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Granados-Fuentes D, Lambert P, Simon T, Mennerick S, Herzog ED. GABA A receptor subunit composition regulates circadian rhythms in rest-wake and synchrony among cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400339121. [PMID: 39047036 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400339121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) produces robust daily rhythms including rest-wake. SCN neurons synthesize and respond to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but its role remains unresolved. We tested the hypothesis that γ2- and δ-subunits of the GABAA receptor in the SCN differ in their regulation of synchrony among circadian cells. We used two approaches: 1) shRNA to knock-down (KD) the expression of either γ2 or δ subunits in the SCN or 2) knock-in mice harboring a point mutation in the M2 domains of the endogenous GABAA γ2 or δ subunits. KD of either γ2 or δ subunits in the SCN increased daytime running and reduced nocturnal running by reducing their circadian amplitude by a third. Similarly, δ subunit knock-in mice showed decreased circadian amplitude, increased duration of daily activity, and decreased total daily activity. Reduction, or mutation of either γ2 or δ subunits halved the synchrony among, and amplitude of, circadian SCN cells as measured by firing rate or expression of the PERIOD2 protein, in vitro. Surprisingly, overexpression of the γ2 subunit rescued these phenotypes following KD or mutation of the δ subunit, and overexpression of the δ subunit rescued deficiencies due to γ2 subunit KD or mutation. We conclude that γ2 and δ GABAA receptor subunits play similar roles in maintaining circadian synchrony in the SCN and amplitude of daily rest-wake rhythms, but that modulation of their relative densities can change the duration and amplitude of daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
| | - Tatiana Simon
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
| | - Erik D Herzog
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
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2
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Li PP, Zhou YY, Gao L, Lv JN, Xu SS, Zhao YW, Xu D, Huang R, Zhang X, Li P, Fu X, He Z. The de novo missense mutation F224S in GABRB2, identified in epileptic encephalopathy and developmental delay, impairs GABA AR function. Neuroscience 2024; 553:172-184. [PMID: 38964454 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.029] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Genetic variants in genes encoding subunits of the γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor (GABAAR) have been found to cause neurodevelopmental disorders and epileptic encephalopathy. In a patient with epilepsy and developmental delay, a de novo heterozygous missense mutation c.671 T > C (p.F224S) was discovered in the GABRB2 gene, which encodes the β2 subunit of GABAAR. Based on previous studies on GABRB2 variants, this new GABRB2 variant (F224S) would be pathogenic. To confirm and investigate the effects of this GABRB2 mutation on GABAAR channel function, we conducted transient expression experiments using GABAAR subunits in HEK293T cells. The GABAARs containing mutant β2 (F224S) subunit showed poor trafficking to the cell membrane, while the expression and distribution of the normal α1 and γ2 subunits were unaffected. Furthermore, the peak current amplitude of the GABAAR containing the β2 (F224S) subunit was significantly smaller compared to the wild type GABAAR. We propose that GABRB2 variant F224S is pathogenic and GABAARs containing this β2 mutant reduce response to GABA under physiological conditions, which could potentially disrupt the excitation/inhibition balance in the brain, leading to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Li
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yue-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jia-Nan Lv
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Shi-Shi Xu
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yan-Wen Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Di Xu
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Ruoke Huang
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Research, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoqin Fu
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Research, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiyong He
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
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3
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Topchiy I, Mohbat J, Folorunso OO, Wang ZZ, Lazcano-Etchebarne C, Engin E. GABA system as the cause and effect in early development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105651. [PMID: 38579901 PMCID: PMC11081854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain and through its actions on GABAARs, it protects against excitotoxicity and seizure activity, ensures temporal fidelity of neurotransmission, and regulates concerted rhythmic activity of neuronal populations. In the developing brain, the development of GABAergic neurons precedes that of glutamatergic neurons and the GABA system serves as a guide and framework for the development of other brain systems. Despite this early start, the maturation of the GABA system also continues well into the early postnatal period. In this review, we organize evidence around two scenarios based on the essential and protracted nature of GABA system development: 1) disruptions in the development of the GABA system can lead to large scale disruptions in other developmental processes (i.e., GABA as the cause), 2) protracted maturation of this system makes it vulnerable to the effects of developmental insults (i.e., GABA as the effect). While ample evidence supports the importance of GABA/GABAAR system in both scenarios, large gaps in existing knowledge prevent strong mechanistic conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Topchiy
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Julie Mohbat
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Oluwarotimi O Folorunso
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ziyi Zephyr Wang
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Elif Engin
- Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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4
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Zhang S, Wang Y, Liu M, Du Z, Lu Y, Sun P, Han J. Identification of novel and de novo GABRB1 mutation in Chinese patient with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 45. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2023; 12:234-240. [PMID: 38024579 PMCID: PMC10680165 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 45 (DEE45) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by variation in the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit beta 1 (GABRB1) gene. Affected individuals have severely impaired intellectual development, hypotonia, and other persistent neurological deficits. However, DEE45 is rare; only four infants with DEE45 have been reported worldwide and no case has been reported in China. Confirming a diagnosis of DEE45 is of great significance for guiding further treatment, assessing patient prognosis, and genetic counseling. The clinical characteristics of DEE45 and the medical history of DEE45 patients requires supplementation and clarification. Here, we present the clinical and genetic findings of a 7-year-old girl with DEE45 carrying a novel de novo GABRB1 mutation (c.858_859delinsTT, p.286_287delinsIleSer) identified by whole exome sequencing (WES). The mutation is phylogenetic conserved in the second helix of the β1-subunit's transmembrane region. Western blot and RT-qPCR both indicated significant increase in the expression levels of GABRB1 mutant when compared with wild. The proband has epileptic encephalopathy and experienced refractory epilepsy onset at age 2 months and showed developmental delay at age 8 months. Electroencephalography (EEG) displayed hypsarrhythmia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no significant abnormalities in the internal structure of the patient's brain, which is displayed in two previously reported cases. The patient's symptoms of hypotonia, ataxia, profound mental retardation, and dysmetria became evident with development. In summary, we report the genetic and clinical characteristics of the first Chinese patient with DEE45 and explores the relationship between mutation and clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs of National Health Commission, Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Meilin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs of National Health Commission, Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoli Du
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Company Limited, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqin Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs of National Health Commission, Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinxiang Han
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs of National Health Commission, Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
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5
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Mohamad FH, Mohamad Jamali MA, Che Has AT. Structure-function Studies of GABA (A) Receptors and Related computer-aided Studies. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:804-817. [PMID: 37750966 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02158-3] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA (A) receptor) is a membrane protein activated by the neurotransmitter GABA. Structurally, this major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human central nervous system is a pentamer that can be built from a selection of 19 subunits consisting of α(1,2,3,4,5 or 6), β (1,2 or 3), γ (1,2 or 3), ρ (1,2 or 3), and δ, π, θ, and ε. This creates several possible pentameric arrangements, which also influence the pharmacological and physiological properties of the receptor. The complexity and heterogeneity of the receptors are further increased by the addition of short and long splice variants in several subunits and the existence of multiple allosteric binding sites and expansive ligands that can bind to the receptors. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the receptors is required to gain novel insights into the consequences of receptor dysfunction and subsequent drug development studies. Notably, advancements in computational-aided studies have facilitated the elucidation of residual interactions and exploring energy binding, which may otherwise be challenging to investigate. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of the structure and function of GABA (A) receptors obtained from advancements in computational-aided applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif Mohamad Jamali
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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6
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Bryson A, Reid C, Petrou S. Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: GABA A receptor neurotransmission and epilepsy: Principles, disease mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. J Neurochem 2023; 165:6-28. [PMID: 36681890 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder associated with alterations of excitation-inhibition balance within brain neuronal networks. GABAA receptor neurotransmission is the most prevalent form of inhibitory neurotransmission and is strongly implicated in both the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, serving as a primary target for antiseizure medications for over a century. It is now established that GABA exerts a multifaceted influence through an array of GABAA receptor subtypes that extends far beyond simply negating excitatory activity. As the role of GABAA neurotransmission within inhibitory circuits is elaborated, this will enable the development of precision therapies that correct the network dysfunction underlying epileptic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bryson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Kuanyshbek A, Wang M, Andersson Å, Tuifua M, Palmer EE, Sachdev RK, Mu TW, Vetter I, Keramidas A. Anti-seizure mechanisms of midazolam and valproate at the β2(L51M) variant of the GABA A receptor. Neuropharmacology 2022; 221:109295. [PMID: 36257447 PMCID: PMC9981329 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109295] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Genetic sequencing is identifying an expanding number of variants of GABAA receptors associated with human epilepsies. We identified a new de novo variant of the β2 subunit (β2L51M) of the inhibitory GABAA receptor associated with seizures. Our analysis determined the pathogenicity of the variant and the effects of anti-seizure medications. Our data demonstrates that the variant reduced cell surface trafficking and peak GABA-gated currents. Synaptic currents mediated by variant-containing receptors decayed faster than wild-type and single receptor currents showed that the variant shortened the duration of receptor activity by decreasing receptor open times. We tested the effects of the anti-seizure medications, midazolam, carbamazepine and valproate and found that all three enhance variant receptor surface expression. Additionally, midazolam restored receptor function by increasing single receptor active periods and synaptic current decay times towards wild-type levels. By contrast, valproate increased synaptic peak currents, event frequency and promoted synaptic bursting. Our study identifies a new disease-causing variant to the GABAA receptor, profiles its pathogenic effects and demonstrates how anti-seizure drugs correct its functional deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alibek Kuanyshbek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Åsa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marie Tuifua
