Regulated Internalization and Phosphorylation of the Native Norepinephrine Transporter in Response to Phorbol Esters

Dimerization and antidepressant recognition at noradrenaline transporter

The noradrenaline transporter has a pivotal role in regulating neurotransmitter balance and is crucial for normal physiology and neurobiology1. Dysfunction of noradrenaline transporter has been implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric diseases, including depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder2. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of noradrenaline transporter in apo and substrate-bound forms, and as complexes with six antidepressants. The structures reveal a noradrenaline transporter dimer interface that is mediated predominantly by cholesterol and lipid molecules. The substrate noradrenaline binds deep in the central binding pocket, and its amine group interacts with a conserved aspartate residue. Our structures also provide insight into antidepressant recognition and monoamine transporter selectivity. Together, these findings advance our understanding of noradrenaline transporter regulation and inhibition, and provide templates for designing improved antidepressants to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.

A Conserved Intramolecular Ion-Pair Plays a Critical but Divergent Role in Regulation of Dimerization and Transport Function among the Monoamine Transporters

The monoamine transporters, including the serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporter (DAT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET), are the therapeutic targets for the treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite significant progress in characterizing the structures and transport mechanisms of these transporters, the regulation of their transport functions through dimerization or oligomerization remains to be understood. In the present study, we identified a conserved intramolecular ion-pair at the third extracellular loop (EL3) connecting TM5 and TM6 that plays a critical but divergent role in the modulation of dimerization and transport functions among the monoamine transporters. The disruption of the ion-pair interactions by mutations induced a significant spontaneous cross-linking of a cysteine mutant of SERT and an increase in cell surface expression but with an impaired specific transport activity. On the other hand, similar mutations of the corresponding ion-pair residues in both DAT and NET resulted in an opposite effect on their oxidation-induced dimerization, cell surface expression, and transport function. Reversible biotinylation experiments indicated that the ion-pair mutations slowed down the internalization of SERT but stimulated the internalization of DAT. In addition, cysteine accessibility measurements for monitoring SERT conformational changes indicated that substitution of the ion-pair residues resulted in profound effects on the rate constants for cysteine modification in both the extracellular and cytoplasmatic substrate permeation pathways. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the ion-pair mutations increased the interfacial interactions in a SERT dimer but decreased it in a DAT dimer. Taken together, we propose that the transport function is modulated by the equilibrium between monomers and dimers on the cell surface, which is regulated by a potential compensatory mechanism but with different molecular solutions among the monoamine transporters. The present study provided new insights into the structural elements regulating the transport function of the monoamine transporters through their dimerization.

Cholesterol modulation of interactions between psychostimulants and dopamine transporters

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a key site of action for cocaine and amphetamines. Dysfunctional DAT is associated with aberrant synaptic dopamine transmission and enhanced drug-seeking and taking behavior. Studies in cultured cells and ex vivo suggest that DAT function is sensitive to membrane cholesterol content. Although it is largely unknown whether psychostimulants alter cholesterol metabolism in the brain, emerging evidence indicates that peripheral cholesterol metabolism is altered in patients with psychostimulant use disorder and circulating cholesterol levels are associated with vulnerability to relapse. Cholesterol interacts with sphingolipids forming lipid raft microdomains on the membrane. These cholesterol-rich lipid raft microdomains serve to recruit and assemble other lipids and proteins to initiate signal transduction. There are two spatially and functionally distinct populations of the DAT segregated by cholesterol-rich lipid raft microdomains and cholesterol-scarce non-raft microdomains on the plasma membrane. These two DAT populations are differentially regulated by DAT blockers (e.g. cocaine), substrates (e.g. amphetamine), and protein kinase C providing distinct cholesterol-dependent modulation of dopamine uptake and efflux. In this chapter, we summarize the impact of depletion and addition of membrane cholesterol on DAT conformational changes between the outward-facing and the inward-facing states, lipid raft-associated DAT localization, basal and induced DAT internalization, and DAT function. In particular, we focus on how the interactions of the DAT with cocaine and amphetamine are influenced by membrane cholesterol. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cholesterol-modifying drugs as a new avenue to normalize DAT function and dopamine transmission in patients with psychostimulant use disorder.

Structures and membrane interactions of native serotonin transporter in complexes with psychostimulants

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a member of the SLC6 neurotransmitter transporter family that mediates serotonin reuptake at presynaptic nerve terminals. SERT is the target of both therapeutic antidepressant drugs and psychostimulant substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines, which are small molecules that perturb normal serotonergic transmission by interfering with serotonin transport. Despite decades of studies, important functional aspects of SERT such as the oligomerization state of native SERT and its interactions with potential proteins remain unresolved. Here, we develop methods to isolate SERT from porcine brain (pSERT) using a mild, nonionic detergent, utilize fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography to investigate its oligomerization state and interactions with other proteins, and employ single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structures of pSERT in complexes with methamphetamine or cocaine, providing structural insights into psychostimulant recognition and accompanying pSERT conformations. Methamphetamine and cocaine both bind to the central site, stabilizing the transporter in an outward open conformation. We also identify densities attributable to multiple cholesterol or cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) molecules, as well as to a detergent molecule bound to the pSERT allosteric site. Under our conditions of isolation, we find that pSERT is best described as a monomeric entity, isolated without interacting proteins, and is ensconced by multiple cholesterol or CHS molecules.

DPP4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4) Inhibition Increases Catecholamines Without Increasing Blood Pressure During Sustained ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitor Treatment

BACKGROUND

DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors comprise a class of oral diabetes medication that have the potential for off-target cardiovascular effects. We previously showed that DPP4 inhibition attenuates the hypotensive effect of acute ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition and increases norepinephrine. Here, we investigated the effects of DPP4 during sustained ACE inhibition compared with during therapy with an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) or calcium channel blocker (neutral comparator) in a randomized, double-blinded crossover study.

METHODS

We enrolled 106 adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension and 100 received intervention. Subjects were randomized to one of 3 blood pressure arms: ramipril, valsartan, or amlodipine for a total of 15 weeks and received 3 one-week crossover therapies in random order: placebo + placebo, sitagliptin + placebo, and sitagliptin + aprepitant separated by 4-week washout.

RESULTS

We found that DPP4 inhibition increased norepinephrine during ramipril but did not increase blood pressure. Aprepitant, a NK1 (substance P) receptor blocker, lowered standing heart rate during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade with ramipril or valsartan.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased catecholamines during concurrent ACE and DPP4 inhibition may contribute to cardiovascular complications in patients predisposed to heart failure.

Omega-3 fatty acid in ultra-high-risk psychosis: A systematic review based on functional outcome

AIM

Among different types of poly unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids (FA) play a substantial role in brain development and functioning. This review was designed to evaluate and synthesize available evidence regarding omega-3 FAs and functional outcome in the ultra-high-risk (UHR) population.

METHODS

An electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, PSYCINFO and COCHRANE search engines has been performed for all articles published until January 2019. The studies that have data regarding omega-3 FAs and functional outcome in UHR population were included.

RESULTS

Out of 397 nonduplicate citations, 19 articles met selection criteria. These articles were from four different primary studies, namely the Program of Rehabilitation and Therapy (PORT), the North American Prodromal Longitudinal Studies (NAPLS), Vienna High Risk study (VHR) and the NEURAPRO. The data from the NAPLS study found a positive correlation between functional improvement and frequency of dietary intake omega-3 FA. Moreover, among the erythrocyte omega-3 FA only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) showed a positive correlation with functional score. The VHR study found long-term improvement in functional outcome in omega-3 group compared to control, whereas such difference was noticed in the NEURAPRO. In the VHR study both omega-3 and omega-6 together predicted the functional improvement at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of studies available remains insufficient and more studies with standardized outcome measures in a clinically comparable UHR population would be of more value to understand the clinical benefits of omega-3 FA in the UHR population.

