1
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Shah N, Kasture AS, Fischer FP, Sitte HH, Hummel T, Sucic S. A transporter's doom or destiny: SLC6A1 in health and disease, novel molecular targets and emerging therapeutic prospects. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1466694. [PMID: 39268250 PMCID: PMC11390516 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1466694] [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: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As the first member of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) protein family, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT1, SLC6A1), plays a pivotal role in the uptake of GABA from the synaptic cleft into neurons and astrocytes. This process facilitates the subsequent storage of GABA in presynaptic vesicles. The human SLC6A1 gene is highly susceptible to missense mutations, leading to severe clinical outcomes, such as epilepsy, in the afflicted patients. The molecular mechanisms of SLC6A1-associated disorders are discerned to some degree; many SLC6A1 mutations are now known to impair protein folding, and consequently fail to reach the plasma membrane. Inherently, once inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), GAT1 abides by a complex cascade of events that enable efficient intracellular trafficking. This involves association with specialized molecular chaperones responsible for steering the protein folding process, oligomerization, sorting through the Golgi apparatus, and ultimately delivery to the cell surface. The entire process is subject to stringent quality control mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. While the majority of the existing loss-of-function SLC6A1 variants interfere with folding and membrane targeting, certain mutants retain abundant surface expression. In either scenario, suppressed GAT1 activity disrupts GABAergic neurotransmission, preceding the disease manifestation in individuals harboring these mutations. The nervous system is enthralling and calls for systematic, groundbreaking research efforts to dissect the precise molecular factors associated with the onset of complex neurological disorders, and uncover additional non-canonical therapeutic targets. Recent research has given hope for some of the misfolded SLC6A1 variants, which can be salvaged by small molecules, i.e., chemical and pharmacological chaperones, acting on multiple upstream targets in the secretory pathway. We here highlight the significance of pharmacochaperoning as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SLC6A1-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Shah
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ameya S Kasture
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian P Fischer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
- Center for Addiction Research and Science-AddRess, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Gradisch R, Schlögl K, Lazzarin E, Niello M, Maier J, Mayer FP, Alves da Silva L, Skopec SMC, Blakely RD, Sitte HH, Mihovilovic MD, Stockner T. Ligand coupling mechanism of the human serotonin transporter differentiates substrates from inhibitors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:417. [PMID: 38195746 PMCID: PMC10776687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The presynaptic serotonin transporter (SERT) clears extracellular serotonin following vesicular release to ensure temporal and spatial regulation of serotonergic signalling and neurotransmitter homeostasis. Prescription drugs used to treat neurobehavioral disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, trap SERT by blocking the transport cycle. In contrast, illicit drugs of abuse like amphetamines reverse SERT directionality, causing serotonin efflux. Both processes result in increased extracellular serotonin levels. By combining molecular dynamics simulations with biochemical experiments and using a homologous series of serotonin analogues, we uncovered the coupling mechanism between the substrate and the transporter, which triggers the uptake of serotonin. Free energy analysis showed that only scaffold-bound substrates could initiate SERT occlusion through attractive long-range electrostatic interactions acting on the bundle domain. The associated spatial requirements define substrate and inhibitor properties, enabling additional possibilities for rational drug design approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Gradisch
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Schlögl
- TU Wien, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Lazzarin
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Niello
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Julian Maier
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix P Mayer
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biomedical Science, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leticia Alves da Silva
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie M C Skopec
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biomedical Science, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Amman, Jordan
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Addiction Research and Science, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko D Mihovilovic
- TU Wien, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Waehringer Straße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Pyrris Y, Papadaki GF, Mikros E, Diallinas G. The last two transmembrane helices in the APC-type FurE transporter act as an intramolecular chaperone essential for concentrative ER-exit. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2024; 11:1-15. [PMID: 38225947 PMCID: PMC10788122 DOI: 10.15698/mic2024.01.811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
FurE is a H+ symporter specific for the cellular uptake of uric acid, allantoin, uracil, and toxic nucleobase analogues in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Being member of the NCS1 protein family, FurE is structurally related to the APC-superfamily of transporters. APC-type transporters are characterised by a 5+5 inverted repeat fold made of ten transmembrane segments (TMS1-10) and function through the rocking-bundle mechanism. Most APC-type transporters possess two extra C-terminal TMS segments (TMS11-12), the function of which remains elusive. Here we present a systematic mutational analysis of TMS11-12 of FurE and show that two specific aromatic residues in TMS12, Trp473 and Tyr484, are essential for ER-exit and trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM). Molecular modeling shows that Trp473 and Tyr484 might be essential through dynamic interactions with residues in TMS2 (Leu91), TMS3 (Phe111), TMS10 (Val404, Asp406) and other aromatic residues in TMS12. Genetic analysis confirms the essential role of Phe111, Asp406 and TMS12 aromatic residues in FurE ER-exit. We further show that co-expression of FurE-Y484F or FurE-W473A with wild-type FurE leads to a dominant negative phenotype, compatible with the concept that FurE molecules oligomerize or partition in specific microdomains to achieve concentrative ER-exit and traffic to the PM. Importantly, truncated FurE versions lacking TMS11-12 are unable to reproduce a negative effect on the trafficking of co-expressed wild-type FurE. Overall, we show that TMS11-12 acts as an intramolecular chaperone for proper FurE folding, which seems to provide a structural code for FurE partitioning in ER-exit sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiannis Pyrris
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Georgia F. Papadaki
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15771, Greece
| | - George Diallinas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
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4
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Paul A, Shukla D. Oligomerization of Monoamine Transporters. Subcell Biochem 2024; 104:119-137. [PMID: 38963486 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58843-3_7] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Transporters of the monoamine transporter (MAT) family regulate the uptake of important neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. The MAT family functions using the electrochemical gradient of ions across the membrane and comprises three transporters, dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET). MAT transporters have been observed to exist in monomeric states to higher-order oligomeric states. Structural features, allosteric modulation, and lipid environment regulate the oligomerization of MAT transporters. NET and SERT oligomerization are regulated by levels of PIP2 present in the membrane. The kink present in TM12 in the MAT family is crucial for dimer interface formation. Allosteric modulation in the dimer interface hinders dimer formation. Oligomerization also influences the transporters' function, trafficking, and regulation. This chapter will focus on recent studies on monoamine transporters and discuss the factors affecting their oligomerization and its impact on their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnav Paul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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5
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Mayer FP, Niello M, Bulling S, Zhang YW, Li Y, Kudlacek O, Holy M, Kooti F, Sandtner W, Rudnick G, Schmid D, Sitte HH. Mephedrone induces partial release at human dopamine transporters but full release at human serotonin transporters. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109704. [PMID: 37703919 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a cathinone derivative that is recreationally consumed for its energizing and empathogenic effects. The stimulating properties are believed to arise from the ability of mephedrone to interact with the high-affinity transporters for dopamine (DA) (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET), whereas the entactogenic effect presumably relies on its activity at the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT). Early studies found that mephedrone acts as a releaser at NET, DAT and SERT, and thus promotes efflux of the respective monoamines. Evidence linked drug-induced reverse transport of 5-HT via SERT to prosocial effects, whereas activity at DAT is strongly correlated with abuse liability. Consequently, we sought to evaluate the pharmacology of mephedrone at human (h) DAT and SERT, heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, in further detail. In line with previous studies, we report that mephedrone evokes carrier-mediated release via hDAT and hSERT. We found this effect to be sensitive to the protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that mephedrone is actively transported by hDAT and hSERT. However, mephedrone acts as a full substrate of hSERT but as a partial substrate of hDAT. Furthermore, when compared to fully efficacious releasing agents at hDAT and hSERT (i.e. S(+)-amphetamine and para-chloroamphetamine, respectively) mephedrone displays greater efficacy as a releaser at hSERT than at hDAT. In summary, this study provides additional insights into the molecular mechanism of action of mephedrone at hDAT and hSERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix P Mayer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Niello
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Bulling
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fatemeh Kooti
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gary Rudnick
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Diethart Schmid
- Institute for Physiology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan; Center for Addiction Research and Science - AddRess, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 13a, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Yang D, Zhao Z, Tajkhorshid E, Gouaux E. Structures and membrane interactions of native serotonin transporter in complexes with psychostimulants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304602120. [PMID: 37436958 PMCID: PMC10629533 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304602120] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a member of the SLC6 neurotransmitter transporter family that mediates serotonin reuptake at presynaptic nerve terminals. SERT is the target of both therapeutic antidepressant drugs and psychostimulant substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines, which are small molecules that perturb normal serotonergic transmission by interfering with serotonin transport. Despite decades of studies, important functional aspects of SERT such as the oligomerization state of native SERT and its interactions with potential proteins remain unresolved. Here, we develop methods to isolate SERT from porcine brain (pSERT) using a mild, nonionic detergent, utilize fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography to investigate its oligomerization state and interactions with other proteins, and employ single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structures of pSERT in complexes with methamphetamine or cocaine, providing structural insights into psychostimulant recognition and accompanying pSERT conformations. Methamphetamine and cocaine both bind to the central site, stabilizing the transporter in an outward open conformation. We also identify densities attributable to multiple cholesterol or cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) molecules, as well as to a detergent molecule bound to the pSERT allosteric site. Under our conditions of isolation, we find that pSERT is best described as a monomeric entity, isolated without interacting proteins, and is ensconced by multiple cholesterol or CHS molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Yang
