ion channels. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00763-7. [PMID: 39103479 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00763-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), including those for Na+, Ca2+ and K+, selectively permeate ions across the cell membrane in response to changes in membrane potential, thus participating in physiological processes involving electrical signalling, such as neurotransmission, muscle contraction and hormone secretion. Aberrant function or dysregulation of VGICs is associated with a diversity of neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and muscular disorders, and approximately 10% of FDA-approved drugs directly target VGICs. Understanding the structure-function relationship of VGICs is crucial for our comprehension of their working mechanisms and role in diseases. In this Review, we discuss how advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy have afforded unprecedented structural insights into VGICs, especially on their interactions with clinical and investigational drugs. We present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the structural biology of VGICs, with a focus on how prototypical drugs and toxins modulate VGIC activities. We explore how these structures elucidate the molecular basis for drug actions, reveal novel pharmacological sites, and provide critical clues to future drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions (IBABI), Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions (IBABI), Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huang T, Song C, Chen Y, Gan Y, Hu S, Hai A, Liu W, Kang T, Zhao Y, Miao Z, Wang X, Fu Y, Ke B. Molecular Transformers: Adaptive Multitarget Ligands for Esterase-Induced Transition from Analgesics to Anesthetics. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12349-12365. [PMID: 39013072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Multitarget strategies are essential in addressing complex diseases, yet developing multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) is particularly challenging when aiming to engage multiple therapeutic targets across different tissues. Here, we present a molecular transformer strategy, enhancing traditional MTDLs. By utilizing esterase-driven hydrolysis, this approach mimics the adaptive nature of transformers for enabling molecules to modify their pharmacological effects in response to the biological milieu. By virtual screening and biological evaluation, we identified KGP-25, a novel compound initially targeting the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.8 (Nav1.8) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) for analgesia, and later the γ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor (GABAA) in the central nervous system (CNS) for general anesthesia. Our findings confirm KGP-25's dual efficacy in cellular and animal models, effectively reducing opioid-related side effects. This study validates the molecular transformer approach in drug design and highlights its potential to overcome the limitations of conventional MTDLs, paving new avenues in innovative therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianguang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chi Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuhao Chen
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ao Hai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xing Wang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yihang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chow CY, King GF. Shining a Light on Venom-Peptide Receptors: Venom Peptides as Targeted Agents for In Vivo Molecular Imaging. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:307. [PMID: 39057947 PMCID: PMC11281729 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070307] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging has revolutionised the field of biomedical research by providing a non-invasive means to visualise and understand biochemical processes within living organisms. Optical fluorescent imaging in particular allows researchers to gain valuable insights into the dynamic behaviour of a target of interest in real time. Ion channels play a fundamental role in cellular signalling, and they are implicated in diverse pathological conditions, making them an attractive target in the field of molecular imaging. Many venom peptides exhibit exquisite selectivity and potency towards ion channels, rendering them ideal agents for molecular imaging applications. In this review, we illustrate the use of fluorescently-labelled venom peptides for disease diagnostics and intraoperative imaging of brain tumours and peripheral nerves. Finally, we address challenges for the development and clinical translation of venom peptides as nerve-targeted imaging agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang S, Ma D, Wang K, Li Y, Yang Z, Li X, Li J, He J, Mei L, Ye Y, Chen Z, Shen J, Hou P, Guo J, Zhang Q, Yang H. A small-molecule activation mechanism that directly opens the KCNQ2 channel. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:847-856. [PMID: 38167918 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological activation of voltage-gated ion channels by ligands serves as the basis for therapy and mainly involves a classic gating mechanism that augments the native voltage-dependent open probability. Through structure-based virtual screening, we identified a new scaffold compound, Ebio1, serving as a potent and subtype-selective activator for the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ2 and featuring a new activation mechanism. Single-channel patch-clamp, cryogenic-electron microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations, along with chemical derivatives, reveal that Ebio1 engages the KCNQ2 activation by generating an extended channel gate with a larger conductance at the saturating voltage (+50 mV). This mechanism is different from the previously observed activation mechanism of ligands on voltage-gated ion channels. Ebio1 caused S6 helices from residues S303 and F305 to perform a twist-to-open movement, which was sufficient to open the KCNQ2 gate. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the activation of KCNQ2 channel by Ebio1 and lend support for KCNQ-related drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoying Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangnan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianghe Mei
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yangliang Ye
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Zongsheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wuhu Hospital Affiliated to East China Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Juwen Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- Dr Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hao Y, Wang H, Liu X, Gai W, Hu S, Liu W, Miao Z, Gan Y, Yu X, Shi R, Tan Y, Kang T, Hai A, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Tang Y, Ye L, Liu J, Liang X, Ke B. Deep simulated annealing for the discovery of novel dental anesthetics with local anesthesia and anti-inflammatory properties. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3086-3109. [PMID: 39027234 PMCID: PMC11252475 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.019] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Multifunctional therapeutics have emerged as a solution to the constraints imposed by drugs with singular or insufficient therapeutic effects. The primary challenge is to integrate diverse pharmacophores within a single-molecule framework. To address this, we introduced DeepSA, a novel edit-based generative framework that utilizes deep simulated annealing for the modification of articaine, a well-known local anesthetic. DeepSA integrates deep neural networks into metaheuristics, effectively constraining molecular space during compound generation. This framework employs a sophisticated objective function that accounts for scaffold preservation, anti-inflammatory properties, and covalent constraints. Through a sequence of local editing to navigate the molecular space, DeepSA successfully identified AT-17, a derivative exhibiting potent analgesic properties and significant anti-inflammatory activity in various animal models. Mechanistic insights into AT-17 revealed its dual mode of action: selective inhibition of NaV1.7 and 1.8 channels, contributing to its prolonged local anesthetic effects, and suppression of inflammatory mediators via modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These findings not only highlight the efficacy of AT-17 as a multifunctional drug candidate but also highlight the potential of DeepSA in facilitating AI-enhanced drug discovery, particularly within stringent chemical constraints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianggen Liu