Glycine Transporter 2: Mechanism and Allosteric Modulation

Neurotransmitter sodium symporters (NSS) are a subfamily of SLC6 transporters responsible for regulating neurotransmitter signalling. They are a major target for psychoactive substances including antidepressants and drugs of abuse, prompting substantial research into their modulation and structure-function dynamics. Recently, a series of allosteric transport inhibitors have been identified, which may reduce side effect profiles, compared to orthosteric inhibitors. Allosteric inhibitors are also likely to provide different clearance kinetics compared to competitive inhibitors and potentially better clinical outcomes. Crystal structures and homology models have identified several allosteric modulatory sites on NSS including the vestibule allosteric site (VAS), lipid allosteric site (LAS) and cholesterol binding site (CHOL1). Whilst the architecture of eukaryotic NSS is generally well conserved there are differences in regions that form the VAS, LAS, and CHOL1. Here, we describe ligand-protein interactions that stabilize binding in each allosteric site and explore how differences between transporters could be exploited to generate NSS specific compounds with an emphasis on GlyT2 modulation.

Neurokinin-1 Antagonism Distinguishes the Role of Norepinephrine Transporter from Dopamine Transporter in Mediating Amphetamine Behaviors

BACKGROUND

Amphetamine (AMPH) and other psychostimulants act on the norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) and the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and enhance NE and DA signaling. Both NET and DAT share anatomical and functional characteristics and are regulated similarly by psychostimulants and receptor-linked signaling pathways. We and others have demonstrated that NET and DAT are downregulated by AMPH and substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-mediated protein kinase C pathway.

OBJECTIVES

Since both NET and DAT are downregulated by AMPH and NK1R activation and share high sequence homology, the objective of the study was to determine the catecholamine transporter specificity in NK1R modulation of AMPH-induced behaviors.

METHODS

The effect of NK1R antagonism on AMPH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) as well as AMPH-induced NET and DAT downregulation was examined using NET and DAT knockout mice (NET-KO and DAT-KO) along with their wild-type littermates.

RESULTS

Aprepitant (5 mg/kg i.p.) significantly attenuated AMPH (2 mg/kg i.p.)-induced CPP in the wild-type and DAT-KO but not in the NET-KO. Locomotor activity measured during the post-conditioning test (in the absence of AMPH) showed higher locomotor activity in DAT-KO compared to wild-type or NET-KO. However, the locomotor activity of all 3 genotypes remained unchanged following aprepitant. Additionally, in the ventral striatum of wild-type, the AMPH-induced downregulation of NET function and surface expression but not that of DAT was attenuated by aprepitant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the current study demonstrate that aprepitant attenuates the expression of AMPH-induced CPP in DAT-KO mice but not in NET-KO mice suggesting a role for NK1R-mediated NET regulation in AMPH-induced behaviors.

Lipid rafts in psychiatry

Lipid microenvironments in the plasma membrane are known to influence many signal transduction pathways. Several of those pathways are critical for both the etiology and treatment of depression. Further, several signaling proteins are modified, covalently, by lipids, a process that alters their interface with the microenvironments mentioned above. This review presents a brief discussion of the interface of the above elements as well as a discussion about the participation of lipids and lipid moieties in the action of antidepressants.

Palmitoylation by Multiple DHHC Enzymes Enhances Dopamine Transporter Function and Stability

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a plasma membrane protein that mediates the reuptake of extracellular dopamine (DA) and controls the spatiotemporal dynamics of dopaminergic neurotransmission. The transporter is subject to fine control that tailors clearance of transmitter to physiological demands, and dysregulation of reuptake induced by psychostimulant drugs, transporter polymorphisms, and signaling defects may impact transmitter tone in disease states. We previously demonstrated that DAT undergoes complex regulation by palmitoylation, with acute inhibition of the modification leading to rapid reduction of transport activity and sustained inhibition of the modification leading to transporter degradation and reduced expression. Here, to examine mechanisms and outcomes related to increased modification, we coexpressed DAT with palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs), also known as DHHC enzymes, which catalyze palmitate addition to proteins. Of 12 PATs tested, DAT palmitoylation was stimulated by DHHC2, DHHC3, DHHC8, DHHC15, and DHHC17, with others having no effect. Increased modification was localized to previously identified palmitoylation site Cys580 and resulted in upregulation of transport kinetics and elevated transporter expression mediated by reduced degradation. These findings confirm palmitoylation as a regulator of multiple DAT properties crucial for appropriate DA homeostasis and identify several potential PAT pathways linked to these effects. Defects in palmitoylation processes thus represent possible mechanisms of transport imbalances in DA disorders.

Substrate and inhibitor binding to the serotonin transporter: Insights from computational, crystallographic, and functional studies

The serotonin transporter (SERT) belongs to the monoamine transporter family, which also includes the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. SERT is essential for regulating serotonergic signaling by the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. Dysregulation of SERT has been implicated in several major psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD was among the top five leading causes of years lived with disease in 2016 and is characterized as a major global burden. Several drugs have been developed to target SERT for use in the treatment of MDD, and their respective binding modes and locations within SERT have been studied. The elucidation of the first structure of a bacterial SERT homologue in 2005 has accelerated crystallographic, computational, and functional studies to further elucidate drug binding and method of action in SERT. Herein, we aim to highlight and compare these studies with an emphasis on what the different experimental methods conclude on substrate and inhibitor binding modes, and the potential caveats of using the different types of studies are discussed. We focus this review on the binding of cognate substrate and drugs belonging to the different families of antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and multimodal drugs, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ibogaine. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.

Flotillin-1 interacts with the serotonin transporter and modulates chronic corticosterone response

Aberrant serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain is considered at the core of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene by environment interactions contribute to the development of depression and involve modulation of the availability and functional activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Using behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological approaches together with biochemical, molecular-biological and molecular imaging tools we establish Flotillin-1 (Flot1) as a novel protein interacting with SERT and demonstrate its involvement in the response to chronic corticosterone (CORT) treatment. We show that genetic Flot1 depletion augments chronic CORT-induced behavioral despair and describe concomitant alterations in the expression of SERT, activity of serotonergic neurons and alterations of the glucocorticoid receptor transport machinery. Hence, we propose a role for Flot1 as modulatory factor for the depressogenic consequences of chronic CORT exposure and suggest Flotillin-1-dependent regulation of SERT expression and activity of serotonergic neurotransmission at the core of the molecular mechanisms involved.

Regulation of monoamine transporters and receptors by lipid microdomains: implications for depression

Lipid microdomains ("rafts") are dynamic, nanoscale regions of the plasma membrane enriched in cholesterol and glycosphingolipids, that possess distinctive physicochemical properties including higher order than the surrounding membrane. Lipid microdomain integrity is thought to affect neurotransmitter signaling by regulating membrane-bound protein signaling. Among the proteins potentially affected are monoaminergic receptors and transporters. As dysfunction of monoaminergic neurotransmission is implicated in major depressive disorder and other neuropsychiatric conditions, interactions with lipid microdomains may be of clinical importance. This systematic review evaluates what is known about the molecular relationships of monoamine transporter and receptor regulation to lipid microdomains. The PubMed/MeSH database was searched for original studies published in English through August 2017 concerning relationships between lipid microdomains and serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters and receptors. Fifty-seven publications were identified and assessed. Strong evidence implicates lipid microdomains in the regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine transporters; serotonin 1A, 2A, 3A, and 7A receptors; and dopamine D1 and β2 adrenergic receptors. Results were conflicting or more complex regarding lipid microdomain associations with the dopamine transporter, D2, D3, and D5 receptors; and negative with respect to β1 adrenergic receptors. Indirect evidence suggests that antidepressants, lipid-lowering drugs, and polyunsaturated fatty acids may exert effects on depression and suicide by altering the lipid milieu, thereby affecting monoaminergic transporter and receptor signaling. The lipid composition of membrane subdomains is involved in localization and trafficking of specific monoaminergic receptors and transporters. Elucidating precise mechanisms whereby lipid microdomains modulate monoamine neurotransmission in clinical contexts can have critical implications for pharmacotherapeutic targeting.

