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Palazzo E, Marabese I, Ricciardi F, Guida F, Luongo L, Maione S. The influence of glutamate receptors on insulin release and diabetic neuropathy. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 263:108724. [PMID: 39299577 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes causes macrovascular and microvascular complications such as peripheral neuropathy. Glutamate regulates insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, and its increased activity in the central nervous system is associated with peripheral neuropathy in animal models of diabetes. One strategy to modulate glutamatergic activity consists in the pharmacological manipulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which, compared to the ionotropic receptors, allow for a fine-tuning of neurotransmission that is compatible with therapeutic interventions. mGluRs are a family of eight G-protein coupled receptors classified into three groups (I-III) based on sequence homology, transduction mechanisms, and pharmacology. Activation of group II and III or inhibition of group I represents a strategy to counteract the glutamatergic hyperactivity associated with diabetic neuropathy. In this review article, we will discuss the role of glutamate receptors in the release of insulin and the development/treatment of diabetic neuropathy, with particular emphasis on their manipulation to prevent the glutamatergic hyperactivity associated with diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
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2
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Galli A, Moretti S, Dule N, Di Cairano ES, Castagna M, Marciani P, Battaglia C, Bertuzzi F, Fiorina P, Pastore I, La Rosa S, Davalli A, Folli F, Perego C. Hyperglycemia impairs EAAT2 glutamate transporter trafficking and glutamate clearance in islets of Langerhans: implications for type 2 diabetes pathogenesis and treatment. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 327:E27-E41. [PMID: 38690938 PMCID: PMC11390119 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00069.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic endocrine cells employ a sophisticated system of paracrine and autocrine signals to synchronize their activities, including glutamate, which controls hormone release and β-cell viability by acting on glutamate receptors expressed by endocrine cells. We here investigate whether alteration of the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), the major glutamate clearance system in the islet, may occur in type 2 diabetes mellitus and contribute to β-cell dysfunction. Increased EAAT2 intracellular localization was evident in islets of Langerhans from T2DM subjects as compared with healthy control subjects, despite similar expression levels. Chronic treatment of islets from healthy donors with high-glucose concentrations led to the transporter internalization in vesicular compartments and reduced [H3]-d-glutamate uptake (65 ± 5% inhibition), phenocopying the findings in T2DM pancreatic sections. The transporter relocalization was associated with decreased Akt phosphorylation protein levels, suggesting an involvement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in the process. In line with this, PI3K inhibition by a 100-µM LY294002 treatment in human and clonal β-cells caused the transporter relocalization in intracellular compartments and significantly reduced the glutamate uptake compared to control conditions, suggesting that hyperglycemia changes the trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membrane. Upregulation of the glutamate transporter upon treatment with the antibiotic ceftriaxone rescued hyperglycemia-induced β-cells dysfunction and death. Our data underscore the significance of EAAT2 in regulating islet physiology and provide a rationale for potential therapeutic targeting of this transporter to preserve β-cell survival and function in diabetes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The glutamate transporter SLC1A2/excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is expressed on the plasma membrane of pancreatic β-cells and controls islet glutamate clearance and β-cells survival. We found that the EAAT2 membrane expression is lost in the islets of Langerhans from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients due to hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway and modification of its intracellular trafficking. Pharmacological rescue of EAAT2 expression prevents β-cell dysfunction and death, suggesting EAAT2 as a new potential target of intervention in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Galli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Moretti
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nevia Dule
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Sara Di Cairano
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Castagna
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marciani
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Battaglia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Fiorina
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco,"Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Ida Pastore
- Endocrinology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alberto Davalli
- Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Folli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Perego
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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3
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Alves Abrantes JJP, Veríssimo de Azevedo JC, Fernandes FL, Duarte Almeida V, Custódio De Oliveira LA, Ferreira de Oliveira MT, Galvão De Araújo JM, Lanza DCF, Bezerra FL, Andrade VS, Araújo de Medeiros Fernandes TA, Fernandes JV. Viruses as a potential environmental trigger of type 1 diabetes mellitus (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:81. [PMID: 38628629 PMCID: PMC11019645 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex multifactorial process that involves an intricate network of genetic, epigenetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Despite the advances in recent years, some aspects of the mechanisms involved in triggering the disease are still unclear. Infections with certain viruses have been suggested as possible environmental triggers for the autoimmune process that leads to selective and progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells and insufficiency of insulin production, which is its hallmark. In this review, advances in knowledge and evidence that suggest the participation of certain viruses in the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression are described. It has been accepted that environmental factors, including viruses, can initiate and possibly sustain, accelerate, or slow down the autoimmune process and consequently damage insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Although the role of these agents, especially human enteroviruses, has been exhaustively studied as the most likely triggers of the activation of autoimmunity that destroys pancreatic islets and leads to T1DM, certain doubts remain. Clinical epidemiological and experimental studies in humans and animals provide consistent and increasing evidence that persistent viral infections, especially with human enteroviruses and rotavirus infections, are associated with an increased risk of the disease in individuals genetically predisposed to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Liberalino Fernandes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | - Valéria Duarte Almeida
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rio Grande do Norte State University, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte 59607-360, Brazil
| | | | | | - Josélio Maria Galvão De Araújo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carlos Ferreira Lanza
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lima Bezerra
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Vania Sousa Andrade
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
| | | | - José Veríssimo Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59078-970, Brazil
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4
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van Veggel L, Mocking TA, Sijben HJ, Liu R, Gorostiola González M, Dilweg MA, Royakkers J, Li A, Kumar V, Dong YY, Bullock A, Sauer DB, Diliën H, van Westen GJ, Schreiber R, Heitman LH, Vanmierlo T. Still in Search for an EAAT Activator: GT949 Does Not Activate EAAT2, nor EAAT3 in Impedance and Radioligand Uptake Assays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1424-1431. [PMID: 38478848 PMCID: PMC10995951 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are important regulators of amino acid transport and in particular glutamate. Recently, more interest has arisen in these transporters in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. This calls for ways to modulate these targets to drive glutamate transport, EAAT2 and EAAT3 in particular. Several inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) exist to block glutamate transport; however, activators remain scarce. Recently, GT949 was proposed as a selective activator of EAAT2, as tested in a radioligand uptake assay. In the presented research, we aimed to validate the use of GT949 to activate EAAT2-driven glutamate transport by applying an innovative, impedance-based, whole-cell assay (xCELLigence). A broad range of GT949 concentrations in a variety of cellular environments were tested in this assay. As expected, no activation of EAAT3 could be detected. Yet, surprisingly, no biological activation of GT949 on EAAT2 could be observed in this assay either. To validate whether the impedance-based assay was not suited to pick up increased glutamate uptake or if the compound might not induce activation in this setup, we performed radioligand uptake assays. Two setups were utilized; a novel method compared to previously published research, and in a reproducible fashion copying the methods used in the existing literature. Nonetheless, activation of neither EAAT2 nor EAAT3 could be observed in these assays. Furthermore, no evidence of GT949 binding or stabilization of purified EAAT2 could be observed in a thermal shift assay. To conclude, based on experimental evidence in the present study GT949 requires specific assay conditions, which are difficult to reproduce, and the compound cannot simply be classified as an activator of EAAT2 based on the presented evidence. Hence, further research is required to develop the tools needed to identify new EAAT modulators and use their potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve van Veggel