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Wenrui Gai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianghua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rongjia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongzhen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ao Hai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yihang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xinhua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schott K, Usher SG, Serra O, Carnevale V, Pless SA, Chua HC. Unplugging lateral fenestrations of NALCN reveals a hidden drug binding site within the pore region. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2401591121. [PMID: 38787877 PMCID: PMC11145269 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401591121] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The sodium (Na+) leak channel (NALCN) is a member of the four-domain voltage-gated cation channel family that includes the prototypical voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels (NaVs and CaVs, respectively). Unlike NaVs and CaVs, which have four lateral fenestrations that serve as routes for lipophilic compounds to enter the central cavity to modulate channel function, NALCN has bulky residues (W311, L588, M1145, and Y1436) that block these openings. Structural data suggest that occluded fenestrations underlie the pharmacological resistance of NALCN, but functional evidence is lacking. To test this hypothesis, we unplugged the fenestrations of NALCN by substituting the four aforementioned residues with alanine (AAAA) and compared the effects of NaV, CaV, and NALCN blockers on both wild-type (WT) and AAAA channels. Most compounds behaved in a similar manner on both channels, but phenytoin and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) elicited additional, distinct responses on AAAA channels. Further experiments using single alanine mutants revealed that phenytoin and 2-APB enter the inner cavity through distinct fenestrations, implying structural specificity to their modes of access. Using a combination of computational and functional approaches, we identified amino acid residues critical for 2-APB activity, supporting the existence of drug binding site(s) within the pore region. Intrigued by the activity of 2-APB and its analogues, we tested compounds containing the diphenylmethane/amine moiety on WT channels. We identified clinically used drugs that exhibited diverse activity, thus expanding the pharmacological toolbox for NALCN. While the low potencies of active compounds reiterate the pharmacological resistance of NALCN, our findings lay the foundation for rational drug design to develop NALCN modulators with refined properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schott
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2100, Denmark
| | - Samuel George Usher
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2100, Denmark
| | - Oscar Serra
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
- Institute of Computational Molecular Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
| | - Vincenzo Carnevale
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
- Institute of Computational Molecular Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122
| | - Stephan Alexander Pless
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2100, Denmark
| | - Han Chow Chua
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen2100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Heinle JW, Dalessio S, Janicki P, Ouyang A, Vrana KE, Ruiz-Velasco V, Coates MD. Insights into the voltage-gated sodium channel, Na V1.8, and its role in visceral pain perception. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1398409. [PMID: 38855747 PMCID: PMC11158627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1398409] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a major issue in healthcare throughout the world. It remains one of the major clinical issues of our time because it is a common sequela of numerous conditions, has a tremendous impact on individual quality of life, and is one of the top drivers of cost in medicine, due to its influence on healthcare expenditures and lost productivity in those affected by it. Patients and healthcare providers remain desperate to find new, safer and more effective analgesics. Growing evidence indicates that the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a critical role in transmission of pain-related signals throughout the body. For that reason, this channel appears to have strong potential to help develop novel, more selective, safer, and efficacious analgesics. However, many questions related to the physiology, function, and clinical utility of Nav1.8 remain to be answered. In this article, we discuss the latest studies evaluating the role of Nav1.8 in pain, with a particular focus on visceral pain, as well as the steps taken thus far to evaluate its potential as an analgesic target. We also review the limitations of currently available studies related to this topic, and describe the next scientific steps that have already been undertaken, or that will need to be pursued, to fully unlock the capabilities of this potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Westley Heinle
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shannon Dalessio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Piotr Janicki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Ann Ouyang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Victor Ruiz-Velasco
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Coates
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao F, Liu Y, Liu Y, Ye Q, Yang H, Gui M, Song Y. The road to evolution of ProTx2: how to be a subtype-specific inhibition of human Na v1.7. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374183. [PMID: 38756380 PMCID: PMC11096480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374183] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The human voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a widely proven target for analgesic drug studies. ProTx2, a 30-residue polypeptide from Peruvian green tarantula venom, shows high specificity to activity against human Nav1.7, suggesting its potential to become a non-addictive analgesic. However, its high sensitivity to human Nav1.4 raises concerns about muscle side effects. Here, we engineered three mutants (R13A, R13D, and K27Y) of ProTx2 to evaluate their pharmacological activities toward Nav1.7 and Nav1.4. It is demonstrated that the mutant R13D maintained the analgesic effect in mice while dramatically reducing its muscle toxicity compared with ProTx2. The main reason is the formation of a strong electrostatic interaction between R13D and the negatively charged amino acid residues in DII/S3-S4 of Nav1.7, which is absent in Nav1.4. This study advances our understanding and insights on peptide toxins, paving the way for safer, effective non-addictive analgesic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Biswas R, López-Serrano A, Huang HL, Ramirez-Navarro A, Grandinetti G, Heissler S, Deschênes I, Chinthalapudi K. Structural basis of human Na v1.5 gating mechanisms. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3985999. [PMID: 38659812 PMCID: PMC11042394 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3985999/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Nav1.5 channels are central to the generation and propagation of cardiac action potentials1. Aberrations in their function are associated with a wide spectrum of cardiac diseases including arrhythmias and heart failure2-5. Despite decades of progress in Nav1.5 biology6-8, the lack of structural insights into intracellular regions has hampered our understanding of its gating mechanisms. Here we present three cryo-EM structures of human Nav1.5 in previously unanticipated open states, revealing sequential conformational changes in gating charges of the voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) and several intracellular regions. Despite the channel being in the open state, these structures show the IFM motif repositioned in the receptor site but not dislodged. In particular, our structural findings highlight a dynamic C-terminal domain (CTD) and III-IV linker interaction, which regulates the conformation of VSDs and pore opening. Electrophysiological studies confirm that disrupting this interaction results in the fast inactivation of Nav1.5. Together, our structure-function studies establish a foundation for understanding the gating mechanisms of Nav1.5 and the mechanisms underlying CTD-related channelopathies.