PKC-Mediated Modulation of Astrocyte SNAT3 Glutamine Transporter Function at Synapses in Situ

Astrocytes are glial cells that have an intimate physical and functional association with synapses in the brain. One of their main roles is to recycle the neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as a component of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. They perform this function by sequestering neurotransmitters and releasing glutamine via the neutral amino acid transporter SNAT3. In this way, astrocytes regulate the availability of neurotransmitters and subsequently influence synaptic function. Since many plasma membrane transporters are regulated by protein kinase C (PKC), the aim of this study was to understand how PKC influences SNAT3 glutamine transport in astrocytes located immediately adjacent to synapses. We studied SNAT3 transport by whole-cell patch-clamping and fluorescence pH imaging of single astrocytes in acutely isolated brainstem slices, adjacent to the calyx of the Held synapse. Activation of SNAT3-mediated glutamine transport in these astrocytes was reduced to 77 ± 6% when PKC was activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). This effect was very rapid (within ~20 min) and eliminated by application of bisindolylmaleimide I (Bis I) or 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01), suggesting that activation of conventional isoforms of PKC reduces SNAT3 function. In addition, cell surface biotinylation experiments in these brain slices show that the amount of SNAT3 in the plasma membrane is reduced by a comparable amount (to 68 ± 5%) upon activation of PKC. This indicates a role for PKC in dynamically controlling the trafficking of SNAT3 transporters in astrocytes in situ. These data demonstrate that PKC rapidly regulates the astrocytic glutamine release mechanism, which would influence the glutamine availability for adjacent synapses and control levels of neurotransmission.

A direct interaction of cholesterol with the dopamine transporter prevents its out-to-inward transition

Monoamine transporters (MATs) carry out neurotransmitter reuptake from the synaptic cleft, a key step in neurotransmission, which is targeted in the treatment of neurological disorders. Cholesterol (CHOL), a major component of the synaptic plasma membrane, has been shown to exhibit a modulatory effect on MATs. Recent crystal structures of the dopamine transporter (DAT) revealed the presence of two conserved CHOL-like molecules, suggesting a functional protein-CHOL direct interaction. Here, we present extensive atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of DAT in an outward-facing conformation. In the absence of bound CHOL, DAT undergoes structural changes reflecting early events of dopamine transport: transition to an inward-facing conformation. In contrast, in the presence of bound CHOL, these conformational changes are inhibited, seemingly by an immobilization of the intracellular interface of transmembrane helix 1a and 5 by CHOL. We also provide evidence, from coarse grain MD simulations that the CHOL sites observed in the DAT crystal structures are preserved in all human monoamine transporters (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine), suggesting that our findings might extend to the entire family.

Responses of PKCε to cardiac overloads on myocardial sympathetic innervation and NET expression

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a key mediator of many diverse physiological and pathological responses. PKC activation play an important regulatory role of cardiac function. The present study was performed to investigate whether there were differential activations of the PKCε and how the activation coupled with norepinephrine transporter (NET) surface expression, sympathetic innervation pattern and extracellular matrix remodeling in different cardiac hemodynamic overloads induced by abdominal aortic constriction or aortocaval fistula. At 8weeks after the operations, heart failure were induced, accompanied with myocardial hypertrophy, which was more pronounced in pressure overload (POL) than that of volume overload (VOL) rats, left ventricular dysfunction and increased plasma norepinephrine (NE). In POL rats there was an increase in myocardial collagen deposition, in contrast, the amount decreased in VOL as compared with the sham rats. POL remarkably upregulated PKCε membrane-cytosol ratio and downregulated NET membrane fraction, whereas, in VOL induced opposite changes. Accompanied with the PKCε activation, nerve sprouting, evidenced by myocardial GAP43 protein increased, and different nerve phenotypes were found, in POL tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive nerve density increased with NET and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity density decreased, in contrast, in VOL NET and ChAT increased, TH did not change. The overloads did not induce alteration of NET mRNA expression, but resulted in different myocardial β₁-AR mRNA expression, in POL β₁-AR mRNAwas significantly downregulated, while in VOL rats unaltered. Conclusion, the present results suggested that the different cardiac hemodynamic overload could differentially activate a common signaling, PKCε intermediate and thereby generate biological diversity.

Phosphorylation of the Amino Terminus of the Dopamine Transporter: Regulatory Mechanisms and Implications for Amphetamine Action

Amphetamines (AMPHs) are potent psychostimulants that are widely used and abused, with profound medical and societal impact. Their actions at dopaminergic neurons are thought to mediate their therapeutic efficacy as well as their liability for abuse and dependence. AMPHs target the dopamine transporter (DAT), the plasmalemmal membrane protein that mediates the inactivation of released dopamine (DA) through its reuptake. AMPHs act as substrates for DAT and are known to cause mobilization of dopamine (DA) to the cell exterior via DAT-mediated reverse transport (efflux). It has become increasingly evident that the mechanisms that regulate AMPH-induced DA efflux are distinct from those that regulate DA uptake. Central to these mechanisms is the phosphorylation of the DAT amino (N)-terminus, which has been repeatedly demonstrated to facilitate DAT-mediated DA efflux, without impacting other aspects of DAT physiology. This review aims to summarize the current status of knowledge regarding DAT N-terminal phosphorylation and its regulation by protein modulators and the membrane microenvironment. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches that interfere selectively with the pharmacological effects of AMPHs without altering the physiological function of DAT.

Interference of norepinephrine transporter trafficking motif attenuates amphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity and conditioned place preference

Amphetamine (AMPH)-mediated norepinephrine transporter (NET) downregulation requires NET-T258/S259 trafficking motif. The present study utilizes cell permeable NET-T258/S259 motif interfering peptide, which blocks AMPH-induced NET downregulation, to explore the role of this form of NET regulation in AMPH-mediated behaviors. In rats receiving intra-accumbal microinjections of TAT-conjugated peptides encompassing NET-T258/S259 motif, acute systemic AMPH failed to inhibit NE transport in the TAT-NET-T258/S259 wild-type (WT) peptide injected hemisphere but not in the vehicle or scrambled peptide injected hemisphere. Acute AMPH-induced hyperactivity was significantly reduced in rats receiving intra-accumbal TAT-NET-T258/S259 WT peptide compared to those receiving intra-accumbal vehicle or TAT-NET-T258A/S259A mutant peptide or corresponding TAT-conjugated scrambled peptide. Basal locomotor activity was not altered by peptide infusions alone. Similarly AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization was significantly reduced in rats receiving intra-accumbal TAT-NET-T258/S259 WT peptide prior to AMPH challenge and not in rats receiving the mutant or scrambled peptide. In conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, a single bilateral intra-accumbal microinjection of TAT-NET-T258/S259 WT peptide prior to CPP testing significantly reduced AMPH-induced CPP expression. Likewise, a single bilateral intra-accumbal microinjection of TAT-NET-T258/S259 WT peptide prior to drug-challenge significantly attenuated AMPH-primed CPP reinstatement. On the other hand, bilateral intra-accumbal microinjection of scrambled peptide did not affect AMPH-induced CPP expression or reinstatement. These data demonstrate a role for T258/S259-dependent NET regulation in AMPH-induced hyperactivity and sensitization as well as AMPH-induced CPP expression and reinstatement.

