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Wang J, O'Reilly M, Cooper IA, Chehrehasa F, Moody H, Beecher K. Mapping GABAergic projections that mediate feeding. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105743. [PMID: 38821151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuroscience offers important insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity by investigating neural circuits underpinning appetite and feeding. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, and its associated receptors represent an array of pharmacologically targetable mediators of appetite signalling. Targeting the GABAergic system is therefore an increasingly investigated approach to obesity treatment. However, the many GABAergic projections that control feeding have yet to be collectively analysed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between GABAergic signalling and appetite by examining both foundational studies and the results of newly emerging chemogenetic/optogenetic experiments. A current snapshot of these efforts to map GABAergic projections influencing appetite is provided, and potential avenues for further investigation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wang
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia.
| | - Max O'Reilly
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Fatemeh Chehrehasa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayley Moody
- Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate Beecher
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
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2
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Drożdżyk K, Peter M, Dutzler R. Structural features of heteromeric channels composed of CALHM2 and CALHM4 paralogs. eLife 2024; 13:RP96138. [PMID: 38896440 PMCID: PMC11186629 DOI: 10.7554/elife.96138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The CALHM proteins constitute a family of large pore channels that contains six closely related paralogs in humans. Two family members, CALHM1 and 3, have been associated with the release of ATP during taste sensation. Both proteins form heteromeric channels that activate at positive potential and decreased extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Although the structures of several family members displayed large oligomeric organizations of different size, their function has in most cases remained elusive. Our previous study has identified the paralogs CALHM2, 4 and, 6 to be highly expressed in the placenta and defined their structural properties as membrane proteins exhibiting features of large pore channels with unknown activation properties (Drożdżyk et al., 2020). Here, we investigated whether these placental paralogs would form heteromers and characterized heteromeric complexes consisting of CALHM2 and CALHM4 subunits using specific binders as fiducial markers. Both proteins assemble with different stoichiometries with the largest population containing CALHM2 as the predominant component. In these oligomers, the subunits segregate and reside in their preferred conformation found in homomeric channels. Our study has thus revealed the properties that govern the formation of CALHM heteromers in a process of potential relevance in a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Peter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Raimund Dutzler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Masoli S, Rizza MF, Tognolina M, Prestori F, D’Angelo E. Computational models of neurotransmission at cerebellar synapses unveil the impact on network computation. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:1006989. [PMID: 36387305 PMCID: PMC9649760 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.1006989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroscientific field benefits from the conjoint evolution of experimental and computational techniques, allowing for the reconstruction and simulation of complex models of neurons and synapses. Chemical synapses are characterized by presynaptic vesicle cycling, neurotransmitter diffusion, and postsynaptic receptor activation, which eventually lead to postsynaptic currents and subsequent membrane potential changes. These mechanisms have been accurately modeled for different synapses and receptor types (AMPA, NMDA, and GABA) of the cerebellar cortical network, allowing simulation of their impact on computation. Of special relevance is short-term synaptic plasticity, which generates spatiotemporal filtering in local microcircuits and controls burst transmission and information flow through the network. Here, we present how data-driven computational models recapitulate the properties of neurotransmission at cerebellar synapses. The simulation of microcircuit models is starting to reveal how diverse synaptic mechanisms shape the spatiotemporal profiles of circuit activity and computation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Masoli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Brain Connectivity Center, Pavia, Italy
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4
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Simeone X, Ernst M, Seidel T, Heider J, Enz D, Monticelli S, Vogel FD, Koniuszewski F, Langer T, Scholze P, Pace V, Miele M. Novel alpha6 preferring GABA-A receptor ligands based on loreclezole. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subtypes and Circuit Connections in Midazolam-induced Amnesia, Sedation, and Hypnosis. Anesthesiology 2022; 136:880-882. [PMID: 35482970 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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6
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Soualah Z, Taly A, Crespin L, Saulais O, Henrion D, Legendre C, Tricoire-Leignel H, Legros C, Mattei C. GABA A Receptor Subunit Composition Drives Its Sensitivity to the Insecticide Fipronil. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:768466. [PMID: 34912189 PMCID: PMC8668240 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.768466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fipronil (FPN) is a worldwide-used neurotoxic insecticide, targeting, and blocking GABAA receptors (GABAARs). Beyond its efficiency on insect GABAARs, FPN causes neurotoxic effects in humans and mammals. Here, we investigated the mode of action of FPN on mammalian α6-containing GABAARs to understand its inhibitory effects on GABA-induced currents, as a function of the synaptic or extrasynaptic localization of GABAARs. We characterized the effects of FPN by electrophysiology using Xenopus oocytes which were microtransplanted with cerebellum membranes or injected with α6β3, α6β3γ2S (synaptic), and α6β3δ (extrasynaptic) cDNAs. At micromolar concentrations, FPN dose-dependently inhibited cerebellar GABA currents. FPN acts as a non-competitive antagonist on ternary receptors. Surprisingly, the inhibition of GABA-induced currents was partial for extra-synaptic (α6β3δ) and binary (α6β3) receptors, while synaptic α6β3γ2S receptors were fully blocked, indicating that the complementary γ or δ subunit participates in FPN-GABAAR interaction. FPN unexpectedly behaved as a positive modulator on β3 homopentamers. These data show that FPN action is driven by the subunit composition of GABAARs-highlighting the role of the complementary subunit-and thus their localization within a physiological synapse. We built a docking model of FPN on GABAARs, which reveals two putative binding sites. This is consistent with a double binding mode of FPN on GABAARs, possibly one being of high affinity and the other of low affinity. Physiologically, the γ/δ subunit incorporation drives its inhibitory level and has important significance for its toxicity on the mammalian nervous system, especially in acute exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zineb Soualah
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Antoine Taly
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, CNRS, Université de Paris, UPR 9080, Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Lucille Crespin
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Ophélie Saulais
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Daniel Henrion
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Claire Legendre
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | | | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - César Mattei
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
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Fantasia RJ, Nourmahnad A, Halpin E, Forman SA. Substituted Cysteine Modification and Protection with n-Alkyl- Methanethiosulfonate Reagents Yields a Precise Estimate of the Distance between Etomidate and a Residue in Activated GABA Type A Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 99:426-434. [PMID: 33766924 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The anesthetic etomidate modulates synaptic α1β2/3γ2 GABAA receptors via binding sites located in transmembrane β+/α- interfaces. Various approaches indicate that etomidate binds near β2/3M286 side chains, including recent cryogenic electron microscopy images in α1β2γ2L receptors under nonphysiologic conditions with ∼3.5-Å resolution. We hypothesized that substituted cysteine modification and protection experiments using variably sized n-alkyl-methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents could precisely estimate the distance between bound etomidate and β3M286 side chains in activated functional receptors. Using voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes expressing α1β3M286Cγ2L GABAA receptors, we measured functional changes after exposing GABA-activated receptors to n-alkyl-MTS reagents, from methyl-MTS to n-decyl-MTS. Based on previous studies using a large sulfhydryl reagent, we anticipated that cysteine modifications large enough to overlap etomidate sites would cause persistently increased GABA sensitivity and decreased etomidate modulation and that etomidate would hinder these modifications, reducing effects. Based on altered GABA or etomidate sensitivity, ethyl-MTS and larger n-alkyl-MTS reagents modified GABA-activated α1β3M286Cγ2L GABAA receptors. Receptor modification by n-propyl-MTS or larger reagents caused persistently increased GABA sensitivity and decreased etomidate modulation. Receptor-bound etomidate blocked β3M286C modification by n-propyl-MTS, n-butyl-MTS, and n-hexyl-MTS. In contrast, GABA sensitivity was unaltered by receptor exposure to methyl-MTS or ethyl-MTS, and ethyl-MTS modification uniquely increased etomidate modulation. These results reveal a "cut-on" between ethyl-MTS and n-propyl-MTS, from which we infer that -S-(n-propyl) is the smallest β3M286C appendage that overlaps with etomidate sites. Molecular models of the native methionine and -S-ethyl and -S-(n-propyl) modified cysteines suggest that etomidate is located between 1.7 and 3.0 Å from the β3M286 side chain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Precise spatial relationships between drugs and their receptor sites are essential for mechanistic understanding and drug development. This study combined electrophysiology, a cysteine substitution, and n-alkyl-methanethiosulfonate modifiers, creating a precise molecular ruler to estimate the distance between a α1β3γ2L GABA type A receptor residue and etomidate bound in the transmembrane β+/α- interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Fantasia
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anahita Nourmahnad
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Halpin