Collapse
|
16
|
McDougall JJ, O'Brien MS. Analgesic potential of voltage gated sodium channel modulators for the management of pain. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 75:102433. [PMID: 38277942 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102433] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal electrochemical signals involve the flux of sodium ions through voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) located in the neurolemma. Of the nine sodium channel subtypes, NaV-1.7, 1.8, and 1.9 are predominantly located on nociceptors, making them prime targets to control pain. This review highlights some of the latest discoveries targeting NaV channel activity, including: (1) charged local anaesthetic derivatives; (2) NaV channel toxins and associated small peptide blockers; (3) regulation of NaV channel accessory proteins; and (4) genetic manipulation of NaV channel function. While the translation of preclinical findings to a viable treatment in humans has remained a challenge, a greater understanding of NaV channel physiology could lead to the development of a new stream of therapies aimed at alleviating chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason J McDougall
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Melissa S O'Brien
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Messina DN, Peralta ED, Acosta CG. Complex alterations in inflammatory pain and analgesic sensitivity in young and ageing female rats: involvement of ASIC3 and Nav1.8 in primary sensory neurons. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:669-691. [PMID: 38483556 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01862-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Our aim was to determine an age-dependent role of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat pre-clinical model of long-term inflammatory pain. METHODS We compared 6 and 24 months-old female Wistar rats after cutaneous inflammation. We used behavioral pain assessments over time, qPCR, quantitative immunohistochemistry, selective pharmacological manipulation, ELISA and in vitro treatment with cytokines. RESULTS Older rats exhibited delayed recovery from mechanical allodynia and earlier onset of spontaneous pain than younger rats after inflammation. Moreover, the expression patterns of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 were time and age-dependent and ASIC3 levels remained elevated only in aged rats. In vivo, selective blockade of Nav1.8 with A803467 or of ASIC3 with APETx2 alleviated mechanical and cold allodynia and also spontaneous pain in both age groups with slightly different potency. Furthermore, in vitro IL-1β up-regulated Nav1.8 expression in DRG neurons cultured from young but not old rats. We also found that while TNF-α up-regulated ASIC3 expression in both age groups, IL-6 and IL-1β had this effect only on young and aged neurons, respectively. CONCLUSION Inflammation-associated mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain in the elderly can be more effectively treated by inhibiting ASIC3 than Nav1.8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego N Messina
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Emanuel D Peralta
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Cristian G Acosta
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain, Faculty of Medical Sciences, IHEM (Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza, Dr. Mario H Burgos), Cuyo National University, Av. Del Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang Q, Ye Y, Yang L, Xiao L, Liu J, Zhang W, Du G. Painful diabetic neuropathy: The role of ion channels. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116417. [PMID: 38490158 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116417] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common chronic complication of diabetes that causes neuropathic pain and negatively affects the quality of life. The management of PDN is far from satisfactory. At present, interventions are primarily focused on symptomatic treatment. Ion channel disorders are a major cause of PDN, and a complete understanding of their roles and mechanisms may provide better options for the clinical treatment of PDN. Therefore, this review summarizes the important role of ion channels in PDN and the current drug development targeting these ion channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linghui Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lifan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Guizhi Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Y, Hu S, Chen Y, Chen M, Zhang D, Liu W, Chen C, Gan Y, Luo M, Ke B. Discovery of a novel series of pyridone amides as Na V1.8 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 101:129655. [PMID: 38350529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129655] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The NaV1.8 channel, mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, is recognized as one of the key factors in chronic pain. The molecule VX-150 was initially promising in targeting this channel, but the phase II trials of VX-150 did not show expected pain relief results. By analyzing the interaction mode of VX-150 and NaV1.8, we developed two series with a total of 19 molecules and examined their binding affinity to NaV1.8 in vitro and analgesic effect in vivo. One compound, named 2j, stood out with notable activity against the NaV1.8 channel and showed effective pain relief in models of chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. Our research points to 2j as a strong contender for developing safer pain-relief treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhao Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Meiyuan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Menglan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li Z, Wu Q, Huang G, Jin X, Li J, Pan X, Yan N. Dissection of the structure-function relationship of Na v channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322899121. [PMID: 38381792 PMCID: PMC10907234 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322899121] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) undergo conformational shifts in response to membrane potential changes, a mechanism known as the electromechanical coupling. To delineate the structure-function relationship of human Nav channels, we have performed systematic structural analysis using human Nav1.7 as a prototype. Guided by the structural differences between wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 and an eleven mutation-containing variant, designated Nav1.7-M11, we generated three additional intermediate mutants and solved their structures at overall resolutions of 2.9-3.4 Å. The mutant with nine-point mutations in the pore domain (PD), named Nav1.7-M9, has a reduced cavity volume and a sealed gate, with all voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) remaining up. Structural comparison of WT and Nav1.7-M9 pinpoints two residues that may be critical to the tightening of the PD. However, the variant containing these two mutations, Nav1.7-M2, or even in combination with two additional mutations in the VSDs, named Nav1.7-M4, failed to tighten the PD. Our structural analysis reveals a tendency of PD contraction correlated with the right shift of the static inactivation I-V curves. We predict that the channel in the resting state should have a "tight" PD with down VSDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou310024, China