- Department
of Neuroscience, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of
Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department
of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division of Translational Neuroscience,
European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health
and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University
MS Center (UMSC), 3900 Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
| | - Tamara A.M. Mocking
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J. Sijben
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rongfang Liu
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Gorostiola González
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Majlen A. Dilweg
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Royakkers
- Sensor
Engineering
Department, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Li
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Yin Yao Dong
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular
Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Alex Bullock
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - David B. Sauer
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Hanne Diliën
- Sensor
Engineering
Department, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J.P. van Westen
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy Schreiber
- Section
of Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty
of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht
University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
- Oncode
Institute, Einsteinweg
55, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department
of Neuroscience, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of
Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department
of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division of Translational Neuroscience,
European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health
and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University
MS Center (UMSC), 3900 Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
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5
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Lee C, Lee DK, Wei IA, Qiu TA, Rubakhin SS, Roper MG, Sweedler JV. Relations between Glucose and d-Amino Acids in the Modulation of Biochemical and Functional Properties of Rodent Islets of Langerhans. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:47723-47734. [PMID: 38144114 PMCID: PMC10733910 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The cell-to-cell signaling role of d-amino acids (d-AAs) in the mammalian endocrine system, particularly in the islets of Langerhans, has drawn growing interest for their potential involvement in modulating glucose metabolism. Previous studies found colocalization of serine racemase [produces d-serine (d-Ser)] and d-alanine (d-Ala) within insulin-secreting beta cells and d-aspartate (d-Asp) within glucagon-secreting alpha cells. Expressed in the islets, functional N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors are involved in the modulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and have binding sites for several d-AAs. However, knowledge of the regulation of d-AA levels in the islets during glucose stimulation as well as the response of islets to different levels of extracellular d-AAs is limited. In this study, we determined the intracellular and extracellular levels of d-Ser, d-Ala, and d-Asp in cultures of isolated rodent islets exposed to different levels of extracellular glucose. We found that the intracellular levels of the enantiomers demonstrated large variability and, in general, were not affected by extracellular glucose levels. However, significantly lower levels of extracellular d-Ser and d-Ala were observed in the islet media supplemented with 20 mM concentration of glucose compared to the control condition utilizing 3 mM glucose. Glucose-induced oscillations of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), a proxy for insulin secretion, were modulated by the exogenous application of d-Ser and d-Ala but not by their l-stereoisomers. Our results provide new insights into the roles of d-AAs in the biochemistry and function of pancreatic islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy
J. Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Dong-Kyu Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - I-An Wei
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State
University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Tian A. Qiu
- Department
of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Stanislav S. Rubakhin
- Department
of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Michael G. Roper
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State
University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Jonathan V. Sweedler
- Department
of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Gyimesi G, Hediger MA. Transporter-Mediated Drug Delivery. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031151. [PMID: 36770817 PMCID: PMC9919865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane transport of small organic and inorganic molecules is one of the cornerstones of cellular metabolism. Among transmembrane transporters, solute carrier (SLC) proteins form the largest, albeit very diverse, superfamily with over 400 members. It was recognized early on that xenobiotics can directly interact with SLCs and that this interaction can fundamentally determine their efficacy, including bioavailability and intertissue distribution. Apart from the well-established prodrug strategy, the chemical ligation of transporter substrates to nanoparticles of various chemical compositions has recently been used as a means to enhance their targeting and absorption. In this review, we summarize efforts in drug design exploiting interactions with specific SLC transporters to optimize their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we describe current and future challenges as well as new directions for the advanced development of therapeutics that target SLC transporters.
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7
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Ishihara H. Metabolism-secretion coupling in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Diabetol Int 2022; 13:463-470. [PMID: 35693987 PMCID: PMC9174369 DOI: 10.1007/s13340-022-00576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic β-cells in the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin in response to blood glucose levels. Precise control of the amount of insulin secreted is of critical importance for maintaining systemic carbohydrate homeostasis. It is now well established that glucose induced production of ATP from ADP and the KATP channel closure elevate cytosolic Ca2+, triggering insulin exocytosis in β-cells. However, for full activation of insulin secretion by glucose, other mechanisms besides Ca2+ elevation are needed. These mechanisms are the targets of current research and include intracellular metabolic pathways branching from glycolysis. They are metabolic pathways originating from the TCA cycle intermediates, the glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycle and the pentose phosphate pathway. Signaling effects of these pathways including degradation (removal) of protein SUMOylation, modulation of insulin vesicular energetics, and lipid modulation of exocytotic machinery may converge to fulfill insulin secretion, though the precise mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. This mini-review summarize recent advances in research on metabolic coupling mechanisms functioning in insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisamitsu Ishihara
- Division of Diabetes and Metabolism, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610 Japan
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8
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Ge Y, Zhen F, Liu Z, Feng Z, Wang G, Zhang C, Wang X, Sun Y, Zheng X, Bai Y, Yao R. Alpha-Asaronol Alleviates Dysmyelination by Enhancing Glutamate Transport Through the Activation of PPARγ-GLT-1 Signaling in Hypoxia-Ischemia Neonatal Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:766744. [PMID: 35401225 PMCID: PMC8984140 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.766744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm white matter injury (PWMI) is the most common form of brain damage in premature infants caused by hypoxia-ischemia (HI), inflammation, or excitotoxicity. It is characterized by oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation disorder and dysmyelination. Our previous study confirmed that alpha-asarone (α-asaronol), a major compound isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Acorus gramineus by our lab, could alleviate neuronal overexcitation and improve the cognitive function of aged rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of α-asaronol on myelination in a rat model of PWMI induced by HI. Notably, α-asaronol promoted OPC differentiation and myelination in the corpus callosum of PWMI rats. Meanwhile, the concentration of glutamate was significantly decreased, and the levels of PPARγ and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) were increased by α-asaronol treatment. In vitro, it was also confirmed that α-asaronol increased GLT-1 expression and recruitment of the PPARγ coactivator PCG-1a in astrocytes under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. The PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 significantly reversed the effect of α-asaronol on GLT-1 expression and PCG-1a recruitment. Interestingly, the conditioned medium from α-asaronol-treated astrocytes decreased the number of OPCs and increased the number of mature oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that α-asaronol can promote OPC differentiation and relieve dysmyelination by regulating glutamate levels via astrocyte PPARγ-GLT-1 signaling. Although whether α-asaronol binds to PPARγ directly or indirectly is not investigated here, this study still indicates that α-asaronol may be a promising small molecular drug for the treatment of myelin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Ge
