An interaction involving an arginine residue in the cytoplasmic domain of the 5-HT3A receptor contributes to receptor desensitization mechanism

Structure, Function and Physiology of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors Subtype 3

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 3 (5-HT₃R) is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) involved in neuronal signaling. It is best known for its prominent role in gut-CNS signaling though there is growing interest in its other functions, particularly in modulating non-serotonergic synaptic activity. Recent advances in structural biology have provided mechanistic understanding of 5-HT₃R function and present new opportunities for the field. This chapter gives a broad overview of 5-HT₃R from a physiological and structural perspective and then discusses the specific details of ion permeation, ligand binding and allosteric coupling between these two events. Biochemical evidence is summarized and placed within a physiological context. This perspective underscores the progress that has been made as well as outstanding challenges and opportunities for future 5-HT₃R research.

A Novel Glycine Receptor Variant with Startle Disease Affects Syndapin I and Glycinergic Inhibition

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are the major mediators of fast synaptic inhibition in the adult human spinal cord and brainstem. Hereditary mutations to GlyRs can lead to the rare, but potentially fatal, neuromotor disorder hyperekplexia. Most mutations located in the large intracellular domain (TM3-4 loop) of the GlyRα1 impair surface expression levels of the receptors. The novel GLRA1 mutation P366L, located in the TM3-4 loop, showed normal surface expression but reduced chloride currents, and accelerated whole-cell desensitization observed in whole-cell recordings. At the single-channel level, we observed reduced unitary conductance accompanied by spontaneous opening events in the absence of extracellular glycine. Using peptide microarrays and tandem MS-based analysis methods, we show that the proline-rich stretch surrounding P366 mediates binding to syndapin I, an F-BAR domain protein involved in membrane remodeling. The disruption of the noncanonical Src homology 3 recognition motif by P366L reduces syndapin I binding. These data suggest that the GlyRα1 subunit interacts with intracellular binding partners and may therefore play a role in receptor trafficking or synaptic anchoring, a function thus far only ascribed to the GlyRβ subunit. Hence, the P366L GlyRα1 variant exhibits a unique set of properties that cumulatively affect GlyR functionality and thus might explain the neuropathological mechanism underlying hyperekplexia in the mutant carriers. P366L is the first dominant GLRA1 mutation identified within the GlyRα1 TM3-4 loop that affects GlyR physiology without altering protein expression at the whole-cell and surface levels.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show that the intracellular domain of the inhibitory glycine receptor α1 subunit contributes to trafficking and synaptic anchoring. A proline-rich stretch in this receptor domain forms a noncanonical recognition motif important for the interaction with syndapin I (PACSIN1). The disruption of this motif, as present in a human patient with hyperekplexia led to impaired syndapin I binding. Functional analysis revealed that the altered proline-rich stretch determines several functional physiological parameters of the ion channel (e.g., faster whole-cell desensitization) reduced unitary conductance and spontaneous opening events. Thus, the proline-rich stretch from the glycine receptor α1 subunit represents a multifunctional intracellular protein motif.

Cryo-EM reveals two distinct serotonin-bound conformations of full-length 5-HT3A receptor

Serotonin receptor (5-HT_3AR)¹, a cationic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC), is the clinical target for management of nausea and vomiting associated with radiation and chemotherapies². Upon binding, serotonin induces a global conformational change encompassing the ligand-binding extracellular domain (ECD), the transmembrane domain (TMD), and the intracellular domain (ICD), the molecular details of which are unclear. Here, we present two serotonin-bound structures of the full-length 5-HT_3AR in distinct conformations at 3.32 Å and 3.89 Å resolutions that reveal the mechanism underlying channel activation. When compared to Apo-5-HT_3AR, serotonin-bound states underwent a large twisting motion in the ECD and TMD leading to the opening of a 165 Å long permeation pathway. Notably, this motion results in creation of lateral portals for ion permeation at the interface of the TMD and ICD. Combined with molecular dynamics simulations, these structures provide novel insights into conformational coupling across domains and functional modulation.

The C and E subunits of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor subtly modulate electrical properties of the receptor

Serotonin type 3 (5-hydroxytrptamine-3, 5-HT₃) receptors are ligand-gated cation channels present in both central and peripheral nervous systems. In humans there are five different subunits (A, B, C, D and E) of 5-HT₃ receptors which can form homomeric or heteromeric receptors that may account for discrepancies in patient responses to treatments. The present study commences characterisation of the profiles of human 5-HT₃ receptors containing C and/or E subunits. Recombinant 5-HT₃ receptors were expressed transiently in HEK293T cells and expression was checked via immunocytochemistry staining against each epitope-tagged subunits. Functional characterisation of different combinations of 5-HT₃ receptor complexes was studied via patch clamp whole cell recordings. In this study, increased current was seen in cells containing A and C subunits but only subtle changes were seen in the electrical properties of cells expressing A, AE, or ACE subunits in response to the ligand, 5-HT. Both di- and tri-heteromeric 5-HT₃ receptors were significantly inhibited by the antagonists, ondansetron and palonosetron. Notably, palonosetron exerted stronger and more rapid inhibition on the 5-HT₃ receptor ACE tri-heteromer compared to homomeric and di-heteromeric counterparts. This study demonstrated that the C and E subunits when assembled as simple or complex heteromeric 5-HT₃ receptors may alter efficacies of 5-HT and clinically used antagonists such as ondansetron and palonosetron, and this in turn may have implications for patient responses to therapies.