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Visualization, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Visualization, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- HHMI, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
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7
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Farr CV, El-Kasaby A, Erdem FA, Sucic S, Freissmuth M, Sandtner W. Cooperative Binding of Substrate and Ions Drives Forward Cycling of the Human Creatine Transporter-1. Front Physiol 2022; 13:919439. [PMID: 35837012 PMCID: PMC9273935 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.919439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine serves as an ATP buffer and is thus an integral component of cellular energy metabolism. Most cells maintain their creatine levels via uptake by the creatine transporter (CRT-1, SLC6A8). The activity of CRT-1, therefore, is a major determinant of cytosolic creatine concentrations. We determined the kinetics of CRT-1 in real time by relying on electrophysiological recordings of transport-associated currents. Our analysis revealed that CRT-1 harvested the concentration gradient of NaCl and the membrane potential but not the potassium gradient to achieve a very high concentrative power. We investigated the mechanistic basis for the ability of CRT-1 to maintain the forward cycling mode in spite of high intracellular concentrations of creatine: this is achieved by cooperative binding of substrate and co-substrate ions, which, under physiological ion conditions, results in a very pronounced (i.e. about 500-fold) drop in the affinity of creatine to the inward-facing state of CRT-1. Kinetic estimates were integrated into a mathematical model of the transport cycle of CRT-1, which faithfully reproduced all experimental data. We interrogated the kinetic model to examine the most plausible mechanistic basis of cooperativity: based on this systematic exploration, we conclude that destabilization of binary rather than ternary complexes is necessary for CRT-1 to maintain the observed cytosolic creatine concentrations. Our model also provides a plausible explanation why neurons, heart and skeletal muscle cells must express a creatine releasing transporter to achieve rapid equilibration of the intracellular creatine pool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Fischer FP, Kasture AS, Hummel T, Sucic S. Molecular and Clinical Repercussions of GABA Transporter 1 Variants Gone Amiss: Links to Epilepsy and Developmental Spectrum Disorders. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:834498. [PMID: 35295842 PMCID: PMC7612498 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.834498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (hGAT-1) is the first member of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) protein superfamily. GAT-1 (SLC6A1) is one of the main GABA transporters in the central nervous system. Its principal physiological role is retrieving GABA from the synapse into neurons and astrocytes, thus swiftly terminating neurotransmission. GABA is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter and shifts in GABAergic signaling can lead to pathological conditions, from anxiety and epileptic seizures to schizophrenia. Point mutations in the SLC6A1 gene frequently give rise to epilepsy, intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorders in the afflicted individuals. The mechanistic routes underlying these are still fairly unclear. Some loss-of-function variants impair the folding and intracellular trafficking of the protein (thus retaining the transporter in the endoplasmic reticulum compartment), whereas others, despite managing to reach their bona fide site of action at the cell surface, nonetheless abolish GABA transport activity (plausibly owing to structural/conformational defects). Whatever the molecular culprit(s), the physiological aftermath transpires into the absence of functional transporters, which in turn perturbs GABAergic actions. Dozens of mutations in the kin SLC6 family members are known to exhort protein misfolding. Such events typically elicit severe ailments in people, e.g., infantile parkinsonism-dystonia or X-linked intellectual disability, in the case of dopamine and creatine transporters, respectively. Flaws in protein folding can be rectified by small molecules known as pharmacological and/or chemical chaperones. The search for such apt remedies calls for a systematic investigation and categorization of the numerous disease-linked variants, by biochemical and pharmacological means in vitro (in cell lines and primary neuronal cultures) and in vivo (in animal models). We here give special emphasis to the utilization of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile model in GAT-1-related studies. Jointly, these approaches can portray indispensable insights into the molecular factors underlying epilepsy, and ultimately pave the way for contriving efficacious therapeutic options for patients harboring pathogenic mutations in hGAT-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian P. Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ameya S. Kasture
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Bhat S, El-Kasaby A, Freissmuth M, Sucic S. Functional and Biochemical Consequences of Disease Variants in Neurotransmitter Transporters: A Special Emphasis on Folding and Trafficking Deficits. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107785. [PMID: 33310157 PMCID: PMC7612411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters, such as γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetyl choline, glycine and the monoamines, facilitate the crosstalk within the central nervous system. The designated neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) both release and take up neurotransmitters to and from the synaptic cleft. NTT dysfunction can lead to severe pathophysiological consequences, e.g. epilepsy, intellectual disability, or Parkinson’s disease. Genetic point mutations in NTTs have recently been associated with the onset of various neurological disorders. Some of these mutations trigger folding defects in the NTT proteins. Correct folding is a prerequisite for the export of NTTs from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the subsequent trafficking to their pertinent site of action, typically at the plasma membrane. Recent studies have uncovered some of the key features in the molecular machinery responsible for transporter protein folding, e.g., the role of heat shock proteins in fine-tuning the ER quality control mechanisms in cells. The therapeutic significance of understanding these events is apparent from the rising number of reports, which directly link different pathological conditions to NTT misfolding. For instance, folding-deficient variants of the human transporters for dopamine or GABA lead to infantile parkinsonism/dystonia and epilepsy, respectively. From a therapeutic point of view, some folding-deficient NTTs are amenable to functional rescue by small molecules, known as chemical and pharmacological chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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10
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Jayaraman K, Das AK, Luethi D, Szöllősi D, Schütz GJ, Reith MEA, Sitte HH, Stockner T. SLC6 transporter oligomerization. J Neurochem 2020; 157:919-929. [PMID: 32767560 PMCID: PMC8247324 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transporters of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family mediate the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, and glycine. SLC6 family members are 12 transmembrane helix‐spanning proteins that operate using the transmembrane sodium gradient for transport. These transporters assume various quaternary arrangements ranging from monomers to complex stoichiometries with multiple subunits. Dopamine and serotonin transporter oligomerization has been implicated in trafficking of newly formed proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane with a pre‐fixed assembly. Once at the plasma membrane, oligomers are kept fixed in their quaternary assembly by interaction with phosphoinositides. While it remains unclear how oligomer formation precisely affects physiological transporter function, it has been shown that oligomerization supports the activity of release‐type psychostimulants. Most recently, single molecule microscopy experiments unveiled that the stoichiometry differs between individual members of the SLC6 family. The present overview summarizes our understanding of the influence of plasma membrane constituents on transporter oligomerization, describes the known interfaces between protomers and discusses open questions. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumaresan Jayaraman
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anand K Das
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dino Luethi
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dániel Szöllősi
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard J Schütz
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maarten E A Reith
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Cheng MH, Ponzoni L, Sorkina T, Lee JY, Zhang S, Sorkin A, Bahar I. Trimerization of dopamine transporter triggered by AIM-100 binding: Molecular mechanism and effect of mutations. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107676. [PMID: 31228486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent work demonstrated the propensity of dopamine transporters (DATs) to form trimers or higher oligomers, enhanced upon binding a furopyrimidine, AIM-100. AIM-100 binding promotes DAT endocytosis and thereby moderates dopaminergic transmission. Despite the neurobiological significance of these events, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the stabilization of DAT trimer and the key interactions that modulate the trimerization of DAT, and not serotonin transporter SERT, remain unclear. In the present study, we determined three structural models, termed trimer-W238, -C306 and -Y303, for possible trimerization of DATs . To this aim, we used structural data resolved for DAT and its structural homologs that share the LeuT fold, advanced computational modeling and simulations, site-directed mutagenesis experiments and live-cell imaging assays. The models are in accord with the versatility of LeuT fold to stabilize dimeric or higher order constructs. Selected residues show a high propensity to occupy interfacial regions. Among them, D231-W238 in the extracellular loop EL2, including the intersubunit salt-bridge forming pair D231/D232-R237 (not present in SERT) (in trimer-W238), the loop EL3 (trimers-C306 and -Y303), and W497 on the intracellularly exposed IL5 loop (trimer-C306) and its spatial neighbors (e.g. K525) near the C-terminus are computationally predicted and experimentally confirmed to play important roles in enabling the correct folding and/or oligomerization of DATs in the presence of AIM-100. The study suggests the possibility of controlling the effective transport of dopamine by altering the oligomerization state of DAT upon small molecule binding, as a possible intervention strategy to modulate dopaminergic signaling. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Luca Ponzoni
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tatiana Sorkina
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - She Zhang
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sorkin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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12
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The synthetic cathinones, butylone and pentylone, are stimulants that act as dopamine transporter blockers but 5-HT transporter substrates. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:953-962. [PMID: 30345459 PMCID: PMC6476708 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones continue to emerge in recreational drug markets worldwide. 1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone) and 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (pentylone) are derivatives of the cathinone compound, 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one (methylone), that are being detected in drug products and human casework. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuropharmacology of butylone and pentylone using in vitro and in vivo methods. METHODS In vitro uptake and release assays were carried out in rat brain synaptosomes and in cells expressing human dopamine transporters (DAT) and 5-HT transporters (SERT). In vivo microdialysis was performed in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats to assess drug-induced changes in neurochemistry. RESULTS Butylone and pentylone were efficacious uptake blockers at DAT and SERT, though pentylone was more DAT-selective. Both drugs acted as transporter substrates that evoked release of [3H]5-HT at SERT, while neither evoked release at DAT. Consistent with the release data, butylone and pentylone induced substrate-associated inward currents at SERT but not DAT. Administration of butylone or pentylone to rats (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.) increased extracellular monoamines and motor activity, but pentylone had weaker effects on 5-HT and stronger effects on motor stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that increasing the α-carbon chain length of methylone creates "hybrid" transporter compounds which act as DAT blockers but SERT substrates. Nevertheless, butylone and pentylone elevate extracellular dopamine and stimulate motor activity, suggesting both drugs possess significant risk for abuse.