MAP Kinase Phosphatase 3 (MKP3) Preserves Norepinephrine Transporter Activity by Modulating ERK1/2 Kinase-Mediated Gene Expression

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) mediates the clearance of norepinephrine (NE) from the extracellular space and is a target of therapeutic antidepressants and psychostimulants. Previously we identified a MAP kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP3), as an important modulator of protein kinase C (PKC) mediated internalization of the related dopamine transporter (DAT). Here we show that MKP3 decreases PKC-mediated down regulation of NET expressed in PC12 cells. We demonstrate that this process involves a PKC-stimulated decrease of NET surface expression that is dependent on dynamin. Surprisingly, MAP kinase inhibitors have no effect on the PKC-mediated regulation of NET activity, suggesting that, like PKC-mediated regulation of the DAT, the acute activation of MAP kinases is not likely to be involved. To elucidate potential mechanisms we used a substrate trap-based assay to identify extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 as the predominant substrate of MKP3. Furthermore we also established that brief chemical stabilization of a modified destabilized MKP3 does not alter PKC-mediated down regulation of NET. Finally, the expression of a dominant negative version of H-Ras, an upstream activator of ERK1/2, abolishes phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated down regulation of NET in a manner similar to MKP3. Taken together we propose that chronic MKP3 expression regulates surface NET through the sustained inhibition of ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling that alters gene expression in PC12 cells. This is supported by gene expression data from naïve and MKP3-expressing PC12 cells that reveal robust decreases in gene expression of several genes in the MKP3-tranfected cells. Interestingly, caveolin-1, a protein with a critical role in membrane protein trafficking is down regulated by MKP3 expression. We further show that selective silencing of the caveolin-1 gene in naïve PC12 cells attenuates PKC-mediated downregulation of NET activity, consistent with a potential role for caveolins in regulating NET surface expression. In summary, these results suggest that chronic MKP3 expression alters the expression of genes in PC12 cells that are involved in the regulation of NET surface expression.

Ubiquitination mediates Kv1.3 endocytosis as a mechanism for protein kinase C-dependent modulation

The voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 plays essential physiological functions in the immune system. Kv1.3, regulating the membrane potential, facilitates downstream Ca²⁺ -dependent pathways and becomes concentrated in specific membrane microdomains that serve as signaling platforms. Increased and/or delocalized expression of the channel is observed at the onset of several autoimmune diseases. In this work, we show that adenosine (ADO), which is a potent endogenous modulator, stimulates PKC, thereby causing immunosuppression. PKC activation triggers down-regulation of Kv1.3 by inducing a clathrin-mediated endocytic event that targets the channel to lysosomal-degradative compartments. Therefore, the abundance of Kv1.3 at the cell surface decreases, which is clearly compatible with an effective anti-inflammatory response. This mechanism requires ubiquitination of Kv1.3, catalyzed by the E3 ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4-2. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), a member of the MAGUK family, recruits Kv1.3 into lipid-raft microdomains and protects the channel against ubiquitination and endocytosis. Therefore, the Kv1.3/PSD-95 association fine-tunes the anti-inflammatory response in leukocytes. Because Kv1.3 is a promising multi-therapeutic target against human pathologies, our results have physiological relevance. In addition, this work elucidates the ADO-dependent PKC-mediated molecular mechanism that triggers immunomodulation by targeting Kv1.3 in leukocytes.

Gestational stress, placental norepinephrine transporter and offspring fertility

Chronic cold stress produces adrenergic overload that can affect fetal development. The placental norepinephrine transporter (NET) clears norepinephrine (NE) from both maternal circulation and the fetus during gestation. If this system fails, NE clearance can be reduced, leading to high fetal exposure to NE. The main aim of this study was to determine the changes in NET expression during gestation and their relationship with the functional capacity of NET to transport NE under stressful conditions. Additionally, this study correlated these findings with the reproductive capacity of 2nd-generation progeny. Pregnant rats were subjected to chronic cold stress at 4°C for 3 h each day throughout their pregnancies. We found that exposure of pregnant rats to sympathetic stress caused the following effects: increased NE and corticosterone levels throughout pregnancy, decreased capacity of the placenta to clear NE from the fetus to the mother's circulation, altered NET protein levels depending on the sex of the fetus and increased placental and body weights of pups. For the first time, we also described the disrupted fertility of progeny as adults. Increased NE plasma levels during pregnancy under sympathetic stress conditions correlated with decreased NET functionality that provoked changes in the development of progeny and their fertility in adulthood.

Protein Kinase C Signaling in Adenoviral Infection

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC), a serine/threonine protein kinase, ubiquitously influences cellular signal transduction and has been shown to play a role in viral entry. In this study, we explored a role for PKC in human adenovirus type 37 infection of primary human corneal fibroblasts, a major target cell for infection. We sought evidence for an interaction between PKC activation and two potential downstream targets: cSrc kinase, shown previously to play a critical role in adenovirus signaling in these cells, and caveolin-1, reported earlier to be important to entry of adenovirus type 37. Infection of fibroblasts increased PKCα phosphorylation and translocation of PKCα from the cytosol to caveolin-1 containing vesicles. Virus-induced phosphorylation of both cSrc and AKT was abolished in cell lysates pretreated with calphostin C, a chemical inhibitor of PKC. Inhibition of PKC also reduced virus associated phosphorylation of caveolin-1, while inhibition of cSrc by the chemical inhibitor PP2 reduced only caveolin-1 phosphorylation, but not PKCα phosphorylation, in lipid rafts. These results suggest a role for PKCα upstream to both cSrc and caveolin-1. Phosphorylated PKCα was found in the same endosomal fractions as phosphorylated cSrc, and PKCα was present to a greater degree in caveolin-1 pull downs from virus infected than mock infected cell lysates. Calphostin C also reduced early viral gene expression, indicating that PKCα activity may be required for viral entry. PKCα plays a central role in adenovirus infection of corneal fibroblasts and regulation of downstream molecules, including the important lipid raft component caveolin-1.

Kinase-dependent Regulation of Monoamine Neurotransmitter Transporters

Modulation of neurotransmission by the monoamines dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) is critical for normal nervous system function. Precise temporal and spatial control of this signaling in mediated in large part by the actions of monoamine transporters (DAT, NET, and SERT, respectively). These transporters act to recapture their respective neurotransmitters after release, and disruption of clearance and reuptake has significant effects on physiology and behavior and has been linked to a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. To ensure adequate and dynamic control of these transporters, multiple modes of control have evolved to regulate their activity and trafficking. Central to many of these modes of control are the actions of protein kinases, whose actions can be direct or indirectly mediated by kinase-modulated protein interactions. Here, we summarize the current state of our understanding of how protein kinases regulate monoamine transporters through changes in activity, trafficking, phosphorylation state, and interacting partners. We highlight genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological evidence for kinase-linked control of DAT, NET, and SERT and, where applicable, provide evidence for endogenous activators of these pathways. We hope our discussion can lead to a more nuanced and integrated understanding of how neurotransmitter transporters are controlled and may contribute to disorders that feature perturbed monoamine signaling, with an ultimate goal of developing better therapeutic strategies.