A Missense Mutation A384P Associated with Human Hyperekplexia Reveals a Desensitization Site of Glycine Receptors

Hyperekplexia, an inherited neuronal disorder characterized by exaggerated startle responses with unexpected sensory stimuli, is caused by dysfunction of glycinergic inhibitory transmission. From analysis of newly identified human hyperekplexia mutations in the glycine receptor (GlyR) α1 subunit, we found that an alanine-to-proline missense mutation (A384P) resulted in substantially higher desensitization level and lower agonist sensitivity of homomeric α1 GlyRs when expressed in HEK cells. The incorporation of the β subunit fully reversed the reduction in agonist sensitivity and partially reversed the desensitization of α1^A384P The heteromeric α1^A384Pβ GlyRs showed enhanced desensitization but unchanged agonist-induced maximum responses, surface expression, main channel conductance, and voltage dependence compared with that of the wild-type α1β (α1^WTβ) GlyRs. Coexpression of the R392H and A384P mutant α1 subunits, which mimic the expression of the compound heterozygous mutation in a hyperekplexia patient, resulted in channel properties similar to those with α1^A384P subunit expression alone. In comparison, another human hyperekplexia mutation α1^P250T, which was previously reported to enhance desensitization, caused a strong reduction in maximum currents in addition to the altered desensitization. These results were further confirmed by overexpression of α1^P250T or α1^A384P subunits in cultured neurons isolated from SD rats of either sex. Moreover, the IPSC-like responses of cells expressing α1^A384Pβ induced by repeated glycine pulses showed a stronger frequency-dependent reduction than those expressing α1^WTβ. Together, our findings demonstrate that A384 is associated with the desensitization site of the α1 subunit and its proline mutation produced enhanced desensitization of GlyRs, which contributes to the pathogenesis of human hyperekplexia.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Human startle disease is caused by impaired synaptic inhibition in the brainstem and spinal cord, which is due to either direct loss of GlyR channel function or reduced number of synaptic GlyRs. Considering that fast decay kinetics of GlyR-mediated inhibitory synaptic responses, the question was raised whether altered desensitization of GlyRs will cause dysfunction of glycine transmission and disease phenotypes. Here, we found that the α1 subunit mutation A384P, identified from startle disease patients, results in enhanced desensitization and leads to rapidly decreasing responses in the mutant GlyRs when they are activated repeatedly by the synaptic-like simulation. These observations suggest that the enhanced desensitization of postsynaptic GlyRs could be the primary pathogenic mechanism of human startle disease.

Serotonergic Projections Govern Postnatal Neuroblast Migration

In many vertebrates, postnatally generated neurons often migrate long distances to reach their final destination, where they help shape local circuit activity. Concerted action of extrinsic stimuli is required to regulate long-distance migration. Some migratory principles are evolutionarily conserved, whereas others are species and cell type specific. Here we identified a serotonergic mechanism that governs migration of postnatally generated neurons in the mouse brain. Serotonergic axons originating from the raphe nuclei exhibit a conspicuous alignment with subventricular zone-derived neuroblasts. Optogenetic axonal activation provides functional evidence for serotonergic modulation of neuroblast migration. Furthermore, we show that the underlying mechanism involves serotonin receptor 3A (5HT3A)-mediated calcium influx. Thus, 5HT3A receptor deletion in neuroblasts impaired speed and directionality of migration and abolished calcium spikes. We speculate that serotonergic modulation of postnatally generated neuroblast migration is evolutionarily conserved as indicated by the presence of serotonergic axons in migratory paths in other vertebrates.

The coupling interface and pore domain codetermine the single-channel activity of the α7 nicotinic receptor

Ligand-gated ion channels play a role in mediating fast synaptic transmission for communication between neurons. However, the structural basis for the functional coupling of the binding and pore domains, resulting in channel opening, remains a topic of intense investigation. Here, a series of α7 nicotinic receptor mutants were constructed for expression in cultured mammalian cells, and their single-channel properties were examined using the patch-clamp technique combined with radio ligand binding and the fluorescence staining technique. We demonstrated that the replacement of the four pore-lining residues in the channel domain of the α7 nicotinic receptor with the hydrophilic residue serine prolongs the open-channel lifetime, although the conductance of these mutants decreases. At the coupling interface between the extracellular and transmembrane domains, when the VRW residues in the Cys-loop were substituted with the corresponding residues (i.e., IYN) in the 5-HT3A receptor, the single-channel activity elicited by acetylcholine is impaired. This effect occurred despite the expression of the mutant receptors on the cell surface and despite the fact that the apparent Kd values were much lower than those of the wild-type α7 receptor. When we further lowered the channel-gating barrier of this chimera to enhance the open-channel probability, the loss of function was rescued. Overall, we explored the microscopic mechanisms underlying the interplay between the channel domains and the coupling interface that affect the channel activity, and we generated an allosteric gating model for the α7 receptor. This model shows that the gating machinery and coupling assembly codetermine the single-channel gating kinetics. These results likely apply to all channels in the Cys-loop receptor family.