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fei Zhen
- Hongze Huaian District People's Hospital, Hongze, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhaowei Feng
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Gui Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xingqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yajun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruiqin Yao
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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9
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Zhong X, Yao L, Xu L, Ma Q, Huang G, Yang M, Gao C, Cheng J, Zhou X, Li Q, Guo X. Comprehensive Analysis of Potential Correlation Between Solute Carrier 1A (SLC1A) Family and Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:2101-2117. [PMID: 35241927 PMCID: PMC8886152 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s350986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common dangerous malignant tumor and the leading cause of global cancer incidence and mortality. The Solute Carrier 1A (SLC1A) family play a significant part in cellular biological process, inflammation, and immunity. Specific functions of the SLC1A family in lung cancer are still not systematically described. Objective This study aimed to explore the best biological understanding of SLC1A family in lung cancer. Methods To study the expression and role of the SLC1A family in lung cancer, researchers used a variety of bioinformatics databases and tools. Results Aberrant expression of SLC1A family genes were demonstrated and analyzed the association with gender, tumor grade, cancer stages, and nodal metastasis status. The ectopic expression of SLC1A family genes has prognostic value for LUAD patients. Immune infiltration revealed a significant correlation between SLC1A family genes expression in LUAD. SLC1A family genes were involved in manifold biological processes and have different levels of DNA methylation and genetic alteration. Conclusions These findings suggested that members of the SLC1A family could be a potential target for the development of LUAD therapeutics as well as a reliable indicator of LUAD prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Xu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangcheng Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miyuan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanli Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jibing Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinrong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaolan Guo, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-817-2282059, Fax +86-817-2282059, Email
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10
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Danbolt NC, López-Corcuera B, Zhou Y. Reconstitution of GABA, Glycine and Glutamate Transporters. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:85-110. [PMID: 33905037 PMCID: PMC8763731 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to water soluble enzymes which can be purified and studied while in solution, studies of solute carrier (transporter) proteins require both that the protein of interest is situated in a phospholipid membrane and that this membrane forms a closed compartment. An additional challenge to the study of transporter proteins has been that the transport depends on the transmembrane electrochemical gradients. Baruch I. Kanner understood this early on and first developed techniques for studying plasma membrane vesicles. This advanced the field in that the experimenter could control the electrochemical gradients. Kanner, however, did not stop there, but started to solubilize the membranes so that the transporter proteins were taken out of their natural environment. In order to study them, Kanner then had to find a way to reconstitute them (reinsert them into phospholipid membranes). The scope of the present review is both to describe the reconstitution method in full detail as that has never been done, and also to reveal the scientific impact that this method has had. Kanner's later work is not reviewed here although that also deserves a review because it too has had a huge impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Beatriz López-Corcuera
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Pan X, Tao S, Tong N. Potential Therapeutic Targeting Neurotransmitter Receptors in Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:884549. [PMID: 35669692 PMCID: PMC9163348 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.884549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are signaling molecules secreted by neurons to coordinate communication and proper function among different sections in the central neural system (CNS) by binding with different receptors. Some neurotransmitters as well as their receptors are found in pancreatic islets and are involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Neurotransmitters can act with their receptors in pancreatic islets to stimulate or inhibit the secretion of insulin (β cell), glucagon (α cell) or somatostatin (δ cell). Neurotransmitter receptors are either G-protein coupled receptors or ligand-gated channels, their effects on blood glucose are mainly decided by the number and location of them in islets. Dysfunction of neurotransmitters receptors in islets is involved in the development of β cell dysfunction and type 2 diabetes (T2D).Therapies targeting different transmitter systems have great potential in the prevention and treatment of T2D and other metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Pan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Islet Transplantation, Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shibing Tao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Ziyang First People’s Hospital, Ziyang, China
| | - Nanwei Tong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Islet Transplantation, Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Nanwei Tong,
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12
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Dejakaisaya H, Kwan P, Jones NC. Astrocyte and glutamate involvement in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in Alzheimer's disease. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1485-1493. [PMID: 33971019 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) can increase the risk of epilepsy by up to 10-fold compared to healthy age-matched controls. However, the pathological mechanisms that underlie this increased risk are poorly understood. Because disruption in brain glutamate homeostasis has been implicated in both AD and epilepsy, this might play a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD. Prior to the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, the brain can undergo pathological changes as a result of increased production of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ oligomers. Impairments in the glutamate uptake ability of astrocytes due to astrogliosis are hypothesized to be an early event occurring before Aβ plaque formation. Astrogliosis may increase the susceptibility to epileptogenesis of the brain via accumulation of extracellular glutamate and resulting excitotoxicity. Here we hypothesize that Aβ oligomers and proinflammatory cytokines can cause astrogliosis and accumulation of extracellular glutamate, which then contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD. In this review article, we consider the evidence supporting a potential role of dysfunction of the glutamate-glutamine cycle and the astrocyte in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattapark Dejakaisaya
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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13
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Lockridge A, Gustafson E, Wong A, Miller RF, Alejandro EU. Acute D-Serine Co-Agonism of β-Cell NMDA Receptors Potentiates Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion and Excitatory β-Cell Membrane Activity. Cells 2021; 10:E93. [PMID: 33430405 PMCID: PMC7826616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells express proteins characteristic of D-serine regulated synapses, but the acute effect of D-serine co-agonism on its presumptive β-cell target, N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), is unclear. We used multiple models to evaluate glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in mice with a systemic increase in D-serine (intraperitoneal injection or DAAO mutants without D-serine catabolism) or tissue-specific loss of Grin1-encoded GluN1, the D-serine binding NMDAR subunit. We also investigated the effects of D-serine ± NMDA on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and β-cell depolarizing membrane oscillations, using perforated patch electrophysiology, in β-cell-containing primary isolated mouse islets. In vivo models of elevated D-serine correlated to improved blood glucose and insulin levels. In vitro, D-serine potentiated GSIS and β-cell membrane excitation, dependent on NMDAR activating conditions including GluN1 expression (co-agonist target), simultaneous NMDA (agonist), and elevated glucose (depolarization). Pancreatic GluN1-loss females were glucose intolerant and GSIS was depressed in islets from younger, but not older, βGrin1 KO mice. Thus, D-serine is capable of acute antidiabetic effects in mice and potentiates insulin secretion through excitatory β-cell NMDAR co-agonism but strain-dependent shifts in potency and age/sex-specific Grin1-loss phenotypes suggest that context is critical to the interpretation of data on the role of D-serine and NMDARs in β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Lockridge
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (A.L.); (E.G.); (A.W.)
| | - Eric Gustafson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (A.L.); (E.G.); (A.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Alicia Wong
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (A.L.); (E.G.); (A.W.)
| | - Robert F. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Emilyn U. Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (A.L.); (E.G.); (A.W.)