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Palmer
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick Sydney Australia and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rani K Sachdev
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick Sydney Australia and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ting-Wei Mu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Angelo Keramidas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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8
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Masoli S, Rizza MF, Tognolina M, Prestori F, D’Angelo E. Computational models of neurotransmission at cerebellar synapses unveil the impact on network computation. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:1006989. [PMID: 36387305 PMCID: PMC9649760 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.1006989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroscientific field benefits from the conjoint evolution of experimental and computational techniques, allowing for the reconstruction and simulation of complex models of neurons and synapses. Chemical synapses are characterized by presynaptic vesicle cycling, neurotransmitter diffusion, and postsynaptic receptor activation, which eventually lead to postsynaptic currents and subsequent membrane potential changes. These mechanisms have been accurately modeled for different synapses and receptor types (AMPA, NMDA, and GABA) of the cerebellar cortical network, allowing simulation of their impact on computation. Of special relevance is short-term synaptic plasticity, which generates spatiotemporal filtering in local microcircuits and controls burst transmission and information flow through the network. Here, we present how data-driven computational models recapitulate the properties of neurotransmission at cerebellar synapses. The simulation of microcircuit models is starting to reveal how diverse synaptic mechanisms shape the spatiotemporal profiles of circuit activity and computation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Masoli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesca Prestori,
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Brain Connectivity Center, Pavia, Italy
- Egidio D’Angelo,
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9
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Simeone X, Ernst M, Seidel T, Heider J, Enz D, Monticelli S, Vogel FD, Koniuszewski F, Langer T, Scholze P, Pace V, Miele M. Novel alpha6 preferring GABA-A receptor ligands based on loreclezole. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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10
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β subunits of GABA A receptors form proton-gated chloride channels: Insights into the molecular basis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:784. [PMID: 35922471 PMCID: PMC9349252 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are ligand gated channels mediating inhibition in the central nervous system. Here, we identify a so far undescribed function of β-subunit homomers as proton-gated anion channels. Mutation of a single H267A in β3 subunits completely abolishes channel activation by protons. In molecular dynamic simulations of the β3 crystal structure protonation of H267 increased the formation of hydrogen bonds between H267 and E270 of the adjacent subunit leading to a pore stabilising ring formation and accumulation of Cl- within the transmembrane pore. Conversion of these residues in proton insensitive ρ1 subunits transfers proton-dependent gating, thus highlighting the role of this interaction in proton sensitivity. Activation of chloride and bicarbonate currents at physiological pH changes (pH50 is in the range 6- 6.3) and kinetic studies suggest a physiological role in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues that express beta subunits, and thus as potential novel drug target. Beta subunits of GABAA receptors are unexpectedly shown to form homomeric proton gated ion channels attributable to a single histidine residue.
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11
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Barki M, Xue H. GABRB2, a key player in neuropsychiatric disorders and beyond. Gene 2022; 809:146021. [PMID: 34673206 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The GABA receptors represent the main inhibitory system in the central nervous system that ensure synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and the regulation of neuronal plasticity and learning. GABAA receptors are pentameric in structure and belong to the Cys-loop superfamily. The GABRB2 gene, located on chromosome 5q34, encodes the β2 subunit that combines with the α and γ subunits to form the major subtype of GABAA receptors, which account for 43% of all GABAA receptors in the mammalian brain. Each subunit probably consists of an extracellular N-terminal domain, four membrane-spanning segments, a large intracellular loop between TM3 and TM4, and an extracellular C-terminal domain. Alternative splicing of the RNA transcript of the GABRB2 gene gives rise at least to four long and short isoforms with dissimilar electrophysiological properties. Furthermore, GABRB2 is imprinted and subjected to epigenetic regulation and positive selection. It has been associated with schizophrenia first in Han Chinese, and subsequently validated in other populations. Gabrb2 knockout mice also exhibited schizophrenia-like behavior and neuroinflammation that were ameliorated by the antipsychotic drug risperidone. GABRB2 was also associated with other neuropsychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, substance dependence, depression, internet gaming disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Recently, it has been postulated that GABRB2 might be a potential marker for different cancer types. As GABRB2 has a pivotal role in the central nervous system and is increasingly recognized to contribute to human diseases, further understanding of its structure and function may expedite the generation of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Barki
- Center for Cancer Genomics, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Xue
- Center for Cancer Genomics, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Division of Life Science and Applied Genomics Center, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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12
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Sieghart W, Chiou LC, Ernst M, Fabjan J, M Savić M, Lee MT. α6-Containing GABA A Receptors: Functional Roles and Therapeutic Potentials. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:238-270. [PMID: 35017178 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors containing the α6 subunit are highly expressed in cerebellar granule cells and less abundantly in many other neuronal and peripheral tissues. Here, we for the first time summarize their importance for the functions of the cerebellum and the nervous system. The cerebellum is not only involved in motor control but also in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. α6βγ2 GABAA receptors located at cerebellar Golgi cell/granule cell synapses enhance the precision of inputs required for cerebellar timing of motor activity and are thus involved in cognitive processing and adequate responses to our environment. Extrasynaptic α6βδ GABAA receptors regulate the amount of information entering the cerebellum by their tonic inhibition of granule cells, and their optimal functioning enhances input filtering or contrast. The complex roles of the cerebellum in multiple brain functions can be compromised by genetic or neurodevelopmental causes that lead to a hypofunction of cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors. Animal models mimicking neuropsychiatric phenotypes suggest that compounds selectively activating or positively modulating cerebellar α6-containing GABAA receptors can alleviate essential tremor and motor disturbances in Angelman and Down syndrome as well as impaired prepulse inhibition in neuropsychiatric disorders and reduce migraine and trigeminal-related pain via α6-containing GABAA receptors in trigeminal ganglia. Genetic studies in humans suggest an association of the human GABAA receptor α6 subunit gene with stress-associated disorders. Animal studies support this conclusion. Neuroimaging and post-mortem studies in humans further support an involvement of α6-containing GABAA receptors in various neuropsychiatric disorders, pointing to a broad therapeutic potential of drugs modulating α6-containing GABAA receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: α6-Containing GABAA receptors are abundantly expressed in cerebellar granule cells, but their pathophysiological roles are widely unknown, and they are thus out of the mainstream of GABAA receptor research. Anatomical and electrophysiological evidence indicates that these receptors have a crucial function in neuronal circuits of the cerebellum and the nervous system, and experimental, genetic, post-mortem, and pharmacological studies indicate that selective modulation of these receptors offers therapeutic prospects for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and for stress and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Margot Ernst
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Jure Fabjan
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences (W.S.), and Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System (M.E., J.F.), Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Graduate Institute of Pharmacology (L.-C.C., M.T.L.), and Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (L.-C.C., M.T.L.); Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (M.M.S.); Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (M.T.L.); and Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (L.-C.C.)
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13
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GABRA1 and GABRA6 gene mutations in idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients. Seizure 2021; 93:88-94. [PMID: 34740144 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The GABA receptor is an important epilepsy-associated candidate gene, and has always been a focus in etiology and in the treatment of epilepsy. This study explores the genetic association between GABA receptor gene polymorphisms and epilepsy in a cohort of the Pakistani population. A case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and 150 controls. Blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified products were subsequently genotyped by Sanger sequencing and the results were analyzed using the chi-square test. Among the five mutational sites observed, two GABRA1 (rs2279020 and novel c.1016_1017insT) and two GABRA6 (rs3219151 and novel c.1344C>G) were found to be significantly associated with IGE. Amino acid alignment showed that a novel insertion mutation, c.1016_1017insT, in GABRA1 disrupted the reading frame and was possibly damaging, whereas c.1344C>G in GABRA6 was responsible for a synonymous mutation. Therefore, both the GABA receptor genes may play critical roles in the development of epilepsy in Pakistani patients.