An internally modulated, thermostable, pH-sensitive Cys loop receptor from the hydrothermal vent worm Alvinella pompejana

Cys loop receptors (CLRs) are commonly known as ligand-gated channels that transiently open upon binding of neurotransmitters to modify the membrane potential. However, a class of cation-selective bacterial homologues of CLRs have been found to open upon a sudden pH drop, suggesting further ligands and more functions of the homologues in prokaryotes. Here we report an anion-selective CLR from the hydrothermal vent annelid worm Alvinella pompejana that opens at low pH. A. pompejana expressed sequence tag databases were explored by us, and two full-length CLR sequences were identified, synthesized, cloned, expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and studied by two-electrode voltage clamp. One channel, named Alv-a1-pHCl, yielded functional receptors and opened upon a sudden pH drop but not by other known agonists. Sequence comparison showed that both CLR proteins share conserved characteristics with eukaryotic CLRs, such as an N-terminal helix, a cysteine loop motif, and an intracellular loop intermediate in length between the long loops of other eukaryotic CLRs and those of prokaryotic CLRs. Both full-length Alv-a1-pHCl and a truncated form, termed tAlv-a1-pHCl, lacking 37 amino-terminal residues that precede the N-terminal helix, formed functional channels in oocytes. After pH activation, tAlv-a1-pHCl showed desensitization and was not modulated by ivermectin. In contrast, pH-activated, full-length Alv-a1-pHCl showed a marked rebound current and was modulated significantly by ivermectin. A thermostability assay indicated that purified tAlv-a1-pHCl expressed in Sf9 cells denatured at a higher temperature than the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica.

Presynaptic glycine receptors as a potential therapeutic target for hyperekplexia disease

Although postsynaptic glycine receptors (GlyRs) as αβ heteromers attract considerable research attention, little is known about the role of presynaptic GlyRs, likely α homomers, in diseases. Here, we demonstrate that dehydroxylcannabidiol (DH-CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, can rescue GlyR functional deficiency and exaggerated acoustic and tactile startle responses in mice bearing point mutations in α1 GlyRs that are responsible for a hereditary startle-hyperekplexia disease. The GlyRs expressed as α1 homomers either in HEK-293 cells or at presynaptic terminals of the calyceal synapses in the auditory brainstem are more vulnerable than heteromers to hyperekplexia mutation-induced impairment. Homomeric mutants are more sensitive to DH-CBD than are heteromers, suggesting presynaptic GlyRs as a primary target. Consistent with this idea, DH-CBD selectively rescues impaired presynaptic GlyR activity and diminished glycine release in the brainstem and spinal cord of hyperekplexic mutant mice. Thus, presynaptic α1 GlyRs emerge as a potential therapeutic target for dominant hyperekplexia disease and other diseases with GlyR deficiency.

Mutagenic analysis of the intracellular portals of the human 5-HT3A receptor

Structural models of Cys-loop receptors based on homology with the Torpedo marmorata nicotinic acetylcholine receptor infer the existence of cytoplasmic portals within the conduction pathway framed by helical amphipathic regions (termed membrane-associated (MA) helices) of adjacent intracellular M3-M4 loops. Consistent with these models, two arginine residues (Arg(436) and Arg(440)) within the MA helix of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3A (5-HT3A) receptors act singularly as rate-limiting determinants of single-channel conductance (γ). However, there is little conservation in primary amino acid sequences across the cytoplasmic loops of Cys-loop receptors, limiting confidence in the fidelity of this particular aspect of the 5-HT3A receptor model. We probed the majority of residues within the MA helix of the human 5-HT3A subunit using alanine- and arginine-scanning mutagenesis and the substituted cysteine accessibility method to determine their relative influences upon γ. Numerous residues, prominently those at the 435, 436, 439, and 440 positions, were found to markedly influence γ. This approach yielded a functional map of the 5-HT3A receptor portals, which agrees well with the homology model.

An outline of desensitization in pentameric ligand-gated ion channel receptors

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) receptors exhibit desensitization, the progressive reduction in ionic flux in the prolonged presence of agonist. Despite its pathophysiological importance and the fact that it was first described over half a century ago, surprisingly little is known about the structural basis of desensitization in this receptor family. Here, we explain how desensitization is defined using functional criteria. We then review recent progress into reconciling the structural and functional basis of this phenomenon. The extracellular-transmembrane domain interface is a key locus. Activation is well known to involve conformational changes at this interface, and several lines of evidence suggest that desensitization involves a distinct conformational change here that is incompatible with activation. However, major questions remain unresolved, including the structural basis of the desensitization-induced agonist affinity increase and the mechanism of pore closure during desensitization.