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hosseinzadeh A, Kamrava SK, Moore BCJ, Reiter RJ, Ghaznavi H, Kamali M, Mehrzadi S. Molecular Aspects of Melatonin Treatment in Tinnitus: A Review. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1112-1128. [PMID: 30892162 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190319162147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a hearing disorder characterized by the perception of sound without external acoustic stimuli, which is caused by damage to the auditory system in response to excessive levels of noise, ototoxic agents and aging. Neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress and apoptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of tinnitus. The expression of neural plasticity related to excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission leads to generation of abnormal sound in one's ears or head. Furthermore, hyperactivation and over-expression of NMDA receptors in response to excessive release of glutamate contribute to the calcium overload in the primary auditory neurons and subsequent cytotoxicity. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are endogenously produced by different type of cochlear cells under pathological conditions, which cause direct damage to the intracellular components and apoptotic cell death. Cochlear hair-cell death contributes to the progressive deafferentation of auditory neurons, which consequently leads to the aberrant activity in several parts of the auditory pathway. Therefore, targeting neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptosis and autophagy may ameliorate tinnitus. Melatonin is an endogenously produced indoleamine synchronizing circadian and circannual rhythms. Based on laboratory studies indicating the protective effect of melatonin against cochlear damage induced by acoustic trauma and ototoxic agents, and also clinical studies reporting the ability of melatonin to minimize the severity of tinnitus, melatonin is suggested to be a treatment option for the patient with tinnitus. Herein, we describe the ameliorative effect of melatonin on tinnitus, focusing on neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptotsis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Kamran Kamrava
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center, Hazrate Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Habib Ghaznavi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Kamali
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Liao VWY, Kusay AS, Balle T, Ahring PK. Heterologous expression of concatenated nicotinic ACh receptors: Pros and cons of subunit concatenation and recommendations for construct designs. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4275-4295. [PMID: 32627170 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Concatenation of Cys-loop receptor subunits is a commonly used technique to ensure experimental control of receptor assembly. However, we recently demonstrated that widely used constructs did not lead to the expression of uniform pools of ternary and more complex receptors. The aim was therefore to identify viable strategies for designing concatenated constructs that would allow strict control of resultant receptor pools. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Concatenated dimeric, tetrameric, and pentameric α4β2-containing nicotinic ACh (nACh) receptor constructs were designed with successively shorter linker lengths and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Resulting receptor stoichiometries were investigated by functional analysis in two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate potential effects of linkers on the 3D structure of concatemers. KEY RESULTS Dimeric constructs were found to be unreliable and should be avoided for expression of ternary receptors. By introducing two short linkers, we obtained efficient expression of uniform receptor pools with tetrameric and pentameric constructs. However, linkers should not be excessively short as that introduces strain on the 3D structure of concatemers. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The data demonstrate that design of concatenated Cys-loop receptors requires a compromise between the desire for control of assembly and avoiding introduction of strain on the resulting protein. The overall best strategy was found to be pentameric constructs with carefully optimised linker lengths. Our findings will advance studies of ternary or more complex Cys-loop receptors as well as enabling detailed analysis of how pharmacological agents interact with stoichiometry-specific binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Wan Yu Liao
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Ali Saad Kusay
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Balle
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Philip Kiaer Ahring
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Lian JJ, Cao YQ, Li YL, Yu G, Su RB. Flumazenil-Insensitive Benzodiazepine Effects in Recombinant αβ and Neuronal GABA A Receptors. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030150. [PMID: 32150806 PMCID: PMC7139822 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, type A (GABAA) receptors are complex heterogeneous pentamers with various drug binding sites. Several lines of evidence suggest that benzodiazepines modulate certain GABAA receptors in a flumazenil-insensitive manner, possibly via binding sites other than the classical ones. However, GABAA receptor subtypes that contain non-classical benzodiazepine binding sites are not systemically studied. The present study investigated the high-concentration effects of three benzodiazepines and their sensitivity to flumazenil on different recombinant (α1β2, α2β2, α3β2, α4β2, α5β2 and α1β3) and native neuronal GABAA receptors using the whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology technique. The classical benzodiazepine diazepam (200 μmol/L) and midazolam (200 μmol/L) produced flumazenil-insensitive effects on α1β2 receptor, whereas the imidazopyridine zolpidem failed to modulate the receptor. Flumazenil-insensitive effects of diazepam were also observed on the α2β2, α3β2 and α5β2, but not α4β2 receptors. Unlike β2-containing receptors, the α1β3 receptor was insensitive to diazepam. Moreover, the diazepam (200 μmol/L) effects on some cortical neurons could not be fully antagonized by flumazenil (200 μmol/L). These findings suggested that the non-classical (flumazenil-insensitive) benzodiazepine effects depended on certain receptor subtypes and benzodiazepine structures and may be important for designing of subtype- or binding site- specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gang Yu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-66931621; Fax: +86-010-68211656
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GABA A Receptor Ligands Often Interact with Binding Sites in the Transmembrane Domain and in the Extracellular Domain-Can the Promiscuity Code Be Cracked? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010334. [PMID: 31947863 PMCID: PMC6982053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many allosteric binding sites that modulate gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects have been described in heteropentameric GABA type A (GABAA) receptors, among them sites for benzodiazepines, pyrazoloquinolinones and etomidate. Diazepam not only binds at the high affinity extracellular “canonical” site, but also at sites in the transmembrane domain. Many ligands of the benzodiazepine binding site interact also with homologous sites in the extracellular domain, among them the pyrazoloquinolinones that exert modulation at extracellular α+/β− sites. Additional interaction of this chemotype with the sites for etomidate has also been described. We have recently described a new indole-based scaffold with pharmacophore features highly similar to pyrazoloquinolinones as a novel class of GABAA receptor modulators. Contrary to what the pharmacophore overlap suggests, the ligand presented here behaves very differently from the identically substituted pyrazoloquinolinone. Structural evidence demonstrates that small changes in pharmacophore features can induce radical changes in ligand binding properties. Analysis of published data reveals that many chemotypes display a strong tendency to interact promiscuously with binding sites in the transmembrane domain and others in the extracellular domain of the same receptor. Further structural investigations of this phenomenon should enable a more targeted path to less promiscuous ligands, potentially reducing side effect liabilities.
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Khalyfa A, Sanz-Rubio D. Genetics and Extracellular Vesicles of Pediatrics Sleep Disordered Breathing and Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215483. [PMID: 31689970 PMCID: PMC6862182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep remains one of the least understood phenomena in biology, and sleep disturbances are one of the most common behavioral problems in childhood. The etiology of sleep disorders is complex and involves both genetic and environmental factors. Epilepsy is the most popular childhood neurological condition and is characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures, and the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition. Sleep and epilepsy are interrelated, and the importance of sleep in epilepsy is less known. The state of sleep also influences whether a seizure will occur at a given time, and this differs considerably for various epilepsy syndromes. The development of epilepsy has been associated with single or multiple gene variants. The genetics of epilepsy is complex and disorders exhibit significant genetic heterogeneity and variability in the expressivity of seizures. Phenobarbital (PhB) is the most widely used antiepileptic drug. With its principal mechanism of action to prolong the opening time of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor-associated chloride channel, it enhances chloride anion influx into neurons, with subsequent hyperpolarization, thereby reducing excitability. Enzymes that metabolize pharmaceuticals including PhB are well known for having genetic polymorphisms that contribute to adverse drug–drug interactions. PhB metabolism is highly dependent upon the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and genetic polymorphisms can lead to variability in active drug levels. The highly polymorphic CYP2C19 isozymes are responsible for metabolizing a large portion of routinely prescribed drugs and variants contribute significantly to adverse drug reactions and therapeutic failures. A limited number of CYP2C19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in drug metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are circular membrane fragments released from the endosomal compartment as exosomes are shed from the surfaces of the membranes of most cell types. Increasing evidence indicated that EVs play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. Theses EVs may play an important role between sleep, epilepsy, and treatments. The discovery of exosomes provides potential strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including neurocognitive deficit. The aim of this study is to better understand and provide further knowledge about the metabolism and interactions between phenobarbital and CYP2C19 polymorphisms in children with epilepsy, interplay between sleep, and EVs. Understanding this interplay between epilepsy and sleep is helpful in the optimal treatment of all patients with epileptic seizures. The use of genetics and extracellular vesicles as precision medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of children with sleep disorder will improve the prognosis and the quality of life in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelnaby Khalyfa
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Sleep Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Child Health and the Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65201, USA.
| | - David Sanz-Rubio
- Department of Child Health and the Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65201, USA.