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Jiaao Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen518107, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Institute of Bio-Architecture and Bio-Interactions, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen518107, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gilchrist JM, Yang ND, Jiang V, Moyer BD. Pharmacologic Characterization of LTGO-33, a Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.8 with a Unique Mechanism of Action. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:233-249. [PMID: 38195157 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Discovery and development of new molecules directed against validated pain targets is required to advance the treatment of pain disorders. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are responsible for action potential initiation and transmission of pain signals. NaV1.8 is specifically expressed in peripheral nociceptors and has been genetically and pharmacologically validated as a human pain target. Selective inhibition of NaV1.8 can ameliorate pain while minimizing effects on other NaV isoforms essential for cardiac, respiratory, and central nervous system physiology. Here we present the pharmacology, interaction site, and mechanism of action of LTGO-33, a novel NaV1.8 small molecule inhibitor. LTGO-33 inhibited NaV1.8 in the nM potency range and exhibited over 600-fold selectivity against human NaV1.1-NaV1.7 and NaV1.9. Unlike prior reported NaV1.8 inhibitors that preferentially interacted with an inactivated state via the pore region, LTGO-33 was state-independent with similar potencies against closed and inactivated channels. LTGO-33 displayed species specificity for primate NaV1.8 over dog and rodent NaV1.8 and inhibited action potential firing in human dorsal root ganglia neurons. Using chimeras combined with mutagenesis, the extracellular cleft of the second voltage-sensing domain was identified as the key site required for channel inhibition. Biophysical mechanism of action studies demonstrated that LTGO-33 inhibition was relieved by membrane depolarization, suggesting the molecule stabilized the deactivated state to prevent channel opening. LTGO-33 equally inhibited wild-type and multiple NaV1.8 variants associated with human pain disorders. These collective results illustrate LTGO-33 inhibition via both a novel interaction site and mechanism of action previously undescribed in NaV1.8 small molecule pharmacologic space. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV1.8 sodium channels primarily expressed in peripheral pain-sensing neurons represent a validated target for the development of novel analgesics. Here we present the selective small molecule NaV1.8 inhibitor LTGO-33 that interdicts a distinct site in a voltage-sensor domain to inhibit channel opening. These results inform the development of new analgesics for pain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nien-Du Yang
- Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California
| | | | - Bryan D Moyer
- Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schott K, Usher SG, Serra O, Carnevale V, Pless SA, Chua HC. Unplugging lateral fenestrations of NALCN reveals a hidden drug binding site within the pore module. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.12.536537. [PMID: 38328210 PMCID: PMC10849497 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The sodium (Na + ) leak channel (NALCN) is a member of the four-domain voltage-gated cation channel family that includes the prototypical voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels (Na V s and Ca V s, respectively). Unlike Na V s and Ca V s, which have four lateral fenestrations that serve as routes for lipophilic compounds to enter the central cavity to modulate channel function, NALCN has bulky residues (W311, L588, M1145 and Y1436) that block these openings. Structural data suggest that oc-cluded lateral fenestrations underlie the pharmacological resistance of NALCN to lipophilic compounds, but functional evidence is lacking. To test this hypothesis, we unplugged the fenestrations of NALCN by substituting the four aforementioned resi-dues with alanine (AAAA) and compared the effects of Na V , Ca V and NALCN block-ers on both wild-type (WT) and AAAA channels. Most compounds behaved in a simi-lar manner on both channels, but phenytoin and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) elicited additional, distinct responses on AAAA channels. Further experiments using single alanine mutants revealed that phenytoin and 2-APB enter the inner cav-ity through distinct fenestrations, implying structural specificity to their modes of ac-cess. Using a combination of computational and functional approaches, we identified amino acid residues critical for 2-APB activity, supporting the existence of drug bind-ing site(s) within the pore region. Intrigued by the activity of 2-APB and its ana-logues, we tested additional compounds containing the diphenylmethane/amine moiety on WT channels. We identified compounds from existing clinically used drugs that exhibited diverse activity, thus expanding the pharmacological toolbox for NALCN. While the low potencies of active compounds reiterate the resistance of NALCN to pharmacological targeting, our findings lay the foundation for rational drug design to develop NALCN modulators with refined properties. Significance statement The sodium leak channel (NALCN) is essential for survival: mutations cause life-threatening developmental disorders in humans. However, no treatment is currently available due to the resistance of NALCN to pharmacological targeting. One likely reason is that the lateral fenestrations, a common route for clinically used drugs to enter and block related ion channels, are occluded in NALCN. Using a combination of computational and functional approaches, we unplugged the fenestrations of NALCN which led us to the first molecularly defined drug binding site within the pore region. Besides that, we also identified additional NALCN modulators from existing clinically used therapeutics, thus expanding the pharmacological toolbox for this leak channel.