The structural mechanism of the Cys-loop receptor desensitization

The cys-loop receptors are neurotransmitter-operated ion channels, which mediate fast synaptic transmission for communication between neurons. However, prolonged exposure to the neurotransmitter drives the receptor to a desensitization state, which plays an important role in shaping synaptic transmission. Much progress has been made through more than half a century's research since Katz and Thesleff first descried desensitization for muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In this review, we summarized recent research developments of receptor desensitization. Now, it has been identified that many parts of the receptor, such as the pore domain (including the hinge in the M2-M3 linker), the binding domain, the coupling region, and the intracellular domain, are all involved in the cys-loop receptor desensitization and that uncoupling between the amino-terminal domain and channel lining domain seems to play a central role in desensitization. This uncoupling is mainly governed by the balance between coupling strength and relative tightness of gating machinery and influenced by other parts of the receptor. Agonist binding induces conformational change to overcome the gating barrier to open the channel through the stressed coupling region, which is subsequently broken, causing receptor desensitization. With rapid advancement in structural biology of membrane receptors, final validation of this mechanism is expected to occur in the near future when the high-resolution structure of the desensitized state is available.

Unparalleled control of neural activity using orthogonal pharmacogenetics

Studying the functional architecture of the brain requires technologies to precisely measure and perturb the activity of specific neural cells and circuits in live animals. Substantial progress has been made in recent years to develop and apply such tools. In particular, technologies that provide precise control of activity in genetically defined populations of neurons have enabled the study of causal relationships between and among neural circuit elements and behavioral outputs. Here, we review an important subset of such technologies, in which neurons are genetically engineered to respond to specific chemical ligands that have no interfering pharmacological effect in the central nervous system. A rapidly expanding set of these "orthogonal pharmacogenetic" tools provides a unique combination of genetic specificity, functional diversity, spatiotemporal precision, and potential for multiplexing. We review the main classes of orthogonal pharmacogenetic technologies, including neuroreceptors to control neuronal excitability, systems to control gene transcription and translation, and general constructs to control protein-protein interactions, enzymatic function, and protein stability. We describe the key performance characteristics informing the use of these technologies in the brain, and potential directions for improvement and expansion of the orthogonal pharmacogenetics toolkit to enable more sophisticated systems neuroscience.

A common molecular basis for exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid potentiation of glycine receptors

Both exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids can allosterically modulate glycine receptors (GlyRs). However, little is known about the molecular basis of cannabinoid-GlyR interactions. Here we report that sustained incubation with the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) substantially increased the amplitude of glycine-activated current in both rat cultured spinal neurons and in HEK-293 cells expressing human α1, rat α2 and α3 GlyRs. While the α1 and α3 subunits were highly sensitive to AEA-induced potentiation, the α2 subunit was relatively insensitive to AEA. Switching a serine at 296 and 307 in the TM3 (transmembrane domain 3) of the α1 and α3 subunits with an alanine (A) at the equivalent position in the α2 subunit converted the α1/α3 AEA-sensitive receptors to sensitivity resembling that of α2. The S296 residue is also critical for exogenous cannabinoid-induced potentiation of I(Gly). The magnitude of AEA potentiation decreased with removal of either the hydroxyl or oxygen groups on AEA. While desoxy-AEA was significantly less efficacious in potentiating I(Gly), desoxy-AEA inhibited potentiation produced by both Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a major psychoactive component of marijuana, and AEA. Similarly, didesoxy-THC, a modified THC with removal of both hydroxyl/oxygen groups, did not affect I(Gly) when applied alone but inhibited the potentiation of I(Gly) induced by AEA and THC. These findings suggest that exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids potentiate GlyRs via a hydrogen bonding-like interaction. Such a specific interaction likely stems from a common molecular basis involving the S296 residue in the TM3 of the α1 and α3 subunits.

Length and amino acid sequence of peptides substituted for the 5-HT3A receptor M3M4 loop may affect channel expression and desensitization