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Developmental Changes in Serotonergic Modulation of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission and Postsynaptic GABA A Receptor Composition in the Cerebellar Nuclei. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:346-358. [PMID: 29349630 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Outputs from the cerebellar nuclei (CN) are important for generating and controlling movement. The activity of CN neurons is controlled not only by excitatory inputs from mossy and climbing fibers and by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-based inhibitory transmission from Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex but is also modulated by inputs from other brain regions, including serotonergic fibers that originate in the dorsal raphe nuclei. We examined the modulatory effects of serotonin (5-HT) on GABAergic synapses during development, using rat cerebellar slices. As previously reported, 5-HT presynaptically decreased the amplitudes of stimulation-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in CN neurons, with this effect being stronger in slices from younger animals (postnatal days [P] 11-13) than in slices from older animals (P19-21). GABA release probabilities accordingly exhibited significant decreases from P11-13 to P19-21. Although there was a strong correlation between the GABA release probability and the magnitude of 5-HT-induced inhibition, manipulating the release probability by changing extracellular Ca2+ concentrations failed to control the extent of 5-HT-induced inhibition. We also found that the IPSCs exhibited slower kinetics at P11-13 than at P19-21. Pharmacological and molecular biological tests revealed that IPSC kinetics were largely determined by the prevalence of α1 subunits within GABAA receptors. In summary, pre- and postsynaptic developmental changes in serotonergic modulation and GABAergic synaptic transmission occur during the second to third postnatal weeks and may significantly contribute to the formation of normal adult cerebellar function.
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Clyburn C, Howe CA, Arnold AC, Lang CH, Travagli RA, Browning KN. Perinatal high-fat diet alters development of GABA A receptor subunits in dorsal motor nucleus of vagus. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 317:G40-G50. [PMID: 31042399 PMCID: PMC6689732 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00079.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal high-fat diet (pHFD) exposure increases the inhibition of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons, potentially contributing to the dysregulation of gastric functions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pHFD increases the inhibition of DMV neurons by disrupting GABAA receptor subunit development. In vivo gastric recordings were made from adult anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats fed a control or pHFD (14 or 60% kcal from fat, respectively) from embryonic day 13 (E13) to postnatal day 42 (P42), and response to brainstem microinjection of benzodiazepines was assessed. Whole cell patch clamp recordings from DMV neurons assessed the functional expression of GABAA α subunits, whereas mRNA and protein expression were measured via qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. pHFD decreased basal antrum and corpus motility, whereas brainstem microinjection of L838,417 (positive allosteric modulator of α2/3 subunit-containing GABAA receptors) produced a larger decrease in gastric tone and motility. GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in pHFD DMV neurons were responsive to L838,417 throughout development, unlike control DMV neurons, which were responsive only at early postnatal timepoints. Brainstem mRNA and protein expression of the GABAA α1,2, and 3 subunits, however, did not differ between control and pHFD rats. This study suggests that pHFD exposure arrests the development of synaptic GABAA α2/3 receptor subunits on DMV neurons and that functional synaptic expression is maintained into adulthood, although cellular localization may differ. The tonic activation of slower GABAA α2/3 subunit-containing receptors implies that such developmental changes may contribute to the observed decreased gastric motility. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vagal neurocircuits involved in the control of gastric functions, satiation, and food intake are subject to significant developmental regulation postnatally, with immature GABAA receptors expressing slower α2/3-subunits, whereas mature GABAA receptor express faster α1-subunits. After perinatal high-fat diet exposure, this developmental regulation of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons is disrupted, increasing their tonic GABAergic inhibition, decreasing efferent output, and potentially decreasing gastric motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Clyburn
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Caitlin A Howe
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy C Arnold
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Charles H Lang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - R Alberto Travagli
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Kirsteen N Browning
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
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15
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Simeone X, Iorio M, Siebert D, Rehman S, Schnürch M, Mihovilovic M, Ernst M. Defined concatenated α6α1β3γ2 GABAA receptor constructs reveal dual action of pyrazoloquinolinone allosteric modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3167-3178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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Duan J, Pandey S, Li T, Castellano D, Gu X, Li J, Tian Q, Lu W. Genetic Deletion of GABA A Receptors Reveals Distinct Requirements of Neurotransmitter Receptors for GABAergic and Glutamatergic Synapse Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:217. [PMID: 31231192 PMCID: PMC6558517 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the adult brain GABAA receptors (GABAARs) mediate the majority of synaptic inhibition that provides inhibitory balance to excitatory drive and controls neuronal output. In the immature brain GABAAR signaling is critical for neuronal development. However, the cell-autonomous role of GABAARs in synapse development remains largely unknown. We have employed the CRISPR-CAS9 technology to genetically eliminate GABAARs in individual hippocampal neurons and examined GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. We found that development of GABAergic synapses, but not glutamatergic synapses, critically depends on GABAARs. By combining different genetic approaches, we have also removed GABAARs and two ionotropic glutamate receptors, AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and NMDA receptors (NMDARs), in single neurons and discovered a striking dichotomy. Indeed, while development of glutamatergic synapses and spines does not require signaling mediated by these receptors, inhibitory synapse formation is crucially dependent on them. Our data reveal a critical cell-autonomous role of GABAARs in inhibitory synaptogenesis and demonstrate distinct molecular mechanisms for development of inhibitory and excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Duan
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Saurabh Pandey
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tianming Li
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Castellano
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Xinglong Gu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Qingjun Tian
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Wei Lu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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17
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Sun H, Zheng Z, Fedorenko OA, Roberts SK. Covalent linkage of bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels. BMC BIOPHYSICS 2019; 12:1. [PMID: 31061699 PMCID: PMC6487023 DOI: 10.1186/s13628-019-0049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Bacterial sodium channels are important models for understanding ion permeation and selectivity. However, their homotetrameric structure limits their use as models for understanding the more complex eukaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels (which have a pseudo-heterotetrameric structure formed from an oligomer composed of four domains). To bridge this gap we attempted to synthesise oligomers made from four covalently linked bacterial sodium channel monomers and thus resembling their eukaryotic counterparts. Results Western blot analyses revealed NaChBac oligomers to be inherently unstable whereas intact expression of NavMs oligomers was possible. Immunodectection using confocal microscopy and electrophysiological characterisation of NavMs tetramers confirmed plasma membrane localisation and equivalent functionality with wild type NavMs channels when expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Conclusion This study has generated new tools for the investigation of eukaryotic channels. The successful covalent linkage of four bacterial Nav channel monomers should permit the introduction of radial asymmetry into the structure of bacterial Nav channels and enable the known structures of these channels to be used to gain unique insights into structure-function relationships of their eukaryotic counterparts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13628-019-0049-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaping Sun
- 1Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ UK
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- 1Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ UK
| | - Olena A Fedorenko
- 1Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ UK.,2Present Address: School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH UK
| | - Stephen K Roberts
- 1Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ UK
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18
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Schadzek P, Stahl Y, Preller M, Ngezahayo A. Analysis of the dominant mutation N188T of human connexin46 (hCx46) using concatenation and molecular dynamics simulation. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:840-850. [PMID: 31034164 PMCID: PMC6487695 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are proteins that form cell-to-cell gap junction channels. A mutation at position 188 in the second extracellular loop (E2) domain of hCx46 has been linked to an autosomal dominant zonular pulverulent cataract. As it is dominantly inherited, it is possible that the mutant variant affects the co-expressed wild-type Cx and/or its interaction with other cellular components. Here, we proposed to use concatenated hCx46wt-hCx46N188T and hCx46N188T-hCx46wt to analyze how hCx46N188T affected co-expressed hCx46wt to achieve a dominant inheritance. Heterodimer hCx46wt-hCx46N188T formed fewer gap junction plaques compared to homodimer hCx46wt-hCx46wt, while the hCx46N188T-hCx46N188T homodimer formed almost no gap junction plaques. Dye uptake experiments showed that hemichannels of concatenated variants were similar to hemichannels of monomers. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that for docking, the N188 of a protomer was engaged in hydrogen bonds (HBs) with R180, N189, and D191 of the counterpart protomer of the adjacent hemichannel. T188 suppressed the formation of HBs between protomers. Molecular dynamics simulations of an equimolar hCx46wt/hCx46N188T gap junction channel revealed a reduced number of HBs between protomers, suggesting reduction of gap junction channels between lens fibers co-expressing the variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Schadzek