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Das AK, Kudlacek O, Baumgart F, Jaentsch K, Stockner T, Sitte HH, Schütz GJ. Dopamine transporter forms stable dimers in the live cell plasma membrane in a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-independent manner. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5632-5642. [PMID: 30705091 PMCID: PMC6462504 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) regulates the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the synaptic cleft and recycles DA for storage in the presynaptic vesicular pool. Many neurotransmitter transporters exist as oligomers, but the physiological role of oligomerization remains unclear; for example, it has been speculated to be a prerequisite for amphetamine-induced release and protein trafficking. Previous studies point to an oligomeric quaternary structure of hDAT; however, the exact stoichiometry and the fraction of co-existing oligomeric states are not known. Here, we used single-molecule brightness analysis to quantify the degree of oligomerization of heterologously expressed hDAT fused to monomeric GFP (mGFP–hDAT) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We observed that monomers and dimers of mGFP–hDAT co-exist and that higher-order molecular complexes of mGFP–hDAT are absent at the plasma membrane. The mGFP–hDAT dimers were stable over several minutes, and the fraction of dimers was independent of the mGFP–hDAT surface density. Furthermore, neither oxidation nor depletion of cholesterol had any effect on the fraction of dimers. Unlike for the human serotonin transporter (hSERT), in which direct binding of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) stabilized the oligomers, the stability of mGFP–hDAT dimers was PIP2 independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kant Das
- From the Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, A-1060, Vienna and
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- the Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Baumgart
- From the Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, A-1060, Vienna and
| | - Kathrin Jaentsch
- the Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- the Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- the Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard J Schütz
- From the Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, A-1060, Vienna and
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14
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Wang Y, Wei Z, Luo X, Wan Q, Qiu R, Wang S. An ultrasensitive homogeneous aptasensor for carcinoembryonic antigen based on upconversion fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Talanta 2018; 195:33-39. [PMID: 30625551 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been recognized as one of the most important tumor markers. Herein, we reported an ultrasensitive homogeneous aptasensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) for CEA detection. The CEA aptamer modified UCNPs can bind to the surface of GO through π-π stacking interaction, resulting in fluorescence quenching due to the energy transfer from UCNPs to GO. After the introduction of CEA, the CEA aptamer preferentially combined with CEA to form three-dimensional structure which made UCNPs-aptamer dissociate from the GO, blocking the energy transfer process. The fluorescence of UCNPs was accordingly restored in a CEA concentration-dependent manner both aqueous solution and human serum samples. The aptasensor could monitor CEA level directly in human serum and the results were strongly correlated with commercial chemiluminescence kits. The excellent detection performance suggested promising prospect of the aptasensor in practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zikai Wei
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xianda Luo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Quan Wan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Shizhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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15
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Jayaraman K, Morley AN, Szöllősi D, Wassenaar TA, Sitte HH, Stockner T. Dopamine transporter oligomerization involves the scaffold domain, but spares the bundle domain. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006229. [PMID: 29874235 PMCID: PMC6005636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) is located on presynaptic neurons, where it plays an essential role in limiting dopaminergic signaling by temporarily curtailing high neurotransmitter concentration through rapid re-uptake. Transport by hDAT is energized by transmembrane ionic gradients. Dysfunction of this transporter leads to disease states, such as Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder or depression. It has been shown that hDAT and other members of the monoamine transporter family exist in oligomeric forms at the plasma membrane. Several residues are known to be involved in oligomerization, but interaction interfaces, oligomer orientation and the quarternary arrangement in the plasma membrane remain poorly understood. Here we examine oligomeric forms of hDAT using a direct approach, by following dimerization of two randomly-oriented hDAT transporters in 512 independent simulations, each being 2 μs in length. We employed the DAFT (docking assay for transmembrane components) approach, which is an unbiased molecular dynamics simulation method to identify oligomers, their conformations and populations. The overall ensemble of a total of >1 ms simulation time revealed a limited number of symmetric and asymmetric dimers. The identified dimer interfaces include all residues known to be involved in dimerization. Importantly, we find that the surface of the bundle domain is largely excluded from engaging in dimeric interfaces. Such an interaction would typically lead to inhibition by stabilization of one conformation, while substrate transport relies on a large scale rotation between the inward-facing and the outward-facing state. The human dopamine transporter efficiently removes the neurotransmitter dopamine from the synaptic cleft. Alteration of dopamine transporter function is associated with several neurological diseases, including mood disorders or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but is also a major player in addiction and drug abuse. Functional studies have revealed that not only is transporter oligomerization involved in surface expression and endocytosis, but, more importantly, in reverse transport (efflux) of dopamine that is triggered by amphetamine-like drugs of abuse. Structural knowledge of transporter oligomerization is largely missing. We performed a large scale comprehensive computational study on transporter oligomerization to reveal dimer geometries and the residues involved in the interfaces. The dimer conformations we find in our dataset are fully consistent with all available experimental data in the literature, but also show novel interfaces. We further verified all dimer geometries by free energy calculations. Our results identified an unpredicted—but for the mechanism of substrate transport essential—property: the bundle domain, which moves during the transport cycle, is excluded from contributing to dimer interfaces, thereby allowing for unrestrained movements necessary to translocate substrates through the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumaresan Jayaraman
- Medical University of Vienna Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex N. Morley
- Medical University of Vienna Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Szöllősi
- Medical University of Vienna Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tsjerk A. Wassenaar
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University of Vienna Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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16
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Identification and characterization of the Fasciola hepatica sodium- and chloride-dependent taurine transporter. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006428. [PMID: 29702654 PMCID: PMC5942844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The parasitic liver fluke Fasciola hepatica infests mainly ruminants, but it can also cause fasciolosis in people, who ingest the metacercariae encysted on plants. The drug of choice to treat fasciolosis is triclabendazole (TBZ), which has been on the market for several decades. This is also true for the other available drugs. Accordingly, drug-resistant flukes have been emerging at an increasing rate making it desirable to identify alternative drug targets. Here, we focused on the fact that adult F. hepatica persists in the hostile environment of the bile ducts of infected organisms. A common way to render bile acids less toxic is to conjugate them to taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid). We cloned a transporter from the solute carrier-6 (SLC6) family, which was most closely related to the GABA-transporter-2 of other organisms. When heterologously expressed, this F. hepatica transporter supported the high-affinity cellular uptake of taurine (KM = 12.0 ± 0.5 μM) but not of GABA. Substrate uptake was dependent on Na+- and Cl- (calculated stoichiometry 2:1). Consistent with the low chloride concentration in mammalian bile, the F. hepatica transporter had a higher apparent affinity for Cl- (EC50 = 14±3 mM) than the human taurine transporter (EC50 = 55±7 mM). We incubated flukes with unconjugated bile acids in the presence and absence of taurine: taurine promoted survival of flukes; the taurine transporter inhibitor guanidinoethansulfonic acid abolished this protective effect of taurine. Based on these observations, we conclude that the taurine transporter is critical for the survival of liver flukes in the bile. Thus, the taurine transporter represents a candidate drug target.
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17
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Amphetamine Reverses Escalated Cocaine Intake via Restoration of Dopamine Transporter Conformation. J Neurosci 2017; 38:484-497. [PMID: 29175958 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2604-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine abuse disrupts dopamine system function, and reduces cocaine inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT), which results in tolerance. Although tolerance is a hallmark of cocaine addiction and a DSM-V criterion for substance abuse disorders, the molecular adaptations producing tolerance are unknown, and testing the impact of DAT changes on drug taking behaviors has proven difficult. In regard to treatment, amphetamine has shown efficacy in reducing cocaine intake; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been explored. The goals of this study were twofold; we sought to (1) identify the molecular mechanisms by which cocaine exposure produces tolerance and (2) determine whether amphetamine-induced reductions in cocaine intake are connected to these mechanisms. Using cocaine self-administration and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in male rats, we show that low-dose, continuous amphetamine treatment, during self-administration or abstinence, completely reversed cocaine tolerance. Amphetamine treatment also reversed escalated cocaine intake and decreased motivation to obtain cocaine as measured in a behavioral economics task, thereby linking tolerance to multiple facets of cocaine use. Finally, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging, we found that cocaine tolerance is associated with the formation of DAT-DAT complexes, and that amphetamine disperses these complexes. In addition to extending our basic understanding of DATs and their role in cocaine reinforcement, we serendipitously identified a novel therapeutic target: DAT oligomer complexes. We show that dispersion of oligomers is concomitant with reduced cocaine intake, and propose that pharmacotherapeutics aimed at these complexes may have potential for cocaine addiction treatment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Tolerance to cocaine's subjective effects is a cardinal symptom of cocaine addiction and a DSM-V criterion for substance abuse disorders. However, elucidating the molecular adaptions that produce tolerance and determining its behavioral impact have proven difficult. Using cocaine self-administration in rats, we link tolerance to cocaine effects at the dopamine transporter (DAT) with aberrant cocaine-taking behaviors. Further, tolerance was associated with multi-DAT complexes, which formed after cocaine exposure. Treatment with amphetamine deconstructed DAT complexes, reversed tolerance, and decreased cocaine seeking. These data describe the behavioral consequence of cocaine tolerance, provide a putative mechanism for its development, and suggest that compounds that disperse DAT complexes may be efficacious treatments for cocaine addiction.