Collapse
|
23
|
Huang Y, Ma D, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Guo J. Voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQs: Structures, mechanisms, and modulations. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 689:149218. [PMID: 37976835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149218] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
KCNQ (Kv7) channels are voltage-gated, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate- (PIP2-) modulated potassium channels that play essential roles in regulating the activity of neurons and cardiac myocytes. Hundreds of mutations in KCNQ channels are closely related to various cardiac and neurological disorders, such as long QT syndrome, epilepsy, and deafness, which makes KCNQ channels important drug targets. During the past several years, the application of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technique in the structure determination of KCNQ channels has greatly advanced our understanding of their molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the currently available structures of KCNQ channels, analyze their special voltage gating mechanism, and discuss their activation mechanisms by both the endogenous membrane lipid and the exogenous synthetic ligands. These structural studies of KCNQ channels will guide the development of drugs targeting KCNQ channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Huang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiwen Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gao S, Yao X, Chen J, Huang G, Fan X, Xue L, Li Z, Wu T, Zheng Y, Huang J, Jin X, Wang Y, Wang Z, Yu Y, Liu L, Pan X, Song C, Yan N. Structural basis for human Ca v1.2 inhibition by multiple drugs and the neurotoxin calciseptine. Cell 2023; 186:5363-5374.e16. [PMID: 37972591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cav1.2 channels play crucial roles in various neuronal and physiological processes. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human Cav1.2, both in its apo form and in complex with several drugs, as well as the peptide neurotoxin calciseptine. Most structures, apo or bound to calciseptine, amlodipine, or a combination of amiodarone and sofosbuvir, exhibit a consistent inactivated conformation with a sealed gate, three up voltage-sensing domains (VSDs), and a down VSDII. Calciseptine sits on the shoulder of the pore domain, away from the permeation path. In contrast, when pinaverium bromide, an antispasmodic drug, is inserted into a cavity reminiscent of the IFM-binding site in Nav channels, a series of structural changes occur, including upward movement of VSDII coupled with dilation of the selectivity filter and its surrounding segments in repeat III. Meanwhile, S4-5III merges with S5III to become a single helix, resulting in a widened but still non-conductive intracellular gate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Gao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Xia Yao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Lingfeng Xue
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yupeng Zheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Chen Song
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Loose S, Lischka A, Kuehs S, Nau C, Heinemann SH, Kurth I, Leipold E. Peripheral temperature dysregulation associated with functionally altered Na V1.8 channels. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1343-1355. [PMID: 37695396 PMCID: PMC10567936 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02856-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8 is prominently expressed in the soma and axons of small-caliber sensory neurons, and pathogenic variants of the corresponding gene SCN10A are associated with peripheral pain and autonomic dysfunction. While most disease-associated SCN10A variants confer gain-of-function properties to NaV1.8, resulting in hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, a few affect afferent excitability through a loss-of-function mechanism. Using whole-exome sequencing, we here identify a rare heterozygous SCN10A missense variant resulting in alteration p.V1287I in NaV1.8 in a patient with a 15-year history of progressively worsening temperature dysregulation in the distal extremities, particularly in the feet. Further symptoms include increasingly intensifying tingling and numbness in the fingers and increased sweating. To assess the impact of p.V1287I on channel function, we performed voltage-clamp recordings demonstrating that the alteration confers loss- and gain-of-function characteristics to NaV1.8 characterized by a right-shifted voltage dependence of channel activation and inactivation. Current-clamp recordings from transfected mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons further revealed that NaV1.8-V1287I channels broaden the action potentials of sensory neurons and increase their firing rates in response to depolarizing current stimulations, indicating a gain-of-function mechanism of the variant at the cellular level in a heterozygous setting. The data support the hypothesis that the properties of NaV1.8 p.V1287I are causative for the patient's symptoms and that nonpainful peripheral paresthesias should be considered part of the clinical spectrum of NaV1.8-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Loose
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Annette Lischka
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Samuel Kuehs
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carla Nau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefan H Heinemann
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Enrico Leipold
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huang J, Fan X, Jin X, Teng L, Yan N. Dual-pocket inhibition of Na v channels by the antiepileptic drug lamotrigine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309773120. [PMID: 37782796 PMCID: PMC10576118 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309773120] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels govern membrane excitability, thus setting the foundation for various physiological and neuronal processes. Nav channels serve as the primary targets for several classes of widely used and investigational drugs, including local anesthetics, antiepileptic drugs, antiarrhythmics, and analgesics. In this study, we present cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human Nav1.7 bound to two clinical drugs, riluzole (RLZ) and lamotrigine (LTG), at resolutions of 2.9 Å and 2.7 Å, respectively. A 3D EM reconstruction of ligand-free Nav1.7 was also obtained at 2.1 Å resolution. RLZ resides in the central cavity of the pore domain and is coordinated by residues from repeats III and IV. Whereas one LTG molecule also binds to the central cavity, the other is found beneath the intracellular gate, known as site BIG. Therefore, LTG, similar to lacosamide and cannabidiol, blocks Nav channels via a dual-pocket mechanism. These structures, complemented with docking and mutational analyses, also explain the structure-activity relationships of the LTG-related linear 6,6 series that have been developed for improved efficacy and subtype specificity on different Nav channels. Our findings reveal the molecular basis for these drugs' mechanism of action and will aid the development of novel antiepileptic and pain-relieving drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Liming Teng