- Institute of Cell Biology and BiophysicsDepartment of Cell Physiology and BiophysicsLeibniz University HannoverGermany
| | - Yannick Stahl
- Institute of Cell Biology and BiophysicsDepartment of Cell Physiology and BiophysicsLeibniz University HannoverGermany
| | - Matthias Preller
- Institute for Biophysical ChemistryHannover Medical School (MHH)Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, DESY‐CampusHamburgGermany
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Institute of Cell Biology and BiophysicsDepartment of Cell Physiology and BiophysicsLeibniz University HannoverGermany
- Center for System Neurosciences (ZSN)HannoverGermany
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19
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Liao VWY, Chua HC, Kowal NM, Chebib M, Balle T, Ahring PK. Concatenated γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors revisited: Finding order in chaos. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:798-819. [PMID: 30988061 PMCID: PMC6572006 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subunit concatenation is a powerful technique used to control the assembly of structurally diverse heteromeric receptors such as GABAARs. Liao et al. find that existing GABAAR concatemers do not assemble as expected and describe refinements that allow expression of uniform receptor populations. γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian central nervous system, are arguably the most challenging member of the pentameric Cys-loop receptors to study due to their heteromeric structure. When two or more subunits are expressed together in heterologous systems, receptors of variable subunit type, ratio, and orientation can form, precluding accurate interpretation of data from functional studies. Subunit concatenation is a technique that involves the linking of individual subunits and in theory allows the precise control of the uniformity of expressed receptors. In reality, the resulting concatemers from widely used constructs are flexible in their orientation and may therefore assemble with themselves or free GABAAR subunits in unexpected ways. In this study, we examine functional responses of receptors from existing concatenated constructs and describe refinements necessary to allow expression of uniform receptor populations. We find that dimers from two commonly used concatenated constructs, β-23-α and α-10-β, assemble readily in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise orientations when coexpressed with free subunits. Furthermore, we show that concatemers formed from new tetrameric α-10-β-α-β and α-10-β-α-γ constructs also assemble in both orientations with free subunits to give canonical αβγ receptors. To restrict linker flexibility, we systematically shorten linker lengths of dimeric and pentameric constructs and find optimized constructs that direct the assembly of GABAARs only in one orientation, thus eliminating the ambiguity associated with previously described concatemers. Based on our data, we revisit some noncanonical GABAAR configurations proposed in recent years and explain how the use of some concatenated constructs may have led to wrong conclusions. Our results help clarify current contradictions in the literature regarding GABAAR subunit stoichiometry and arrangement. The lessons learned from this study may guide future efforts in understanding other related heteromeric receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Wan Yu Liao
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Han Chow Chua
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalia Magdalena Kowal
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mary Chebib
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Balle
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Kiær Ahring
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Szabo A, Nourmahnad A, Halpin E, Forman SA. Monod-Wyman-Changeux Allosteric Shift Analysis in Mutant α1 β3 γ2L GABA A Receptors Indicates Selectivity and Crosstalk among Intersubunit Transmembrane Anesthetic Sites. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:408-417. [PMID: 30696720 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.115048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Propofol, etomidate, and barbiturate anesthetics are allosteric coagonists at pentameric α1β3γ2 GABAA receptors, modulating channel activation via four biochemically established intersubunit transmembrane pockets. Etomidate selectively occupies the two β +/α - pockets, the barbiturate photolabel R-5-allyl-1-methyl-5-(m-trifluoromethyl-diazirynylphenyl) barbituric acid (R-mTFD-MPAB) occupies homologous α +/β - and γ +/β - pockets, and propofol occupies all four. Functional studies of mutations at M2-15' or M3-36' loci abutting these pockets provide conflicting results regarding their relative contributions to propofol modulation. We electrophysiologically measured GABA-dependent channel activation in α1β3γ2L or receptors with single M2-15' (α1S270I, β3N265M, and γ2S280W) or M3-36' (α1A291W, β3M286W, and γ2S301W) mutations, in the absence and presence of equipotent clinical range concentrations of etomidate, R-mTFD-MPAB, and propofol. Estimated open probabilities were calculated and analyzed using global two-state Monod-Wyman-Changeux models to derive log(d) parameters proportional to anesthetic-induced channel modulating energies (where d is the allosteric anesthetic shift factor). All mutations reduced the log(d) values for anesthetics occupying both abutting and nonabutting pockets. The Δlog(d) values [log(d, mutant) - log(d, wild type)] for M2-15' mutations abutting an anesthetic's biochemically established binding sites were consistently larger than the Δlog(d) values for nonabutting mutations, although this was not true for the M3-36' mutant Δlog(d) values. The sums of the anesthetic-associated Δlog(d) values for sets of M2-15' or M3-36' mutations were all much larger than the wild-type log(d) values. Mutant Δlog(d) values qualitatively reflect anesthetic site occupancy patterns. However, the lack of Δlog(d) additivity undermines quantitative comparisons of distinct site contributions to anesthetic modulation because the mutations impaired both abutting anesthetic binding effects and positive cooperativity between anesthetic binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Szabo
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anahita Nourmahnad
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Halpin
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Joshi S, Kapur J. Neurosteroid regulation of GABA A receptors: A role in catamenial epilepsy. Brain Res 2019; 1703:31-40. [PMID: 29481795 PMCID: PMC6107446 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen regulate network excitability. Fluctuations in the circulating levels of these hormones during the menstrual cycle cause frequent seizures during certain phases of the cycle in women with epilepsy. This seizure exacerbation, called catamenial epilepsy, is a dominant form of drug-refractory epilepsy in women of reproductive age. Progesterone, through its neurosteroid derivative allopregnanolone, increases γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor (GABAR)-mediated inhibition in the brain and keeps seizures under control. Catamenial seizures are believed to be a neurosteroid withdrawal symptom, and it was hypothesized that exogenous administration of progesterone to maintain its levels high during luteal phase will treat catamenial seizures. However, in a multicenter, double-blind, phase III clinical trial, progesterone treatment did not suppress catamenial seizures. The expression of GABARs with reduced neurosteroid sensitivity in epileptic animals may explain the failure of the progesterone clinical trial. The expression of neurosteroid-sensitive δ subunit-containing GABARs is reduced, and the expression of α4γ2 subunit-containing GABARs is upregulated, which alters the inhibition of dentate granule cells in epilepsy. These changes reduce the endogenous neurosteroid control of seizures and contribute to catamenial seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
| | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
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22
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Input-Specific Synaptic Location and Function of the α5 GABA A Receptor Subunit in the Mouse CA1 Hippocampal Neurons. J Neurosci 2018; 39:788-801. [PMID: 30523065 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0567-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampus-dependent learning processes are coordinated via a large diversity of GABAergic inhibitory mechanisms. The α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptor (α5-GABAAR) is abundantly expressed in the hippocampus populating primarily the extrasynaptic domain of CA1 pyramidal cells, where it mediates tonic inhibitory conductance and may cause functional deficits in synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory. However, little is known about synaptic expression of the α5-GABAAR and, accordingly, its location site-specific function. We examined the cell- and synapse-specific distribution of the α5-GABAAR in the CA1 stratum oriens/alveus (O/A) using a combination of immunohistochemistry, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and optogenetic stimulation in hippocampal slices obtained from mice of either sex. In addition, the input-specific role of the α5-GABAAR in spatial learning and anxiety-related behavior was studied using behavioral testing and chemogenetic manipulations. We demonstrate that α5-GABAAR is preferentially targeted to the inhibitory synapses made by the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)- and calretinin-positive terminals onto dendrites of somatostatin-expressing interneurons. In contrast, synapses made by the parvalbumin-positive inhibitory inputs to O/A interneurons showed no or little α5-GABAAR. Inhibiting the α5-GABAAR in control mice in vivo improved spatial learning but also induced anxiety-like behavior. Inhibiting the α5-GABAAR in mice with inactivated CA1 VIP input could still improve spatial learning and was not associated with anxiety. Together, these data indicate that the α5-GABAAR-mediated phasic inhibition via VIP input to interneurons plays a predominant role in the regulation of anxiety while the α5-GABAAR tonic inhibition via this subunit may control spatial learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The α5-GABAAR subunit exhibits high expression in the hippocampus, and regulates the induction of synaptic plasticity and the hippocampus-dependent mnemonic processes. In CA1 principal cells, this subunit occupies mostly extrasynaptic sites and mediates tonic inhibition. Here, we provide evidence that, in CA1 somatostatin-expressing interneurons, the α5-GABAAR subunit is targeted to synapses formed by the VIP- and calretinin-expressing inputs, and plays a specific role in the regulation of anxiety-like behavior.