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18
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Asjad HMM, Kasture A, El-Kasaby A, Sackel M, Hummel T, Freissmuth M, Sucic S. Pharmacochaperoning in a Drosophila model system rescues human dopamine transporter variants associated with infantile/juvenile parkinsonism. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:19250-19265. [PMID: 28972153 PMCID: PMC5702666 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.797092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Point mutations in the gene encoding the human dopamine transporter (hDAT, SLC6A3) cause a syndrome of infantile/juvenile dystonia and parkinsonism. To unravel the molecular mechanism underlying these disorders and investigate possible pharmacological therapies, here we examined 13 disease-causing DAT mutants that were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum when heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. In three of these mutants, i.e. hDAT-V158F, hDAT-G327R, and hDAT-L368Q, the folding deficit was remedied with the pharmacochaperone noribogaine or the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) inhibitor pifithrin-μ such that endoplasmic reticulum export of and radioligand binding and substrate uptake by these DAT mutants were restored. In Drosophila melanogaster, DAT deficiency results in reduced sleep. We therefore exploited the power of targeted transgene expression of mutant hDAT in Drosophila to explore whether these hDAT mutants could also be pharmacologically rescued in an intact organism. Noribogaine or pifithrin-μ treatment supported hDAT delivery to the presynaptic terminals of dopaminergic neurons and restored sleep to normal length in DAT-deficient (fumin) Drosophila lines expressing hDAT-V158F or hDAT-G327R. In contrast, expression of hDAT-L368Q in the Drosophila DAT mutant background caused developmental lethality, indicating a toxic action not remedied by pharmacochaperoning. Our observations identified those mutations most likely amenable to pharmacological rescue in the affected children. In addition, our findings also highlight the challenges of translating insights from pharmacochaperoning in cell culture to the clinical situation. Because of the evolutionary conservation in dopaminergic neurotransmission between Drosophila and people, pharmacochaperoning of DAT in D. melanogaster may allow us to bridge that gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Mazhar Asjad
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Ameya Kasture
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Michael Sackel
- the Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hummel
- the Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Sonja Sucic
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
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19
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The Dopamine Transporter Recycles via a Retromer-Dependent Postendocytic Mechanism: Tracking Studies Using a Novel Fluorophore-Coupling Approach. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9438-9452. [PMID: 28847807 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3885-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic reuptake, mediated by the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT), terminates DAergic neurotransmission and constrains extracellular DA levels. Addictive and therapeutic psychostimulants inhibit DA reuptake and multiple DAT coding variants have been reported in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. These findings underscore that DAT is critical for DA neurotransmission and homeostasis. DAT surface availability is regulated acutely by endocytic trafficking, and considerable effort has been directed toward understanding mechanisms that govern DAT's plasma membrane expression and postendocytic fate. Multiple studies have demonstrated DAT endocytic recycling and enhanced surface delivery in response to various stimuli. Paradoxically, imaging studies have not detected DAT targeting to classic recycling endosomes, suggesting that internalized DAT targets to either degradation or an undefined recycling compartment. Here, we leveraged PRIME (PRobe Incorporation Mediated by Enzyme) labeling to couple surface DAT directly to fluorophore, and tracked DAT's postendocytic itinerary in immortalized mesencephalic cells. Following internalization, DAT robustly targeted to retromer-positive endosomes, and DAT/retromer colocalization was observed in male mouse dopaminergic somatodendritic and terminal regions. Short hairpin RNA-mediated Vps35 knockdown revealed that DAT endocytic recycling requires intact retromer. DAT also targeted rab7-positive endosomes with slow, linear kinetics that were unaffected by either accelerating DAT internalization or binding a high-affinity cocaine analog. However, cocaine increased DAT exit from retromer-positive endosomes significantly. Finally, we found that the DAT carboxy-terminal PDZ-binding motif was required for DAT recycling and exit from retromer. These results define the DAT recycling mechanism and provide a unifying explanation for previous, seemingly disparate, DAT endocytic trafficking findings.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The neuronal dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) recaptures released DA and modulates DAergic neurotransmission, and a number of DAT coding variants have been reported in several DA-related disorders, including infantile parkinsonism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. DAT is also competitively inhibited by psychostimulants with high abuse potential. Therefore, mechanisms that acutely affect DAT availability will likely exert significant impact on both normal and pathological DAergic homeostasis. Here, we explore the cellular mechanisms that acutely control DAT surface expression. Our results reveal the intracellular mechanisms that mediate DAT endocytic recycling following constitutive and regulated internalization. In addition to shedding light on this critical process, these findings resolve conflict among multiple, seemingly disparate, previous reports on DAT's postendocytic fate.
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Cheng MH, Garcia-Olivares J, Wasserman S, DiPietro J, Bahar I. Allosteric modulation of human dopamine transporter activity under conditions promoting its dimerization. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:12471-12482. [PMID: 28584050 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.763565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human dopamine (DA) transporter (hDAT) is a key regulator of neurotransmission and a target for antidepressants and addictive drugs. Despite the recent resolution of dDAT structures from Drosophila melanogaster, complete understanding of its mechanism of function and even information on its biological assembly is lacking. The resolved dDAT structures are monomeric, but growing evidence suggests that hDAT might function as a multimer, and its oligomerization may be relevant to addictive drug effects. Here, using structure-based computations, we examined the possible mechanisms of hDAT dimerization and its dynamics in a lipid bilayer. Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis, DA-uptake, and cross-linking experiments that exploited the capacity of Cys-306 to form intermonomeric disulfide bridges in the presence of an oxidizing agent, we tested the effects of mutations at transmembrane segment (TM) 6 and 12 helices in HEK293 cells. The most probable structural model for hDAT dimer suggested by computations and experiments differed from the dimeric structure resolved for the bacterial homolog, LeuT, presumably because of a kink at TM12 preventing favorable monomer packing. Instead, TM2, TM6, and TM11 line the dimer interface. Molecular dynamics simulations of the dimeric hDAT indicated that the two subunits tend to undergo cooperative structural changes, both on local (extracellular gate opening/closure) and global (transition between outward-facing and inward-facing states) scales. These observations suggest that hDAT transport properties may be allosterically modulated under conditions promoting dimerization. Our study provides critical insights into approaches for examining the oligomerization of neurotransmitter transporters and sheds light on their drug modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Jennie Garcia-Olivares
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Steven Wasserman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Jennifer DiPietro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260.
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21
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Anderluh A, Hofmaier T, Klotzsch E, Kudlacek O, Stockner T, Sitte HH, Schütz GJ. Direct PIP 2 binding mediates stable oligomer formation of the serotonin transporter. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14089. [PMID: 28102201 PMCID: PMC5253637 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The human serotonin transporter (hSERT) mediates uptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft and thereby terminates serotonergic signalling. We have previously found by single-molecule microscopy that SERT forms stable higher-order oligomers of differing stoichiometry at the plasma membrane of living cells. Here, we report that SERT oligomer assembly at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane follows a dynamic equilibration process, characterized by rapid exchange of subunits between different oligomers, and by a concentration dependence of the degree of oligomerization. After trafficking to the plasma membrane, however, the SERT stoichiometry is fixed. Stabilization of the oligomeric SERT complexes is mediated by the direct binding to phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2). The observed spatial decoupling of oligomer formation from the site of oligomer operation provides cells with the ability to define protein quaternary structures independent of protein density at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Anderluh
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Tina Hofmaier
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Enrico Klotzsch
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Gerhard J. Schütz
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, Vienna 1040, Austria
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22
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Freissmuth M, Stockner T, Sucic S. SLC6 Transporter Folding Diseases and Pharmacochaperoning. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 245:249-270. [PMID: 29086036 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The human genome encodes 19 genes of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family; non-synonymous changes in the coding sequence give rise to mutated transporters, which are misfolded and thus cause diseases in the affected individuals. Prominent examples include mutations in the transporters for dopamine (DAT, SLC6A3), for creatine (CT1, SLC6A8), and for glycine (GlyT2, SLC6A5), which result in infantile dystonia, mental retardation, and hyperekplexia, respectively. Thus, there is an obvious unmet medical need to identify compounds, which can remedy the folding deficit. The pharmacological correction of folding defects was originally explored in mutants of the serotonin transporter (SERT, SLC6A4), which were created to study the COPII-dependent export from the endoplasmic reticulum. This led to the serendipitous discovery of the pharmacochaperoning action of ibogaine. Ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine also rescue several disease-relevant mutants of DAT. Because the pharmacology of DAT and SERT is exceptionally rich, it is not surprising that additional compounds have been identified, which rescue folding-deficient mutants. These compounds are not only of interest for restoring DAT function in the affected children. They are also likely to serve as useful tools to interrogate the folding trajectory of the transporter. This is likely to initiate a virtuous cycle: if the principles underlying folding of SLC6 transporters are understood, the design of pharmacochaperones ought to be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Ferraro M, Masetti M, Recanatini M, Cavalli A, Bottegoni G. Mapping Cholesterol Interaction Sites on Serotonin Transporter through Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166196. [PMID: 27907003 PMCID: PMC5132266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin transporter (SERT) modulates serotonergic signaling via re-uptake of serotonin in pre-synaptic cells. The inclusion in cholesterol-enriched membrane domains is crucial for SERT activity, suggesting a cross-talk between the protein and the sterol. Here, we develop a protocol to identify potential cholesterol interaction sites coupling statistical analysis to multi-microsecond coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of SERT in a previously validated raft-like membrane model. Six putative sites were found, including a putative CRAC motif on TM4 and a CARC motif on TM10. Among them, four hot-spots near regions related to ion binding, transport, and inhibition were detected. Our results encourage prospective studies to unravel mechanistic features of the transporter and related drug discovery implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Masetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (GB)