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14
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Zhou Y, Eid T, Hassel B, Danbolt NC. Novel aspects of glutamine synthetase in ammonia homeostasis. Neurochem Int 2020; 140:104809. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Hu QX, Klatt GM, Gudmundsrud R, Ottestad-Hansen S, Verbruggen L, Massie A, Danbolt NC, Zhou Y. Semi-quantitative distribution of excitatory amino acid (glutamate) transporters 1–3 (EAAT1-3) and the cystine-glutamate exchanger (xCT) in the adult murine spinal cord. Neurochem Int 2020; 140:104811. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Aghelan Z, Kiani S, Nasiri A, Sadeghi M, Farrokhi A, Khodarahmi R. Factors Influencing Mitochondrial Function as a Key Mediator of Glucose-Induced Insulin Release: Highlighting Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2020; 9:107-122. [PMID: 32934948 PMCID: PMC7489113 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.9.2.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic β-cells recognize blood glucose changes and release insulin that is a peptide hormone responsible for stable glycemia. Diabetes, a chronic disorder of insulin insufficiency, leads to disturbed glucose homeostasis and multi-organ problems. Glucose and insulin are key markers in the follow-up and control of this disease. Mitochondrial metabolism of pancreatic beta cells is a crucial part of glucose-stimulated cascade of insulin secretion. Effective factors on β-cells mitochondrial function in production of compounds such as tricarboxylic acid intermediates, glutamate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and reactive oxygen species can have great effects on the secretion of insulin under diabetes. This review enhances our knowledge of factors influencing mitochondrial function as a key mediator of glucose-induced insulin release that accordingly will be helpful to further our understanding of the mechanisms implicated in the progressive beta cell failure that results in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Aghelan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sara Kiani
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Nasiri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoud Sadeghi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alireza Farrokhi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Khodarahmi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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17
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Eid T, Lee TSW, Patrylo P, Zaveri HP. Astrocytes and Glutamine Synthetase in Epileptogenesis. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1345-1362. [PMID: 30022509 PMCID: PMC6338538 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cellular, molecular, and metabolic mechanisms that underlie the development of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy are incompletely understood. Here we review the role of astrocytes in epilepsy development (a.k.a. epileptogenesis), particularly astrocyte pathologies related to: aquaporin 4, the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1, monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT2, excitatory amino acid transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2, and glutamine synthetase. We propose that inhibition, dysfunction or loss of astrocytic glutamine synthetase is an important causative factor for some epilepsies, particularly mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and glioblastoma-associated epilepsy. We postulate that the regulatory mechanisms of glutamine synthetase as well as the downstream effects of glutamine synthetase dysfunction, represent attractive, new targets for antiepileptogenic interventions. Currently, no antiepileptogenic therapies are available for human use. The discovery of such interventions is important as it will fundamentally change the way we approach epilepsy by preventing the disease from ever becoming manifest after an epileptogenic insult to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo
| | | | - Peter Patrylo
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
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18
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Abstract
Amino acids perform a variety of functions in cells and organisms, particularly in the synthesis of proteins, as energy metabolites, neurotransmitters, and precursors for many other molecules. Amino acid transport plays a key role in all these functions. Inhibition of amino acid transport is pursued as a therapeutic strategy in several areas, such as diabetes and related metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, cancer, and stem cell biology. The role of amino acid transporters in these disorders and processes is well established, but the implementation of amino acid transporters as drug targets is still in its infancy. This is at least in part due to the underdeveloped pharmacology of this group of membrane proteins. Recent advances in structural biology, membrane protein expression, and inhibitor screening methodology will see an increased number of improved and selective inhibitors of amino acid transporters that can serve as tool compounds for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bröer
- 1 Research School of Biology, College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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19
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Pregnolato S, Chakkarapani E, Isles AR, Luyt K. Glutamate Transport and Preterm Brain Injury. Front Physiol 2019; 10:417. [PMID: 31068830 PMCID: PMC6491644 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of child death worldwide and a top global health priority. Among the survivors, the risk of life-long disabilities is high, including cerebral palsy and impairment of movement, cognition, and behavior. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of preterm brain injuries is at the core of future healthcare improvements. Glutamate excitotoxicity is a key mechanism in preterm brain injury, whereby the accumulation of extracellular glutamate damages the delicate immature oligodendrocytes and neurons, leading to the typical patterns of injury seen in the periventricular white matter. Glutamate excitotoxicity is thought to be induced by an interaction between environmental triggers of injury in the perinatal period, particularly cerebral hypoxia-ischemia and infection/inflammation, and developmental and genetic vulnerabilities. To avoid extracellular build-up of glutamate, the brain relies on rapid uptake by sodium-dependent glutamate transporters. Astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is responsible for up to 95% of glutamate clearance, and several lines of evidence suggest that it is essential for brain functioning. While in the adult EAAT2 is predominantly expressed by astrocytes, EAAT2 is transiently upregulated in the immature oligodendrocytes and selected neuronal populations during mid-late gestation, at the peak time for preterm brain injury. This developmental upregulation may interact with perinatal hypoxia-ischemia and infection/inflammation and contribute to the selective vulnerability of the immature oligodendrocytes and neurons in the preterm brain. Disruption of EAAT2 may involve not only altered expression but also impaired function with reversal of transport direction. Importantly, elevated EAAT2 levels have been found in the reactive astrocytes and macrophages of human infant post-mortem brains with severe white matter injury (cystic periventricular leukomalacia), potentially suggesting an adaptive mechanism against excitotoxicity. Interestingly, EAAT2 is suppressed in animal models of acute hypoxic-ischemic brain injury at term, pointing to an important and complex role in newborn brain injuries. Enhancement of EAAT2 expression and transport function is gathering attention as a potential therapeutic approach for a variety of adult disorders and awaits exploration in the context of the preterm brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pregnolato
- Department of Neonatal Neurology, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Elavazhagan Chakkarapani
- Department of Neonatal Neurology, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Luyt
- Department of Neonatal Neurology, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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20
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Amino acid transporters in the regulation of insulin secretion and signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:571-590. [PMID: 30936244 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are increasingly recognised as modulators of nutrient disposal, including their role in regulating blood glucose through interactions with insulin signalling. More recently, cellular membrane transporters of amino acids have been shown to form a pivotal part of this regulation as they are primarily responsible for controlling cellular and circulating amino acid concentrations. The availability of amino acids regulated by transporters can amplify insulin secretion and modulate insulin signalling in various tissues. In addition, insulin itself can regulate the expression of numerous amino acid transporters. This review focuses on amino acid transporters linked to the regulation of insulin secretion and signalling with a focus on those of the small intestine, pancreatic β-islet cells and insulin-responsive tissues, liver and skeletal muscle. We summarise the role of the amino acid transporter B0AT1 (SLC6A19) and peptide transporter PEPT1 (SLC15A1) in the modulation of global insulin signalling via the liver-secreted hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). The role of vesicular vGLUT (SLC17) and mitochondrial SLC25 transporters in providing glutamate for the potentiation of insulin secretion is covered. We also survey the roles SNAT (SLC38) family and LAT1 (SLC7A5) amino acid transporters play in the regulation of and by insulin in numerous affective tissues. We hypothesise the small intestine amino acid transporter B0AT1 represents a crucial nexus between insulin, FGF21 and incretin hormone signalling pathways. The aim is to give an integrated overview of the important role amino acid transporters have been found to play in insulin-regulated nutrient signalling.