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23
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Probing the molecular basis for affinity/potency- and efficacy-based subtype-selectivity exhibited by benzodiazepine-site modulators at GABAA receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:339-358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Sieghart W, Savić MM. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVI: GABAA Receptor Subtype- and Function-selective Ligands: Key Issues in Translation to Humans. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:836-878. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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25
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Schadzek P, Hermes D, Stahl Y, Dilger N, Ngezahayo A. Concatenation of Human Connexin26 (hCx26) and Human Connexin46 (hCx46) for the Analysis of Heteromeric Gap Junction Hemichannels and Heterotypic Gap Junction Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2742. [PMID: 30217016 PMCID: PMC6163895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by concatenated connexins were analyzed. Monomeric (hCx26, hCx46), homodimeric (hCx46-hCx46, hCx26-hCx26), and heterodimeric (hCx26-hCx46, hCx46-hCx26) constructs, coupled to GFP, were expressed in HeLa cells. Confocal microscopy showed that the tandems formed gap junction plaques with a reduced plaque area compared to monomeric hCx26 or hCx46. Dye transfer experiments showed that concatenation allows metabolic transfer. Expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the inside-out patch-clamp configuration showed single channels with a conductance of about 46 pS and 39 pS for hemichannels composed of hCx46 and hCx26 monomers, respectively, when chloride was replaced by gluconate on both membrane sides. The conductance was reduced for hCx46-hCx46 and hCx26-hCx26 homodimers, probably due to the concatenation. Heteromerized hemichannels, depending on the connexin-order, were characterized by substates at 26 pS and 16 pS for hCx46-hCx26 and 31 pS and 20 pS for hCx26-hCx46. Because of the linker between the connexins, the properties of the formed hemichannels and gap junction channels (e.g., single channel conductance) may not represent the properties of hetero-oligomerized channels. However, should the removal of the linker be successful, this method could be used to analyze the electrical and metabolic selectivity of such channels and the physiological consequences for a tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Schadzek
- Institut für Biophysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Doris Hermes
- Institut für Biophysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Yannick Stahl
- Institut für Biophysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Nadine Dilger
- Institut für Biophysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Institut für Biophysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
- Zentrum für Systemische Neurowissenschaften Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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26
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Siebert DCB, Bampali K, Puthenkalam R, Varagic Z, Sarto-Jackson I, Scholze P, Sieghart W, Mihovilovic MD, Schnürch M, Ernst M. Engineered Flumazenil Recognition Site Provides Mechanistic Insight Governing Benzodiazepine Modulation in GABA A Receptors. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2040-2047. [PMID: 29989390 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle-relaxant, and sedative-hypnotic effects of benzodiazepine site ligands are mainly elicited by allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors via their extracellular αx+/γ2- ( x = 1, 2, 3, 5) interfaces. In addition, a low affinity binding site at the homologous α+/β- interfaces was reported for some benzodiazepine site ligands. Classical benzodiazepines and pyrazoloquinolinones have been used as molecular probes to develop structure-activity relationship models for benzodiazepine site activity. Considering all possible α+/β- and α+/γ- interfaces, such ligands potentially interact with as many as 36 interfaces, giving rise to undesired side effects. Understanding the binding modes at their binding sites will enable rational strategies to design ligands with desired selectivity profiles. Here, we compared benzodiazepine site ligand interactions in the high affinity α1+/γ2- site with the homologous α1+/β3- site using a successive mutational approach. We incorporated key amino acids known to contribute to high affinity benzodiazepine binding of the γ2- subunit into the β3- subunit, resulting in a quadruple mutant β3(4mut) with high affinity flumazenil (Ro 15-1788) binding properties. Intriguingly, some benzodiazepine site ligands displayed positive allosteric modulation in the tested recombinant α1β3(4mut) constructs while diazepam remained inactive. Consequently, we performed in silico molecular docking in the wildtype receptor and the quadruple mutant. The results led to the conclusion that different benzodiazepine site ligands seem to use distinct binding modes, rather than a common binding mode. These findings provide structural hypotheses for the future optimization of both benzodiazepine site ligands, and ligands that interact with the homologous α+/β- sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. B. Siebert
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantina Bampali
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roshan Puthenkalam
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zdravko Varagic
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Sieghart
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko D. Mihovilovic
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schnürch
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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27
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Phulera S, Zhu H, Yu J, Claxton DP, Yoder N, Yoshioka C, Gouaux E. Cryo-EM structure of the benzodiazepine-sensitive α1β1γ2S tri-heteromeric GABA A receptor in complex with GABA. eLife 2018; 7:39383. [PMID: 30044221 PMCID: PMC6086659 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian nervous system is largely mediated by GABAA receptors, chloride-selective members of the superfamily of pentameric Cys-loop receptors. Native GABAA receptors are heteromeric assemblies sensitive to many important drugs, from sedatives to anesthetics and anticonvulsant agents, with mutant forms of GABAA receptors implicated in multiple neurological diseases. Despite the profound importance of heteromeric GABAA receptors in neuroscience and medicine, they have proven recalcitrant to structure determination. Here we present the structure of a tri-heteromeric α1β1γ2SEM GABAA receptor in complex with GABA, determined by single particle cryo-EM at 3.1–3.8 Å resolution, elucidating molecular principles of receptor assembly and agonist binding. Remarkable N-linked glycosylation on the α1 subunit occludes the extracellular vestibule of the ion channel and is poised to modulate receptor assembly and perhaps ion channel gating. Our work provides a pathway to structural studies of heteromeric GABAA receptors and a framework for rational design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Phulera
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Jie Yu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Derek P Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Nate Yoder
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Craig Yoshioka
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
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28
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Claxton DP, Gouaux E. Expression and purification of a functional heteromeric GABAA receptor for structural studies. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201210. [PMID: 30028870 PMCID: PMC6054424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABA-gated chloride channels of the Cys-loop receptor family, known as GABAA receptors, function as the primary gatekeepers of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Formed by the pentameric arrangement of five identical or homologous subunits, GABAA receptor subtypes are defined by the subunit composition that shape ion channel properties. An understanding of the structural basis of distinct receptor properties has been hindered by the absence of high resolution structural information for heteromeric assemblies. Robust heterologous expression and purification protocols of high expressing receptor constructs are vital for structural studies. Here, we describe a unique approach to screen for well-behaving and functional GABAA receptor subunit assemblies by using the Xenopus oocyte as an expression host in combination with fluorescence detection size exclusion chromatography (FSEC). To detect receptor expression, GFP fusions were introduced into the α1 subunit isoform. In contrast to expression of α1 alone, co-expression with the β subunit promoted formation of monodisperse assemblies. Mutagenesis experiments suggest that the α and β subunits can tolerate large truncations in the non-conserved M3/M4 cytoplasmic loop without compromising oligomeric assembly or GABA-gated channel activity, although removal of N-linked glycosylation sites is negatively correlated with expression level. Additionally, we report methods to improve GABAA receptor expression in mammalian cell culture that employ recombinant baculovirus transduction. From these methods we have identified a well-behaving minimal functional construct for the α1/β1 GABAA receptor subtype that can be purified in milligram quantities while retaining high affinity agonist binding activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P. Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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29
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Woll KA, Zhou X, Bhanu NV, Garcia BA, Covarrubias M, Miller KW, Eckenhoff RG. Identification of binding sites contributing to volatile anesthetic effects on GABA type A receptors. FASEB J 2018; 32:4172-4189. [PMID: 29505303 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701347r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Most general anesthetics enhance GABA type A (GABAA) receptor activity at clinically relevant concentrations. Sites of action of volatile anesthetics on the GABAA receptor remain unknown, whereas sites of action of many intravenous anesthetics have been identified in GABAA receptors by using photolabeling. Here, we used photoactivatable analogs of isoflurane (AziISO) and sevoflurane (AziSEVO) to locate their sites on α1β3γ2L and α1β3 GABAA receptors. As with isoflurane and sevoflurane, AziISO and AziSEVO enhanced the currents elicited by GABA. AziISO and AziSEVO each labeled 10 residues in α1β3 receptors and 9 and 8 residues, respectively, in α1β3γ2L receptors. Photolabeled residues were concentrated in transmembrane domains and located in either subunit interfaces or in the interface between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain. The majority of these transmembrane residues were protected from photolabeling with the addition of excess parent anesthetic, which indicated specificity. Binding sites were primarily located within α+/β- and β+/α- subunit interfaces, but residues in the α+/γ- interface were also identified, which provided a basis for differential receptor subtype sensitivity. Isoflurane and sevoflurane did not always share binding sites, which suggests an unexpected degree of selectivity.-Woll, K. A., Zhou, X., Bhanu, N. V., Garcia, B. A., Covarrubias, M., Miller, K. W., Eckenhoff, R. G. Identification of binding sites contributing to volatile anesthetic effects on GABA type A receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Woll
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natarajan V Bhanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keith W Miller
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roderic G Eckenhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Yakoub K, Jung S, Sattler C, Damerow H, Weber J, Kretzschmann A, Cankaya AS, Piel M, Rösch F, Haugaard AS, Frølund B, Schirmeister T, Lüddens H. Structure–Function Evaluation of Imidazopyridine Derivatives Selective for δ-Subunit-Containing γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:1951-1968. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Yakoub
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Christian Sattler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne S. Haugaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hartmut Lüddens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
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31