| | - Maurizio Recanatini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottegoni
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- BiKi Technologies s.r.l., Genova, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (GB)
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24
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Sucic S, Kasture A, Mazhar Asjad HM, Kern C, El-Kasaby A, Freissmuth M. When transporters fail to be transported: how to rescue folding-deficient SLC6 transporters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 1:34-40. [PMID: 28405636 PMCID: PMC5386142 DOI: 10.29245/2572.942x/2016/9.1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) belongs to the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) gene family. Point mutations in hDAT (SLC6A3) have been linked to a syndrome of dopamine transporter deficiency or infantile dystonia/parkinsonism. The mutations impair DAT folding, causing retention of variant DATs in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently impair transport activity. The folding trajectory of DAT itself is not understood, though many insights have been gained from studies of folding-deficient mutants of the closely related serotonin transporter (SERT); i.e. their functional rescue by pharmacochaperoning with (nor)ibogaine or heat-shock protein inhibitors. We recently provided a proof-of-principle that folding-deficits in DAT are amenable to rescue in vitro and in vivo. As a model we used the Drosophila melanogaster DAT mutant dDAT-G108Q, which phenocopies the fumin/sleepless DAT-knockout. Treatment with noribogaine and/or HSP70 inhibitor pifithrin-μ restored folding of, and dopamine transport by, dDAT-G108Q, its axonal delivery and normal sleep time in mutant flies. The possibility of functional rescue of misfolded DATs in living flies by pharmacochaperoning grants new therapeutic prospects in the remedy of folding diseases, not only in hDAT, but also in other SLC6 transporters, in particular mutants of the creatine transporter-1, which give rise to X-linked mental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ameya Kasture
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - H M Mazhar Asjad
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Kern
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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25
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Seddik A, Geerke DP, Stockner T, Holy M, Kudlacek O, Cozzi NV, Ruoho AE, Sitte HH, Ecker GF. Combined Simulation and Mutation Studies to Elucidate Selectivity of Unsubstituted Amphetamine-like Cathinones at the Dopamine Transporter. Mol Inform 2016; 36. [PMID: 27860344 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201600094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine and serotonin transporter proteins (DAT, SERT) play a vital role in behavior and mental illness. Although their substrate transport has been studied extensively, the molecular basis of their selectivity is not completely understood yet. In this study, we exploit molecular dynamics simulations combined with mutagenesis studies to shed light on the driving factors for DAT-over-SERT selectivity of a set of cathinones. Results indicate that these compounds can adopt two binding modes of which one is more favorable. In addition, free energy calculations indicated the substrate binding site (S1) as the primary recognition site for these ligands. By simulating DAT with SERT-like mutations, we hypothesize unsubstituted cathinones to bind more favorably to DAT, due to a Val152 offering more space, as compared to the bulkier Ile172 in SERT. This was supported by uptake inhibition measurements, which showed an increase in activity in SERT-I172V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Seddik
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daan P Geerke
- AIMMS Division of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Währingerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Währingerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Währingerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicholas V Cozzi
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Arnold E Ruoho
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Währingerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Mayer FP, Wimmer L, Dillon-Carter O, Partilla JS, Burchardt NV, Mihovilovic MD, Baumann MH, Sitte HH. Phase I metabolites of mephedrone display biological activity as substrates at monoamine transporters. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2657-68. [PMID: 27391165 PMCID: PMC4978154 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone (mephedrone) is a synthetic stimulant that acts as a substrate-type releaser at transporters for dopamine (DAT), noradrenaline (NET) and 5-HT (SERT). Upon systemic administration, mephedrone is metabolized to several phase I compounds: the N-demethylated metabolite, 4-methylcathinone (nor-mephedrone); the ring-hydroxylated metabolite, 4-hydroxytolylmephedrone (4-OH-mephedrone); and the reduced keto-metabolite, dihydromephedrone. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used in vitro assays to compare the effects of mephedrone and synthetically prepared metabolites on transporter-mediated uptake and release in HEK293 cells expressing human monoamine transporters and in rat brain synaptosomes. In vivo microdialysis was employed to examine the effects of i.v. metabolite injection (1 and 3 mg·kg(-1) ) on extracellular dopamine and 5-HT levels in rat nucleus accumbens. KEY RESULTS In cells expressing transporters, mephedrone and its metabolites inhibited uptake, although dihydromephedrone was weak overall. In cells and synaptosomes, nor-mephedrone and 4-OH-mephedrone served as transportable substrates, inducing release via monoamine transporters. When administered to rats, mephedrone and nor-mephedrone produced elevations in extracellular dopamine and 5-HT, whereas 4-OH-mephedrone did not. Mephedrone and nor-mephedrone, but not 4-OH-mephedrone, induced locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that phase I metabolites of mephedrone are transporter substrates (i.e. releasers) at DAT, NET and SERT, but dihydromephedrone is weak in this regard. When administered in vivo, nor-mephedrone increases extracellular dopamine and 5-HT in the brain whereas 4-OH-mephedrone does not, suggesting the latter metabolite does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Future studies should examine the pharmacokinetics of nor-mephedrone to determine its possible contribution to the in vivo effects produced by mephedrone.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Mayer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Wimmer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - O Dillon-Carter
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - N V Burchardt
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - M D Mihovilovic
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - M H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - H H Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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27
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Grouleff J, Søndergaard S, Koldsø H, Schiøtt B. Properties of an inward-facing state of LeuT: conformational stability and substrate release. Biophys J 2016; 108:1390-1399. [PMID: 25809252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The leucine transporter (LeuT) is a bacterial homolog of the human monoamine transporters, which are important pharmaceutical targets. There are no high-resolution structures of the human transporters available; however, LeuT has been crystallized in several different conformational states. Recently, an inward-facing conformation of LeuT was solved revealing an unexpectedly large movement of transmembrane helix 1a (TM1a). We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of the mutated and wild-type transporter, with and without the cocrystallized Fab antibody fragment, to investigate the properties of this inward-facing conformation in relation to transport by LeuT within the membrane environment. In all of the simulations, local conformational changes with respect to the crystal structure are consistently observed, especially in TM1a. Umbrella sampling revealed a soft potential for TM1a tilting. Furthermore, simulations of inward-facing LeuT with Na(+) ions and substrate bound suggest that one of the Na(+) ion binding sites is fully disrupted. Release of alanine and the second Na(+) ion is also observed, giving insight into the final stage of the translocation process in atomistic detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Grouleff
- Center for Insoluble Protein Structures and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Siri Søndergaard
- Center for Insoluble Protein Structures and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Heidi Koldsø
- Center for Insoluble Protein Structures and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Center for Insoluble Protein Structures and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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28
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Amphetamine action at the cocaine- and antidepressant-sensitive serotonin transporter is modulated by αCaMKII. J Neurosci 2015; 35:8258-71. [PMID: 26019340 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4034-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic neurotransmission is terminated by reuptake of extracellular serotonin (5-HT) by the high-affinity serotonin transporter (SERT). Selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine or escitalopram inhibit SERT and are currently the principal treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, SERT is a major molecular target for psychostimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. Amphetamine-induced transport reversal at the closely related dopamine transporter (DAT) has been shown previously to be contingent upon modulation by calmodulin kinase IIα (αCaMKII). Here, we show that not only DAT, but also SERT, is regulated by αCaMKII. Inhibition of αCaMKII activity markedly decreased amphetamine-triggered SERT-mediated substrate efflux in both cells coexpressing SERT and αCaMKII and brain tissue preparations. The interaction between SERT and αCaMKII was verified using biochemical assays and FRET analysis and colocalization of the two molecules was confirmed in primary serotonergic neurons in culture. Moreover, we found that genetic deletion of αCaMKII impaired the locomotor response of mice to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as "ecstasy") and blunted d-fenfluramine-induced prolactin release, substantiating the importance of αCaMKII modulation for amphetamine action at SERT in vivo as well. SERT-mediated substrate uptake was neither affected by inhibition of nor genetic deficiency in αCaMKII. This finding supports the concept that uptake and efflux at monoamine transporters are asymmetric processes that can be targeted separately. Ultimately, this may provide a molecular mechanism for putative drug developments to treat amphetamine addiction.