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14
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Sexton CA, Penzinger R, Mortensen M, Bright DP, Smart TG. Structural determinants and regulation of spontaneous activity in GABA A receptors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5457. [PMID: 34526505 PMCID: PMC8443696 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are vital for controlling neuronal excitability and can display significant levels of constitutive activity that contributes to tonic inhibition. However, the mechanisms underlying spontaneity are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a strict requirement for β3 subunit incorporation into receptors for spontaneous gating, facilitated by α4, α6 and δ subunits. The crucial molecular determinant involves four amino acids (GKER) in the β3 subunit's extracellular domain, which interacts with adjacent receptor subunits to promote transition to activated, open channel conformations. Spontaneous activity is further regulated by β3 subunit phosphorylation and by allosteric modulators including neurosteroids and benzodiazepines. Promoting spontaneous activity reduced neuronal excitability, indicating that spontaneous currents will alter neural network activity. This study demonstrates how regional diversity in GABAA receptor isoform, protein kinase activity, and neurosteroid levels, can impact on tonic inhibition through the modulation of spontaneous GABAA receptor gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Sexton
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Reka Penzinger
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Martin Mortensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Damian P Bright
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Trevor G Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK.
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15
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Falk-Petersen CB, Rostrup F, Löffler R, Buchleithner S, Harpsøe K, Gloriam DE, Frølund B, Wellendorph P. Molecular Determinants Underlying Delta Selective Compound 2 Activity at δ-Containing GABA A Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:46-56. [PMID: 33990405 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta selective compound 2 (DS2; 4-chloro-N-[2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]benzamide) is one of the most widely used tools to study selective actions mediated by δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors. DS2 was discovered over 10 years ago, but despite great efforts, the precise molecular site of action has remained elusive. Using a combination of computational modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and cell-based pharmacological assays, we probed three potential binding sites for DS2 and analogs at α 4 β 1 δ receptors: an α 4 (+) δ (-) interface site in the extracellular domain (ECD), equivalent to the diazepam binding site in αβγ 2 receptors, and two sites in the transmembrane domain (TMD) - one in the α 4 (+) β 1 (-) and one in the α 4 (-) β 1 (+) interface, with the α 4 (-) β 1 (+) site corresponding to the binding site for etomidate and a recently disclosed low-affinity binding site for diazepam. We show that mutations in the ECD site did not abrogate DS2 modulation. However, mutations in the TMD α 4 (+) β 1 (-) interface, either α 4(S303L) of the α 4 (+) side or β 1(I289Q) of the β 1 (-) side, convincingly disrupted the positive allosteric modulation by DS2. This was consistently demonstrated both in an assay measuring membrane potential changes and by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and rationalized by docking studies. Importantly, general sensitivity to modulators was not compromised in the mutated receptors. This study sheds important light on the long-sought molecular recognition site for DS2, refutes the misconception that the selectivity of DS2 for δ-containing receptors is caused by a direct interaction with the δ-subunit, and instead points toward a functional selectivity of DS2 and its analogs via a surprisingly well conserved binding pocket in the TMD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: δ-Containing GABAA receptors represent potential drug targets for the treatment of several neurological conditions with aberrant tonic inhibition, yet no drugs are currently in clinical use. With the identification of the molecular determinants responsible for positive modulation by the known compound delta selective compound 2, the ground is laid for design of ligands that selectively target δ-containing GABAA receptor subtypes, for better understanding of tonic inhibition, and ultimately, for rational development of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina B Falk-Petersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Rostrup
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebekka Löffler
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Buchleithner
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petrine Wellendorph
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Maingret F, Groc L. Characterization of the Functional Cross-Talk between Surface GABA A and Dopamine D5 Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094867. [PMID: 34064454 PMCID: PMC8125140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) plays a major role in fast inhibitory synaptic transmission and is highly regulated by the neuromodulator dopamine. In this aspect, most of the attention has been focused on the classical intracellular signaling cascades following dopamine G-protein-coupled receptor activation. Interestingly, the GABAAR and dopamine D5 receptor (D5R) have been shown to physically interact in the hippocampus, but whether a functional cross-talk occurs is still debated. In the present study, we use a combination of imaging and single nanoparticle tracking in live hippocampal neurons to provide evidence that GABAARs and D5Rs form dynamic surface clusters. Disrupting the GABAAR–D5R interaction with a competing peptide leads to an increase in the diffusion coefficient and the explored area of both receptors, and a drop in immobile synaptic GABAARs. By means of patch-clamp recordings, we show that this fast lateral redistribution of surface GABAARs correlates with a robust depression in the evoked GABAergic currents. Strikingly, it also shifts in time the expression of long-term potentiation at glutamatergic synapses. Together, our data both set the plasma membrane as the primary stage of a functional interplay between GABAAR and D5R, and uncover a non-canonical role in regulating synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Maingret
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5297, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Laurent Groc
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5297, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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17
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Crocetti L, Guerrini G, Cantini N, Vergelli C, Melani F, Mascia MP, Giovannoni MP. 'Proximity frequencies' a new parameter to evaluate the profile of GABA AR modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 34:127755. [PMID: 33359444 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We reported the synthesis of new 8-methoxypyrazolo[1,5-a]quinazolines bearing an amide fragment at the 3-position. The final compounds, as aromatic (2a-i) and 4,5-dihydro derivatives (3a-i), have been evaluated in vitrofor their ability to modulate the chlorine current on recombinant GABAA receptors of the α1β2γ2L type (expressed in frog oocytes of the Xenopus laevis species). From electrophysiological test two groups of compounds emerged: positive modulators agonist (2e, h, i and 3e, h) and null modulators antagonist (2a, b, d, f, g and 3a-d, f, g) of GABAA subtype receptor. Using a set of compounds (new derivatives, known products and GABAA subtype receptor ligands from our library) we identify the amino acids at the α+/γ- interface, which could be involved in the agonist or antagonist profile, using the 'Proximity Frequencies', namely the frequencies with which a ligand intercepts two or more binding-site amino acids during the molecular dynamic simulation. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) evidences that the combination of amino acids αVAL203- γTHR142 and αTYR 160- γTYR 58 allowed to collocate 70.6% of agonists and 72.7% of antagonists in their respective class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Crocetti
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Guerrini
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Niccolò Cantini
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudia Vergelli
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Melani
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Mascia
- CNR - Institute of Neuroscience, Cittadella Unversitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Giovannoni
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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18
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El Achkar CM, Harrer M, Smith L, Kelly M, Iqbal S, Maljevic S, Niturad CE, Vissers LELM, Poduri A, Yang E, Lal D, Lerche H, Møller RS, Olson HE. Characterization of the GABRB2-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Ann Neurol 2020; 89:573-586. [PMID: 33325057 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the phenotypic spectrum and functional consequences associated with variants in the gene GABRB2, coding for the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor subunit β2. METHODS We recruited and systematically evaluated 25 individuals with variants in GABRB2, 17 of whom are newly described and 8 previously reported with additional clinical data. Functional analysis was performed using a Xenopus laevis oocyte model system. RESULTS Our cohort of 25 individuals from 22 families with variants in GABRB2 demonstrated a range of epilepsy phenotypes from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fifty-eight percent of individuals had pharmacoresistant epilepsy; response to medications targeting the GABAergic pathway was inconsistent. Developmental disability (present in 84%) ranged from mild intellectual disability to severe global disability; movement disorders (present in 44%) included choreoathetosis, dystonia, and ataxia. Disease-associated variants cluster in the extracellular N-terminus and transmembrane domains 1-3, with more severe phenotypes seen in association with variants in transmembrane domains 1 and 2 and the allosteric binding site between transmembrane domains 2 and 3. Functional analysis of 4 variants in transmembrane domains 1 or 2 (p.Ile246Thr, p.Pro252Leu, p.Ile288Ser, p.Val282Ala) revealed strongly reduced amplitudes of GABA-evoked anionic currents. INTERPRETATION GABRB2-related epilepsy ranges broadly in severity from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Developmental disability and movement disorder are key features. The phenotypic spectrum is comparable to other GABAA receptor-encoding genes. Phenotypic severity varies by protein domain. Experimental evidence supports loss of GABAergic inhibition as the mechanism underlying GABRB2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:573-586.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle M El Achkar
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Merle Harrer
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lacey Smith
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - McKenna Kelly
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Sumaiya Iqbal
- Center for Development of Therapeutics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cristina E Niturad
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Dennis Lal
- Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute and Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, Danish Epilepsy Center Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Heather E Olson
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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19
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Wang J, Sun P, Liang P. Neuropsychopharmacological effects of midazolam on the human brain. Brain Inform 2020; 7:15. [PMID: 33170396 PMCID: PMC7655878 DOI: 10.1186/s40708-020-00116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a commonly used anesthetic agent, midazolam has the properties of water-soluble, rapid onset, and short duration of action. With the rapid development in the field of neuroimaging, numerous studies have investigated how midazolam acts on the human brain to induce the alteration of consciousness. However, the neural bases of midazolam-induced sedation or anesthesia remain beginning to be understood in detail. In this review, we summarize findings from neuroimaging studies that have used midazolam to study altered consciousness at different levels and content. We also compare the results to those of neuroimaging studies using diverse anesthetic agents and describe the common neural correlates of anesthetic-induced alteration of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Wang
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Pei Sun
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Peipeng Liang
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Beijing, China.