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21
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Kandasamy P, Gyimesi G, Kanai Y, Hediger MA. Amino acid transporters revisited: New views in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:752-789. [PMID: 30177408 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Amino acid transporters (AATs) are membrane-bound transport proteins that mediate transfer of amino acids into and out of cells or cellular organelles. AATs have diverse functional roles ranging from neurotransmission to acid-base balance, intracellular energy metabolism, and anabolic and catabolic reactions. In cancer cells and diabetes, dysregulation of AATs leads to metabolic reprogramming, which changes intracellular amino acid levels, contributing to the pathogenesis of cancer, obesity and diabetes. Indeed, the neutral amino acid transporters (NATs) SLC7A5/LAT1 and SLC1A5/ASCT2 are likely involved in several human malignancies. However, a clinical therapy that directly targets AATs has not yet been developed. The purpose of this review is to highlight the structural and functional diversity of AATs, their diverse physiological roles in different tissues and organs, their wide-ranging implications in human diseases and the emerging strategies and tools that will be necessary to target AATs therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanivel Kandasamy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gergely Gyimesi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Division of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Matthias A Hediger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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22
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Zhou Y, Dhaher R, Parent M, Hu QX, Hassel B, Yee SP, Hyder F, Gruenbaum SE, Eid T, Danbolt NC. Selective deletion of glutamine synthetase in the mouse cerebral cortex induces glial dysfunction and vascular impairment that precede epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:22-33. [PMID: 30053506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate-ammonia ligase (glutamine synthetase; Glul) is enriched in astrocytes and serves as the primary enzyme for ammonia detoxification and glutamate inactivation in the brain. Loss of astroglial Glul is reported in hippocampi of epileptic patients, but the mechanism by which Glul deficiency might cause disease remains elusive. Here we created a novel mouse model by selectively deleting Glul in the hippocampus and neocortex. The Glul deficient mice were born without any apparent malformations and behaved unremarkably until postnatal week three. There were reductions in tissue levels of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine and GABA and in mRNA encoding glutamate receptor subunits GRIA1 and GRIN2A as well as in the glutamate transporter proteins EAAT1 and EAAT2. Adult Glul-deficient mice developed progressive neurodegeneration and spontaneous seizures which increased in frequency with age. Importantly, progressive astrogliosis occurred before neurodegeneration and was first noted in astrocytes along cerebral blood vessels. The responses to CO2-provocation were attenuated at four weeks of age and dilated microvessels were observed histologically in sclerotic areas of cKO. Thus, the abnormal glutamate metabolism observed in this model appeared to cause epilepsy by first inducing gliopathy and disrupting the neurovascular coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Roni Dhaher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Maxime Parent
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Qiu-Xiang Hu
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Hassel
- Department of Complex Neurology and Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, N-0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Tore Eid
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317, Oslo, Norway; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317, Oslo, Norway.
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23
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Araya S, Kuster E, Gluch D, Mariotta L, Lutz C, Reding TV, Graf R, Verrey F, Camargo SMR. Exocrine pancreas glutamate secretion help to sustain enterocyte nutritional needs under protein restriction. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 314:G517-G536. [PMID: 29167114 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00135.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is the most concentrated amino acid in blood and considered conditionally essential. Its requirement is increased during physiological stress, such as malnutrition or illness, despite its production by muscle and other organs. In the malnourished state, Gln has been suggested to have a trophic effect on the exocrine pancreas and small intestine. However, the Gln transport capacity, the functional relationship of these two organs, and the potential role of the Gln-glutamate (Glu) cycle are unknown. We observed that pancreatic acinar cells express lower levels of Glu than Gln transporters. Consistent with this expression pattern, the rate of Glu influx into acinar cells was approximately sixfold lower than that of Gln. During protein restriction, acinar cell glutaminase expression was increased and Gln accumulation was maintained. Moreover, Glu secretion by acinar cells into pancreatic juice and thus into the lumen of the small intestine was maintained. In the intestinal lumen, Glu absorption was preserved and Glu dehydrogenase expression was augmented, potentially providing the substrates for increasing energy production via the TCA cycle. Our findings suggest that one mechanism by which Gln exerts a positive effect on exocrine pancreas and small intestine involves the Gln metabolism in acinar cells and the secretion of Glu into the small intestine lumen. The exocrine pancreas acinar cells not only avidly accumulate Gln but metabolize Gln to generate energy and to synthesize Glu for secretion in the pancreatic juice. Secreted Glu is suggested to play an important role during malnourishment in sustaining small intestinal homeostasis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glutamine (Gln) has been suggested to have a trophic effect on exocrine pancreas and small intestine in malnourished states, but the mechanism is unknown. In this study, we suggest that this trophic effect derives from an interorgan relationship between exocrine pancreas and small intestine for Gln-glutamate (Glu) utilization involving the uptake and metabolism of Gln in acinar cells and secretion of Glu into the lumen of the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Araya
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - E Kuster
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - D Gluch
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - L Mariotta
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - C Lutz
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - T V Reding
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - R Graf
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - F Verrey
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - S M R Camargo
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
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Axon-terminals expressing EAAT2 (GLT-1; Slc1a2) are common in the forebrain and not limited to the hippocampus. Neurochem Int 2018. [PMID: 29530756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The excitatory amino acid transporter type 2 (EAAT2) represents the major mechanism for removal of extracellular glutamate. In the hippocampus, there is some EAAT2 in axon-terminals, whereas most of the protein is found in astroglia. The functional importance of the neuronal EAAT2 is unknown, and it is debated whether EAAT2-expressing nerve terminals are present in other parts of the brain. Here we selectively deleted the EAAT2 gene in neurons (by crossing EAAT2-flox mice with synapsin 1-Cre mice in the C57B6 background). To reduce interference from astroglial EAAT2, we measured glutamate accumulation in crude tissue homogenates. EAAT2 proteins levels were measured by immunoblotting. Although synapsin 1-Cre mediated gene deletion only reduced the forebrain tissue content of EAAT2 protein to 95.5 ± 3.4% of wild-type (littermate) controls, the glutamate accumulation in homogenates of neocortex, hippocampus, striatum and thalamus were nevertheless diminished to, respectively, 54 ± 4, 46 ± 3, 46 ± 2 and 65 ± 7% of controls (average ± SEM, n = 3 pairs of littermates). GABA uptake was unaffected. After injection of U-13C-glucose, lack of neuronal EAAT2 resulted in higher 13C-labeling of glutamine and GABA in the hippocampus suggesting that neuronal EAAT2 is partly short-circuiting the glutamate-glutamine cycle in wild-type mice. Crossing synapsin 1-Cre mice with Ai9 reporter mice revealed that Cre-mediated excision occurred efficiently in hippocampus CA3, but less efficiently in other regions and hardly at all in the cerebellum. Conclusions: (1) EAAT2 is expressed in nerve terminals in multiple brain regions. (2) The uptake catalyzed by neuronal EAAT2 plays a role in glutamate metabolism, at least in the hippocampus. (3) Synapsin 1-Cre does not delete floxed genes in all neurons, and the contribution of neuronal EAAT2 is therefore likely to be larger than revealed in the present study.