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Milanos S, Kuenzel K, Gilbert DF, Janzen D, Sasi M, Buettner A, Frimurer TM, Villmann C. Structural changes at the myrtenol backbone reverse its positive allosteric potential into inhibitory GABAA receptor modulation. Biol Chem 2018; 399:549-563. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
GABAA receptors are ligand-gated anion channels that form pentameric arrangements of various subunits. Positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors have been reported as being isolated either from plants or synthesized analogs of known GABAA receptor targeting drugs. Recently, we identified monoterpenes, e.g. myrtenol as a positive allosteric modulator at α1β2 GABAA receptors. Here, along with pharmacophore-based virtual screening studies, we demonstrate that scaffold modifications of myrtenol resulted in the loss of modulatory activity. Two independent approaches, fluorescence-based compound analysis and electrophysiological recordings in whole-cell configurations were used for analysis of transfected cells. C-atoms 1 and 2 of the myrtenol backbone were identified as crucial to preserve positive allosteric potential. A modification at C-atom 2 and lack of the hydroxyl group at C-atom 1 exhibited significantly reduced GABAergic currents at α1β2, α1β2γ, α2β3, α2β3γ and α4β3δ receptors. This effect was independent of the γ2 subunit. A sub-screen with side chain length and volume differences at the C-atom 1 identified two compounds that inhibited GABAergic responses but without receptor subtype specificity. Our combined approach of pharmacophore-based virtual screening and functional readouts reveals that side chain modifications of the bridged six-membered ring structure of myrtenol are crucial for its modulatory potential at GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Milanos
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology , Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg , Versbacherstr. 5 , D-97078 Würzburg , Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Food Chemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center , Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , D-90154 Erlangen , Germany
| | - Katharina Kuenzel
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology , Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , D-91052 Erlangen , Germany
| | - Daniel F. Gilbert
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology , Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , D-91052 Erlangen , Germany
| | - Dieter Janzen
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology , Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg , Versbacherstr. 5 , D-97078 Würzburg , Germany
| | - Manju Sasi
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology , Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg , Versbacherstr. 5 , D-97078 Würzburg , Germany
| | - Andrea Buettner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Food Chemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center , Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , D-90154 Erlangen , Germany
- Department of Sensory Analytics , Fraunhofer-Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging , D-85354 Freising , Germany
| | - Thomas M. Frimurer
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology , Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg , Versbacherstr. 5 , D-97078 Würzburg , Germany
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32
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Ahring PK, Liao VWY, Balle T. Concatenated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: A gift or a curse? J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:453-473. [PMID: 29382698 PMCID: PMC5839718 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine acetylcholine receptors can form countless heteromeric stoichiometries from a common set of subunits. Ahring et al. present the limitations of subunit concatenation and establish a refinement that achieves substantiated expression of uniform receptor pools from complex stoichiometric origins. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belong to the Cys-loop receptor family and are vital for normal mammalian brain function. Cys-loop receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels formed from five identical or homologous subunits oriented around a central ion-conducting pore, which result in homomeric or heteromeric receptors, respectively. Within a given Cys-loop receptor family, many different heteromeric receptors can assemble from a common set of subunits, and understanding the properties of these heteromeric receptors is crucial for the continuing quest to generate novel treatments for human diseases. Yet this complexity also presents a hindrance for studying Cys-loop receptors in heterologous expression systems, where full control of the receptor stoichiometry and assembly is required. Therefore, subunit concatenation technology is commonly used to control receptor assembly. In theory, this methodology should facilitate full control of the stoichiometry. In reality, however, we find that commonly used constructs do not yield the expected receptor stoichiometries. With ternary or more complex receptors, concatenated subunits must assemble uniformly in only one orientation; otherwise, the resulting receptor pool will consist of receptors with mixed stoichiometries. We find that typically used constructs of α4β2 nAChR dimers, tetramers, and pentamers assemble readily in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise orientations. Consequently, we investigate the possibility of successfully directing the receptor assembly process using concatenation. We begin by investigating the three-dimensional structures of the α4β2 nAChR. Based on this, we hypothesize that the minimum linker length required to bridge the C terminus of one subunit to the N terminus of the next is shortest in the counterclockwise orientation. We then successfully express receptors with a uniform stoichiometry by systematically shortening linker lengths, proving the hypothesis correct. Our results will significantly aid future studies of heteromeric Cys-loop receptors and enable clarification of the current contradictions in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Balle
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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33
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Feng HJ, Forman SA. Comparison of αβδ and αβγ GABA A receptors: Allosteric modulation and identification of subunit arrangement by site-selective general anesthetics. Pharmacol Res 2017; 133:289-300. [PMID: 29294355 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors play a dominant role in mediating inhibition in the mature mammalian brain, and defects of GABAergic neurotransmission contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Two types of GABAergic inhibition have been described: αβγ receptors mediate phasic inhibition in response to transient high-concentrations of synaptic GABA release, and αβδ receptors produce tonic inhibitory currents activated by low-concentration extrasynaptic GABA. Both αβδ and αβγ receptors are important targets for general anesthetics, which induce apparently different changes both in GABA-dependent receptor activation and in desensitization in currents mediated by αβγ vs. αβδ receptors. Many of these differences are explained by correcting for the high agonist efficacy of GABA at most αβγ receptors vs. much lower efficacy at αβδ receptors. The stoichiometry and subunit arrangement of recombinant αβγ receptors are well established as β-α-γ-β-α, while those of αβδ receptors remain controversial. Importantly, some potent general anesthetics selectively bind in transmembrane inter-subunit pockets of αβγ receptors: etomidate acts at β+/α- interfaces, and the barbiturate R-5-allyl-1-methyl-5-(m-trifluoromethyl-diazirynylphenyl) barbituric acid (R-mTFD-MPAB) acts at α+/β- and γ+/β- interfaces. Thus, these drugs are useful as structural probes in αβδ receptors formed from free subunits or concatenated subunit assemblies designed to constrain subunit arrangement. Although a definite conclusion cannot be drawn, studies using etomidate and R-mTFD-MPAB support the idea that recombinant α1β3δ receptors may share stoichiometry and subunit arrangement with α1β3γ2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Feng
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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34
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Wongsamitkul N, Maldifassi MC, Simeone X, Baur R, Ernst M, Sigel E. α subunits in GABA A receptors are dispensable for GABA and diazepam action. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15498. [PMID: 29138471 PMCID: PMC5686171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15628-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The major isoform of the GABAA receptor is α1β2γ2. The binding sites for the agonist GABA are located at the β2+/α1− subunit interfaces and the modulatory site for benzodiazepines at α1+/γ2−. In the absence of α1 subunits, a receptor was formed that was gated by GABA and modulated by diazepam similarly. This indicates that alternative subunits can take over the role of the α1 subunits. Point mutations were introduced in β2 or γ2 subunits at positions homologous to α1− benzodiazepine binding and GABA binding positions, respectively. From this mutation work we conclude that the site for GABA is located at a β2+/β2− subunit interface and that the diazepam site is located at the β2+/γ2− subunit interface. Computational docking leads to a structural hypothesis attributing this non-canonical interaction to a binding mode nearly identical with the one at the α1+/γ2− interface. Thus, the β2 subunit can take over the role of the α1 subunit for the formation of both sites, its minus side for the GABA binding site and its plus side for the diazepam binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Wongsamitkul
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria C Maldifassi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Xenia Simeone
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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35
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Yen M, Lokteva LA, Lewis RS. Functional Analysis of Orai1 Concatemers Supports a Hexameric Stoichiometry for the CRAC Channel. Biophys J 2017; 111:1897-1907. [PMID: 27806271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Store-operated Ca2+ entry occurs through the binding of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor STIM1 to Orai1, the pore-forming subunit of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Although the essential steps leading to channel opening have been described, fundamental questions remain, including the functional stoichiometry of the CRAC channel. The crystal structure of Drosophila Orai indicates a hexameric stoichiometry, while studies of linked Orai1 concatemers and single-molecule photobleaching suggest that channels assemble as tetramers. We assessed CRAC channel stoichiometry by expressing hexameric concatemers of human Orai1 and comparing in detail their ionic currents to those of native CRAC channels and channels generated from monomeric Orai1 constructs. Cell surface biotinylation results indicated that Orai1 channels in the plasma membrane were assembled from intact hexameric polypeptides and not from truncated protein products. In addition, the L273D mutation depressed channel activity equally regardless of which Orai1 subunit in the concatemer carried the mutation. Thus, functional channels were generated from intact Orai1 hexamers in which all subunits contributed equally. These hexameric Orai1 channels displayed the biophysical fingerprint of native CRAC channels, including the distinguishing characteristics of gating (store-dependent activation, Ca2+-dependent inactivation, open probability), permeation (ion selectivity, affinity for Ca2+ block, La3+ sensitivity, unitary current magnitude), and pharmacology (enhancement and inhibition by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate). Because permeation characteristics depend strongly on pore geometry, it is unlikely that hexameric and tetrameric pores would display identical Ca2+ affinity, ion selectivity, and unitary current magnitude. Thus, based on the highly similar pore properties of the hexameric Orai1 concatemer and native CRAC channels, we conclude that the CRAC channel functions as a hexamer of Orai1 subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Graduate Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ludmila A Lokteva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Richard S Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Graduate Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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36