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20
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Crocetti L, Guerrini G. GABA A receptor subtype modulators in medicinal chemistry: an updated patent review (2014-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:409-432. [PMID: 32200689 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1746764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Ligands at the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) act by modulating the effect of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). The benzodiazepine drugs are conventionally categorized as positive allosteric modulators enhancing the chloride ion current GABA-induced. In literature there are also reported ligands that act as negative allosteric modulators, reducing chloride ion current, and silent allosteric modulators not influencing the chloride ion flux.Areas covered: This review covers patents published from 2014 to present on ligands for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAARs. Patents filed from different companies and research groups report many compounds that may be used in the treatment/prevention of a large variety of diseases.Expert opinion: Since the discovery of the first benzodiazepine about 60 years have passed and about 50 years since the identification of their target, GABAA receptor. Even if benzodiazepines are the most popular anxiolytic drugs, the research in this field is still very active. From patents/application analysis arises that most of them claim methods for alleviating specific symptoms in different neurodegenerative diseases and their related memory deficits. Noteworthy is the presence of the α4- and α5-GABAA receptor subtype ligands as new pharmacological tools for airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation diseases, and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Crocetti
- NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guerrini
- NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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21
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Sills GJ, Rogawski MA. Mechanisms of action of currently used antiseizure drugs. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:107966. [PMID: 32120063 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) prevent the occurrence of seizures; there is no evidence that they have disease-modifying properties. In the more than 160 years that orally administered ASDs have been available for epilepsy therapy, most agents entering clinical practice were either discovered serendipitously or with the use of animal seizure models. The ASDs originating from these approaches act on brain excitability mechanisms to interfere with the generation and spread of epileptic hyperexcitability, but they do not address the specific defects that are pathogenic in the epilepsies for which they are prescribed, which in most cases are not well understood. There are four broad classes of such ASD mechanisms: (1) modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), voltage-gated calcium channels (e.g. ethosuximide), and voltage-gated potassium channels [e.g. retigabine (ezogabine)]; (2) enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission (e.g. benzodiazepines, tiagabine, vigabatrin); (3) attenuation of glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission (e.g. perampanel); and (4) modulation of neurotransmitter release via a presynaptic action (e.g. levetiracetam, brivaracetam, gabapentin, pregabalin). In the past two decades there has been great progress in identifying the pathophysiological mechanisms of many genetic epilepsies. Given this new understanding, attempts are being made to engineer specific small molecule, antisense and gene therapies that functionally reverse or structurally correct pathogenic defects in epilepsy syndromes. In the near future, these new therapies will begin a paradigm shift in the treatment of some rare genetic epilepsy syndromes, but targeted therapies will remain elusive for the vast majority of epilepsies until their causes are identified. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme J Sills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Michael A Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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22
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Prommer E. Midazolam: an essential palliative care drug. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2020; 14:2632352419895527. [PMID: 32215374 PMCID: PMC7065504 DOI: 10.1177/2632352419895527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Midazolam is a commonly used benzodiazepine in palliative care and is considered one of the four essential drugs needed for the promotion of quality care in dying patients. Acting on the benzodiazepine receptor, it promotes the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Gamma-aminobutyric acid action promotes sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Midazolam has a faster onset and shorter duration of action than other benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam lending itself to greater flexibility in dosing than other benzodiazepines. The kidneys excrete midazolam and its active metabolite. Metabolism occurs in the liver by the P450 system. This article examines the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical uses of midazolam in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Prommer
- UCLA/VA Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program, UCLA School of Medicine, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Bldg. 500, Room 2064A, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
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23
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GABA A Receptor Ligands Often Interact with Binding Sites in the Transmembrane Domain and in the Extracellular Domain-Can the Promiscuity Code Be Cracked? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010334. [PMID: 31947863 PMCID: PMC6982053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many allosteric binding sites that modulate gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects have been described in heteropentameric GABA type A (GABAA) receptors, among them sites for benzodiazepines, pyrazoloquinolinones and etomidate. Diazepam not only binds at the high affinity extracellular “canonical” site, but also at sites in the transmembrane domain. Many ligands of the benzodiazepine binding site interact also with homologous sites in the extracellular domain, among them the pyrazoloquinolinones that exert modulation at extracellular α+/β− sites. Additional interaction of this chemotype with the sites for etomidate has also been described. We have recently described a new indole-based scaffold with pharmacophore features highly similar to pyrazoloquinolinones as a novel class of GABAA receptor modulators. Contrary to what the pharmacophore overlap suggests, the ligand presented here behaves very differently from the identically substituted pyrazoloquinolinone. Structural evidence demonstrates that small changes in pharmacophore features can induce radical changes in ligand binding properties. Analysis of published data reveals that many chemotypes display a strong tendency to interact promiscuously with binding sites in the transmembrane domain and others in the extracellular domain of the same receptor. Further structural investigations of this phenomenon should enable a more targeted path to less promiscuous ligands, potentially reducing side effect liabilities.
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Cardioprotection by Humoral Factors Released After Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Depends on Anesthetic Regimen. Crit Care Med 2020; 47:e250-e255. [PMID: 30608281 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000003629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a practicable and noninvasive method to protect the heart against ischemia reperfusion injury. Unfortunately results from clinical studies are not convincing. Propofol is suggested to be an inhibiting factor of cardioprotection by RIPC, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. We investigated whether after RIPC the release of humoral factors and/or the direct cardioprotective effect at the myocardium is inhibited by propofol. DESIGN Randomized, prospective, blinded laboratory investigation. SETTING Experimental laboratory. PATIENTS/SUBJECTS Male Wistar rats. INTERVENTIONS Repetitive hind limb ischemia in rats-blood plasma transfers to isolated rat heart. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In male Wistar rats (six groups, each n = 6/group), RIPC was induced by four cycles of 5 minutes bilateral hind limb ischemia alternately with 5 minutes of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken with (RIPC) and without RIPC (Con). Rats received continuous anesthesia with pentobarbital (Pento, 40 mg/kg body weight/hr) or propofol (Prop, 12 mg/kg body weight/hr), respectively. Cardioprotective properties of the blood plasma was investigated in the rat heart in vitro (six groups, each n = 6/group) perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer alone or with propofol (10 µM). Plasma was administered over 10 minutes before myocardial ischemia. All hearts underwent 33 minutes of global ischemia followed by 1 hour of reperfusion. At the end of the experiments, infarct size was determined by triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride staining. RIPC plasma from pentobarbital anesthetized rats (Pento-RIPC) reduced infarct size from 64% (62-71%) (Pento-Con) to 34% (30-39%) (p < 0.0001). Infarct size with control plasma from propofol anesthetized rats was 59% (58-64%) (Prop-Con). RIPC plasma could not induce cardioprotection (Prop-RIPC: 63% [56-70%] ns vs Prop-Con). In contrast, RIPC plasma from pentobarbital anesthetized rats induced a significant infarct size reduction under propofol perfusion (Pento-RIPC: 34% [30-42%] vs Pento-Con: 54% [53-63%]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Loss of cardioprotection by RIPC during propofol anesthesia depends on inhibition of release of humoral factors.