Inhibition of Leptin-ObR Interaction Does not Prevent Leptin Translocation Across a Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin regulates appetite and energy homeostasis through the activation of leptin receptors (ObR) on hypothalamic neurones; hence, leptin must be transported through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach its target sites in the central nervous system. During obesity, however, leptin BBB transport is decreased, in part precluding leptin as a viable clinical therapy against obesity. Although the short isoform of the ObR (ObRa) has been implicated in the transport of leptin across the BBB as a result of its elevated expression in cerebral microvessels, accumulating evidence indicates that leptin BBB transport is independent of ObRa. In the present study, we employed an ObR-neutralising antibody (9F8) to directly examine the involvement of endothelial ObR in leptin transport across an in vitro human BBB model composed of the human endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Our results indicate that, although leptin transport across the endothelial monolayer was nonparacellular, and energy- and endocytosis-dependent, it was not inhibited by pre-treatment with 9F8, despite the ability of the latter to recognise hCMEC/D3-expressed ObR, prevent leptin-ObR binding and inhibit leptin-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) phosphorylation in hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, hCMEC/D3 cells expressed the transporter protein low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2 (LRP-2), which is capable of binding and endocytosing leptin. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that leptin binding to and signalling through ObR is not required for efficient transport across human endothelial monolayers, indicating that ObR is not the primary leptin transporter at the human BBB, a role which may fall upon LRP-2. A deeper understanding of leptin BBB transport will help clarify the exact causes for leptin resistance seen in obesity and aid in the development of more efficient BBB-penetrating leptin analogues.

Increased expression of endocytosis-Related proteins in rat hippocampus following 10-day electroconvulsive seizure treatment

Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is clinically used for severe depression and drug-resistant Parkinson's disease, its exact biological background and mechanism have not yet been fully elucidated. Two potential explanations have been presented so far to explain the increased neuroplastic and resilient profiles of multiple ECT administrations. One is the alteration of central neurotransmitter receptor densities and the other is the expressional upregulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor in various brain regions with enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and mossy fiber sprouting. In the present report, western blot analyses revealed significantly upregulated expression of various endocytosis-related proteins following 10-day electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) treatment in rat hippocampal homogenates and hippocampal lipid raft fractions extracted using an ultracentrifugation procedure. Upregulated proteins included endocytosis-related scaffolding proteins (caveolin-1, flotillin-1, and heavy and light chains of clathrin) and small GTPases (Rab5, Rab7, Rab11, and Rab4) specifically expressed on various types of endosomes. Two scaffolding proteins, caveolin-1 and flotillin-1, were also increased in the lipid raft fraction. Together with our previous finding of increased autophagy-related proteins in the hippocampal region, the present results suggest membrane trafficking machinery is enhanced following 10-day ECS treatment. We consider that the membrane trafficking machinery that transports functional proteins in the neuronal cells and from or into the synaptic membranes is one of the new candidates supporting the cellular and behavioral neuroplastic profiles of ECS treatments in animal experiments and ECT administrations in clinical settings.

Protein Kinase C-α is a Critical Protein for Antisense Oligonucleotide-mediated Silencing in Mammalian Cells

We have identified the existence of a productive, PKC-α-dependent endocytotic silencing pathway that leads gymnotically-delivered locked nucleic acid (LNA)-gapmer phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) into late endosomes. By blocking the maturation of early endosomes to late endosomes, silencing the expression of PKC-α results in the potent reduction of ASO silencing ability in the cell. We have also demonstrated that silencing of gene expression in the cytoplasm is vitiated when PKC-α expression is reduced. Restoring PKC-α expression via a reconstitution experiment reinstates the ability of ASOs to silence. These results advance our understanding of intracellular ASO trafficking and activity following gymnotic delivery, and further demonstrate the existence of two distinct silencing pathways in mammalian cells, one in the cytoplasmic and the other in the nuclear compartment.

Differential Internalization Rates and Postendocytic Sorting of the Norepinephrine and Dopamine Transporters Are Controlled by Structural Elements in the N Termini

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) mediates reuptake of synaptically released norepinephrine in central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons. The molecular processes governing availability of NET in the plasma membrane are poorly understood. Here we use the fluorescent cocaine analogue JHC 1-64, as well as several other approaches, to investigate the trafficking itinerary of NET in live noradrenergic neurons. Confocal imaging revealed extensive constitutive internalization of JHC 1-64-labeled NET in the neuronal somata, proximal extensions and presynaptic boutons. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased intracellular accumulation of JHC 1-64-labeled NET and caused a parallel reduction in uptake capacity. Internalized NET strongly colocalized with the "long loop" recycling marker Rab11, whereas less overlap was seen with the "short loop" recycling marker Rab4 and the late endosomal marker Rab7. Moreover, mitigating Rab11 function by overexpression of dominant negative Rab11 impaired NET function. Sorting of NET to the Rab11 recycling compartment was further supported by confocal imaging and reversible biotinylation experiments in transfected differentiated CATH.a cells. In contrast to NET, the dopamine transporter displayed markedly less constitutive internalization and limited sorting to the Rab11 recycling compartment in the differentiated CATH.a cells. Exchange of domains between the two homologous transporters revealed that this difference was determined by non-conserved structural elements in the intracellular N terminus. We conclude that NET displays a distinct trafficking itinerary characterized by continuous shuffling between the plasma membrane and the Rab11 recycling compartment and that the functional integrity of the Rab11 compartment is critical for maintaining proper presynaptic NET function.

A Role for p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase-mediated Threonine 30-dependent Norepinephrine Transporter Regulation in Cocaine Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference

The noradrenergic and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) systems are implicated in cocaine-elicited behaviors. Previously, we demonstrated a role for p38 MAPK-mediated norepinephrine transporter (NET) Thr(30) phosphorylation in cocaine-induced NET up-regulation (Mannangatti, P., Arapulisamy, O., Shippenberg, T. S., Ramamoorthy, S., and Jayanthi, L. D. (2011) J. Biol. Chem. 286, 20239-20250). The present study explored the functional interaction between p38 MAPK-mediated NET regulation and cocaine-induced behaviors. In vitro cocaine treatment of mouse prefrontal cortex synaptosomes resulted in enhanced NET function, surface expression, and phosphorylation. Pretreatment with PD169316, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, completely blocked cocaine-mediated NET up-regulation and phosphorylation. In mice, in vivo administration of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 completely blocked cocaine-induced NET up-regulation and p38 MAPK activation in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. When tested for cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference (CPP), mice receiving SB203580 on cocaine challenge day or on postconditioning test day exhibited significantly reduced cocaine sensitization and CPP. A transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide strategy was utilized to test the involvement of the NET-Thr(30) motif. In vitro treatment of synaptosomes with TAT-NET-Thr(30) (wild-type peptide) completely blocked cocaine-mediated NET up-regulation and phosphorylation. In vivo administration of TAT-NET-Thr(30) peptide but not TAT-NET-T30A (mutant peptide) completely blocked cocaine-mediated NET up-regulation and phosphorylation. In the cocaine CPP paradigm, mice receiving TAT-NET-Thr(30) but not TAT-NET-T30A on postconditioning test day exhibited significantly reduced cocaine CPP. Following extinction, TAT-NET-Thr(30) when given prior to cocaine challenge significantly reduced reinstatement of cocaine CPP. These results demonstrate that the direct inhibition of p38 MAPK or the manipulation of NET-Thr(30) motif/phosphorylation via a TAT peptide strategy prevents cocaine-induced NET up-regulation, locomotor sensitization, and CPP, suggesting a role for Thr(30)-linked NET regulation in cocaine-elicited behaviors.

Pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid utilization: implications for brain function in neuropsychiatric health and disease

Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have profound effects on brain development and function. Abnormalities of PUFA status have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pathophysiologic mechanisms could involve not only suboptimal PUFA intake, but also metabolic and genetic abnormalities, defective hepatic metabolism, and problems with diffusion and transport. This article provides an overview of physiologic factors regulating PUFA utilization, highlighting their relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.