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Baur R, Sigel E. Low Expression in Xenopus Oocytes and Unusual Functional Properties of α1β2γ2 GABAA Receptors with Non-Conventional Subunit Arrangement. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170572. [PMID: 28114407 PMCID: PMC5256883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The major subunit isoform of GABAA receptors is α1β2γ2. The subunits are thought to surround an ion pore with the counterclockwise arrangement α1γ2β2α1β2 as seen from the outside of the neuron. These receptors have two agonist sites and one high affinity drug binding site specific for benzodiazepines. Recently, this receptor was postulated to assume alternative subunit stoichiometries and arrangements resulting in only one agonist site and one or even two sites for benzodiazepines. In order to force a defined subunit arrangement we expressed a combination of triple and dual concatenated subunits. Here we report that these unconventional receptors express only small current amplitudes in Xenopus oocytes. We determined agonist properties and modulation by diazepam of two of these receptors that resulted in currents large enough for a characterization, that is, β2-α1-γ2/α1-γ2 and β2-α1-γ2/β2-γ2. The first pentamer predicted to have two benzodiazepine binding sites shows similar response to diazepam as the standard receptor. As expected for both receptors with a single predicted agonist site the concentration response curves for GABA were characterized by a Hill coefficient < 1. β2-α1-γ2/β2-γ2 displayed a mM apparent GABA affinity for channel opening instead of the expected μM affinity. Based on their subunit and binding site stoichiometry, that contradicts all previous observations, their unusual functional properties and their very low expression levels in oocytes, we consider it unlikely that these unconventional receptors are expressed in neurons to an appreciable extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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37
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Chua HC, Chebib M. GABA A Receptors and the Diversity in their Structure and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 79:1-34. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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38
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Woll KA, Murlidaran S, Pinch BJ, Hénin J, Wang X, Salari R, Covarrubias M, Dailey WP, Brannigan G, Garcia BA, Eckenhoff RG. A Novel Bifunctional Alkylphenol Anesthetic Allows Characterization of γ-Aminobutyric Acid, Type A (GABAA), Receptor Subunit Binding Selectivity in Synaptosomes. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:20473-86. [PMID: 27462076 PMCID: PMC5034043 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.736975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, is a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor, but the mechanistic details, including the relevant binding sites and alternative targets, remain disputed. Here we undertook an in-depth study of alkylphenol-based anesthetic binding to synaptic membranes. We designed, synthesized, and characterized a chemically active alkylphenol anesthetic (2-((prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)methyl)-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl)phenol, AziPm-click (1)), for affinity-based protein profiling (ABPP) of propofol-binding proteins in their native state within mouse synaptosomes. The ABPP strategy captured ∼4% of the synaptosomal proteome, including the unbiased capture of five α or β GABAA receptor subunits. Lack of γ2 subunit capture was not due to low abundance. Consistent with this, independent molecular dynamics simulations with alchemical free energy perturbation calculations predicted selective propofol binding to interfacial sites, with higher affinities for α/β than γ-containing interfaces. The simulations indicated hydrogen bonding is a key component leading to propofol-selective binding within GABAA receptor subunit interfaces, with stable hydrogen bonds observed between propofol and α/β cavity residues but not γ cavity residues. We confirmed this by introducing a hydrogen bond-null propofol analogue as a protecting ligand for targeted-ABPP and observed a lack of GABAA receptor subunit protection. This investigation demonstrates striking interfacial GABAA receptor subunit selectivity in the native milieu, suggesting that asymmetric occupancy of heteropentameric ion channels by alkylphenol-based anesthetics is sufficient to induce modulation of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Woll
- From the Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pharmacology and
| | | | - Benika J Pinch
- the Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Jérôme Hénin
- the Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, CNRS UMR 8251 and Université Paris Diderot, 5013 Paris, France, and
| | - Xiaoshi Wang
- the Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Reza Salari
- the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and Department of Physics, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey 08102
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- the Department of Neuroscience and Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - William P Dailey
- the Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Grace Brannigan
- the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and Department of Physics, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey 08102
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- the Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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Mutagenesis and computational docking studies support the existence of a histamine binding site at the extracellular β3+β3− interface of homooligomeric β3 GABA A receptors. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:252-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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40
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Botzolakis EJ, Gurba KN, Lagrange AH, Feng HJ, Stanic AK, Hu N, Macdonald RL. Comparison of γ-Aminobutyric Acid, Type A (GABAA), Receptor αβγ and αβδ Expression Using Flow Cytometry and Electrophysiology: EVIDENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE SUBUNIT STOICHIOMETRIES AND ARRANGEMENTS. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:20440-61. [PMID: 27493204 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.698860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The subunit stoichiometry and arrangement of synaptic αβγ GABAA receptors are generally accepted as 2α:2β:1γ with a β-α-γ-β-α counterclockwise configuration, respectively. Whether extrasynaptic αβδ receptors adopt the analogous β-α-δ-β-α subunit configuration remains controversial. Using flow cytometry, we evaluated expression levels of human recombinant γ2 and δ subunits when co-transfected with α1 and/or β2 subunits in HEK293T cells. Nearly identical patterns of γ2 and δ subunit expression were observed as follows: both required co-transfection with α1 and β2 subunits for maximal expression; both were incorporated into receptors primarily at the expense of β2 subunits; and both yielded similar FRET profiles when probed for subunit adjacency, suggesting similar underlying subunit arrangements. However, because of a slower rate of δ subunit degradation, 10-fold less δ subunit cDNA was required to recapitulate γ2 subunit expression patterns and to eliminate the functional signature of α1β2 receptors. Interestingly, titrating γ2 or δ subunit cDNA levels progressively altered GABA-evoked currents, revealing more than one kinetic profile for both αβγ and αβδ receptors. This raised the possibility of alternative receptor isoforms, a hypothesis confirmed using concatameric constructs for αβγ receptors. Taken together, our results suggest a limited cohort of alternative subunit arrangements in addition to canonical β-α-γ/δ-β-α receptors, including β-α-γ/δ-α-α receptors at lower levels of γ2/δ expression and β-α-γ/δ-α-γ/δ receptors at higher levels of expression. These findings provide important insight into the role of GABAA receptor subunit under- or overexpression in disease states such as genetic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andre H Lagrange
- the Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology, and the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, and
| | | | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
| | | | - Robert L Macdonald
- the Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240-7915,
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41
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Maldifassi MC, Baur R, Sigel E. Molecular mode of action of CGS 9895 at α1β2γ2GABAAreceptors. J Neurochem 2016; 138:722-30. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Maldifassi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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42
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Wongsamitkul N, Baur R, Sigel E. Toward Understanding Functional Properties and Subunit Arrangement of α4β2δ γ-Aminobutyric Acid, Type A (GABAA) Receptors. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18474-83. [PMID: 27382064 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.738906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are pentameric ligand-gated channels mediating inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. α4βxδ GABAA receptors are extrasynaptic receptors important for tonic inhibition. The functional properties and subunit arrangement of these receptors are controversial. We predefined subunit arrangement by using subunit concatenation. α4, β2, and δ subunits were concatenated to dimeric, trimeric, and, in some cases, pentameric subunits. We constructed in total nine different receptor pentamers in at least two different ways and expressed them in Xenopus oocytes. The δ subunit was substituted in any of the five positions in the α1β2 receptor. In addition, we investigated all receptors with the 2:2:1 subunit stoichiometry for α4, β2, and δ. Several functional receptors were obtained. Interestingly, all of these receptors had very similar EC50 values for GABA in the presence of the neurosteroid 3α, 21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (THDOC). All functional receptors containing δ subunits were sensitive to 4-chloro-N-[2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]benzamide (DS2). Moreover, none of the receptors was affected by ethanol up to 30 mm These properties recapitulate those of non-concatenated receptors expressed from a cRNA ratio of 1:1:5 coding for α4, β2, and δ subunits. We conclude that the subunit arrangement of α4β2δ GABAA receptors is not strongly predefined but is mostly satisfying the 2:2:1 subunit stoichiometry for α4, β2, and δ subunits and that several subunit arrangements result in receptors with similar functional properties tuned to physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Wongsamitkul
- From the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Baur
- From the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erwin Sigel
- From the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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43
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Zolpidem is a potent stoichiometry-selective modulator of α1β3 GABAA receptors: evidence of a novel benzodiazepine site in the α1-α1 interface. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28674. [PMID: 27346730 PMCID: PMC4921915 DOI: 10.1038/srep28674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zolpidem is not a typical GABAA receptor hypnotic. Unlike benzodiazepines, zolpidem modulates tonic GABA currents in the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, exhibits residual effects in mice lacking the benzodiazepine binding site, and improves speech, cognitive and motor function in human patients with severe brain injury. The receptor by which zolpidem mediates these effects is not known. In this study we evaluated binary α1β3 GABAA receptors in either the 3α1:2β3 or 2α1:3β3 subunit stoichiometry, which differ by the existence of either an α1-α1 interface, or a β3-β3 interface, respectively. Both receptor stoichiometries are readily expressed in Xenopus oocytes, distinguished from each other by using GABA, zolpidem, diazepam and Zn2+. At the 3α1:2β3 receptor, clinically relevant concentrations of zolpidem enhanced GABA in a flumazenil-sensitive manner. The efficacy of diazepam was significantly lower compared to zolpidem. No modulation by either zolpidem or diazepam was detected at the 2α1:3β3 receptor, indicating that the binding site for zolpidem is at the α1-α1 interface, a site mimicking the classical α1-γ2 benzodiazepine site. Activating α1β3 (3α1:2β3) receptors may, in part, mediate the physiological effects of zolpidem observed under distinct physiological and clinical conditions, constituting a potentially attractive drug target.