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CD44 variant inhibits insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells by attenuating LAT1-mediated amino acid uptake. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2785. [PMID: 29434323 PMCID: PMC5809395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD44 variant (CD44v) contributes to cancer stemness by stabilizing the xCT subunit of system xc(−) and thereby promoting its glutamate-cystine antiporter activity. CD44 has also been implicated in autoimmune insulitis and inflammation in diabetic islets, but whether CD44v regulates insulin secretion has remained unclear. Here we show that CD44v inhibits insulin secretion by attenuating amino acid transport mediated by the L-type amino acid transporter LAT1. CD44v expression level was inversely related to insulin content in islets of normal and diabetic model mice. Knockdown of CD44 increased insulin secretion, the intracellular insulin level, and the transport of neutral amino acids mediated by LAT1 in Min6 cells. Attenuation of the uptake of neutral amino acids with a LAT inhibitor reduced insulin secretion and insulin content in Min6 cells, whereas overexpression of LAT1 increased insulin secretion. Moreover, inhibition of LAT1 prevented the increase in insulin secretion and content induced by CD44 depletion in Min6 cells. Our results thus implicate CD44v in the regulation of insulin secretion and reveal that amino acid transport is rate limiting for such secretion. They further suggest that amino acid transport mediated by LAT1 is a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.
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26
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Hu QX, Ottestad-Hansen S, Holmseth S, Hassel B, Danbolt NC, Zhou Y. Expression of Glutamate Transporters in Mouse Liver, Kidney, and Intestine. J Histochem Cytochem 2018; 66:189-202. [PMID: 29303644 DOI: 10.1369/0022155417749828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate transport activities have been identified not only in the brain, but also in the liver, kidney, and intestine. Although glutamate transporter distributions in the central nervous system are fairly well known, there are still uncertainties with respect to the distribution of these transporters in peripheral organs. Quantitative information is mostly lacking, and few of the studies have included genetically modified animals as specificity controls. The present study provides validated qualitative and semi-quantitative data on the excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT)1-3 subtypes in the mouse liver, kidney, and intestine. In agreement with the current view, we found high EAAT3 protein levels in the brush borders of both the distal small intestine and the renal proximal tubules. Neither EAAT1 nor EAAT2 was detected at significant levels in murine kidney or intestine. In contrast, the liver only expressed EAAT2 (but 2 C-terminal splice variants). EAAT2 was detected in the plasma membranes of perivenous hepatocytes. These cells also expressed glutamine synthetase. Conditional deletion of hepatic EAAT2 did neither lead to overt neurological disturbances nor development of fatty liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Xiang Hu
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrid Ottestad-Hansen
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silvia Holmseth
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Hassel
- Department of Complex Neurology and Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Rorsman P, Ashcroft FM. Pancreatic β-Cell Electrical Activity and Insulin Secretion: Of Mice and Men. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:117-214. [PMID: 29212789 PMCID: PMC5866358 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00008.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic β-cell plays a key role in glucose homeostasis by secreting insulin, the only hormone capable of lowering the blood glucose concentration. Impaired insulin secretion results in the chronic hyperglycemia that characterizes type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which currently afflicts >450 million people worldwide. The healthy β-cell acts as a glucose sensor matching its output to the circulating glucose concentration. It does so via metabolically induced changes in electrical activity, which culminate in an increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and initiation of Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of insulin-containing secretory granules. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the β-cell transcriptome, electrical activity, and insulin exocytosis. We highlight salient differences between mouse and human β-cells, provide models of how the different ion channels contribute to their electrical activity and insulin secretion, and conclude by discussing how these processes become perturbed in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Metabolic Research Unit, Göteborg, Sweden; and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M Ashcroft
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Metabolic Research Unit, Göteborg, Sweden; and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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28
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Drugs to Alter Extracellular Concentration of Glutamate: Modulators of Glutamate Uptake Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7228-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Orexin-A promotes Glu uptake by OX1R/PKCα/ERK1/2/GLT-1 pathway in astrocytes and protects co-cultured astrocytes and neurons against apoptosis in anoxia/hypoglycemic injury in vitro. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 425:103-112. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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30
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Lockridge AD, Baumann DC, Akhaphong B, Abrenica A, Miller RF, Alejandro EU. Serine racemase is expressed in islets and contributes to the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Islets 2016; 8:195-206. [PMID: 27880078 PMCID: PMC5161142 DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2016.1260797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) have recently been discovered as functional regulators of pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion. While these excitatory receptor channels have been extensively studied in the brain for their role in synaptic plasticity and development, little is known about how they work in β-cells. In neuronal cells, NMDAR activation requires the simultaneous binding of glutamate and a rate-limiting co-agonist, such as D-serine. D-serine levels and availability in most of the brain rely on endogenous synthesis by the enzyme serine racemase (Srr). Srr transcripts have been reported in human and mouse islets but it is not clear whether Srr is functionally expressed in β-cells or what its role in the pancreas might be. In this investigation, we reveal that Srr protein is highly expressed in primary human and mouse β-cells. Mice with whole body deletion of Srr (Srr KO) show improved glucose tolerance through enhanced insulin secretory capacity, possibly through Srr-mediated alterations in islet NMDAR expression and function. We observed elevated insulin sensitivity in some animals, suggesting Srr metabolic regulation in other peripheral organs as well. Srr expression in neonatal and embryonic islets, and adult deficits in Srr KO pancreas weight and islet insulin content, point toward a potential role for Srr in pancreatic development. These data reveal the first evidence that Srr may regulate glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues and provide circumstantial evidence that D-serine may be an endogenous islet NMDAR co-agonist in β-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel C. Baumann
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brian Akhaphong
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alleah Abrenica
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Robert F. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emilyn U. Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- CONTACT Emilyn U. Alejandro Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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31
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Danbolt NC, Zhou Y, Furness DN, Holmseth S. Strategies for immunohistochemical protein localization using antibodies: What did we learn from neurotransmitter transporters in glial cells and neurons. Glia 2016; 64:2045-2064. [PMID: 27458697 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting are still major methods for protein localization, but they rely on the specificity of the antibodies. Validation of antibody specificity remains challenging mostly because ideal negative controls are often unavailable. Further, immunochemical labeling patterns are also influenced by a number of other factors such as postmortem changes, fixation procedures and blocking agents as well as the general assay conditions (e.g., buffers, temperature, etc.). Western blotting similarly depends on tissue collection and sample preparation as well as the electrophoretic separation, transfer to blotting membranes and the immunochemical probing of immobilized molecules. Publication of inaccurate information on protein distribution has downstream consequences for other researchers because the interpretation of physiological and pharmacological observations depends on information on where ion channels, receptors, enzymes or transporters are located. Despite numerous reports, some of which are strongly worded, erroneous localization data are being published. Here we describe the extent of the problem and illustrate the nature of the pitfalls with examples from studies of neurotransmitter transporters. We explain the importance of supplementing immunochemical observations with other measurements (e.g., mRNA levels and distribution, protein activity, mass spectrometry, electrophysiological recordings, etc.) and why quantitative considerations are integral parts of the quality control. Further, we propose a practical strategy for researchers who plan to embark on a localization study. We also share our thoughts about guidelines for quality control. GLIA 2016;64:2045-2064.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David N Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffs, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Holmseth