Prolonged nicotine exposure down-regulates presynaptic NMDA receptors in dopaminergic terminals of the rat nucleus accumbens

The presynaptic control of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by glutamate and acetylcholine has a profound impact on reward signaling. Here we provide immunocytochemical and neurochemical evidence supporting the co-localization and functional interaction between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in dopaminergic terminals of the NAc. Most NAc dopaminergic terminals possessed the nAChR α4 subunit and the pre-exposure of synaptosomes to nicotine (30 μM) or to the α4β2-containing nAChR agonist 5IA85380 (10 nM) selectively inhibited the NMDA (100 μM)-evoked, but not the 4-aminopyridine (10 μM)-evoked, [(3)H] dopamine outflow; this inhibition was blunted by mecamylamine (10 μM). Nicotine and 5IA85380 pretreatment also inhibited the NMDA (100 μM)-evoked increase of calcium levels in single nerve terminals, an effect prevented by dihydro-β-erythroidine (1 μM). This supports a functional interaction between α4β2-containing nAChR and NMDA receptors within the same terminal, as supported by the immunocytochemical co-localization of α4 and GluN1 subunits in individual NAc dopaminergic terminals. The NMDA-evoked [(3)H]dopamine outflow was blocked by MK801 (1 μM) and inhibited by the selective GluN2B-selective antagonists ifenprodil (1 μM) and RO 25-6981 (1 μM), but not by the GluN2A-preferring antagonists CPP-19755 (1 μM) and ZnCl2 (1 nM). Notably, nicotine pretreatment significantly decreased the density of biotin-tagged GluN2B proteins in NAc synaptosomes. These results show that nAChRs dynamically and negatively regulate NMDA receptors in NAc dopaminergic terminals through the internalization of GluN2B receptors.

Caveolin-1--a novel interacting partner of organic cation/carnitine transporter (Octn2): effect of protein kinase C on this interaction in rat astrocytes

OCTN2 - the Organic Cation Transporter Novel family member 2 (SLC22A5) is known to be a xenobiotic/drug transporter. It transports as well carnitine - a compound necessary for oxidation of fatty acids and mutations of its gene cause primary carnitine deficiency. Octn2 regulation by protein kinase C (PKC) was studied in rat astrocytes - cells in which β-oxidation takes place in the brain. Activation of PKC with phorbol ester stimulated L-carnitine transport and increased cell surface presence of the transporter, although no PKC-specific phosphorylation of Octn2 could be detected. PKC activation resulted in an augmented Octn2 presence in cholesterol/sphingolipid-rich microdomains of plasma membrane (rafts) and increased co-precipitation of Octn2 with raft-proteins, caveolin-1 and flotillin-1. Deletion of potential caveolin-1 binding motifs pointed to amino acids 14–22 and 447–454 as the caveolin-1 binding sites within Octn2 sequence. A direct interaction of Octn2 with caveolin-1 in astrocytes upon PKC activation was detected by proximity ligation assay, while such an interaction was excluded in case of flotillin-1. Functioning of a multi-protein complex regulated by PKC has been postulated in rOctn2 trafficking to the cell surface, a process which could be important both under physiological conditions, when carnitine facilitates fatty acids catabolism and controls free Coenzyme A pool as well as in pathology, when transport of several drugs can induce secondary carnitine deficiency.

Regulation of the high-affinity choline transporter activity and trafficking by its association with cholesterol-rich lipid rafts

The sodium-coupled, hemicholinium-3-sensitive, high-affinity choline transporter (CHT) is responsible for transport of choline into cholinergic nerve terminals from the synaptic cleft following acetylcholine release and hydrolysis. In this study, we address regulation of CHT function by plasma membrane cholesterol. We show for the first time that CHT is concentrated in cholesterol-rich lipid rafts in both SH-SY5Y cells and nerve terminals from mouse forebrain. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells expressing rat CHT with filipin, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβC) or cholesterol oxidase significantly decreased choline uptake. In contrast, CHT activity was increased by addition of cholesterol to membranes using cholesterol-saturated MβC. Kinetic analysis of binding of [(3)H]hemicholinium-3 to CHT revealed that reducing membrane cholesterol with MβC decreased both the apparent binding affinity (KD) and maximum number of binding sites (Bmax ); this was confirmed by decreased plasma membrane CHT protein in lipid rafts in cell surface protein biotinylation assays. Finally, the loss of cell surface CHT associated with lipid raft disruption was not because of changes in CHT internalization. In summary, we provide evidence that CHT association with cholesterol-rich rafts is critical for transporter function and localization. Alterations in plasma membrane cholesterol cholinergic nerve terminals could diminish cholinergic transmission by reducing choline availability for acetylcholine synthesis. The sodium-coupled choline transporter CHT moves choline into cholinergic nerve terminals to serve as substrate for acetylcholine synthesis. We show for the first time that CHT is concentrated in cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, and decreasing membrane cholesterol significantly reduces both choline uptake activity and cell surface CHT protein levels. CHT association with cholesterol-rich rafts is critical for its function, and alterations in plasma membrane cholesterol could diminish cholinergic transmission by reducing choline availability for acetylcholine synthesis.

Norepinephrine transporter heterozygous knockout mice exhibit altered transport and behavior

The norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) regulates synaptic NE availability for noradrenergic signaling in the brain and sympathetic nervous system. Although genetic variation leading to a loss of NET expression has been implicated in psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders, complete NET deficiency has not been found in people, limiting the utility of NET knockout mice as a model for genetically driven NET dysfunction. Here, we investigate NET expression in NET heterozygous knockout male mice (NET(+/-) ), demonstrating that they display an approximately 50% reduction in NET protein levels. Surprisingly, these mice display no significant deficit in NET activity assessed in hippocampal and cortical synaptosomes. We found that this compensation in NET activity was due to enhanced activity of surface-resident transporters, as opposed to surface recruitment of NET protein or compensation through other transport mechanisms, including serotonin, dopamine or organic cation transporters. We hypothesize that loss of NET protein in the NET(+/-) mouse establishes an activated state of existing surface NET proteins. The NET(+/-) mice exhibit increased anxiety in the open field and light-dark box and display deficits in reversal learning in the Morris water maze. These data suggest that recovery of near basal activity in NET(+/-) mice appears to be insufficient to limit anxiety responses or support cognitive performance that might involve noradrenergic neurotransmission. The NET(+/-) mice represent a unique model to study the loss and resultant compensatory changes in NET that may be relevant to behavior and physiology in human NET deficiency disorders.

Extraneuronal monoamine transporter mediates the permissive action of cortisol in the Guinea pig trachea: possible involvement of tracheal chondrocytes

Cortisol, a member of glucocorticoids, could potentiate the action of catecholamine by a non-genomic mechanism. Although this permissive effect has been well appreciated in the anti-asthmatic medication, the underlying signaling pathway has remained mysterious. Here, we show that extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT), a membraneous reuptake transporter for circulating catecholamine clearance, is the direct target of cortisol in its permissive effect. We found that BSA-conjugated cortisol, which functions as a cortisol but cannot penetrate cell membrane, enhanced the spasmolytic effect of β-adrenoceptor agonist (isoprenaline) in histamine-sensitized tracheal spirals of guinea pigs, and pharmacological inhibition of EMT with famotidine was powerful enough to imitate the permissive action of cortisol. To our surprise, EMT protein expression was high in the chondrocytes of tracheal cartilage, but was undetectable in tracheal smooth muscle cells. The functionality of EMT was further confirmed with measurement of catecholamine uptake by tracheal chondrocytes. Moreover, cortisol-initiated membrane signaling could activate protein kinase C (PKC), which phosphorylates EMT and induces its internalization via a lipid raft-dependent pathway. Both of the mechanisms slow down the reuptake process by chondrocytes, leading to extracellular catecholamine accumulation and results in a more profound adrenergic signaling activation in tracheal smooth muscle cells. Thus, an EMT-centered pathway was proposed to explain the permissive action of cortisol. Collectively, our results highlight the role of EMT in the crosstalk between glucocorticoid and catecholamine. EMT may represent a promising target for adrenergic signaling modulation.