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province518107, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kalinina AD, Rogachevskii IV, Samosvat DM, Zegrya GG, Butkevich IP, Mikhailenko VA, Plakhova VB, Penniyaynen VA, Podzorova SA, Krylov BV. Analgesic Effect of the Lysine-Containing Short Peptide Is Due to Modulation of the Na V1.8 Channel Activation Gating System. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1800. [PMID: 37763204 PMCID: PMC10533133 DOI: 10.3390/life13091800] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work continues our recent series of articles that aim to elucidate the ligand-receptor binding mechanism of short cationic peptides to the NaV1.8 channel in the nociceptive neuron. The applied methodological approach has involved several methods: the patch-clamp experimental evaluation of the effective charge of the NaV1.8 channel activation gating system, the organotypic tissue culture method, the formalin test, and theoretical conformational analysis. The lysine-containing short peptide Ac-KEKK-NH2 has been shown to effectively modulate the NaV1.8 channel activation gating system. As demonstrated by the organotypic tissue culture method, the studied short peptide does not trigger the downstream signaling cascades controlling neurite outgrowth and should not be expected to evoke adverse side effects. Conformational analysis of the Ac-KEKK-NH2 molecule has revealed that the distances between the positively charged amino groups of the lysine side chains are equal to 11-12 Å. According to the previously suggested mechanism of ligand-receptor binding of short peptides to the NaV1.8 channel molecule, Ac-KEKK-NH2 should exhibit an analgesic effect, which has been confirmed by the formalin test. The data obtained unequivocally indicate that the studied lysine-containing short peptide is a promising candidate for the role of a novel analgesic medicinal substance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arina D. Kalinina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Ilya V. Rogachevskii
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Dmitriy M. Samosvat
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Georgy G. Zegrya
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina P. Butkevich
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Viktor A. Mikhailenko
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Vera B. Plakhova
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Valentina A. Penniyaynen
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Svetlana A. Podzorova
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| | - Boris V. Krylov
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia (V.B.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu Y, Bassetto CAZ, Pinto BI, Bezanilla F. A mechanistic reinterpretation of fast inactivation in voltage-gated Na + channels. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5072. [PMID: 37604801 PMCID: PMC10442390 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The hinged-lid model was long accepted as the canonical model for fast inactivation in Nav channels. It predicts that the hydrophobic IFM motif acts intracellularly as the gating particle that binds and occludes the pore during fast inactivation. However, the observation in recent high-resolution structures that the bound IFM motif is located far from the pore, contradicts this preconception. Here, we provide a mechanistic reinterpretation of fast inactivation based on structural analysis and ionic/gating current measurements. We demonstrate that in Nav1.4 the final inactivation gate is comprised of two hydrophobic rings at the bottom of S6 helices. These rings function in series and close downstream of IFM binding. Reducing the volume of the sidechain in both rings leads to a partially conductive, leaky inactivated state and decreases the selectivity for Na+ ion. Altogether, we present an alternative molecular framework to describe fast inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos A Z Bassetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernardo I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Huang J, Fan X, Jin X, Jo S, Zhang HB, Fujita A, Bean BP, Yan N. Cannabidiol inhibits Na v channels through two distinct binding sites. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3613. [PMID: 37330538 PMCID: PMC10276812 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39307-6] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is an effective treatment for some forms of epilepsy and pain. At high concentrations, CBD interacts with a huge variety of proteins, but which targets are most relevant for clinical actions is still unclear. Here we show that CBD interacts with Nav1.7 channels at sub-micromolar concentrations in a state-dependent manner. Electrophysiological experiments show that CBD binds to the inactivated state of Nav1.7 channels with a dissociation constant of about 50 nM. The cryo-EM structure of CBD bound to Nav1.7 channels reveals two distinct binding sites. One is in the IV-I fenestration near the upper pore. The other binding site is directly next to the inactivated "wedged" position of the Ile/Phe/Met (IFM) motif on the short linker between repeats III and IV, which mediates fast inactivation. Consistent with producing a direct stabilization of the inactivated state, mutating residues in this binding site greatly reduced state-dependent binding of CBD. The identification of this binding site may enable design of compounds with improved properties compared to CBD itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Sooyeon Jo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hanxiong Bear Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Akie Fujita
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xu YM, Wijeratne EMK, Calderon-Rivera A, Loya-López S, Perez-Miller S, Khanna R, Gunatilaka AAL. Argentatin C Analogues with Potential Antinociceptive Activity and Other Triterpenoid Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Parthenium incanum. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20085-20095. [PMID: 37305315 PMCID: PMC10249386 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Four new triterpenes, 25-dehydroxy-25-methoxyargentatin C (1), 20S-hydroxyargentatin C (2), 20S-hydroxyisoargentatin C (3), and 24-epi-argentatin C (4), together with 10 known triterpenes (5-14) were isolated from the aerial parts of Parthenium incanum. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by detailed analysis of their spectroscopic data, and the known compounds 5-14 were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. Since argentatin C (11) was found to exhibit antinociceptive activity by decreasing the excitability of rat and macaque dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, 11 and its new analogues 1-4 were evaluated for their ability to decrease the excitability of rat DRG neurons. Of the argentatin C analogues tested, 25-dehydroxy-25-methoxyargentatin C (1) and 24-epi-argentatin C (4) decreased neuronal excitability in a manner comparable to 11. Preliminary structure-activity relationships for the action potential-reducing effects of argentatin C (11) and its analogues 1-4, and their predicted binding sites in pain-relevant voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels (VGSCs and VGCCs) in DRG neurons are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-ming Xu
- Southwest
Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources
and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - E. M. Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest
Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources
and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- NYU
Pain Research Center and Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College
of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- NYU
Pain Research Center and Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College
of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- NYU
Pain Research Center and Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College
of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- NYU
Pain Research Center and Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College
of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, New York, New York 10010, United States
- Department
of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School
of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - A. A. Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest
Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources