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Liao M, Kundap U, Rosch RE, Burrows DRW, Meyer MP, Ouled Amar Bencheikh B, Cossette P, Samarut É. Targeted knockout of GABA-A receptor gamma 2 subunit provokes transient light-induced reflex seizures in zebrafish larvae. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.040782. [PMID: 31582559 PMCID: PMC6899022 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common primary neurological disorder characterized by the chronic tendency of a patient to experience epileptic seizures, which are abnormal body movements or cognitive states that result from excessive, hypersynchronous brain activity. Epilepsy has been found to have numerous etiologies and, although about two-thirds of epilepsies were classically considered idiopathic, the majority of those are now believed to be of genetic origin. Mutations in genes involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission have been associated with a broad range of epilepsy syndromes. Mutations in the GABA-A receptor gamma 2 subunit gene (GABRG2), for example, have been associated with absence epilepsy and febrile seizures in humans. Several rodent models of GABRG2 loss of function depict clinical features of the disease; however, alternative genetic models more amenable for the study of ictogenesis and for high-throughput screening purposes are still needed. In this context, we generated a gabrg2 knockout (KO) zebrafish model (which we called R23X) that displayed light/dark-induced reflex seizures. Through high-resolution in vivo calcium imaging of the brain, we showed that this phenotype is associated with widespread increases in neuronal activity that can be effectively alleviated by the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid. Moreover, these seizures only occur at the larval stages but disappear after 1 week of age. Interestingly, our whole-transcriptome analysis showed that gabrg2 KO does not alter the expression of genes in the larval brain. As a result, the gabrg2−/− zebrafish is a novel in vivo genetic model of early epilepsies that opens new doors to investigate ictogenesis and for further drug-screening assays. Summary: The authors present a novel in vivo genetic model of idiopathic epilepsy in zebrafish (gabrg2−/−) to aid the study of ictogenesis and provide a convenient genetic tool for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijiang Liao
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Uday Kundap
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Richard E Rosch
- Department for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Dominic R W Burrows
- Department for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Martin P Meyer
- Department for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.,Department for Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Bouchra Ouled Amar Bencheikh
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Neuroscience Department, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Patrick Cossette
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Éric Samarut
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada .,Modelis Inc., Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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Kasaragod VB, Schindelin H. Structure of Heteropentameric GABA A Receptors and Receptor-Anchoring Properties of Gephyrin. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:191. [PMID: 31440140 PMCID: PMC6693554 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) mediate the majority of fast synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). GABAARs belong to the Cys-loop superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGIC) and are assembled from 19 different subunits. As dysfunctional GABAergic neurotransmission manifests itself in neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy and anxiety, GABAARs are key drug targets. The majority of synaptic GABAARs are anchored at the inhibitory postsynaptic membrane by the principal scaffolding protein gephyrin, which acts as the central organizer in maintaining the architecture of the inhibitory postsynaptic density (iPSD). This interaction is mediated by the long intracellular loop located in between transmembrane helices 3 and 4 (M3–M4 loop) of the receptors and a universal receptor-binding pocket residing in the C-terminal domain of gephyrin. In 2014, the crystal structure of the β3-homopentameric GABAAR provided crucial information regarding the architecture of the receptor; however, an understanding of the structure and assembly of heteropentameric receptors at the atomic level was lacking. This review article will highlight recent advances in understanding the structure of heteropentameric synaptic GABAARs and how these structures have provided fundamental insights into the assembly of these multi-subunit receptors as well as their modulation by diverse ligands including the physiological agonist GABA. We will further discuss the role of gephyrin in the anchoring of synaptic GABAARs and glycine receptors (GlyRs), which are crucial for maintaining the architecture of the iPSD. Finally, we will also summarize how anti-malarial artemisinin drugs modulate gephyrin-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Babu Kasaragod
- Institute of Structural Biology, Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Schindelin
- Institute of Structural Biology, Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Simeone X, Iorio M, Siebert D, Rehman S, Schnürch M, Mihovilovic M, Ernst M. Defined concatenated α6α1β3γ2 GABAA receptor constructs reveal dual action of pyrazoloquinolinone allosteric modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3167-3178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Morani G, Borio G, Bolzan B, Ribichini FL. Safety and efficacy of a cardiologist-only approach to deep sedation for electrical cardioversion. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2019; 20:16-22. [PMID: 30394961 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Electrical cardioversion is still the preferred method to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. The main disadvantage is that electrical cardioversion requires deep sedation, generally administered by anaesthesiologists, for safety concern. An exclusively cardiologic management of deep sedation should have the advantage to reduce resources and time consumed. METHODS All consecutive patients admitted to our division with persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to undergo elective electrical cardioversion from June 2002 to December 2016 were included. The sedation protocol was managed only by cardiologists and involved the administration of a 5-mg bolus of midazolam, followed by increasing doses of propofol to achieve the desired sedation level. Exclusion criteria were strictly observed. Complications were recorded. A retrospective analysis on a deidentified database has been performed. RESULTS A total of 1188 electrical cardioversions were scheduled in our centre. A total of 1195 patients were scheduled in our centre, of whom 1188 met inclusion criteria. Electrical cardioversion was performed in 1073 cases (90.3%). Electrical cardioversion was successful in restoring sinus rhythm in 1030 (96.0%) patients. Immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation occurred in 89 patients (8.3%). 99/1073 (9.22%) patients underwent trans-oesophagel echocardiography before cardioversion. Deep sedation, according to our protocol, was effective in 100% of cases. Midazolam was administered at a dosage of 5 mg to all patients, while propofol was administered at a dosage ranging from 20 to 80 mg (25.1 ± 11.0 mg SD). No anaesthesia-related complications were observed, neither significant respiratory depression requiring intubation nor anaesthesiologist support. CONCLUSION The exclusively cardiological procedure of deep sedation seems to be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Morani
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
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Liao VWY, Chua HC, Kowal NM, Chebib M, Balle T, Ahring PK. Concatenated γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors revisited: Finding order in chaos. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:798-819. [PMID: 30988061 PMCID: PMC6572006 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subunit concatenation is a powerful technique used to control the assembly of structurally diverse heteromeric receptors such as GABAARs. Liao et al. find that existing GABAAR concatemers do not assemble as expected and describe refinements that allow expression of uniform receptor populations. γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian central nervous system, are arguably the most challenging member of the pentameric Cys-loop receptors to study due to their heteromeric structure. When two or more subunits are expressed together in heterologous systems, receptors of variable subunit type, ratio, and orientation can form, precluding accurate interpretation of data from functional studies. Subunit concatenation is a technique that involves the linking of individual subunits and in theory allows the precise control of the uniformity of expressed receptors. In reality, the resulting concatemers from widely used constructs are flexible in their orientation and may therefore assemble with themselves or free GABAAR subunits in unexpected ways. In this study, we examine functional responses of receptors from existing concatenated constructs and describe refinements necessary to allow expression of uniform receptor populations. We find that dimers from two commonly used concatenated constructs, β-23-α and α-10-β, assemble readily in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise orientations when coexpressed with free subunits. Furthermore, we show that concatemers formed from new tetrameric α-10-β-α-β and α-10-β-α-γ constructs also assemble in both orientations with free subunits to give canonical αβγ receptors. To restrict linker flexibility, we systematically shorten linker lengths of dimeric and pentameric constructs and find optimized constructs that direct the assembly of GABAARs only in one orientation, thus eliminating the ambiguity associated with previously described concatemers. Based on our data, we revisit some noncanonical GABAAR configurations proposed in recent years and explain how the use of some concatenated constructs may have led to wrong conclusions. Our results help clarify current contradictions in the literature regarding GABAAR subunit stoichiometry and arrangement. The lessons learned from this study may guide future efforts in understanding other related heteromeric receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Wan Yu Liao
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Han Chow Chua
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalia Magdalena Kowal
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mary Chebib
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Balle
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Kiær Ahring
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Absalom NL, Ahring PK, Liao VW, Balle T, Jiang T, Anderson LL, Arnold JC, McGregor IS, Bowen MT, Chebib M. Functional genomics of epilepsy-associated mutations in the GABA A receptor subunits reveal that one mutation impairs function and two are catastrophic. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:6157-6171. [PMID: 30728247 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of epilepsy-causing mutations have recently been identified in the genes of the α1, β3, and γ2 subunits comprising the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. These mutations are typically dominant, and in certain cases, such as the α1 and β3 subunits, they may lead to a mix of receptors at the cell surface that contain no mutant subunits, a single mutated subunit, or two mutated subunits. To determine the effects of mutations in a single subunit or in two subunits on receptor activation, we created a concatenated protein assembly that links all five subunits of the α1β3γ2 receptor and expresses them in the correct orientation. We created nine separate receptor variants with a single-mutant subunit and four receptors containing two subunits of the γ2R323Q, β3D120N, β3T157M, β3Y302C, and β3S254F epilepsy-causing mutations. We found that the singly mutated γ2R323Q subunit impairs GABA activation of the receptor by reducing GABA potency. A single β3D120N, β3T157M, or β3Y302C mutation also substantially impaired receptor activation, and two copies of these mutants within a receptor were catastrophic. Of note, an effect of the β3S254F mutation on GABA potency depended on the location of this mutant subunit within the receptor, possibly because of the membrane environment surrounding the transmembrane region of the receptor. Our results highlight that precise functional genomic analyses of GABAA receptor mutations using concatenated constructs can identify receptors with an intermediate phenotype that contribute to epileptic phenotypes and that are potential drug targets for precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Absalom
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Philip K Ahring
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Vivian W Liao
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Balle
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Tian Jiang
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L Anderson
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; the School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; the School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- From the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Abstract
The pentameric γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors are ion channels activated by ligands, which intervene in the rapid inhibitory transmission in the mammalian CNS. Due to their rich pharmacology and therapeutic potential, it is essential to understand their structure and function thoroughly. This deep characterization was hampered by the lack of experimental structural information for many years. Thus, computational techniques have been extensively combined with experimental data, in order to undertake the study of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and their interaction with drugs. Here, we review the exciting journey made to assess the structures of these receptors and outline major outcomes. Finally, we discuss the brand new structure of the α1β2γ2 subtype and the amazing advances it brings to the field.