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29
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Sitte HH, Schütz GJ, Freissmuth M. Cooperativity between individual transporter protomers: new data fuelling old complexes. J Neurochem 2015; 133:163-6. [PMID: 25772534 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters are arranged in an oligomeric quaternary structure as evidenced by crosslinking or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-microscopy. In a study by Zhen and colleagues highlighted by this Editorial in the current issue of Journal of Neurochemistry, the combination of mutant and wild-type dopamine transporter (DAT) has been used to establish the cooperation between transporter protomers; the DAT mutant version has an altered affinity for the radiolabelled inhibitor [³H]CFT. Zhen and colleagues predict how saturation-binding curves ought to look, if the two binding sites (i.e. of the wild type and the mutant DAT) operated independently. The results are clear-cut: the experimental observations are inconsistent with curves obtained by mixing independent binding sites. Thus, by definition, the binding sites cooperate. Read the full article 'Dopamine transporter oligomerization: impact of combining protomers with differential cocaine analog binding affinities' on page 167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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30
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Jurik A, Zdrazil B, Holy M, Stockner T, Sitte HH, Ecker GF. A binding mode hypothesis of tiagabine confirms liothyronine effect on γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 (GAT1). J Med Chem 2015; 58:2149-58. [PMID: 25679268 PMCID: PMC4360375 DOI: 10.1021/jm5015428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Elevating
GABA levels in the synaptic cleft by inhibiting its reuptake
carrier GAT1 is an established approach for the treatment of CNS disorders
like epilepsy. With the increasing availability of crystal structures
of transmembrane transporters, structure-based approaches to elucidate
the molecular basis of ligand–transporter interaction also
become feasible. Experimental data guided docking of derivatives of
the GAT1 inhibitor tiagabine into a protein homology model of GAT1
allowed derivation of a common binding mode for this class of inhibitors
that is able to account for the distinct structure–activity
relationship pattern of the data set. Translating essential binding
features into a pharmacophore model followed by in silico screening
of the DrugBank identified liothyronine as a drug potentially exerting
a similar effect on GAT1. Experimental testing further confirmed the
GAT1 inhibiting properties of this thyroid hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Jurik
- University of Vienna , Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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31
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Wang D, Ren AM, Guo JF, Zou LY, Huang S. Computational design of a two-photon excited FRET-based ratiometric fluorescent Cu2+ probe for living cell imaging. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra18393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel TP FRET ratiometric fluorescent probe 2a for Cu2+ is designed. 2a has a large TPA peak in the near-infrared light region and its energy transfer efficiency is nearly 100%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130023
- People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Min Ren
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130023
- People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Fu Guo
- School of Physics
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun 130021
- People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Yi Zou
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130023
- People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Huang
- School of Mathematics and Physics
- Changzhou University
- Changzhou 213164
- People's Republic of China
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32
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Sitte HH, Freissmuth M. Amphetamines, new psychoactive drugs and the monoamine transporter cycle. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 36:41-50. [PMID: 25542076 PMCID: PMC4502921 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In monoaminergic neurons, the vesicular transporters and the plasma membrane transporters operate in a relay. Amphetamine and its congeners target this relay to elicit their actions: most amphetamines are substrates, which pervert the relay to elicit efflux of monoamines into the synaptic cleft. However, some amphetamines act as transporter inhibitors. Both compound classes elicit profound psychostimulant effects, which render them liable to recreational abuse. Currently, a surge of new psychoactive substances occurs on a global scale. Chemists bypass drug bans by ingenuous structural variations, resulting in a rich pharmacology. A credible transport model must account for their distinct mode of action and link this to subtle differences in activity and undesired, potentially deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald H Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Center for Addiction Research and Science (AddRess), Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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33
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Kivell B, Uzelac Z, Sundaramurthy S, Rajamanickam J, Ewald A, Chefer V, Jaligam V, Bolan E, Simonson B, Annamalai B, Mannangatti P, Prisinzano TE, Gomes I, Devi LA, Jayanthi LD, Sitte HH, Ramamoorthy S, Shippenberg TS. Salvinorin A regulates dopamine transporter function via a kappa opioid receptor and ERK1/2-dependent mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:228-40. [PMID: 25107591 PMCID: PMC4188751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Salvinorin A (SalA), a selective κ-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, produces dysphoria and pro-depressant like effects. These actions have been attributed to inhibition of striatal dopamine release. The dopamine transporter (DAT) regulates dopamine transmission via uptake of released neurotransmitter. KORs are apposed to DAT in dopamine nerve terminals suggesting an additional target by which SalA modulates dopamine transmission. SalA produced a concentration-dependent, nor-binaltorphimine (BNI)- and pertussis toxin-sensitive increase of ASP(+) accumulation in EM4 cells coexpressing myc-KOR and YFP-DAT, using live cell imaging and the fluorescent monoamine transporter substrate, trans 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium) (ASP(+)). Other KOR agonists also increased DAT activity that was abolished by BNI pretreatment. While SalA increased DAT activity, SalA treatment decreased serotonin transporter (SERT) activity and had no effect on norepinephrine transporter (NET) activity. In striatum, SalA increased the Vmax for DAT mediated DA transport and DAT surface expression. SalA up-regulation of DAT function is mediated by KOR activation and the KOR-linked extracellular signal regulated kinase-½ (ERK1/2) pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation and BRET studies revealed that DAT and KOR exist in a complex. In live cells, DAT and KOR exhibited robust FRET signals under basal conditions. SalA exposure caused a rapid and significant increase of the FRET signal. This suggests that the formation of KOR and DAT complexes is promoted in response to KOR activation. Together, these data suggest that enhanced DA transport and decreased DA release resulting in decreased dopamine signalling may contribute to the dysphoric and pro-depressant like effects of SalA and other KOR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeyaganesh Rajamanickam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Amy Ewald
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Vladimir Chefer
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Vanaja Jaligam
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bolan
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bridget Simonson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lankupalle D Jayanthi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sammanda Ramamoorthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
| | - Toni S Shippenberg
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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El-Kasaby A, Koban F, Sitte HH, Freissmuth M, Sucic S. A cytosolic relay of heat shock proteins HSP70-1A and HSP90β monitors the folding trajectory of the serotonin transporter. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28987-9000. [PMID: 25202009 PMCID: PMC4200255 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.595090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the C terminus of the serotonin transporter (SERT) disrupt folding and export from the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we examined the hypothesis that a cytosolic heat shock protein relay was recruited to the C terminus to assist folding of SERT. This conjecture was verified by the following observations. (i) The proximal portion of the SERT C terminus conforms to a canonical binding site for DnaK/heat shock protein of 70 kDa (HSP70). A peptide covering this segment stimulated ATPase activity of purified HSP70-1A. (ii) A GST fusion protein comprising the C terminus of SERT pulled down HSP70-1A. The interaction between HSP70-1A and SERT was visualized in live cells by Förster resonance energy transfer: it was restricted to endoplasmic reticulum-resident transporters and enhanced by an inhibitor that traps HSP70-1A in its closed state. (iv) Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed complex formation of SERT with HSP70-1A and HSP90β. Consistent with an HSP relay, co-chaperones (e.g. HSC70-HSP90-organizing protein) were co-immunoprecipitated with the stalled mutants SERT-R607A/I608A and SERT-P601A/G602A. (v) Depletion of HSP90β by siRNA or its inhibition increased the cell surface expression of wild type SERT and SERT-F604Q. In contrast, SERT-R607A/I608A and SERT-P601A/G602A were only rendered susceptible to inhibition of HSP70 and HSP90 by concomitant pharmacochaperoning with noribogaine. (vi) In JAR cells, inhibition of HSP90 also increased the levels of SERT, indicating that endogenously expressed transporter was also susceptible to control by HSP90β. These findings support the concept that the folding trajectory of SERT is sampled by a cytoplasmic chaperone relay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El-Kasaby
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Florian Koban
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Harald H Sitte
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
| | - Sonja Sucic
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria and
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35
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Marjanovič I, Kandušer M, Miklavčič D, Keber MM, Pavlin M. Comparison of flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorometry for analysis of gene electrotransfer efficiency. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:1259-67. [PMID: 25146882 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9714-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we compared three different methods used for quantification of gene electrotransfer efficiency: fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and spectrofluorometry. We used CHO and B16 cells in a suspension and plasmid coding for GFP. The aim of this study was to compare and analyse the results obtained by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and spectrofluorometry and in addition to analyse the applicability of spectrofluorometry for quantifying gene electrotransfer on cells in a suspension. Our results show that all the three methods detected similar critical electric field strength, around 0.55 kV/cm for both cell lines. Moreover, results obtained on CHO cells showed that the total fluorescence intensity and percentage of transfection exhibit similar increase in response to increase electric field strength for all the three methods. For B16 cells, there was a good correlation at low electric field strengths, but at high field strengths, flow cytometer results deviated from results obtained by fluorescence microscope and spectrofluorometer. Our study showed that all the three methods detected similar critical electric field strengths and high correlations of results were obtained except for B16 cells at high electric field strengths. The results also demonstrated that flow cytometry measures higher values of percentage transfection compared to microscopy. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that spectrofluorometry can be used as a simple and consistent method to determine gene electrotransfer efficiency on cells in a suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Marjanovič
- Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Heal DJ, Gosden J, Smith SL. Dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT) "inverse agonism"--a novel hypothesis to explain the enigmatic pharmacology of cocaine. Neuropharmacology 2014; 87:19-40. [PMID: 24953830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The long held view is cocaine's pharmacological effects are mediated by monoamine reuptake inhibition. However, drugs with rapid brain penetration like sibutramine, bupropion, mazindol and tesofensine, which are equal to or more potent than cocaine as dopamine reuptake inhibitors, produce no discernable subjective effects such as drug "highs" or euphoria in drug-experienced human volunteers. Moreover they are dysphoric and aversive when given at high doses. In vivo experiments in animals demonstrate that cocaine's monoaminergic pharmacology is profoundly different from that of other prescribed monoamine reuptake inhibitors, with the exception of methylphenidate. These findings led us to conclude that the highly unusual stimulant profile of cocaine and related compounds, eg methylphenidate, is not mediated by monoamine reuptake inhibition alone. We describe the experimental findings which suggest cocaine serves as a negative allosteric modulator to alter the function of the dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT) and reverse its direction of transport. This results in a firing-dependent, retro-transport of dopamine into the synaptic cleft. The proposed mechanism of cocaine is, therefore, different from other small molecule negative allostereric modulators of the monoamine reuptake transporters, eg SoRI-6238, which merely reduce the rate of inward transport. Because the physiological role of DAT is to remove dopamine from the synapse and the action of cocaine is the opposite of this, we have postulated that cocaine's effect is analogous to an inverse agonist. If this hypothesis is validated then cocaine is the prototypical compound that exemplifies a new class of monoaminergic drugs; DAT "inverse agonists". This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'CNS Stimulants'.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Heal
- RenaSci Limited, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK.
| | - Jane Gosden
- RenaSci Limited, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK
| | - Sharon L Smith
- RenaSci Limited, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK.