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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32
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Danbolt NC, Furness DN, Zhou Y. Neuronal vs glial glutamate uptake: Resolving the conundrum. Neurochem Int 2016; 98:29-45. [PMID: 27235987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neither normal brain function nor the pathological processes involved in neurological diseases can be adequately understood without knowledge of the release, uptake and metabolism of glutamate. The reason for this is that glutamate (a) is the most abundant amino acid in the brain, (b) is at the cross-roads between several metabolic pathways, and (c) serves as the major excitatory neurotransmitter. In fact most brain cells express glutamate receptors and are thereby influenced by extracellular glutamate. In agreement, brain cells have powerful uptake systems that constantly remove glutamate from the extracellular fluid and thereby limit receptor activation. It has been clear since the 1970s that both astrocytes and neurons express glutamate transporters. However the relative contribution of neuronal and glial transporters to the total glutamate uptake activity, however, as well as their functional importance, has been hotly debated ever since. The present short review provides (a) an overview of what we know about neuronal glutamate uptake as well as an historical description of how we got there, and (b) a hypothesis reconciling apparently contradicting observations thereby possibly resolving the paradox.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Danbolt
- The Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - D N Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffs. ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Y Zhou
- The Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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33
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Cheng Q, Beltran VD, Chan SMH, Brown JR, Bevington A, Herbert TP. System-L amino acid transporters play a key role in pancreatic β-cell signalling and function. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:175-87. [PMID: 26647387 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine and valine, are essential amino acids that play a critical role in cellular signalling and metabolism. They acutely stimulate insulin secretion and activate the regulatory serine/threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a kinase that promotes increased β-cell mass and function. The effects of BCAA on cellular function are dependent on their active transport into the mammalian cells via amino acid transporters and thus the expression and activity of these transporters likely influence β-cell signalling and function. In this report, we show that the System-L transporters are required for BCAA uptake into clonal β-cell lines and pancreatic islets, and that these are essential for signalling to mTORC1. Further investigation revealed that the System-L amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is abundantly expressed in the islets, and that knockdown of LAT1 using siRNA inhibits mTORC1 signalling, leucine-stimulated insulin secretion and islet cell proliferation. In summary, we show that the LAT1 is required for regulating β-cell signalling and function in islets and thus may be a novel pharmacological/nutritional target for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cheng
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National University, Acton, Australia
| | - Violeta D Beltran
- Department of InfectionImmunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Stanley M H Chan
- Health Innovations Research Institute (HIRI)School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jeremy R Brown
- Department of InfectionImmunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Alan Bevington
- Department of InfectionImmunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Terence P Herbert
- Health Innovations Research Institute (HIRI)School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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Otter S, Lammert E. Exciting Times for Pancreatic Islets: Glutamate Signaling in Endocrine Cells. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2016; 27:177-188. [PMID: 26740469 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate represents a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and also modulates the function and viability of endocrine cells in pancreatic islets. In insulin-secreting beta cells, glutamate acts as an intracellular messenger, and its transport into secretory granules promotes glucose- and incretin-stimulated insulin secretion. Mitochondrial degradation of glutamate also contributes to insulin release when glutamate dehydrogenase is allosterically activated. It also signals extracellularly via glutamate receptors (AMPA and NMDA receptors) to modulate glucagon, insulin and somatostatin secretion, and islet cell survival. Its degradation products, GABA and γ-hydroxybutyrate, are released and also influence islet cell behavior. Thus, islet glutamate receptors, such as the NMDA receptors, might serve as possible drug targets to develop new medications for adjunct treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Otter
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Beta Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eckhard Lammert
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Beta Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Düsseldorf, Germany.
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35
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Meeker KD, Meabon JS, Cook DG. Partial Loss of the Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Alters Brain Akt and Insulin Signaling in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 45:509-20. [PMID: 25589729 DOI: 10.3233/jad-142304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The glutamate transporter GLT-1 (also called EAAT2 in humans) plays a critical role in regulating extracellular glutamate levels in the central nervous system (CNS). In Alzheimer's disease (AD), EAAT2 loss is associated with neuropathology and cognitive impairment. In keeping with this, we have reported that partial GLT-1 loss (GLT-1+/-) causes early-occurring cognitive deficits in mice harboring familial AD AβPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mutations. GLT-1 plays important roles in several molecular pathways that regulate brain metabolism, including Akt and insulin signaling in astrocytes. Significantly, AD pathogenesis also involves chronic Akt activation and reduced insulin signaling in the CNS. In this report we tested the hypothesis that GLT-1 heterozygosity (which reduces GLT-1 to levels that are comparable to losses in AD patients) in AβPPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice would induce sustained activation of Akt and disturb components of the CNS insulin signaling cascade. We found that partial GLT-1 loss chronically increased Akt activation (reflected by increased phosphorylation at serine 473), impaired insulin signaling (reflected by decreased IRβ phosphorylation of tyrosines 1150/1151 and increased IRS-1 phosphorylation at serines 632/635 - denoted as 636/639 in humans), and reduced insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) activity in brains of mice expressing familial AβPPswe/PS1ΔE9 AD mutations. GLT-1 loss also caused an apparent compensatory increase in IDE activity in the liver, an organ that has been shown to regulate peripheral amyloid-β levels and expresses GLT-1. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that partial GLT-1 loss can cause insulin/Akt signaling abnormalities that are in keeping with those observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kole D Meeker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James S Meabon
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, WA, USA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David G Cook
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, WA, USA Division of Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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36
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Eid T, Gruenbaum SE, Dhaher R, Lee TSW, Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. The Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle in Epilepsy. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 13:351-400. [PMID: 27885637 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45096-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex, multifactorial disease characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures and an increased incidence of comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and sudden unexpected death. About 70 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from epilepsy, and up to one-third of all people with epilepsy are expected to be refractory to current medications. Development of more effective and specific antiepileptic interventions is therefore requisite. Perturbations in the brain's glutamate-glutamine cycle, such as increased extracellular levels of glutamate, loss of astroglial glutamine synthetase, and changes in glutaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase, are frequently encountered in patients with epilepsy. Hence, manipulations of discrete glutamate-glutamine cycle components may represent novel approaches to treat the disease. The goal of his review is to discuss some of the glutamate-glutamine cycle components that are altered in epilepsy, particularly neurotransmitters and metabolites, enzymes, amino acid transporters, and glutamate receptors. We will also review approaches that potentially could be used in humans to target the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Examples of such approaches are treatment with glutamate receptor blockers, glutamate scavenging, dietary intervention, and hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, 208035, New Haven, CT, 06520-8035, USA.
| | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Roni Dhaher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, 208035, New Haven, CT, 06520-8035, USA
| | - Tih-Shih W Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels Christian Danbolt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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37
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Fontana ACK. Current approaches to enhance glutamate transporter function and expression. J Neurochem 2015; 134:982-1007. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andréia C. K. Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University College of Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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38
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Schonbrunn A. Editorial: Antibody can get it right: confronting problems of antibody specificity and irreproducibility. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 28:1403-7. [PMID: 25184858 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Schonbrunn
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77225
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39
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Marx MC, Billups D, Billups B. Maintaining the presynaptic glutamate supply for excitatory neurotransmission. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:1031-44. [PMID: 25648608 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate released from synapses during excitatory neurotransmission must be rapidly recycled to maintain neuronal communication. This review evaluates data from physiological experiments at hippocampal CA3 to CA1 synapses and the calyx of Held synapse in the brainstem to analyze quantitatively the rates of release and resupply of glutamate required to sustain neurotransmission. We calculate that, without efficient recycling, the presynaptic glutamate supply will be exhausted within about a minute of normal synaptic activity. We also discuss replenishment of the presynaptic pool by diffusion from the soma, direct uptake of glutamate back into the presynaptic terminal, and uptake of glutamate precursor molecules. Diffusion of glutamate from the soma is calculated to be fast enough to resupply presynaptic glutamate in the hippocampus but not at the calyx of Held. However, because the somatic cytoplasm will also quickly run out of glutamate and synapses can function continually even if the presynaptic axon is severed, mechanisms other than diffusion must be present to resupply glutamate for release. Direct presynaptic uptake of glutamate is not present at the calyx of Held but may play a role in glutamate recycling in the hippocampus. Alternatively, glutamine or tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates released from glia can serve as a precursor for glutamate in synaptic terminals, and we calculate that the magnitude of presynaptic glutamine uptake is sufficient to supply enough glutamate to sustain neurotransmission. The nature of these mechanisms, their relative abundance, and the co-ordination between them remain areas of intensive investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Carmen Marx
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Daniela Billups
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Brian Billups
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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EAAT2 (GLT-1; slc1a2) glutamate transporters reconstituted in liposomes argues against heteroexchange being substantially faster than net uptake. J Neurosci 2015; 34:13472-85. [PMID: 25274824 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2282-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The EAAT2 glutamate transporter, accounts for >90% of hippocampal glutamate uptake. Although EAAT2 is predominantly expressed in astrocytes, ∼10% of EAAT2 molecules are found in axon terminals. Despite the lower level of EAAT2 expression in glutamatergic terminals, when hippocampal slices are incubated with low concentration of d-aspartate (an EAAT2 substrate), axon terminals accumulate d-aspartate as quickly as astroglia. This implies an unexplained mismatch between the distribution of EAAT2 protein and of EAAT2-mediated transport activity. One hypothesis is that (1) heteroexchange of internal substrate with external substrate is considerably faster than net uptake and (2) terminals favor heteroexchange because of high levels of internal glutamate. However, it is currently unknown whether heteroexchange and uptake have similar or different rates. To address this issue, we used a reconstituted system to compare the relative rates of the two processes in rat and mice. Net uptake was sensitive to changes in the membrane potential and was stimulated by external permeable anions in agreement with the existence of an uncoupled anion conductance. By using the latter, we also demonstrate that the rate of heteroexchange also depends on the membrane potential. Additionally, our data further suggest the presence of a sodium leak in EAAT2. By incorporating the new findings in our previous model of glutamate uptake by EAAT2, we predict that the voltage sensitivity of exchange is caused by the voltage-dependent third Na(+) binding. Further, both our experiments and simulations suggest that the relative rates of net uptake and heteroexchange are comparable in EAAT2.
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41
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Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the healthy brain. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:799-817. [PMID: 24578174 PMCID: PMC4133642 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 529] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant free amino acid in the brain and is at the crossroad between multiple metabolic pathways. Considering this, it was a surprise to discover that glutamate has excitatory effects on nerve cells, and that it can excite cells to their death in a process now referred to as "excitotoxicity". This effect is due to glutamate receptors present on the surface of brain cells. Powerful uptake systems (glutamate transporters) prevent excessive activation of these receptors by continuously removing glutamate from the extracellular fluid in the brain. Further, the blood-brain barrier shields the brain from glutamate in the blood. The highest concentrations of glutamate are found in synaptic vesicles in nerve terminals from where it can be released by exocytosis. In fact, glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It took, however, a long time to realize that. The present review provides a brief historical description, gives a short overview of glutamate as a transmitter in the healthy brain, and comments on the so-called glutamate-glutamine cycle. The glutamate transporters responsible for the glutamate removal are described in some detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Zhou
- The Neurotransporter Group, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1105, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - N. C. Danbolt
- The Neurotransporter Group, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1105, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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Kempson SA, Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. The betaine/GABA transporter and betaine: roles in brain, kidney, and liver. Front Physiol 2014; 5:159. [PMID: 24795654 PMCID: PMC4006062 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of the betaine/GABA transporter (BGT1; slc6a12) are still being debated. BGT1 is a member of the solute carrier family 6 (the neurotransmitter, sodium symporter transporter family) and mediates cellular uptake of betaine and GABA in a sodium- and chloride-dependent process. Most of the studies of BGT1 concern its function and regulation in the kidney medulla where its role is best understood. The conditions here are hostile due to hyperosmolarity and significant concentrations of NH4Cl and urea. To withstand the hyperosmolarity, cells trigger osmotic adaptation, involving concentration of a transcriptional factor TonEBP/NFAT5 in the nucleus, and accumulate betaine and other osmolytes. Data from renal cells in culture, primarily MDCK, revealed that transcriptional regulation of BGT1 by TonEBP/NFAT5 is relatively slow. To allow more acute control of the abundance of BGT1 protein in the plasma membrane, there is also post-translation regulation of BGT1 protein trafficking which is dependent on intracellular calcium and ATP. Further, betaine may be important in liver metabolism as a methyl donor. In fact, in the mouse the liver is the organ with the highest content of BGT1. Hepatocytes express high levels of both BGT1 and the only enzyme that can metabolize betaine, namely betaine:homocysteine –S-methyltransferase (BHMT1). The BHMT1 enzyme removes a methyl group from betaine and transfers it to homocysteine, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Finally, BGT1 has been proposed to play a role in controlling brain excitability and thereby represents a target for anticonvulsive drug development. The latter hypothesis is controversial due to very low expression levels of BGT1 relative to other GABA transporters in brain, and also the primary location of BGT1 at the surface of the brain in the leptomeninges. These issues are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Kempson
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Centre of Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels C Danbolt
- Department of Anatomy, Centre of Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
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