5-HT3A receptors are pentameric neurotransmitter-gated ion channels in the Cys-loop receptor family. Each subunit contains an extracellular domain, four transmembrane segments (M1, M2, M3, M4) and a 115 residue intracellular loop between M3 and M4. In contrast, the M3M4 loop in prokaryotic homologues is <15 residues. To investigate the limits of M3M4 loop length and composition on channel function we replaced the 5-HT3A M3M4 loop with two to seven alanine residues (5-HT3A-A_{n = 2–7}). Mutants were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and characterized using two electrode voltage clamp recording. All mutants were functional. The 5-HT EC₅₀'s were at most 5-fold greater than wild-type (WT). The desensitization rate differed significantly among the mutants. Desensitization rates for 5-HT3A-A₂, 5-HT3A-A₄, 5-HT3A-A₆, and 5-HT3A-A₇ were similar to WT. In contrast, 5-HT3A-A₃ and 5-HT3A-A₅ had desensitization rates at least an order of magnitude faster than WT. The one Ala loop construct, 5-HT3A-A₁, entered a non-functional state from which it did not recover after the first 5-HT application. These results suggest that the large M3M4 loop of eukaryotic Cys-loop channels is not required for receptor assembly or function. However, loop length and amino acid composition can effect channel expression and desensitization. We infer that the cytoplasmic ends of the M3 and M4 segments may undergo conformational changes during channel gating and desensitization and/or the loop may influence the position and mobility of these segments as they undergo gating-induced conformational changes. Altering structure or conformational mobility of the cytoplasmic ends of M3 and M4 may be the basis by which phosphorylation or protein binding to the cytoplasmic loop alters channel function.

Discrete M3-M4 intracellular loop subdomains control specific aspects of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor function

The GABA type A receptor (GABA(A)R) is a member of the pentameric ligand gated ion channel (pLGIC) family that mediates ionotropic neurotransmission. Residues in the intracellular loop domain (ILD) have recently been shown to define part of the ion permeation pathway in several closely related members of the pentameric ligand gated ion channel family. In this study, we investigated the role the ILD of the GABA(A)R α1 subunit plays in channel function. Deletion of the α1 ILD resulted in a significant increase in GABA EC(50) and maximal current amplitude, suggesting that the ILD must be intact for proper receptor function. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a mutagenic screen of all amino acids harboring ionizable side chains within this domain to investigate the contribution of individual charged residues to ion permeation. Using macroscopic and single channel voltage-clamp recording techniques, we found that mutations within a subdomain of the α1 ILD near M3 altered GABA apparent affinity; interestingly, α1(K312E) exhibited reduced partial agonist efficacy. We introduced point mutations near M4, including α1(K383E) and α1(K384E), that enhanced receptor desensitization. Mutation of 5 charged residues within a 39-residue span contiguous with M4 reduced relative anion permeability of the channel and may represent a weak intracellular selectivity filter. Within this subdomain, the α1(K378E) mutation induced a significant reduction in single channel conductance, consistent with our hypothesis that the GABA(A)R α1 ILD contributes directly to the permeation pathway.

Desensitization of alpha7 nicotinic receptor is governed by coupling strength relative to gate tightness

Binding of a neurotransmitter to its membrane receptor opens an integral ion conducting pore. However, prolonged exposure to the neurotransmitter drives the receptor to a refractory state termed desensitization, which plays an important role in shaping synaptic transmission. Despite intensive research in the past, the structural mechanism of desensitization is still elusive. Using mutagenesis and voltage clamp in an oocyte expression system, we provide several lines of evidence supporting a novel hypothesis that uncoupling between binding and gating machinery is the underlying mechanism for α7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) desensitization. First, the decrease in gate tightness was highly correlated to the reduced desensitization. Second, nonfunctional mutants in three important coupling loops (loop 2, loop 7, and the M2-M3 linker) could be rescued by a gating mutant. Furthermore, the decrease in coupling strength in these rescued coupling loop mutants reversed the gating effect on desensitization. Finally, coupling between M1 and hinge region of the M2-M3 linker also influenced the receptor desensitization. Thus, the uncoupling between N-terminal domain and transmembrane domain, governed by the balance of coupling strength and gate tightness, underlies the mechanism of desensitization for the α7 nAChR.

Psychotropic and nonpsychotropic cannabis derivatives inhibit human 5-HT(3A) receptors through a receptor desensitization-dependent mechanism

Δ⁹ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the principal psychoactive and nonpsychoactive components of cannabis. While most THC-induced behavioral effects are thought to depend on endogenous cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, the molecular targets for CBD remain unclear. Here, we report that CBD and THC inhibited the function of human 5-HT(3A) receptors (h5-HT(3A)Rs) expressed in HEK 293 cells. The magnitude of THC and CBD inhibition was maximal 5 min after a continuous incubation with cannabinoids. The EC₅₀ values for CBD and THC-induced inhibition were 110 nM and 322 nM, respectively in HEK 293 cells expressing h5-HT(3A)Rs. In these cells, CBD and THC did not stimulate specific [³⁵S]-GTP-γs binding in membranes, suggesting that the inhibition by cannabinoids is unlikely mediated by a G-protein dependent mechanism. On the other hand, both CBD and THC accelerated receptor desensitization kinetics without significantly changing activation time. The extent of cannabinoid inhibition appeared to depend on receptor desensitization. Reducing receptor desensitization by nocodazole, 5-hydroxyindole and a point-mutation in the large cytoplasmic domain of the receptor significantly decreased CBD-induced inhibition. Similarly, the magnitude of THC and CBD-induced inhibition varied with the apparent desensitization rate of h5-HT(3A)Rs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. For instance, with increasing amount of h5-HT(3A)R cRNA injected into the oocytes, the receptor desensitization rate at steady state decreased. THC and CBD-induced inhibition was correlated with the change in the receptor desensitization rate. Thus, CBD and THC inhibit h5-HT(3A) receptors through a mechanism that is dependent on receptor desensitization.