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37
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Scimemi A. Structure, function, and plasticity of GABA transporters. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:161. [PMID: 24987330 PMCID: PMC4060055 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA transporters belong to a large family of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters. They are widely expressed throughout the brain, with different levels of expression in different brain regions. GABA transporters are present in neurons and in astrocytes and their activity is crucial to regulate the extracellular concentration of GABA under basal conditions and during ongoing synaptic events. Numerous efforts have been devoted to determine the structural and functional properties of GABA transporters. There is also evidence that the expression of GABA transporters on the cell membrane and their lateral mobility can be modulated by different intracellular signaling cascades. The strength of individual synaptic contacts and the activity of entire neuronal networks may be finely tuned by altering the density, distribution and diffusion rate of GABA transporters within the cell membrane. These findings are intriguing because they suggest the existence of complex regulatory systems that control the plasticity of GABAergic transmission in the brain. Here we review the current knowledge on the structural and functional properties of GABA transporters and highlight the molecular mechanisms that alter the expression and mobility of GABA transporters at central synapses.
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38
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Anderluh A, Klotzsch E, Reismann AWAF, Brameshuber M, Kudlacek O, Newman AH, Sitte HH, Schütz GJ. Single molecule analysis reveals coexistence of stable serotonin transporter monomers and oligomers in the live cell plasma membrane. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:4387-94. [PMID: 24394416 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.531632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The human serotonin transporter (hSERT) is responsible for the termination of synaptic serotonergic signaling. Although there is solid evidence that SERT forms oligomeric complexes, the exact stoichiometry of the complexes and the fractions of different coexisting oligomeric states still remain enigmatic. Here we used single molecule fluorescence microscopy to obtain the oligomerization state of the SERT via brightness analysis of single diffraction-limited fluorescent spots. Heterologously expressed SERT was labeled either with the fluorescent inhibitor JHC 1-64 or via fusion to monomeric GFP. We found a variety of oligomerization states of membrane-associated transporters, revealing molecular associations larger than dimers and demonstrating the coexistence of different degrees of oligomerization in a single cell; the data are in agreement with a linear aggregation model. Furthermore, oligomerization was found to be independent of SERT surface density, and oligomers remained stable over several minutes in the live cell plasma membrane. Together, the results indicate kinetic trapping of preformed SERT oligomers at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Anderluh
- From the Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
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Czeredys M, Samluk Ł, Michalec K, Tułodziecka K, Skowronek K, Nałęcz KA. Caveolin-1--a novel interacting partner of organic cation/carnitine transporter (Octn2): effect of protein kinase C on this interaction in rat astrocytes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82105. [PMID: 24349196 PMCID: PMC3862573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OCTN2 - the Organic Cation Transporter Novel family member 2 (SLC22A5) is known to be a xenobiotic/drug transporter. It transports as well carnitine - a compound necessary for oxidation of fatty acids and mutations of its gene cause primary carnitine deficiency. Octn2 regulation by protein kinase C (PKC) was studied in rat astrocytes - cells in which β-oxidation takes place in the brain. Activation of PKC with phorbol ester stimulated L-carnitine transport and increased cell surface presence of the transporter, although no PKC-specific phosphorylation of Octn2 could be detected. PKC activation resulted in an augmented Octn2 presence in cholesterol/sphingolipid-rich microdomains of plasma membrane (rafts) and increased co-precipitation of Octn2 with raft-proteins, caveolin-1 and flotillin-1. Deletion of potential caveolin-1 binding motifs pointed to amino acids 14–22 and 447–454 as the caveolin-1 binding sites within Octn2 sequence. A direct interaction of Octn2 with caveolin-1 in astrocytes upon PKC activation was detected by proximity ligation assay, while such an interaction was excluded in case of flotillin-1. Functioning of a multi-protein complex regulated by PKC has been postulated in rOctn2 trafficking to the cell surface, a process which could be important both under physiological conditions, when carnitine facilitates fatty acids catabolism and controls free Coenzyme A pool as well as in pathology, when transport of several drugs can induce secondary carnitine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Czeredys
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Samluk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Michalec
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Tułodziecka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skowronek
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna A. Nałęcz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
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40
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Defining the blanks--pharmacochaperoning of SLC6 transporters and ABC transporters. Pharmacol Res 2013; 83:63-73. [PMID: 24316454 PMCID: PMC4059943 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SLC6 family members and ABC transporters represent two extremes: SLC6 transporters are confined to the membrane proper and only expose small segments to the hydrophilic milieu. In ABC transporters the hydrophobic core is connected to a large intracellular (eponymous) ATP binding domain that is comprised of two discontiguous repeats. Accordingly, their folding problem is fundamentally different. This can be gauged from mutations that impair the folding of the encoded protein and give rise to clinically relevant disease phenotypes: in SLC6 transporters, these cluster at the protein–lipid interface on the membrane exposed surface. Mutations in ABC-transporters map to the interface between nucleotide binding domains and the coupling helices, which provide the connection to the hydrophobic core. Folding of these mutated ABC-transporters can be corrected with ligands/substrates that bind to the hydrophobic core. This highlights a pivotal role of the coupling helices in the folding trajectory. In contrast, insights into pharmacochaperoning of SLC6 transporters are limited to monoamine transporters – in particular the serotonin transporter (SERT) – because of their rich pharmacology. Only ligands that stabilize the inward facing conformation act as effective pharmacochaperones. This indicates that the folding trajectory of SERT proceeds via the inward facing conformation. Mutations that impair folding of SLC6 family members can be transmitted as dominant or recessive alleles. The dominant phenotype of the mutation can be rationalized, because SLC6 transporters are exported in oligomeric form from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recessive transmission requires shielding of the unaffected gene product from the mutated transporter in the ER. This can be accounted for by a chaperone-COPII (coatomer protein II) exchange model, where proteinaceous ER-resident chaperones engage various intermediates prior to formation of the oligomeric state and subsequent export from the ER. It is likely that the action of pharmacochaperones is contingent on and modulated by these chaperones.
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41
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Müller SM, Galliardt H, Schneider J, Barisas BG, Seidel T. Quantification of Förster resonance energy transfer by monitoring sensitized emission in living plant cells. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:413. [PMID: 24194740 PMCID: PMC3810607 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) describes excitation energy exchange between two adjacent molecules typically in distances ranging from 2 to 10 nm. The process depends on dipole-dipole coupling of the molecules and its probability of occurrence cannot be proven directly. Mostly, fluorescence is employed for quantification as it represents a concurring process of relaxation of the excited singlet state S1 so that the probability of fluorescence decreases as the probability of FRET increases. This reflects closer proximity of the molecules or an orientation of donor and acceptor transition dipoles that facilitates FRET. Monitoring sensitized emission by 3-Filter-FRET allows for fast image acquisition and is suitable for quantifying FRET in dynamic systems such as living cells. In recent years, several calibration protocols were established to overcome to previous difficulties in measuring FRET-efficiencies. Thus, we can now obtain by 3-filter FRET FRET-efficiencies that are comparable to results from sophisticated fluorescence lifetime measurements. With the discovery of fluorescent proteins and their improvement toward spectral variants and usability in plant cells, the tool box for in vivo FRET-analyses in plant cells was provided and FRET became applicable for the in vivo detection of protein-protein interactions and for monitoring conformational dynamics. The latter opened the door toward a multitude of FRET-sensors such as the widely applied Ca(2+)-sensor Cameleon. Recently, FRET-couples of two fluorescent proteins were supplemented by additional fluorescent proteins toward FRET-cascades in order to monitor more complex arrangements. Novel FRET-couples involving switchable fluorescent proteins promise to increase the utility of FRET through combination with photoactivation-based super-resolution microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Müller
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - Helena Galliardt
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - Jessica Schneider
- Bioinformatic Resource Facility, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - B. George Barisas
- Chemistry Department, Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thorsten Seidel
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thorsten Seidel, Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany e-mail:
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42
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Abstract
The solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family of the human genome comprises transporters for neurotransmitters, amino acids, osmolytes and energy metabolites. Members of this family play critical roles in neurotransmission, cellular and whole body homeostasis. Malfunction or altered expression of these transporters is associated with a variety of diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of the neurotransmitter transporters in this family is an important strategy in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review provides an overview of the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the SLC6 family transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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43
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Moritz AE, Foster JD, Gorentla BK, Mazei-Robison MS, Yang JW, Sitte HH, Blakely RD, Vaughan RA. Phosphorylation of dopamine transporter serine 7 modulates cocaine analog binding. J Biol Chem 2012; 288:20-32. [PMID: 23161550 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.407874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As an approach to elucidating dopamine transporter (DAT) phosphorylation characteristics, we examined in vitro phosphorylation of a recombinant rat DAT N-terminal peptide (NDAT) using purified protein kinases. We found that NDAT becomes phosphorylated at single distinct sites by protein kinase A (Ser-7) and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ser-13) and at multiple sites (Ser-4, Ser-7, and Ser-13) by protein kinase C (PKC), implicating these residues as potential sites of DAT phosphorylation by these kinases. Mapping of rat striatal DAT phosphopeptides by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography revealed basal and PKC-stimulated phosphorylation of the same peptide fragments and comigration of PKC-stimulated phosphopeptide fragments with NDAT Ser-7 phosphopeptide markers. We further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and mass spectrometry that Ser-7 is a site for PKC-stimulated phosphorylation in heterologously expressed rat and human DATs. Mutation of Ser-7 and nearby residues strongly reduced the affinity of rat DAT for the cocaine analog (-)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane (CFT), whereas in rat striatal tissue, conditions that promote DAT phosphorylation caused increased CFT affinity. Ser-7 mutation also affected zinc modulation of CFT binding, with Ala and Asp substitutions inducing opposing effects. These results identify Ser-7 as a major site for basal and PKC-stimulated phosphorylation of native and expressed DAT and suggest that Ser-7 phosphorylation modulates transporter conformational equilibria, shifting the transporter between high and low affinity cocaine binding states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Moritz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203-9037, USA
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Oz M, Isaev D, Lorke DE, Hasan M, Petroianu G, Shippenberg TS. Methylene blue inhibits function of the 5-HT transporter. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:168-76. [PMID: 21542830 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01462.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Methylene blue (MB) is commonly employed as a treatment for methaemoglobinaemia, malaria and vasoplegic shock. An increasing number of studies indicate that MB can cause 5-HT toxicity when administered with a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor. MB is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidases, but other targets that may contribute to MB toxicity have not been identified. Given the role of the 5-HT transporter (SERT) in the regulation of extracellular 5-HT concentrations, the present study aimed to characterize the effect of MB on SERT. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Live cell imaging, in conjunction with the fluorescent SERT substrate 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP(+) ), [(3) H]5-HT uptake and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were employed to examine the effects of MB on SERT function. KEY RESULTS In EM4 cells expressing GFP-tagged human SERT (hSERT), MB concentration-dependently inhibited ASP(+) accumulation (IC(50) : 1.4 ± 0.3 µM). A similar effect was observed in N2A cells. Uptake of [(3) H]5-HT was decreased by MB pretreatment. Furthermore, patch-clamp studies in hSERT expressing cells indicated that MB significantly inhibited 5-HT-evoked ion currents. Pretreatment with 8-Br-cGMP did not alter the inhibitory effect of MB on hSERT activity, and intracellular Ca(2+) levels remained unchanged during MB application. Further experiments revealed that ASP(+) binding to cell surface hSERT was reduced after MB treatment. In whole-cell radioligand experiments, exposure to MB (10 µM; 10 min) did not alter surface binding of the SERT ligand [(125) I]RTI-55. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MB modulated SERT function and suggested that SERT may be an additional target upon which MB acts to produce 5-HT toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE.