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44
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Puthenkalam R, Hieckel M, Simeone X, Suwattanasophon C, Feldbauer RV, Ecker GF, Ernst M. Structural Studies of GABAA Receptor Binding Sites: Which Experimental Structure Tells us What? Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:44. [PMID: 27378845 PMCID: PMC4910578 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomic resolution structures of cys-loop receptors, including one of a γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA receptor) subtype, allow amazing insights into the structural features and conformational changes that these pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) display. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of more than 30 cys-loop receptor structures of homologous proteins that revealed several allosteric binding sites not previously described in GABAA receptors. These novel binding sites were examined in GABAA receptor homology models and assessed as putative candidate sites for allosteric ligands. Four so far undescribed putative ligand binding sites were proposed for follow up studies based on their presence in the GABAA receptor homology models. A comprehensive analysis of conserved structural features in GABAA and glycine receptors (GlyRs), the glutamate gated ion channel, the bacterial homologs Erwinia chrysanthemi (ELIC) and Gloeobacter violaceus GLIC, and the serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptor was performed. The conserved features were integrated into a master alignment that led to improved homology models. The large fragment of the intracellular domain that is present in the structure of the 5-HT3 receptor was utilized to generate GABAA receptor models with a corresponding intracellular domain fragment. Results of mutational and photoaffinity ligand studies in GABAA receptors were analyzed in the light of the model structures. This led to an assignment of candidate ligands to two proposed novel pockets, candidate binding sites for furosemide and neurosteroids in the trans-membrane domain were identified. The homology models can serve as hypotheses generators, and some previously controversial structural interpretations of biochemical data can be resolved in the light of the presented multi-template approach to comparative modeling. Crystal and cryo-EM microscopic structures of the closest homologs that were solved in different conformational states provided important insights into structural rearrangements of binding sites during conformational transitions. The impact of structural variation and conformational motion on the shape of the investigated binding sites was analyzed. Rules for best template and alignment choice were obtained and can generally be applied to modeling of cys-loop receptors. Overall, we provide an updated structure based view of ligand binding sites present in GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Puthenkalam
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria
| | - Marcel Hieckel
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria
| | - Xenia Simeone
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria
| | | | - Roman V. Feldbauer
- Austrian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (OFAI)Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F. Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of ViennaVienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria
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45
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Maldifassi MC, Baur R, Pierce D, Nourmahnad A, Forman SA, Sigel E. Novel positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors with anesthetic activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25943. [PMID: 27198062 PMCID: PMC4873749 DOI: 10.1038/srep25943] [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] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are the main inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and are targets for numerous clinically important drugs such as benzodiazepines, anxiolytics and anesthetics. We previously identified novel ligands of the classical benzodiazepine binding pocket in α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors using an experiment-guided virtual screening (EGVS) method. This screen also identified novel ligands for intramembrane low affinity diazepam site(s). In the current study we have further characterized compounds 31 and 132 identified with EGVS as well as 4-O-methylhonokiol. We investigated the site of action of these compounds in α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes using voltage-clamp electrophysiology combined with a benzodiazepine site antagonist and transmembrane domain mutations. All three compounds act mainly through the two β+/α− subunit transmembrane interfaces of the GABAA receptors. We then used concatenated receptors to dissect the involvement of individual β+/α− interfaces. We further demonstrated that these compounds have anesthetic activity in a small aquatic animal model, Xenopus laevis tadpoles. The newly identified compounds may serve as scaffolds for the development of novel anesthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Maldifassi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Pierce
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114 Massachusetts
| | - Anahita Nourmahnad
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114 Massachusetts
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114 Massachusetts
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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46
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High and low GABA sensitivity α4β2δ GABAA receptors are expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with divergent stoichiometries. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 103:98-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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47
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RNA Editing: A Contributor to Neuronal Dynamics in the Mammalian Brain. Trends Genet 2016; 32:165-175. [PMID: 26803450 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional RNA modification by adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) editing expands the functional output of many important neuronally expressed genes. The mechanism provides flexibility in the proteome by expanding the variety of isoforms, and is a requisite for neuronal function. Indeed, targets for editing include key mediators of synaptic transmission with an overall significant effect on neuronal signaling. In addition, editing influences splice-site choice and miRNA targeting capacity, and thereby regulates neuronal gene expression. Editing efficiency at most of these sites increases during neuronal differentiation and brain maturation in a spatiotemporal manner. This editing-induced dynamics in the transcriptome is essential for normal brain development, and we are only beginning to understand its role in neuronal function. In this review we discuss the impact of RNA editing in the brain, with special emphasis on the physiological consequences for neuronal development and plasticity.
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48
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Functional sites involved in modulation of the GABAA receptor channel by the intravenous anesthetics propofol, etomidate and pentobarbital. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:207-214. [PMID: 26767954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and are the target for many clinically important drugs. Among the many modulatory compounds are also the intravenous anesthetics propofol and etomidate, and barbiturates. The mechanism of receptor modulation by these compounds is of mayor relevance. The site of action of these compounds has been located to subunit interfaces in the intra-membrane region of the receptor. In α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors there are five such interfaces, two β+/α- and one each of α+/β-, α+/γ- and γ+/β- subunit interfaces. We have used reporter mutations located in the second trans-membrane region in different subunits to probe the effects of changes at these subunit interfaces on modulation by propofol, etomidate and pentobarbital. We provide evidence for the fact that each of these compounds either modulates through a different set of subunit interfaces or through the same set of subunit interfaces to a different degree. As a GABAA receptor pentamer harbors two β+/α- subunit interfaces, we used concatenated receptors to dissect the contribution of individual interfaces and show that only one of these interfaces is important for receptor modulation by etomidate.
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49
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Crockett S, Baur R, Kunert O, Belaj F, Sigel E. A new chromanone derivative isolated from Hypericum lissophloeus (Hypericaceae) potentiates GABAA receptor currents in a subunit specific fashion. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 24:681-5. [PMID: 26791864 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A phytochemical investigation of the lipophilic extract of Hypericum lissophloeus (smoothbark St. John's wort, Hypericaceae) was conducted, resulting in the isolation and identification of a new chromanone derivative: 5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-chroman-4-one (1). This compound was demonstrated to act as a potent stimulator of currents elicited by GABA in recombinant α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors, with a half-maximal potentiation observed at a concentration of about 4μM and a maximal potentiation of >4000%. Significant potentiation was already evident at a concentration as low as 0.1μM. Extent of potentiation strongly depends on the type of α subunit, the type of β subunit and the presence of the γ subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crockett
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstraße 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olaf Kunert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ferdinand Belaj
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstraße 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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50
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Chua HC, Absalom NL, Hanrahan JR, Viswas R, Chebib M. The Direct Actions of GABA, 2'-Methoxy-6-Methylflavone and General Anaesthetics at β3γ2L GABAA Receptors: Evidence for Receptors with Different Subunit Stoichiometries. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141359. [PMID: 26496640 PMCID: PMC4619705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
2'-Methoxy-6-methylflavone (2'MeO6MF) is an anxiolytic flavonoid which has been shown to display GABAA receptor (GABAAR) β2/3-subunit selectivity, a pharmacological profile similar to that of the general anaesthetic etomidate. Electrophysiological studies suggest that the full agonist action of 2'MeO6MF at α2β3γ2L GABAARs may mediate the flavonoid's in vivo effects. However, we found variations in the relative efficacy of 2'MeO6MF (2'MeO6MF-elicited current responses normalised to the maximal GABA response) at α2β3γ2L GABAARs due to the presence of mixed receptor populations. To understand which receptor subpopulation(s) underlie the variations observed, we conducted a systematic investigation of 2'MeO6MF activity at all receptor combinations that could theoretically form (α2, β3, γ2L, α2β3, α2γ2L, β3γ2L and α2β3γ2L) in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. We found that 2'MeO6MF activated non-α-containing β3γ2L receptors. In an attempt to establish the optimal conditions to express a uniform population of these receptors, we found that varying the relative amounts of β3:γ2L subunit mRNAs resulted in differences in the level of constitutive activity, the GABA concentration-response relationships, and the relative efficacy of 2'MeO6MF activation. Like 2'MeO6MF, general anaesthetics such as etomidate and propofol also showed distinct levels of relative efficacy across different injection ratios. Based on these results, we infer that β3γ2L receptors may form with different subunit stoichiometries, resulting in the complex pharmacology observed across different injection ratios. Moreover, the discovery that GABA and etomidate have direct actions at the α-lacking β3γ2L receptors raises questions about the structural requirements for their respective binding sites at GABAARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chow Chua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan L Absalom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane R Hanrahan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raja Viswas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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