Allosteric modulation of the 5-HT(3) receptor

5-Hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that play important roles in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, emesis, inflammatory pain, spinal nociception, gastrointestinal function, and cardiovascular reflexes. Probably the most studied modulators of 5-HT(3) receptors are the high affinity competitive 'setron' antagonists typified by ondansetron. However, there exists a broad range of compounds that modulate the 5-HT(3) receptor, not through the orthosteric site but by binding to allosteric sites. Most notable are therapeutic compounds ascribed to certain targets but that allosterically modulate 5-HT(3) receptors at clinically relevant concentrations.

Identification of a domain which affects kinetics and antagonistic potency of clozapine at 5-HT3 receptors

The widely used atypical antipsychotic clozapine is a potent competitive antagonist at 5-HT₃ receptors which may contribute to its unique psychopharmacological profile. Clozapine binds to 5-HT₃ receptors of various species. However, the structural requirements of the respective binding site for clozapine remain to be determined. Differences in the primary sequences within the 5-HT_3A receptor gene in schizophrenic patients may result in an alteration of the antipsychotic potency and/or the side effect profile of clozapine. To determine these structural requirements we constructed chimeras with different 5-HT_3A receptor sequences of murine and human origin and expressed these mutants in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Clozapine antagonises recombinant mouse 5-HT_3A receptors with higher potency compared to recombinant human 5-HT_3A receptors. 5-HT activation curves and clozapine inhibition curves yielded the parameters EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ for all receptors tested in the range of 0.6–2.7 µM and 1.5–83.3 nM, respectively. The use of the Cheng-Prusoff equation to calculate the dissociation constant K_b values for clozapine revealed that an extracellular sequence (length 86 aa) close to the transmembrane domain M1 strongly determines the binding affinity of clozapine. K_b values of clozapine were significantly lower (0.3–1.1 nM) for receptors containing the murine sequence and higher when compared with receptors containing the respective human sequence (5.8–13.4 nM). Thus, individual differences in the primary sequence of 5-HT₃ receptors may be crucial for the antipsychotic potency and/or the side effect profile of clozapine.

Novel regulatory site within the TM3-4 loop of human recombinant alpha3 glycine receptors determines channel gating and domain structure

Glycine receptors are Cys loop ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. The functionally distinct splice variants alpha3L and alpha3K of the human glycine receptor differ by a 15-amino acid insert within the long intracellular TM3-4 loop, a region of high intersubunit diversity. In a mutational study, effects of the insert on ion channel function and secondary structure of the TM3-4 loop were investigated. Whole cell current responses and protein surface expression data indicated that the major effect of mutations within the insert was on channel gating. Changes in channel gating correlated with the distribution of charged residues about the splice region. Analysis of complex molecular weight indicated that recombinant TM3-4 loops of alpha3L and alpha3K associated into oligomers of different stoichiometry. Secondary structure analysis suggested that the insert stabilized the overall fold of the large cytoplasmic domain of alpha3L subunits. The absence of the insert resulted in a channel that was still functional, but the TM3-4 cytoplasmic domain appeared not stably folded. Thus, our data identified the spliced insert within the large TM 3-4 loop of alpha3 Gly receptors as a novel regulatory motif that serves a 2-fold role: (i) the presence of the insert stabilizes the overall spatial structure of the domain, and (ii) the insert presents a control unit that regulates gating of the receptor ion channel.

The 5-HT3 receptor--the relationship between structure and function

The 5-hydroxytryptamine type-3 (5-HT3) receptor is a cation-selective ion channel of the Cys-loop superfamily. 5-HT3 receptor activation in the central and peripheral nervous systems evokes neuronal excitation and neurotransmitter release. Here, we review the relationship between the structure and the function of the 5-HT3 receptor. 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B subunits are well established components of 5-HT3 receptors but additional HTR3C, HTR3D and HTR3E genes expand the potential for molecular diversity within the family. Studies upon the relationship between subunit structure and the ionic selectivity and single channel conductances of 5-HT3 receptors have identified a novel domain (the intracellular MA-stretch) that contributes to ion permeation and selectivity. Conventional and unnatural amino acid mutagenesis of the extracellular domain of the receptor has revealed residues, within the principle (A-C) and complementary (D-F) loops, which are crucial to ligand binding. An area requiring much further investigation is the subunit composition of 5-HT3 receptors that are endogenous to neurones, and their regional expression within the central nervous system. We conclude by describing recent studies that have identified numerous HTR3A and HTR3B gene polymorphisms that impact upon 5-HT3 receptor function, or expression, and consider their relevance to (patho)physiology.