and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wu Q, Huang J, Fan X, Wang K, Jin X, Huang G, Li J, Pan X, Yan N. Structural mapping of Na v1.7 antagonists. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3224. [PMID: 37270609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are targeted by a number of widely used and investigational drugs for the treatment of epilepsy, arrhythmia, pain, and other disorders. Despite recent advances in structural elucidation of Nav channels, the binding mode of most Nav-targeting drugs remains unknown. Here we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human Nav1.7 treated with drugs and lead compounds with representative chemical backbones at resolutions of 2.6-3.2 Å. A binding site beneath the intracellular gate (site BIG) accommodates carbamazepine, bupivacaine, and lacosamide. Unexpectedly, a second molecule of lacosamide plugs into the selectivity filter from the central cavity. Fenestrations are popular sites for various state-dependent drugs. We show that vinpocetine, a synthetic derivative of a vinca alkaloid, and hardwickiic acid, a natural product with antinociceptive effect, bind to the III-IV fenestration, while vixotrigine, an analgesic candidate, penetrates the IV-I fenestration of the pore domain. Our results permit building a 3D structural map for known drug-binding sites on Nav channels summarized from the present and previous structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiaao Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu Y, Bassetto CAZ, Pinto BI, Bezanilla F. A Mechanistic Reinterpretation of Fast Inactivation in Voltage-Gated Na+ Channels. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2924505. [PMID: 37292679 PMCID: PMC10246267 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2924505/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The hinged-lid model is long accepted as the canonical model for fast inactivation in Nav channels. It predicts that the hydrophobic IFM motif acts intracellularly as the gating particle that binds and occludes the pore during fast inactivation. However, the observation in recent high-resolution structures that the bound IFM motif locates far from the pore, contradicts this preconception. Here, we provide a mechanistic reinterpretation of fast inactivation based on structural analysis and ionic/gating current measurements. We demonstrate that in Nav1.4 the final inactivation gate is comprised of two hydrophobic rings at the bottom of S6 helices. These rings function in series and close downstream of IFM binding. Reducing the volume of the sidechain in both rings leads to a partially conductive "leaky" inactivated state and decreases the selectivity for Na + ion. Altogether, we present an alternative molecular framework to describe fast inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos A Z Bassetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernardo I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kostritskii AY, Machtens JP. Domain- and state-specific shape of the electric field tunes voltage sensing in voltage-gated sodium channels. Biophys J 2023; 122:1807-1821. [PMID: 37077046 PMCID: PMC10209041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to sense transmembrane voltage underlies most physiological roles of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. Whereas the key role of their voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) in channel activation is well established, the molecular underpinnings of voltage coupling remain incompletely understood. Voltage-dependent energetics of the activation process can be described in terms of the gating charge that is defined by coupling of charged residues to the external electric field. The shape of the electric field within VSDs is therefore crucial for the activation of voltage-gated ion channels. Here, we employed molecular dynamics simulations of cardiac Nav1.5 and bacterial NavAb, together with our recently developed tool g_elpot, to gain insights into the voltage-sensing mechanisms of Nav channels via high-resolution quantification of VSD electrostatics. In contrast to earlier low-resolution studies, we found that the electric field within VSDs of Nav channels has a complex isoform- and domain-specific shape, which prominently depends on the activation state of a VSD. Different VSDs vary not only in the length of the region where the electric field is focused but also differ in their overall electrostatics, with possible implications in the diverse ion selectivity of their gating pores. Due to state-dependent field reshaping, not only translocated basic but also relatively immobile acidic residues contribute significantly to the gating charge. In the case of NavAb, we found that the transition between structurally resolved activated and resting states results in a gating charge of 8e, which is noticeably lower than experimental estimates. Based on the analysis of VSD electrostatics in the two activation states, we propose that the VSD likely adopts a deeper resting state upon hyperpolarization. In conclusion, our results provide an atomic-level description of the gating charge, demonstrate diversity in VSD electrostatics, and reveal the importance of electric-field reshaping for voltage sensing in Nav channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Y Kostritskii
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-1), Molekular- und Zellphysiologie, and JARA-HPC, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jan-Philipp Machtens
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-1), Molekular- und Zellphysiologie, and JARA-HPC, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jo S, Zhang HXB, Bean BP. Use-Dependent Relief of Inhibition of Nav1.8 Channels by A-887826. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:221-229. [PMID: 36635052 PMCID: PMC10029820 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium channel inhibitors used as local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, or antiepileptics typically have the property of use-dependent inhibition, whereby inhibition is enhanced by repetitive channel activation. For targeting pain, Nav1.8 channels are an attractive target because they are prominent in primary pain-sensing neurons, with little or no expression in most other kinds of neurons, and a number of Nav1.8-targeted compounds have been developed. We examined the characteristics of Nav1.8 inhibition by one of the most potent Nav1.8 inhibitors so far described, A-887826, and found that when studied with physiologic resting potentials and physiologic temperatures, inhibition had strong "reverse use dependence", whereby inhibition was relieved by repetitive short depolarizations. This effect was much stronger with A-887826 than with A-803467, another Nav1.8 inhibitor. The use-dependent relief from inhibition was seen in both human Nav1.8 channels studied in a cell line and in native Nav1.8 channels in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In native Nav1.8 channels, substantial relief of inhibition occurred during repetitive stimulation by action potential waveforms at 5 Hz, suggesting that the phenomenon is likely important under physiologic conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Nav1.8 sodium channels are expressed in primary pain-sensing neurons and are a prime current target for new drugs for pain. This work shows that one of the most potent Nav1.8 inhibitors, A-887826, has the unusual property that inhibition is relieved by repeated short depolarizations. This "reverse use dependence" may reduce inhibition during physiological firing and should be selected against in drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Jo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kimball IH, Nguyen PT, Olivera BM, Sack JT, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Molecular determinants of μ-conotoxin KIIIA interaction with the human voltage-gated sodium channel Na V1.7. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1156855. [PMID: 37007002 PMCID: PMC10060530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1156855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel subtype NaV1.7 plays a critical role in pain signaling, making it an important drug target. Here we studied the molecular interactions between μ-Conotoxin KIIIA (KIIIA) and the human NaV1.7 channel (hNaV1.7). We developed a structural model of hNaV1.7 using Rosetta computational modeling and performed in silico docking of KIIIA using RosettaDock to predict residues forming specific pairwise contacts between KIIIA and hNaV1.7. We experimentally validated these contacts using mutant cycle analysis. Comparison between our KIIIA-hNaV1.7 model and the cryo-EM structure of KIIIA-hNaV1.2 revealed key similarities and differences between NaV channel subtypes with potential implications for the molecular mechanism of toxin block. The accuracy of our integrative approach, combining structural data with computational modeling, experimental validation, and molecular dynamics simulations, suggests that Rosetta structural predictions will be useful for rational design of novel biologics targeting specific NaV channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian H. Kimball