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45
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Boudko DY. Molecular basis of essential amino acid transport from studies of insect nutrient amino acid transporters of the SLC6 family (NAT-SLC6). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:433-49. [PMID: 22230793 PMCID: PMC3397479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Two protein families that represent major components of essential amino acid transport in insects have been identified. They are annotated as the SLC6 and SLC7 families of transporters according to phylogenetic proximity to characterized amino acid transporters (HUGO nomenclature). Members of these families have been identified as important apical and basolateral parts of transepithelial essential amino acid absorption in the metazoan alimentary canal. Synergistically, they play critical physiological roles as essential substrate providers to diverse metabolic processes, including generic protein synthesis. This review briefly clarifies the requirements for amino acid transport and a variety of amino acid transport mechanisms, including the aforementioned families. Further it focuses on the large group of Nutrient Amino acid Transporters (NATs), which comprise a recently identified subfamily of the Neurotransmitter Sodium Symporter family (NSS or SLC6). The first insect NAT, cloned from the caterpillar gut, has a broad substrate spectrum similar to mammalian B(0) transporters. Several new NAT-SLC6 members have been characterized in an effort to explore mechanisms for the essential amino acid absorption in model dipteran insects. The identification and functional characterization of new B(0)-like and narrow specificity transporters of essential amino acids in fruit fly and mosquitoes leads to a fundamentally important insight: that NATs evolved and act together as the integrated active core of a transport network that mediates active alimentary absorption and systemic distribution of essential amino acids. This role of NATs is projected from the most primitive prokaryotes to the most complex metazoan organisms, and represents an interesting platform for unraveling the molecular evolution of amino acid transport and modeling amino acid transport disorders. The comparative study of NATs elucidates important adaptive differences between essential amino acid transportomes of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, outlining a new possibility for selective targeting of essential amino acid absorption mechanisms to control medically and economically important arthropods and other invertebrate organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Y Boudko
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics of Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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46
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Lau T, Schloss P. Differential regulation of serotonin transporter cell surface expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/wmts.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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47
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Grabner A, Brast S, Sucic S, Bierer S, Hirsch B, Pavenstädt H, Sitte HH, Schlatter E, Ciarimboli G. LAPTM4A interacts with hOCT2 and regulates its endocytotic recruitment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:4079-90. [PMID: 21553234 PMCID: PMC11114991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2) is involved in the transport of endogenous and exogenous organic cations mainly in cells of the kidney and the brain. Here, we focus on the regulation of hOCT2 by direct protein-protein interaction. Screening within a mating-based split-ubiquitin-yeast-two-hybrid system (mBSUS) revealed the lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 4 alpha (LAPTM4A) as a potential interacting protein. Interaction of LAPTM4A and hOCT2 was confirmed by pulldown assays, FRET microscopy analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Functionally, overexpression of LAPTM4A significantly decreased ASP(+) uptake in HEK293 cells stably transfected with hOCT2, suggesting a negative regulation of hOCT2-mediated transport. Furthermore, overexpression of LAPTM4A leads to a significantly decreased hOCT2 plasma membrane expression in surface biotinylation experiments. In addition, significant expression of LAPTM4A in human kidney was demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.In this work, LAPTM4A has been identified as interaction partner of hOCT2. LAPTM4A regulates the function of hOCT2 by influencing its trafficking to/from the cell membrane and processing it via the intracellular sorting machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grabner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik D, Abteilung für Experimentelle Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Domagkstrasse 3A, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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48
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Brast S, Grabner A, Sucic S, Sitte HH, Hermann E, Pavenstädt H, Schlatter E, Ciarimboli G. The cysteines of the extracellular loop are crucial for trafficking of human organic cation transporter 2 to the plasma membrane and are involved in oligomerization. FASEB J 2011; 26:976-86. [PMID: 22085643 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-180679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2) is involved in transport of many endogenous and exogenous organic cations, mainly in kidney and brain cells. Because the quaternary structure of transmembrane proteins plays an essential role for their cellular trafficking and function, we investigated whether hOCT2 forms oligomeric complexes, and if so, which part of the transporter is involved in the oligomerization. A yeast 2-hybrid mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS), fluorescence resonance energy transfer, Western blot analysis, cross-linking experiments, immunofluorescence, and uptake measurements of the fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium were applied to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells transfected with hOCT2 and partly also to freshly isolated human proximal tubules. The role of cysteines for oligomerization and trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membranes was investigated in cysteine mutants of hOCT2. hOCT2 formed oligomers both in the HEK293 expression system and in native human kidneys. The cysteines of the large extracellular loop are important to enable correct folding, oligomeric assembly, and plasma membrane insertion of hOCT2. Mutation of the first and the last cysteines of the loop at positions 51 and 143 abolished oligomer formation. Thus, the cysteines of the extracellular loop are important for correct trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membrane and for its oligomerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Brast
- Experimentelle Nephrologie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik D, Domagkstrasse 3A, 48149 Münster, Germany
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49
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Schicker K, Uzelac Z, Gesmonde J, Bulling S, Stockner T, Freissmuth M, Boehm S, Rudnick G, Sitte HH, Sandtner W. Unifying concept of serotonin transporter-associated currents. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:438-445. [PMID: 22072712 PMCID: PMC3249096 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.304261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) uptake by the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) is driven by ion gradients. The stoichiometry of transported 5-HT and ions is predicted to result in electroneutral charge movement. However, hSERT mediates a current when challenged with 5-HT. This discrepancy can be accounted for by an uncoupled ion flux. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of the uncoupled currents and its relation to the conformational cycle of hSERT. Our observations support the conclusion that the conducting state underlying the uncoupled ion flux is in equilibrium with an inward facing state of the transporter with K+ bound. We identified conditions associated with accumulation of the transporter in inward facing conformations. Manipulations that increased the abundance of inward facing states resulted in enhanced steady-state currents. We present a comprehensive kinetic model of the transport cycle, which recapitulates salient features of the recorded currents. This study provides a framework for exploring transporter-associated currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Schicker
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joan Gesmonde
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8066
| | - Simon Bulling
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Boehm
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gary Rudnick
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8066
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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50
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Wildling L, Rankl C, Haselgrübler T, Gruber HJ, Holy M, Newman AH, Zou MF, Zhu R, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH, Hinterdorfer P. Probing binding pocket of serotonin transporter by single molecular force spectroscopy on living cells. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:105-113. [PMID: 22033932 PMCID: PMC3249061 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.304873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) terminates neurotransmission by removing serotonin from the synaptic cleft. In addition, it is the site of action of antidepressants (which block the transporter) and of amphetamines (which induce substrate efflux). The interaction energies involved in binding of such compounds to the transporter are unknown. Here, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to probe single molecular interactions between the serotonin transporter and MFZ2-12 (a potent cocaine analog) in living CHOK1 cells. For the AFM measurements, MFZ2-12 was immobilized on AFM tips by using a heterobifunctional cross-linker. By varying the pulling velocity in force distance cycles drug-transporter complexes were ruptured at different force loadings allowing for mapping of the interaction energy landscape. We derived chemical rate constants from these recordings and compared them with those inferred from inhibition of transport and ligand binding: koff values were in good agreement with those derived from uptake experiments; in contrast, the kon values were scaled down when determined by AFM. Our observations generated new insights into the energy landscape of the interaction between SERT and inhibitors. They thus provide a useful framework for molecular dynamics simulations by exploring the range of forces and energies that operate during the binding reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Wildling
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Rankl
- Agilent Technologies, Austria GmbH, Aubrunnerweg 11, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | | | - Hermann J Gruber
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Mu-Fa Zou
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Rong Zhu
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; Center for Advanced Bioanalysis, Scharitzerstrasse 6-8, 4020 Linz, Austria.
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