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Mohamad FH, Has ATC. The α5-Containing GABA A Receptors-a Brief Summary. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 67:343-351. [PMID: 30607899 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human brain. The receptors are assembled from combination of protein subunits in pentameric complex which may consist of α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, ρ1-3, δ, ε, θ, or π subunits. There are a theoretical > 150,000 possible assemblies and arrangements of GABAA subunits, although only a few combinations have been found in human with the most dominant consists of 2α1, 2β2, and 1γ2 in a counterclockwise arrangement as seen from the synaptic cleft. The receptors also possess binding sites for various unrelated substances including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anesthetics. The α5-containing GABAARs only make up ≤ 5% of the entire receptor population, but up to 25% of the receptor subtype is located in the crucial learning and memory-associated area of the brain-the hippocampus, which has ignited myriads of hypotheses and theories in regard to its role. As well as exhibiting synaptic phasic inhibition, the α5-containing receptors are also extrasynaptic and mediate tonic inhibition with continuously occurring smaller amplitude. Studies on negative-allosteric modulators for reducing this tonic inhibition have been shown to enhance learning and memory in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Down syndrome, and autism with a possible alternative benzodiazepine binding site. Therefore, a few α5 subunit-specific compounds have been developed to address these pharmacological needs. With its small population, the α5-containing receptors could be the key and also the answer for many untreated cognitive dysfunctions and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Probing the molecular basis for affinity/potency- and efficacy-based subtype-selectivity exhibited by benzodiazepine-site modulators at GABAA receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:339-358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Phulera S, Zhu H, Yu J, Claxton DP, Yoder N, Yoshioka C, Gouaux E. Cryo-EM structure of the benzodiazepine-sensitive α1β1γ2S tri-heteromeric GABA A receptor in complex with GABA. eLife 2018; 7:39383. [PMID: 30044221 PMCID: PMC6086659 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian nervous system is largely mediated by GABAA receptors, chloride-selective members of the superfamily of pentameric Cys-loop receptors. Native GABAA receptors are heteromeric assemblies sensitive to many important drugs, from sedatives to anesthetics and anticonvulsant agents, with mutant forms of GABAA receptors implicated in multiple neurological diseases. Despite the profound importance of heteromeric GABAA receptors in neuroscience and medicine, they have proven recalcitrant to structure determination. Here we present the structure of a tri-heteromeric α1β1γ2SEM GABAA receptor in complex with GABA, determined by single particle cryo-EM at 3.1–3.8 Å resolution, elucidating molecular principles of receptor assembly and agonist binding. Remarkable N-linked glycosylation on the α1 subunit occludes the extracellular vestibule of the ion channel and is poised to modulate receptor assembly and perhaps ion channel gating. Our work provides a pathway to structural studies of heteromeric GABAA receptors and a framework for rational design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Phulera
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Jie Yu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Derek P Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Nate Yoder
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Craig Yoshioka
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, United States
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Claxton DP, Gouaux E. Expression and purification of a functional heteromeric GABAA receptor for structural studies. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201210. [PMID: 30028870 PMCID: PMC6054424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABA-gated chloride channels of the Cys-loop receptor family, known as GABAA receptors, function as the primary gatekeepers of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Formed by the pentameric arrangement of five identical or homologous subunits, GABAA receptor subtypes are defined by the subunit composition that shape ion channel properties. An understanding of the structural basis of distinct receptor properties has been hindered by the absence of high resolution structural information for heteromeric assemblies. Robust heterologous expression and purification protocols of high expressing receptor constructs are vital for structural studies. Here, we describe a unique approach to screen for well-behaving and functional GABAA receptor subunit assemblies by using the Xenopus oocyte as an expression host in combination with fluorescence detection size exclusion chromatography (FSEC). To detect receptor expression, GFP fusions were introduced into the α1 subunit isoform. In contrast to expression of α1 alone, co-expression with the β subunit promoted formation of monodisperse assemblies. Mutagenesis experiments suggest that the α and β subunits can tolerate large truncations in the non-conserved M3/M4 cytoplasmic loop without compromising oligomeric assembly or GABA-gated channel activity, although removal of N-linked glycosylation sites is negatively correlated with expression level. Additionally, we report methods to improve GABAA receptor expression in mammalian cell culture that employ recombinant baculovirus transduction. From these methods we have identified a well-behaving minimal functional construct for the α1/β1 GABAA receptor subtype that can be purified in milligram quantities while retaining high affinity agonist binding activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P. Claxton
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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Alphaxalone Binds in Inner Transmembrane β+-α- Interfaces of α1β3γ2 γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors. Anesthesiology 2018; 128:338-351. [PMID: 29210709 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000001978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids like alphaxalone are potent anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, amnestics, and sedative-hypnotics, with effects linked to enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor gating in the central nervous system. Data locating neurosteroid binding sites on synaptic αβγ GABAA receptors are sparse and inconsistent. Some evidence points to outer transmembrane β-α interfacial pockets, near sites that bind the anesthetics etomidate and propofol. Other evidence suggests that steroids bind more intracellularly in β-α interfaces. METHODS The authors created 12 single-residue β3 cysteine mutations: β3T262C and β3T266C in β3-M2; and β3M283C, β3Y284C, β3M286C, β3G287C, β3F289C, β3V290C, β3F293C, β3L297C, β3E298C, and β3F301C in β3-M3 helices. The authors coexpressed α1 and γ2L with each mutant β3 subunit in Xenopus oocytes and electrophysiologically tested each mutant for covalent sulfhydryl modification by the water-soluble reagent para-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate. Then, the authors assessed whether receptor-bound alphaxalone, etomidate, or propofol blocked cysteine modification, implying steric hindrance. RESULTS Eleven mutant β3 subunits, when coexpressed with α1 and γ2L, formed functional channels that displayed varied sensitivities to the three anesthetics. Exposure to para-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate produced irreversible functional changes in ten mutant receptors. Protection by alphaxalone was observed in receptors with β3V290C, β3F293C, β3L297C, or β3F301C mutations. Both etomidate and propofol protected receptors with β3M286C or β3V290C mutations. Etomidate also protected β3F289C. In α1β3γ2L structural homology models, all these protected residues are located in transmembrane β-α interfaces. CONCLUSIONS Alphaxalone binds in transmembrane β-α pockets of synaptic GABAA receptors that are adjacent and intracellular to sites for the potent anesthetics etomidate and propofol.
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Enhanced GABAergic actions resulting from the coapplication of the steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-11,20-dione (alfaxalone) with propofol or diazepam. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10341. [PMID: 29985445 PMCID: PMC6037692 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many GABAergic drugs are in clinical use as anesthetics, sedatives, or anxiolytics. We have investigated the actions of the combinations of the neuroactive steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-11,20-dione (alfaxalone) with the intravenous anesthetic propofol or the benzodiazepine diazepam. The goal of the study was to determine whether coapplication of alfaxalone reduces the effective doses and concentrations of propofol and diazepam. Behavioral effects of alfaxalone, propofol, diazepam, and the combinations of the drugs were evaluated during a 30-min activity test in mice. Functional effects of the individual drugs and drug combinations were tested by measuring the decay times of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in rat hippocampal neurons, and peak current responses from heterologously expressed concatemeric α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors. Co-administration of alfaxalone increased the sedative actions of propofol and diazepam in mice. The combination of alfaxalone with propofol or diazepam increased the decay times of sIPSCs and shifted the concentration-response relationships for GABA-activated receptors to lower transmitter concentrations. We infer that alfaxalone acts as a co-agonist to enhance the GABAergic effects of propofol and diazepam. We propose that co-administration of alfaxalone, and possibly other neuroactive steroids, can be employed to reduce dosage requirements for propofol and diazepam.