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Phuong T. Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Jon T. Sack
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Structure of human Na V1.6 channel reveals Na + selectivity and pore blockade by 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1030. [PMID: 36823201 PMCID: PMC9950489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The sodium channel NaV1.6 is widely expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, which plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability. Dysfunction of NaV1.6 has been linked to epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability and movement disorders. Here we present cryo-EM structures of human NaV1.6/β1/β2 alone and complexed with a guanidinium neurotoxin 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin (4,9-ah-TTX), revealing molecular mechanism of NaV1.6 inhibition by the blocker. The apo-form structure reveals two potential Na+ binding sites within the selectivity filter, suggesting a possible mechanism for Na+ selectivity and conductance. In the 4,9-ah-TTX bound structure, 4,9-ah-TTX binds to a pocket similar to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) binding site, which occupies the Na+ binding sites and completely blocks the channel. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that subtle conformational differences in the selectivity filter affect the affinity of TTX analogues. Taken together, our results provide important insights into NaV1.6 structure, ion conductance, and inhibition.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 plays a crucial role in neuronal firing in the central nervous system (CNS). Aberrant function of Nav1.6 may lead to epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Specific inhibitors of Nav1.6 thus have therapeutic potentials. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of human Nav1.6 in the presence of auxiliary subunits β1 and fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 2B (FHF2B) at an overall resolution of 3.1 Å. The overall structure represents an inactivated state with closed pore domain (PD) and all "up" voltage-sensing domains. A conserved carbohydrate-aromatic interaction involving Trp302 and Asn326, together with the β1 subunit, stabilizes the extracellular loop in repeat I. Apart from regular lipids that are resolved in the EM map, an unprecedented Y-shaped density that belongs to an unidentified molecule binds to the PD, revealing a potential site for developing Nav1.6-specific blockers. Structural mapping of disease-related Nav1.6 mutations provides insights into their pathogenic mechanism.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang H, Shan Z, Guo W, Wang Y, Cai S, Li F, Huang Q, Liu JA, Cheung CW, Cai S. Reversal of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain by the Small-Molecule Natural Product Narirutin via Block of Na v1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314842. [PMID: 36499167 PMCID: PMC9738487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a refractory chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Given that present painkillers have poor efficacy or severe side effects, developing novel analgesics is badly needed. The multiplex structure of active ingredients isolated from natural products provides a new source for phytochemical compound synthesis. Here, we identified a natural product, Narirutin, a flavonoid compound isolated from the Citrus unshiu, showing antinociceptive effects in rodent models of neuropathic pain. Using calcium imaging, whole-cell electrophysiology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence, we uncovered a molecular target for Narirutin's antinociceptive actions. We found that Narirutin (i) inhibits Veratridine-triggered nociceptor activities in L4-L6 rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, (ii) blocks voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels subtype 1.7 in both small-diameter DRG nociceptive neurons and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell line, (iii) does not affect tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) NaV channels, and (iv) blunts the upregulation of Nav1.7 in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-labeled DRG sensory neurons after spared nerve injury (SNI) surgery. Identifying Nav1.7 as a molecular target of Narirutin may further clarify the analgesic mechanism of natural flavonoid compounds and provide an optimal idea to produce novel selective and efficient analgesic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiming Shan
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology; The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen 518020, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Shuxian Cai
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fuyi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qiaojie Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: (C.W.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence: (C.W.C.); (S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Unwinding and spiral sliding of S4 and domain rotation of VSD during the electromechanical coupling in Na v1.7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209164119. [PMID: 35878056 PMCID: PMC9388133 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209164119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nav1.7 has been targeted for pain management for its well-established role in pain sensation. Hundreds of mutations of Nav1.7 have been found in patients with pain disorders. Structures of Nav1.7 captured in different conformations will reveal its working mechanism and facilitate drug discovery. Here we present the rational design of a Nav1.7 variant, Nav1.7-M11, that may be trapped in the closed-state inactivation conformation at 0 mV. Cryoelectron microscopy analysis of Nav1.7-M11 reveals voltage-sensing domain in the first repeat (VSDI) in the completely down conformation, VSDII at an intermediate state, and the pore domain tightly closed. Structural comparison of Nav1.7-M11 with the WT channel provides unprecedented insight into the electromechanical coupling details and affords mechanistic interpretation for a number of pain-related mutations. Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel Nav1.7 has been targeted for the development of nonaddictive pain killers. Structures of Nav1.7 in distinct functional states will offer an advanced mechanistic understanding and aid drug discovery. Here we report the cryoelectron microscopy analysis of a human Nav1.7 variant that, with 11 rationally introduced point mutations, has a markedly right-shifted activation voltage curve with V1/2 reaching 69 mV. The voltage-sensing domain in the first repeat (VSDI) in a 2.7-Å resolution structure displays a completely down (deactivated) conformation. Compared to the structure of WT Nav1.7, three gating charge (GC) residues in VSDI are transferred to the cytosolic side through a combination of helix unwinding and spiral sliding of S4I and ∼20° domain rotation. A conserved WNФФD motif on the cytoplasmic end of S3I stabilizes the down conformation of VSDI. One GC residue is transferred in VSDII mainly through helix sliding. Accompanying GC transfer in VSDI and VSDII, rearrangement and contraction of the intracellular gate is achieved through concerted movements of adjacent segments, including S4-5I, S4-5II, S5II, and all S6 segments. Our studies provide important insight into the electromechanical coupling mechanism of the single-chain voltage-gated ion channels and afford molecular interpretations for a number of pain-associated mutations whose pathogenic mechanism cannot be revealed from previously reported Nav structures.
Collapse
|