SLC6 transporters: structure, function, regulation, disease association and therapeutics

The SLC6 family of secondary active transporters are integral membrane solute carrier proteins characterized by the Na(+)-dependent translocation of small amino acid or amino acid-like substrates. SLC6 transporters, which include the serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, taurine, creatine, as well as amino acid transporters, are associated with a number of human diseases and disorders making this family a critical target for therapeutic development. In addition, several members of this family are directly involved in the action of drugs of abuse such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy. Recent advances providing structural insight into this family have vastly accelerated our ability to study these proteins and their involvement in complex biological processes.

Regulated norepinephrine transporter interaction with the neurokinin-1 receptor establishes transporter subcellular localization

Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) mediates down-regulation of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter (hNET) via protein kinase C (PKC). However, native NET regulation by NK1R and the mechanism by which NK1R targets NET among other potential effectors are unknown. Effect of NK1R activation on native NET regulation and NET/NK1R interaction were studied using rat brain synaptosomes expressing native NET and NK1R as well as human placental trophoblast (HTR) cells coexpressing WT-hNET or NK1R/PKC-resistant hNET-T258A,S259A double mutant (NET-DM) and hNK1R. The selective NK1R agonist, GR73632, and Substance-P (SP) inhibited NE transport and reduced plasma membrane expression of NET and NK1R. Pretreatment with the NK1R antagonist, EMEND (aprepitant) prevented these NK1R-mediated effects. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that NET forms stable complexes with NK1R. In HTR cells, combined biotinylation and immunoprecipitation studies revealed plasma membrane localization of NET·NK1R complexes. Receptor activation resulted in the internalization of NET·NK1R complexes. Lipid raft and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed the presence of NET·NK1R complexes exclusively in non-raft membrane fractions under basal/unstimulated conditions. However, NK1R activation led to translocation of NET·NK1R complexes to raft-rich membrane fractions. Importantly, PKCα was found in association with raft-localized NET following SP treatment. Similar to WT-NET, PKC-resistant NET-DM was found in association with NK1R exclusively in non-raft fractions. However, SP treatment failed to translocate NET-DM·NK1R complexes from non-raft fractions to raft fractions. Collectively, these results suggest that NK1R forms physical complexes with NET and that the receptor-mediated Thr(258) + Ser(259) motif-dependent translocation of NET·NK1R complexes into raft-rich microdomains facilitates NET/NK1R interaction with PKCα to coordinate spatially restricted NET regulation.

Enhanced assymetrical noradrenergic transmission in the olfactory bulb of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats

The ablation of olfactory bulb induces critical changes in dopamine, and monoamine oxidase activity in the brain stem. Growing evidence supports the participation of this telencephalic region in the regulation blood pressure and cardiovascular activity but little is known about its contribution to hypertension. We have previously reported that in the olfactory bulb of normotensive rats endothelins enhance noradrenergic activity by increasing tyrosine hydroxylase activity and norepinephrine release. In the present study we sought to establish the status of noradrenergic activity in the olfactory bulb of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Different steps in norepinephrine transmission including tyrosine hydroxylase activity, neuronal norepinephrine release and uptake were assessed in the left and right olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and decreased neuronal norepinephrine uptake were observed in the olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Furthermore the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and its phosphorylated forms were also augmented. Intriguingly, asymmetrical responses between the right and left olfactory bulb of normotensive and hypertensive rats were observed. Neuronal norepinephrine release was increased in the right but not in the left olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, whereas non asymmetrical differences were observed in normotensive animals. Present findings indicate that the olfactory bulb of hypertensive rats show an asymmetrical increase in norepinephrine activity. The observed changes in noradrenergic transmission may likely contribute to the onset and/or progression of hypertension in this animal model.

The membrane raft protein Flotillin-1 is essential in dopamine neurons for amphetamine-induced behavior in Drosophila

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is the primary molecular target responsible for the rewarding properties of the psychostimulants amphetamine (AMPH) and cocaine. AMPH increases extracellular dopamine (DA) by promoting its nonexocytotic release via DAT-mediated efflux. Previous studies in heterologous cells have shown that phosphorylation of the amino terminus of DAT is required for AMPH-induced DA efflux but not for DA uptake. However, the identity of many of the modulatory proteins and the molecular mechanisms that coordinate efflux and the ensuing behavioral effects remain poorly defined. Here, we establish a robust assay for AMPH-induced hyperlocomotion in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Using a variety of genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that this behavioral response is dependent on DA and on DAT and its phosphorylation. We also show that methylphenidate (MPH), which competitively inhibits DA uptake but does not induce DAT-mediated DA efflux, also leads to DAT-dependent hyperlocomotion, but this response is independent of DAT phosphorylation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the membrane raft protein Flotillin-1 is required for AMPH-induced, but not MPH-induced, hyperlocomotion. These results are the first evidence of a role for a raft protein in an AMPH-mediated behavior. Thus, using our assay we are able to translate molecular and cellular findings to a behavioral level and to differentiate in vivo the distinct mechanisms of two psychostimulants.

The solute carrier 6 family of transporters

The solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family of the human genome comprises transporters for neurotransmitters, amino acids, osmolytes and energy metabolites. Members of this family play critical roles in neurotransmission, cellular and whole body homeostasis. Malfunction or altered expression of these transporters is associated with a variety of diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of the neurotransmitter transporters in this family is an important strategy in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review provides an overview of the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the SLC6 family transporters.

Importance of cholesterol in dopamine transporter function

The conformation and function of the dopamine transporter (DAT) can be affected by manipulating membrane cholesterol, yet there is no agreement as to the impact of cholesterol on the activity of lipid-raft localized DATs compared with non-raft DATs. Given the paucity of information regarding the impact of cholesterol on substrate efflux by the DAT, this study explores its influence on the kinetics of DAT-mediated DA efflux induced by dextroamphetamine, as measured by rotating disk electrode voltammetry (RDEV). Treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD), which effectively depletes total membrane cholesterol--uniformly affecting cholesterol-DAT interactions in both raft and non-raft membrane domains--reduced both DA uptake and efflux rate. In contrast, disruption of raft-localized DAT by cholesterol chelation with nystatin had no effect, arguing against a vital role for raft-localized DAT in substrate uptake or efflux. Supranormal repletion of cholesterol-depleted cells with the analog desmosterol, a non-raft promoting sterol, was as effective as cholesterol itself in restoring transport rates. Further studies with Zn(2+) and the conformationally biased W84L DAT mutant supported the idea that cholesterol is important for maintaining the outward-facing DAT with normal rates of conformational interconversions. Collectively, these results point to a role for direct cholesterol-DAT interactions in regulating DAT function.

Regulation of Mct1 by cAMP-dependent internalization in rat brain endothelial cells

In the cerebrovascular endothelium, monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (Mct1) controls blood-brain transport of short chain monocarboxylic and keto acids, including pyruvate and lactate, to support brain energy metabolism. Mct1 function is acutely decreased in rat brain cerebrovascular endothelial cells by β-adrenergic signaling through cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); however, the mechanism for this acute reduction in transport capacity is unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that cAMP induces the dephosphorylation and internalization of Mct1 from the plasma membrane into caveolae and early endosomes in the RBE4 rat brain cerebrovascular endothelial cell line. Additionally, we provide evidence that Mct1 constitutively cycles through clathrin vesicles and recycling endosomes in a pathway that is not dependent upon cAMP signaling in these cells. Our results are important because they show for the first time the regulated and unregulated vesicular trafficking of Mct1 in cerebrovascular endothelial cells; processes which have significance for better understanding normal brain energy metabolism, and the etiology and potential therapeutic approaches to treating brain diseases, such as stroke, in which lactic acidosis is a key component.