Naturally occurring variants in the HTR3B gene significantly alter properties of human heteromeric 5-hydroxytryptamine-3A/B receptors

OBJECTIVES

The 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel, is known to be involved in gut motility and peristalsis, the mediation of pain and psychiatric diseases. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are effectively used to treat chemotherapy-induced emesis and irritable bowel syndrome. We have characterized the impact of four naturally occurring variants in the HTR3B gene leading to amino acid exchanges within the respective subunit of heteromeric 5-HT3A/B receptors on a functional and expressional level.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For functional characterization, a Ca influx assay based on aequorin bioluminescence was used. Radioligand-binding studies with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [H]GR65630 were carried out to determine expression levels of heteromeric 5-HT3A/B receptors. Transiently transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells using 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B complementary DNA constructs were shown to coexpress homopentameric 5-HT3A next to heteromeric 5-HT3A/B receptors. The variant p.V183I decreased surface expression, whereas p.Y129S and p.S156R led to pronounced increases of 5-HT maximum responses, despite nearly unaltered surface expression levels of heteromeric 5-HT3A/B receptors.

CONCLUSION

These results may help to explain earlier reported association findings of the frequent p.Y129S and p.V183I variants with psychiatric diseases. Replication studies with larger sample pools, especially regarding the rare p.S156R variant would be useful, to obtain an idea about the predisposing role of these single nucleotide polymorphisms as susceptibility variants.

On the voltage-dependent Ca2+ block of serotonin 5-HT3 receptors: a critical role of intracellular phosphates

Natively expressed serotonin 5-HT(3) receptors typically possess a negative-slope conductance region in their I-V curve, due to a voltage-dependent block by external Ca(2+) ions. However, in almost all studies performed with heterologously expressed 5-HT(3) receptors, this feature was not observed. Here we show that mere addition of ATP to the pipette solution is sufficient to reliably observe a voltage-dependent block in homomeric (h5-HT(3A)) and heteromeric (h5-HT(3AB)) receptors expressed in HEK293 cells. A similar block was observed with a plethora of molecules containing a phosphate moiety, thus excluding a role of phosphorylation. A substitution of three arginines in the intracellular vestibule of 5-HT(3A) with their counterpart residues from the 5-HT(3B) subunit (RRR-QDA) was previously shown to dramatically increase single channel conductance. We find this mutant to have a linear I-V curve that is unaffected by the presence of ATP, with a fractional Ca(2+) current (Pf%) that is reduced (1.8 +/- 0.2%) compared to that of the homomeric receptor (4.1 +/- 0.2%), and similar to that of the heteromeric form (2.0 +/- 0.3%). Moreover, whereas ATP decreased the Pf% of the homomeric receptor, this was not observed with the RRR-QDA mutant. Finally, ATP was found to be critical for voltage-dependent channel block also in hippocampal interneurons that natively express 5-HT(3) receptors. Taken together, our results indicate a novel mechanism by which ATP, and similar molecules, modulate 5-HT(3) receptors via interactions with the intracellular vestibule of the receptor.

Differential effects of serotonin and dopamine on human 5-HT3A receptor kinetics: interpretation within an allosteric kinetic model

Serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptors are members of the pentameric Cys-loop superfamily of receptors that modulate synaptic neurotransmission. In response to agonist binding and unbinding, members of this superfamily undergo a series of conformational transitions that define their functional properties. In this study, we report the results of electrophysiological studies using rapid solution exchange designed to characterize and compare the actions of the high-efficacy agonist serotonin and the low-efficacy agonist dopamine on human 5-HT3A receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. In the case of serotonin, receptor activation rates varied with agonist concentration, and deactivation occurred as a single-exponential process with a rate that was similar to the maximal rate of desensitization. Receptors recovered slowly from long desensitizing pulses of serotonin with a sigmoidal time course. In the case of dopamine, receptor activation rates were independent of agonist concentration, receptor deactivation occurred as a complex process that was significantly faster than the maximal rate of desensitization, and recovery from desensitization occurred more quickly than with 5-HT and its time course was not sigmoidal. We developed an allosteric kinetic model for 5-HT3A receptor activation, deactivation, desensitization, and resensitization. Interpretation of our results within the context of this model indicated that the distinct modulatory actions of serotonin versus dopamine are largely attributable to the vastly different rates with which these two agonists induce channel opening and dissociate from open and desensitized states.

Modulation of 5-HT3 receptor desensitization by the light chain of microtubule-associated protein 1B expressed in HEK 293 cells

Regulation of ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) function and trafficking by cytoskeleton proteins has been the topic of recent research. Here, we report that the light chain (LC1) of microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) specifically interacted with the 5-HT(3A) receptor, a predominant serotonin-gated ion channel in the brain. LC1 and 5-HT(3A) receptors were colocalized in central neurons and in HEK 293 cells expressing 5-HT(3A) receptors. LC1 reduced the steady-state density of 5-HT(3A) receptors at the membrane surface of HEK 293 cells and significantly accelerated receptor desensitization time constants from 3.8 +/- 0.3 s to 0.8 +/- 0.1 s. However, LC1 did not significantly alter agonist binding affinity and single-channel conductance of 5-HT(3A) receptors. On the other hand, application of specific LC1 antisense oligonucleotides and nocodazole, a microtubule disruptor, significantly prolonged the desensitization time of the recombinant and native neuronal 5-HT(3) receptors by 3- to 6-fold. This kinetic change induced by nocodazole was completely rescued by addition of LC1 but not GABA(A) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), suggesting that LC1 can specifically interact with 5-HT(3A) receptors. These observations suggest that the LC1-5-HT(3A) receptor interaction contributes to a mechanism that regulates receptor desensitization kinetics. Such dynamic regulation may play a role in reshaping the efficacy of 5-HT(3) receptor-mediated synaptic transmission.

Influence of PCPA and MDMA (ecstasy) on physiology, development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

The effects of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 3,4 methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') were investigated in relation to development, behavior and physiology in larval Drosophila. PCPA blocks the synthesis of serotonin (5-HT) and MDMA is known to deplete 5-HT in mammalian neurons; thus these studies were conducted primarily to target the serotonergic system. Treatment with PCPA and MDMA delayed time to pupation and eclosion. The developmental rate was investigated with a survival analysis statistical approach that is unique for Drosophila studies. Locomotion and eating were reduced in animals exposed to MDMA or PCPA. Sensitivity to exogenously applied 5-HT on an evoked sensory-central nervous system (CNS)-motor circuit showed that the CNS is sensitive to 5-HT but that when depleted of 5-HT by PCPA a decreased sensitivity occurred. A diet with MDMA produced an enhanced response to exogenous 5-HT on the central circuit. Larvae eating MDMA from the first to third instar did not show a reduction in 5-HT within the CNS; however, eating PCPA reduced 5-HT as well as dopamine content as measured by high performance liquid chromatography from larval brains. As the heart serves as a good bioindex of 5-HT exposure, it was used in larvae fed PCPA and MDMA but no significant effects occurred with exogenous 5-HT. In summary, the action of these pharmacological compounds altered larval behaviors and development. PCPA treatment changed the sensitivity in the CNS to 5-HT, suggesting that 5-HT receptor regulation is modulated by neural activity of the serotonergic neurons. The actions of acute MDMA exposure suggest a 5-HT agonist action or possible dumping of 5-HT from neurons.

Dynamics of heteropentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: implications of the gating mechanism

The dynamics characteristics of the currently available structure of Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), including the extracellular, transmembrane, and intracellular domains (ICDs), were analyzed using the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) and Anisotropic Network Model (ANM). We found that a symmetric quaternary twist motion, reported previously in the literature in a homopentameric receptor (Cheng et al. J Mol Biol 2006;355:310-324; Taly et al. Biophys J 2005;88:3954-3965), occurred also in the heteropentameric Torpedo nAChR. We believe, however, that the symmetric twist alone is not sufficient to explain a large body of experimental data indicating asymmetry and subunit nonequivalence during gating. Here we report our results supporting the hypothesis that a combination of symmetric and asymmetric motions opens the gate. We show that the asymmetric motion involves tilting of the TM2 helices. Furthermore, our study reveals three additional aspects of channel dynamics: (1) loop A serves as an allosteric mediator between the ligand binding loops and those at the domain interface, particularly the linker between TM2 and TM3; (2) the ICD can modulate the pore dynamics and thus should not be neglected in gating studies; and (3) the F loops, which are peculiarly longer and poorly-conserved in non-alpha-subunits, have important dynamical implications.

Novel structural determinants of single-channel conductance in nicotinic acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine type-3 receptors

Nicotinic ACh (acetylcholine) and 5-HT3 (5-hydroxytryptamine type-3) receptors are cation-selective ion channels of the Cys-loop transmitter-gated ion channel superfamily. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that the channel lining domain of such receptors is formed by the alpha-helical M2 domain (second transmembrane domain) contributed by each of five subunits present within the receptor complex. Specific amino acid residues within the M2 domain have accordingly been demonstrated to influence both single-channel conductance (gamma) and ion selectivity. However, it is now clear from work performed on the homomeric 5-HT3A receptor, heteromeric 5-HT3A/5-HT3B receptor and 5-HT3A/5-HT3B receptor subunit chimaeric constructs that an additional major determinant of gamma resides within a cytoplasmic domain of the receptor termed the MA-stretch (membrane-associated stretch). The MA-stretch, within the M3-M4 loop, is not traditionally thought to be implicated in ion permeation and selection. Here, we describe how such observations extend to a representative neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor composed of alpha4 and beta2 subunits and, by inference, probably other members of the Cys-loop family. In addition, we will attempt to interpret our results within the context of a recently developed atomic scale model of the nicotinic ACh receptor of Torpedo marmorata (marbled electric ray).