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The Benzodiazepine Binding Sites of GABAA Receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:659-671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Zhu S, Noviello CM, Teng J, Walsh RM, Kim JJ, Hibbs RE. Structure of a human synaptic GABA A receptor. Nature 2018; 559:67-72. [PMID: 29950725 PMCID: PMC6220708 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain is principally mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and its synaptic target, the type A GABA receptor (GABAA receptor). Dysfunction of this receptor results in neurological disorders and mental illnesses including epilepsy, anxiety and insomnia. The GABAA receptor is also a prolific target for therapeutic, illicit and recreational drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anaesthetics and ethanol. Here we present high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptor, the predominant isoform in the adult brain, in complex with GABA and the benzodiazepine site antagonist flumazenil, the first-line clinical treatment for benzodiazepine overdose. The receptor architecture reveals unique heteromeric interactions for this important class of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor. This work provides a template for understanding receptor modulation by GABA and benzodiazepines, and will assist rational approaches to therapeutic targeting of this receptor for neurological disorders and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaotong Zhu
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Colleen M Noviello
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jinfeng Teng
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Richard M Walsh
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeong Joo Kim
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ryan E Hibbs
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Orenstein N, Goldberg-Stern H, Straussberg R, Bazak L, Weisz Hubshman M, Kropach N, Gilad O, Scheuerman O, Dory Y, Kraus D, Tzur S, Magal N, Kilim Y, Shkalim Zemer V, Basel-Salmon L. A de novo GABRA2 missense mutation in severe early-onset epileptic encephalopathy with a choreiform movement disorder. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:516-524. [PMID: 29422393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) is a severe convulsive disorder with a poor developmental prognosis. Although it has been associated with mutations in a number of genes, the fact that there is a large proportion of patients who remain undiagnosed suggests that there are many more still-unknown genetic causes of EOEE. Achieving a genetic diagnosis is important for understanding the biological basis of the disease, with its implications for treatment and family planning. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish origin in which a male infant was diagnosed with EOEE. There was no family history of a similar neurologic disease. The patient had extreme hypotonia, neonatal hypothermia, choreiform movements, and vision impairment in addition to the convulsive disorder. RESULTS A de novo heterozygous missense mutation, c.1003A > C, p.Asn335His, was identified in a conserved domain of GABRA2. GABRA2 encodes the α2 subunit of the GABAA receptor. CONCLUSIONS In the context of previous reports of an association of de novo mutations in genes encoding different subunits of the GABAA receptor (GABRB1, GABRA1, GABRG2, GABRB3) with autosomal dominant epileptic disorders, we conclude that a de novo mutation in GABRA2 is likely to cause autosomal dominant EOEE accompanied by a movement disorder and vision impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Orenstein
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Hadassa Goldberg-Stern
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Pediatric Epilepsy Unit, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Rachel Straussberg
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Neurogenetic Service, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Lily Bazak
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Science, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Monika Weisz Hubshman
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Nesia Kropach
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Oded Gilad
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Oded Scheuerman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Department of Pediatrics B, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Yahav Dory
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Dror Kraus
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Pediatric Epilepsy Unit, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Shay Tzur
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Science, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel; Genomic Research Department, Emedgene Technologies, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nurit Magal
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Yael Kilim
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Vered Shkalim Zemer
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Department of Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Lina Basel-Salmon
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
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Symonds J. Further expansion of the genetic GABA-A-opathies. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:344. [PMID: 29653609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Symonds
- Paediatric Epilepsy Genetics, Fraser of Allander Neurosciences Unit, Royal Hospital for Children, New South Glasgow University Hospitals, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, United Kingdom.
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Woll KA, Zhou X, Bhanu NV, Garcia BA, Covarrubias M, Miller KW, Eckenhoff RG. Identification of binding sites contributing to volatile anesthetic effects on GABA type A receptors. FASEB J 2018; 32:4172-4189. [PMID: 29505303 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701347r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Most general anesthetics enhance GABA type A (GABAA) receptor activity at clinically relevant concentrations. Sites of action of volatile anesthetics on the GABAA receptor remain unknown, whereas sites of action of many intravenous anesthetics have been identified in GABAA receptors by using photolabeling. Here, we used photoactivatable analogs of isoflurane (AziISO) and sevoflurane (AziSEVO) to locate their sites on α1β3γ2L and α1β3 GABAA receptors. As with isoflurane and sevoflurane, AziISO and AziSEVO enhanced the currents elicited by GABA. AziISO and AziSEVO each labeled 10 residues in α1β3 receptors and 9 and 8 residues, respectively, in α1β3γ2L receptors. Photolabeled residues were concentrated in transmembrane domains and located in either subunit interfaces or in the interface between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain. The majority of these transmembrane residues were protected from photolabeling with the addition of excess parent anesthetic, which indicated specificity. Binding sites were primarily located within α+/β- and β+/α- subunit interfaces, but residues in the α+/γ- interface were also identified, which provided a basis for differential receptor subtype sensitivity. Isoflurane and sevoflurane did not always share binding sites, which suggests an unexpected degree of selectivity.-Woll, K. A., Zhou, X., Bhanu, N. V., Garcia, B. A., Covarrubias, M., Miller, K. W., Eckenhoff, R. G. Identification of binding sites contributing to volatile anesthetic effects on GABA type A receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Woll
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natarajan V Bhanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keith W Miller
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roderic G Eckenhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Yakoub K, Jung S, Sattler C, Damerow H, Weber J, Kretzschmann A, Cankaya AS, Piel M, Rösch F, Haugaard AS, Frølund B, Schirmeister T, Lüddens H. Structure–Function Evaluation of Imidazopyridine Derivatives Selective for δ-Subunit-Containing γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:1951-1968. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Yakoub
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Christian Sattler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne S. Haugaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hartmut Lüddens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
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Ahring PK, Liao VWY, Balle T. Concatenated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: A gift or a curse? J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:453-473. [PMID: 29382698 PMCID: PMC5839718 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine acetylcholine receptors can form countless heteromeric stoichiometries from a common set of subunits. Ahring et al. present the limitations of subunit concatenation and establish a refinement that achieves substantiated expression of uniform receptor pools from complex stoichiometric origins. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belong to the Cys-loop receptor family and are vital for normal mammalian brain function. Cys-loop receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels formed from five identical or homologous subunits oriented around a central ion-conducting pore, which result in homomeric or heteromeric receptors, respectively. Within a given Cys-loop receptor family, many different heteromeric receptors can assemble from a common set of subunits, and understanding the properties of these heteromeric receptors is crucial for the continuing quest to generate novel treatments for human diseases. Yet this complexity also presents a hindrance for studying Cys-loop receptors in heterologous expression systems, where full control of the receptor stoichiometry and assembly is required. Therefore, subunit concatenation technology is commonly used to control receptor assembly. In theory, this methodology should facilitate full control of the stoichiometry. In reality, however, we find that commonly used constructs do not yield the expected receptor stoichiometries. With ternary or more complex receptors, concatenated subunits must assemble uniformly in only one orientation; otherwise, the resulting receptor pool will consist of receptors with mixed stoichiometries. We find that typically used constructs of α4β2 nAChR dimers, tetramers, and pentamers assemble readily in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise orientations. Consequently, we investigate the possibility of successfully directing the receptor assembly process using concatenation. We begin by investigating the three-dimensional structures of the α4β2 nAChR. Based on this, we hypothesize that the minimum linker length required to bridge the C terminus of one subunit to the N terminus of the next is shortest in the counterclockwise orientation. We then successfully express receptors with a uniform stoichiometry by systematically shortening linker lengths, proving the hypothesis correct. Our results will significantly aid future studies of heteromeric Cys-loop receptors and enable clarification of the current contradictions in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Balle
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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45
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Feng HJ, Forman SA. Comparison of αβδ and αβγ GABA A receptors: Allosteric modulation and identification of subunit arrangement by site-selective general anesthetics. Pharmacol Res 2017; 133:289-300. [PMID: 29294355 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors play a dominant role in mediating inhibition in the mature mammalian brain, and defects of GABAergic neurotransmission contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Two types of GABAergic inhibition have been described: αβγ receptors mediate phasic inhibition in response to transient high-concentrations of synaptic GABA release, and αβδ receptors produce tonic inhibitory currents activated by low-concentration extrasynaptic GABA. Both αβδ and αβγ receptors are important targets for general anesthetics, which induce apparently different changes both in GABA-dependent receptor activation and in desensitization in currents mediated by αβγ vs. αβδ receptors. Many of these differences are explained by correcting for the high agonist efficacy of GABA at most αβγ receptors vs. much lower efficacy at αβδ receptors. The stoichiometry and subunit arrangement of recombinant αβγ receptors are well established as β-α-γ-β-α, while those of αβδ receptors remain controversial. Importantly, some potent general anesthetics selectively bind in transmembrane inter-subunit pockets of αβγ receptors: etomidate acts at β+/α- interfaces, and the barbiturate R-5-allyl-1-methyl-5-(m-trifluoromethyl-diazirynylphenyl) barbituric acid (R-mTFD-MPAB) acts at α+/β- and γ+/β- interfaces. Thus, these drugs are useful as structural probes in αβδ receptors formed from free subunits or concatenated subunit assemblies designed to constrain subunit arrangement. Although a definite conclusion cannot be drawn, studies using etomidate and R-mTFD-MPAB support the idea that recombinant α1β3δ receptors may share stoichiometry and subunit arrangement with α1β3γ2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Feng
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Shin DJ, Germann AL, Johnson AD, Forman SA, Steinbach JH, Akk G. Propofol Is an Allosteric Agonist with Multiple Binding Sites on Concatemeric Ternary GABA A Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:178-189. [PMID: 29192122 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors can be directly activated and potentiated by the intravenous anesthetic propofol. Previous photolabeling, modeling, and functional data have identified two binding domains through which propofol acts on the GABAA receptor. These domains are defined by the β(M286) residue at the β"+"-α"-" interface in the transmembrane region and the β(Y143) residue near the β"-" surface in the junction between the extracellular and transmembrane domains. In the ternary receptor, there are predicted to be two copies of each class of sites, for a total of four sites per receptor. We used β2α1γ2L and β2α1 concatemeric constructs to determine the functional effects of the β(Y143W) and β(M286W) mutations to gain insight into the number of functional binding sites for propofol and the energetic contributions stemming from propofol binding to the individual sites. A mutation of each of the four sites affected the response to propofol, indicating that each of the four sites is functional in the wild-type receptor. The mutations mainly impaired stabilization of the open state by propofol, i.e., reduced gating efficacy. The effects were similar for mutations at either site and were largely additive and independent of the presence of other Y143W or M286W mutations in the receptor. The two classes of sites appeared to differ in affinity for propofol, with the site affected by M286W having about a 2-fold higher affinity. Our analysis indicates there may be one or two additional functionally equivalent binding sites for propofol, other than those modified by substitutions at β(Y143) and β(M286).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
| | - Allison L Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
| | - Joe Henry Steinbach
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology (D.J.S., A.L.G., A.D.J., J.H.S., G.A.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (S.A.F.)
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Guerrini G, Ciciani G, Crocetti L, Daniele S, Ghelardini C, Giovannoni MP, Iacovone A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Martini C, Vergelli C. Identification of a New Pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline Ligand Highly Affine to γ-Aminobutyric Type A (GABAA) Receptor Subtype with Anxiolytic-Like and Antihyperalgesic Activity. J Med Chem 2017; 60:9691-9702. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Guerrini
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Giovanna Ciciani
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Letizia Crocetti
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Simona Daniele
- Dipartimento
FARMACIA, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa56126, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Giovannoni
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Antonella Iacovone
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Dipartimento
FARMACIA, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa56126, Italy
| | - Claudia Vergelli
- Dipartimento
NEUROFARBA, Sezione Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto
Fiorentino, Firenze 50019, Italy
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48
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Akk G, Shin DJ, Germann AL, Steinbach JH. GABA Type A Receptor Activation in the Allosteric Coagonist Model Framework: Relationship between EC 50 and Basal Activity. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:90-100. [PMID: 29150461 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The concerted transition model for multimeric proteins is a simple formulation for analyzing the behavior of transmitter-gated ion channels. We used the model to examine the relationship between the EC50 for activation of the GABA type A (GABAA) receptor by the transmitter GABA and basal activity employing concatemeric ternary GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Basal activity, reflecting the receptor function in the absence of the transmitter, can be changed either by mutation to increase constitutive activity or by the addition of a second agonist (acting at a different site) to increase background activity. The model predicts that either mechanism for producing a change in basal activity will result in identical effects on the EC50 We examined receptor activation by GABA while changing the level of basal activity with the allosterically acting anesthetics propofol, pentobarbital, or alfaxalone. We found that the relationship between EC50 and basal activity was well described by the concerted transition model. Changes in the basal activity by gain-of-function mutations also resulted in predictable changes in the EC50 Finally, we altered the number of GABA-binding sites by a mutation and again found that the relationship could be well described by the model. Overall, the results support the idea that interactions between the transmitter GABA and the allosteric agonists propofol, pentobarbital, or alfaxalone can be understood as reflecting additive and independent free energy changes, without assuming any specific interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., D.J.S., A.L.G., J.H.S.) and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel J Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., D.J.S., A.L.G., J.H.S.) and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Allison L Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., D.J.S., A.L.G., J.H.S.) and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joe Henry Steinbach
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., D.J.S., A.L.G., J.H.S.) and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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49
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Wongsamitkul N, Maldifassi MC, Simeone X, Baur R, Ernst M, Sigel E. α subunits in GABA A receptors are dispensable for GABA and diazepam action. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15498. [PMID: 29138471 PMCID: PMC5686171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15628-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The major isoform of the GABAA receptor is α1β2γ2. The binding sites for the agonist GABA are located at the β2+/α1− subunit interfaces and the modulatory site for benzodiazepines at α1+/γ2−. In the absence of α1 subunits, a receptor was formed that was gated by GABA and modulated by diazepam similarly. This indicates that alternative subunits can take over the role of the α1 subunits. Point mutations were introduced in β2 or γ2 subunits at positions homologous to α1− benzodiazepine binding and GABA binding positions, respectively. From this mutation work we conclude that the site for GABA is located at a β2+/β2− subunit interface and that the diazepam site is located at the β2+/γ2− subunit interface. Computational docking leads to a structural hypothesis attributing this non-canonical interaction to a binding mode nearly identical with the one at the α1+/γ2− interface. Thus, the β2 subunit can take over the role of the α1 subunit for the formation of both sites, its minus side for the GABA binding site and its plus side for the diazepam binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Wongsamitkul
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria C Maldifassi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Xenia Simeone
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Baur
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Sigel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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50
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Amin J, Subbarayan MS. Orthosteric- versus allosteric-dependent activation of the GABA A receptor requires numerically distinct subunit level rearrangements. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7770. [PMID: 28798394 PMCID: PMC5552871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaesthetic molecules act on synaptic transmission via the allosteric modulation of ligand-gated chloride channels, such as hetero-oligomeric α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. To elucidate the overall activation paradigm via allosteric versus orthosteric sites, we used highly homologous, but homo-oligomeric, ρ1 receptors that are contrastingly insensitive to anaesthetics and respond partially to several full GABA α1β2γ2 receptor agonists. Here, we coexpressed varying ratios of RNAs encoding the wild-type and the mutated ρ1 subunits, which are anaesthetic-sensitive and respond with full efficacy to partial GABA agonists, to generate distinct ensembles of receptors containing five, four, three, two, one, or zero mutated subunits. Using these experiments, we then demonstrate that, in the pentamer, three anaesthetic-sensitive ρ1 subunits are needed to impart full efficacy to the partial GABA agonists. By contrast, five anaesthetic-sensitive subunits are required for direct activation by anaesthetics alone, and only one anaesthetic-sensitive subunit is sufficient to confer the anaesthetic-dependent potentiation to the GABA current. In conclusion, our data indicate that GABA and anaesthetics holistically activate the GABAA ρ1 receptor through distinct subunit level rearrangements and suggest that in contrast to the global impact of GABA via orthosteric sites, the force of anaesthetics through allosteric sites may not propagate to the neighbouring subunits and, thus, may have only a local and limited effect on the ρ1 GABAA receptor model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanshah Amin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, USA.
| | - Meena S Subbarayan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, USA
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