In vitro exposure to nicotine induces endocytosis of presynaptic AMPA receptors modulating dopamine release in rat nucleus accumbens nerve terminals

Here we provide functional and immunocytochemical evidence supporting the presence on Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) dopaminergic terminals of cyclothiazide-sensitive, alfa-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolone propionate (AMPA) receptors, which activation causes Ca²⁺-dependent [³H]dopamine ([³H]DA) exocytosis. These AMPA receptors cross-talk with co-localized nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), as suggested by the finding that in vitro short-term pre-exposure of synaptosomes to 30 μM nicotine caused a significant reduction of both the 30 μM nicotine and the 100 μM AMPA-evoked [³H]DA overflow. Entrapping pep2-SVKI, a peptide known to compete for the binding of GluA2 subunit to scaffolding proteins involved in AMPA receptor endocytosis, in NAC synaptosomes prevented the nicotine-induced reduction of AMPA-mediated [³H]DA exocytosis, while pep2-SVKE, used as negative control, was inefficacious. Immunocytochemical studies showed that a significant percentage of NAc terminals were dopaminergic and that most of these terminals also posses GluA2 receptor subunits. Western blot analysis of GluA2 immunoreactivity showed that presynaptic GluA2 proteins in NAc terminals were reduced in nicotine-pretreated synaptosomes when compared to the control. The nACh-AMPA receptor-receptor interaction was not limited to dopaminergic terminals since nicotine pre-exposure also affected the presynaptic AMPA receptors controlling hippocampal noradrenaline release, but not the presynaptic AMPA receptors controlling GABA and acetylcholine release. These observations could be relevant to the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms at the basis of nicotine rewarding.

Soluble glucan is internalized and trafficked to the Golgi apparatus in macrophages via a clathrin-mediated, lipid raft-regulated mechanism

Glucans are natural product carbohydrates that stimulate immunity. Glucans are internalized by the pattern recognition receptor, Dectin-1. Glucans were thought to be trafficked to phagolysosomes, but this is unproven. We examined the internalization and trafficking of soluble glucans in macrophages. Incubation of macrophages with glucan resulted in internalization of Dectin-1 and glucan. Inhibition of clathrin blocked internalization of the Dectin-1/glucan complex. Lipid raft depletion resulted in decreased Dectin levels and glucan uptake. Once internalized, glucans colocalized with early endosomes at 0 to 15 min, with the Golgi apparatus at 15 min to 24 h, and with Dectin-1 immediately (0 h) and again later (15 min-24 h). Glucans did not colocalize with lysosomes at any time interval examined. We conclude that the internalization of Dectin-1/glucan complexes in macrophages is mediated by clathrin and negatively regulated by lipid rafts and/or caveolin-1. Upon internalization, soluble glucans are trafficked via endosomes to the Golgi apparatus, not lysosomes.

Endocytosis of the neuronal glycine transporter GLYT2: role of membrane rafts and protein kinase C-dependent ubiquitination

Glycinergic neurotransmission is terminated by sodium- and chloride-dependent plasma membrane transporters. The neuronal glycine transporter 2 (GLYT2) supplies the terminal with substrate to refill synaptic vesicles containing glycine. This crucial process is defective in human hyperekplexia, a condition that can be caused by mutations in GLYT2. Inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission is modulated by the GLYT2 exocytosis/endocytosis equilibrium, although the mechanisms underlying the turnover of this transporter remain elusive. We studied GLYT2 internalization pathways and the role of ubiquitination and membrane raft association of the transporter in its endocytosis. Using pharmacological tools, dominant-negative mutants and small-interfering RNAs, we show that the clathrin-mediated pathway is the primary mechanism for constitutive and regulated GLYT2 endocytosis in heterologous cells and neurons. We show that GLYT2 is constitutively internalized from cell surface lipid rafts, remaining associated with rafts in subcellular recycling structures. Protein kinase C (PKC) negatively modulates GLYT2 via rapid and dynamic redistribution of GLYT2 from raft to non-raft membrane subdomains and increasing ubiquitinated GLYT2 endocytosis. This biphasic mechanism is a versatile means to modulate GLYT2 behavior and hence, inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission. These findings may reveal new therapeutic targets to address glycinergic pathologies associated with alterations in GLYT2 trafficking.

PKCβ-dependent phosphorylation of the glycine transporter 1

The extracellular levels of the neurotransmitter glycine in the brain are tightly regulated by the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) and the clearance rate for glycine depends on its rate of transport and the levels of cell surface GlyT1. Over the years, it has been shown that PKC tightly regulates the activity of several neurotransmitter transporters. In the present work, by stably expressing three N-terminus GlyT1 isoforms in porcine aortic endothelial cells and assaying for [(32)P]-orthophosphate metabolic labeling, we demonstrated that the isoforms GlyT1a, GlyT1b, and GlyT1c were constitutively phosphorylated, and that phosphorylation was dramatically enhanced, in a time dependent fashion, after PKC activation by phorbol ester. The phosphorylation was PKC-dependent, since pre-incubation of the cells with bisindolylmaleimide I, a selective PKC inhibitor, abolished the phorbol ester-induced phosphorylation. Blotting with specific anti-phospho-tyrosine antibodies did not yield any signal that could correspond to GlyT1 tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that the phosphorylation occurs at serine and/or threonine residues. In addition, a 23-40%-inhibition on V(max) was obtained by incubation with phorbol ester without a significant change on the apparent Km value. Furthermore, pre-incubation of the cells with the selective PKCα/β inhibitor Gö6976 abolished the downregulation effect of phorbol ester on uptake and phosphorylation, whereas the selective PKCβ inhibitors (PKCβ inhibitor or LY333531) prevented the phosphorylation without affecting glycine uptake, defining a specific role of classical PKC on GlyT1 uptake and phosphorylation. Taken together, these data suggest that conventional PKCα/β regulates the uptake of glycine, whereas PKCβ is responsible for GlyT1 phosphorylation.

Disruption of astrocytic glutamine turnover by manganese is mediated by the protein kinase C pathway

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element essential for normal human development and is required for the proper functioning of a variety of physiological processes. Chronic exposure to Mn can cause manganism, a neurodegenerative disorder resembling idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Mn(II) neurotoxicity is characterized by astrocytic impairment both in the expression and activity of glutamine (Gln) transporters. Because protein kinase C (PKC) activation leads to the downregulation of a number of neurotransmitter transporters and Mn(II) increases PKC activity, we hypothesized that the PKC signaling pathway contributes to the Mn(II)-mediated disruption of Gln turnover. Our results have shown that Mn exposure increases the phosphorylation of both the PKCα and PKCδ isoforms. PKC activity was also shown to be increased in response to Mn(II) treatment. Corroborating our earlier observations, Mn(II) also caused a decrease in Gln uptake. This effect was blocked by PKC inhibitors. Notably, PKC activation caused a decrease in Gln uptake mediated by systems ASC and N, but had no effect on the activities of systems A and L. Exposure to α-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate significantly decreased SNAT3 (system N) and ASCT2 (system ASC) protein levels. Additionally, a co-immunoprecipitation study demonstrated the association of SNAT3 and ASCT2 with the PKCδ isoform, and Western blotting revealed the Mn(II)-mediated activation of PKCδ by proteolytic cleavage. PKC activation was also found to increase SNAT3 and ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 binding and to induce hyperubiquitination. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the Mn(II)-induced dysregulation of Gln homeostasis in astrocytes involves PKCδ signaling accompanied by an increase in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis.