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Zhang W, Liu T, Li J, Singh J, Chan A, Islam A, Petrache A, Peng Y, Harvey K, Ali AB. Decreased extrasynaptic δ-GABA A receptors in PNN-associated parvalbumin interneurons correlates with anxiety in APP and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3944-3975. [PMID: 38886118 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with gradual memory loss and anxiety which affects ~75% of AD patients. This study investigated whether AD-associated anxiety correlated with modulation of extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δ-GABAARs) in experimental mouse models of AD. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We combined behavioural experimental paradigms to measure cognition performance, and anxiety with neuroanatomy and molecular biology, using familial knock-in (KI) mouse models of AD that harbour β-amyloid (Aβ) precursor protein App (AppNL-F) with or without humanized microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), age-matched to wild-type control mice at three different age windows. RESULTS AppNL-F KI and AppNL-F/MAPT AD models showed a similar magnitude of cognitive decline and elevated magnitude of anxiety correlated with neuroinflammatory hallmarks, including triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), reactive astrocytes and activated microglia consistent with accumulation of Aβ, tau and down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling compared to aged-matched WT controls. In both the CA1 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, there was an age-dependent decline in the expression of δ-GABAARs selectively expressed in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons, encapsulated by perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the AD mouse models compared to WT mice. In vivo positive allosteric modulation of the δ-GABAARs, using a δ-selective-compound DS2, decreased the level of anxiety in the AD mouse models, which was correlated with reduced hallmarks of neuroinflammation, and 'normalisation' of the expression of δ-GABAARs. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the δ-GABAARs could potentially be targeted for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, which would greatly improve the quality of life of AD individuals.
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Kan C, Ullah A, Dang S, Xue H. Modular Structure and Polymerization Status of GABA A Receptors Illustrated with EM Analysis and AlphaFold2 Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10142. [PMID: 39337627 PMCID: PMC11432007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Type-A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors are channel proteins crucial to mediating neuronal balance in the central nervous system (CNS). The structure of GABAA receptors allows for multiple binding sites and is key to drug development. Yet the formation mechanism of the receptor's distinctive pentameric structure is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of three predominant subunits of the human GABAA receptor in the formation of protein pentamers. Through purifying and refolding the protein fragments of the GABAA receptor α1, β2, and γ2 subunits, the particle structures were visualised with negative staining electron microscopy (EM). To aid the analysis, AlphaFold2 was used to compare the structures. Results show that α1 and β2 subunit fragments successfully formed homo-oligomers, particularly homopentameric structures, while the predominant heteropentameric GABAA receptor was also replicated through the combination of the three subunits. However, homopentameric structures were not observed with the γ2 subunit proteins. A comparison of the AlphaFold2 predictions and the previously obtained cryo-EM structures presents new insights into the subunits' modular structure and polymerization status. By performing experimental and computational studies, a deeper understanding of the complex structure of GABAA receptors is provided. Hopefully, this study can pave the way to developing novel therapeutics for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Xue
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; (C.K.); (A.U.); (S.D.)
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Valladares-Hernández IU, Hernández-Martínez JM, Cuaxospa JM, Jiménez-Vázquez EN, Sánchez-Jaramillo E, Arias JM, García U. Molecular cloning, functional characterization and differential expression of two novel GABA AR-like subunits from red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39275952 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we cloned and functionally expressed two novel GABAA receptor subunits from Procambarus clarkii crayfish. These two new subunits, PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-β2, revealed significant sequence homology with the PcGABAA-β subunit, previously identified in our laboratory. In addition, PcGABAA-α subunit also shared a significant degree of identity with the Drosophila melanogaster genes DmGRD (GABA and glycine-like receptor subunits of Drosophila) as well as PcGABAA-β2 subunit with DmLCCH3 (ligand-gated chloride channel homolog 3). Electrophysiological recordings showed that the expression in HEK cells of the novel subunits, either alone or in combination, failed to form functional homo- or heteromeric receptors. However, the co-expression of PcGABAA-α with PcGABAA-β evoked sodium- or chloride-dependent currents that accurately reproduced the time course of the GABA-evoked currents in the X-organ neurons from crayfish, suggesting that these GABA subunits combine to form two types of GABA receptors, one with cationic selectivity filter and the other preferentially permeates anions. On the other hand, PcGABAA-β2 and PcGABAA-β co-expression generated a chloride current that does not show desensitization. Muscimol reproduced the time course of GABA-evoked currents in all functional receptors, and picrotoxin blocked these currents; bicuculline did not block any of the recorded currents. Reverse transcription polymerae chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplifications and FISH revealed that PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-β2 are predominantly expressed in the crayfish nervous system. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence of a neural GABA-gated cationic channel in the crayfish, increasing our understanding of the role of these new GABAA receptor subunits in native heteromeric receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Uriel Valladares-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Hernández-Martínez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Miguel Cuaxospa
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Edith Sánchez-Jaramillo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Arias
- Proyecto de Neurociencias, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ubaldo García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Lyu Q, Xue W, Liu R, Ma Q, Kasaragod VB, Sun S, Li Q, Chen Y, Yuan M, Yang Y, Zhang B, Nie A, Jia S, Shen C, Gao P, Rong W, Yu C, Bi Y, Zhang C, Nan F, Ning G, Rao Z, Yang X, Wang J, Wang W. A brain-to-gut signal controls intestinal fat absorption. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07929-5. [PMID: 39261733 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07929-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Although fat is a crucial source of energy in diets, excessive intake leads to obesity. Fat absorption in the gut is prevailingly thought to occur organ-autonomously by diffusion1-3. Whether the process is controlled by the brain-to-gut axis, however, remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMV) plays a key part in this process. Inactivation of DMV neurons reduces intestinal fat absorption and consequently causes weight loss, whereas activation of the DMV increases fat absorption and weight gain. Notably, the inactivation of a subpopulation of DMV neurons that project to the jejunum shortens the length of microvilli, thereby reducing fat absorption. Moreover, we identify a natural compound, puerarin, that mimics the suppression of the DMV-vagus pathway, which in turn leads to reduced fat absorption. Photoaffinity chemical methods and cryogenic electron microscopy of the structure of a GABAA receptor-puerarin complex reveal that puerarin binds to an allosteric modulatory site. Notably, conditional Gabra1 knockout in the DMV largely abolishes puerarin-induced intestinal fat loss. In summary, we discover that suppression of the DMV-vagus-jejunum axis controls intestinal fat absorption by shortening the length of microvilli and illustrate the therapeutic potential of puerarin binding to GABRA1 in fat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Lyu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhi Xue
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixin Liu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinyun Ma
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Shan Sun
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyang Yuan
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuying Yang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aifang Nie
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Jia
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Chongrong Shen
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifang Rong
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxi Yu
- The Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufang Bi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Neural Circuits for Spatial Navigation and Memory, Paris, France
| | - Fajun Nan
- The Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuna Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqiu Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, SJTUSM, Shanghai, China.
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Bartos M, Gallegos CE, Mónaco N, Lencinas I, Dominguez S, Bras C, Del Carmen Esandi M, Bouzat C, Gumilar F. Developmental exposure to arsenic reduces anxiety levels and leads to a depressive-like behavior in female offspring rats: Molecular changes in the prefrontal cortex. Neurotoxicology 2024; 104:85-94. [PMID: 39079579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) detrimentally affects the structure and function of the central nervous system. In-utero and postnatal exposure to iAs has been connected to adverse effects on cognitive development. Therefore, this investigation explores neurobehavioral and neurochemical effects of 0.05 and 0.10 mg/L iAs exposure during gestation and lactation periods on 90-day-old female offspring rats. The assessment of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors was conducted through the application of an elevated plus maze and a forced swim test. The neurochemical changes were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) through the determination of enzyme activities and α1 GABAA subunit expression levels. Our findings revealed a notable impact of iAs exposure on anxiety and the induction of depressive-like behavior in 90-day-old female offspring. Furthermore, the antioxidant status within the PFC exhibited discernible alterations in exposed rats. Notably, the activities of acetylcholinesterase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase demonstrated an increase, while glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activity displayed a decrease within the PFC due to the iAs treatment. Additionally, a distinct downregulation in the mRNA expression of the α1GABAA receptor was observed in this neuronal region. These findings strongly suggest that iAs exposure during early stages of rat development causes significant modifications in brain oxidative stress markers and perturbs the activity of enzymes associated with cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. In parallel, it elicits a discernible reduction in the level of GABA receptors within the PFC. These molecular alterations may play a role in the diminished anxiety levels and the depressive-like behavior outlined in the current investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bartos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - Cristina E Gallegos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - Nina Mónaco
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - Ileana Lencinas
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - Sergio Dominguez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - Cristina Bras
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina
| | - María Del Carmen Esandi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires 8000, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires 8000, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Gumilar
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR) Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca CP8000, Argentina.
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Câmara JS, Perestrelo R, Ferreira R, Berenguer CV, Pereira JAM, Castilho PC. Plant-Derived Terpenoids: A Plethora of Bioactive Compounds with Several Health Functions and Industrial Applications-A Comprehensive Overview. Molecules 2024; 29:3861. [PMID: 39202940 PMCID: PMC11357518 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids are a large class of natural secondary plant metabolites which are highly diverse in structure, formed from isoprene units (C-5), associated with a wide range of biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anticancer, antimetastatic, antiangiogenesis, and apoptosis induction, and are considered for potential application in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. In plants, terpenoids exert a variety of basic functions in growth and development. This review gives an overview, highlighting the current knowledge of terpenoids and recent advances in our understanding of the organization, regulation, and diversification of core and specialized terpenoid metabolic pathways and addressing the most important functions of volatile and non-volatile specialized terpenoid metabolites in plants. A comprehensive description of different aspects of plant-derived terpenoids as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, their biosynthetic pathway, the several biological properties attributed to these secondary metabolites associated with health-promoting effects, and their potential industrial applications in several fields will be provided, and emerging and green extraction methods will also be discussed. In addition, future research perspectives within this framework will be highlighted. Literature selection was carried out using the National Library of Medicine, PubMed, and international reference data for the period from 2010 to 2024 using the keyword "terpenoids". A total of 177,633 published papers were found, of which 196 original and review papers were included in this review according to the criteria of their scientific reliability, their completeness, and their relevance to the theme considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- José S. Câmara
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Rosa Perestrelo
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Rui Ferreira
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Cristina V. Berenguer
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Jorge A. M. Pereira
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Paula C. Castilho
- CQM—Centro de Química da Madeira, NPRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (R.P.); (R.F.); (C.V.B.); (J.A.M.P.); (P.C.C.)
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
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Akyuz E, Arulsamy A, Aslan FS, Sarisözen B, Guney B, Hekimoglu A, Yilmaz BN, Retinasamy T, Shaikh MF. An Expanded Narrative Review of Neurotransmitters on Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Therapeutic Interventions on Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y. [PMID: 39012443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles are the key players responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau affect the balance in chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the current review examined the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the alterations in the neurochemical activity and cross talk with their receptors and transporters. In the presence of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, changes may occur in the expression of neuronal receptors which in turn triggers excessive release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft contributing to cell death and neuronal damage. The GABAergic system may also be affected by AD pathology in a similar way. In addition, decreased receptors in the cholinergic system and dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmission of AD pathology may also contribute to the damage to cognitive function. Moreover, the presence of deficiencies in noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus in AD suggests that noradrenergic stimulation could be useful in addressing its pathophysiology. The regulation of melatonin, known for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Aβ accumulation, along with the involvement of the serotonergic system and histaminergic system in cognition and memory, becomes remarkable for promoting neurotransmission in AD. Additionally, nitric oxide and adenosine-based therapeutic approaches play a protective role in AD by preventing neuroinflammation. Overall, neurotransmitter-based therapeutic strategies emerge as pivotal for addressing neurotransmitter homeostasis and neurotransmission in the context of AD. This review discussed the potential for neurotransmitter-based drugs to be effective in slowing and correcting the neurodegenerative processes in AD by targeting the neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, neurotransmitter-based drugs could serve as a future therapeutic strategy to tackle AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Bugra Sarisözen
- School of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Guney
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Beyza Nur Yilmaz
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thaarvena Retinasamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.
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8
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Roy MS, Sarkar BK, Kundu SK. Site specific binding pattern of benzodiazepines with GABA A receptor and related impact on their activities in the human body: An in silico method based study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33929. [PMID: 39071685 PMCID: PMC11283148 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite of being the drugs of the same therapeutic class (Benzodiazepines), each of them shows different actions prominently. It is commonly seen that Bromazepam, Clonazepam, and, Alprazolam are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and phobias. On the other hand, Midazolam, Temazepam, Flurazepam, and Nitrazepam are indicated for the treatment of insomnia and Lorazepam is considered as a drug having anticonvulsant effects. As the mechanism of action is the same, there should be some differences in the binding patterns with the proteins that create differences in their impacts on the body. A deep screening of the binding patterns of the available Benzodiazepines in the market to the GABAA receptor will be beneficial to find out the responsible amino acids for being accountable for showing any specific action. This reveal will help design new molecules with the highest beneficial effect and lowest toxicity in the body. The in silico method provides the initial level of understanding regarding the binding patterns, performing in vitro and in vivo experiments will be more specific to claim the benefits of newly designed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matrika Saha Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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9
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Xie W, Donat A, Jiang S, Baranowsky A, Keller J. The emerging role of tranexamic acid and its principal target, plasminogen, in skeletal health. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2869-2884. [PMID: 39027253 PMCID: PMC11252461 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The worldwide burden of skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease and impaired fracture healing is steadily increasing. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a plasminogen inhibitor and anti-fibrinolytic agent, is used to reduce bleeding with high effectiveness and safety in major surgical procedures. With its widespread clinical application, the effects of TXA beyond anti-fibrinolysis have been noticed and prompted renewed interest in its use. Some clinical trials have characterized the effects of TXA on reducing postoperative infection rates and regulating immune responses in patients undergoing surgery. Also, several animal studies suggest potential therapeutic effects of TXA on skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and fracture healing. Although a direct effect of TXA on the differentiation and function of bone cells in vitro was shown, few mechanisms of action have been reported. Here, we summarize recent findings of the effects of TXA on skeletal diseases and discuss the underlying plasminogen-dependent and -independent mechanisms related to bone metabolism and the immune response. We furthermore discuss potential novel indications for TXA application as a treatment strategy for skeletal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Xie
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Antonia Donat
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Anke Baranowsky
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Johannes Keller
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
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10
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Zhao J, Chen AQ, Ryu J, del Mármol J. Structural basis of odor sensing by insect heteromeric odorant receptors. Science 2024; 384:1460-1467. [PMID: 38870275 PMCID: PMC11235583 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Most insects, including human-targeting mosquitoes, detect odors through odorant-activated ion channel complexes consisting of a divergent odorant-binding subunit (OR) and a conserved co-receptor subunit (Orco). As a basis for understanding how odorants activate these heteromeric receptors, we report here cryo-electron microscopy structures of two different heteromeric odorant receptor complexes containing ORs from disease-vector mosquitos Aedes aegypti or Anopheles gambiae. These structures reveal an unexpected stoichiometry of one OR to three Orco subunits. Comparison of structures in odorant-bound and unbound states indicates that odorant binding to the sole OR subunit is sufficient to open the channel pore, suggesting a mechanism of OR activation and a conceptual framework for understanding evolution of insect odorant receptor sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhao
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Andy Q. Chen
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Jaewook Ryu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Josefina del Mármol
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Boston, 02115, USA
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11
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Lu X, Shu HJ, Lambert PM, Benz A, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S. δ-containing GABA A receptors on parvalbumin interneurons modulate neuronal excitability and network dynamics in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599033. [PMID: 38915641 PMCID: PMC11195237 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
In medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneurons regulate excitability and microcircuit oscillatory activity important for cognition. Although PV interneurons inhibit pyramidal neurons, they themselves express δ subunits of GABAA receptors important for slow inhibition. However, the specific contribution of δ-containing GABAA receptors to the function of PV interneurons in mPFC is unclear. We explored cellular, synaptic, and local-circuit activity in PV interneurons and pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC after selectively deleting δ subunits in PV interneurons (cKO mice). In current-clamp recordings, cKO PV interneurons exhibited a higher frequency of action potentials and higher input resistance than wild type (WT) PV interneurons. Picrotoxin increased firing and GABA decreased firing in WT PV interneurons but not in cKO PV interneurons. The δ-preferring agonist THIP reduced spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in WT pyramidal neurons but not in cKO pyramidal neurons. In WT slices, depolarizing the network with 400 nM kainate increased firing of pyramidal neurons but had little effect on PV interneuron firing. By contrast, in cKO slices kainate recruited PV interneurons at the expense of pyramidal neurons. At the population level, kainate induced broadband increases in local field potentials in WT but not cKO slices. These results on cells and the network can be understood through increased excitability of cKO PV interneurons. In summary, our study demonstrates that δ-containing GABAA receptors in mPFC PV interneurons play a crucial role in regulating their excitability and the phasic inhibition of pyramidal neurons, elucidating intricate mechanisms governing cortical circuitry. Significance statement By selectively deleting δ-containing GABAA receptors in PV interneurons, we demonstrate the importance of these receptors on PV interneuron excitability, synaptic inhibition of pyramidal neurons, and circuit function.
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12
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Misrani A, Tabassum S, Wang T, Huang H, Jiang J, Diao H, Zhao Y, Huang Z, Tan S, Long C, Yang L. Vibration-reduced anxiety-like behavior relies on ameliorating abnormalities of the somatosensory cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1351-1359. [PMID: 37905885 PMCID: PMC11467954 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tibetan singing bowls emit low-frequency sounds and produce perceptible harmonic tones and vibrations through manual tapping. The sounds the singing bowls produce have been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used chronic restraint stress or sleep deprivation to establish mouse models of anxiety that exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. We then supplied treatment with singing bowls in a bottomless cage placed on the top of a cushion. We found that unlike in humans, the combination of harmonic tones and vibrations did not improve anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while individual vibration components did. Additionally, the vibration of singing bowls increased the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex of the mice, decreased the level of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor α 1 subtype, reduced the level of CaMKII in the prefrontal cortex, and increased the number of GABAergic interneurons. At the same time, electrophysiological tests showed that the vibration of singing bowls significantly reduced the abnormal low-frequency gamma oscillation peak frequency in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by stress restraint pressure and sleep deprivation. Results from this study indicate that the vibration of singing bowls can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by reducing abnormal molecular and electrophysiological events in somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Misrani
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sidra Tabassum
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tintin Wang
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huixian Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinxiang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongjun Diao
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaohua Tan
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cheng Long
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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13
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Curry RN, Ma Q, McDonald MF, Ko Y, Srivastava S, Chin PS, He P, Lozzi B, Athukuri P, Jing J, Wang S, Harmanci AO, Arenkiel B, Jiang X, Deneen B, Rao G, Harmanci AS. Integrated electrophysiological and genomic profiles of single cells reveal spiking tumor cells in human glioma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.02.583026. [PMID: 38496434 PMCID: PMC10942290 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.02.583026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Prior studies have described the complex interplay that exists between glioma cells and neurons, however, the electrophysiological properties endogenous to tumor cells remain obscure. To address this, we employed Patch-sequencing on human glioma specimens and found that one third of patched cells in IDH mutant (IDH mut ) tumors demonstrate properties of both neurons and glia by firing single, short action potentials. To define these hybrid cells (HCs) and discern if they are tumor in origin, we developed a computational tool, Single Cell Rule Association Mining (SCRAM), to annotate each cell individually. SCRAM revealed that HCs represent tumor and non-tumor cells that feature GABAergic neuron and oligodendrocyte precursor cell signatures. These studies are the first to characterize the combined electrophysiological and molecular properties of human glioma cells and describe a new cell type in human glioma with unique electrophysiological and transcriptomic properties that are likely also present in the non-tumor mammalian brain.
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14
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Bukanova JV, Solntseva EI, Skrebitsky VG. Factors promoting the release of picrotoxin from the trap in the GABA(A) receptor pore. Neurochem Int 2024; 175:105703. [PMID: 38395151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Picrotoxin (PTX), a convulsant of plant origin, has been used in many studies as research tool. PTX is the open channel blocker of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR). Being in the pore, PTX initiates transfer of the channel to the closed state and thus it falls into the "trap". The consequence of this PTX trapping is so-called aftereffect, i.e. continuation of the blockade of the GABA-induced chloride current (IGABA) after removal of PTX from the external solution. The present work shows that the positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAA receptor, allopregnanolone (Allo) and zolpidem (Zolp) as well as a high concentration of GABA shortened the PTX aftereffect. Experiments were carried out on isolated Purkinje neurons of the rat cerebellum using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. IGABA was induced by applications of 5 μM GABA (EC30) for 1 s with 30 s intervals. 50 μM PTX completely blocked IGABA, and recovery upon PTX washout occurred with a time constant (τrec) of 20.2 min. 1 μM Allo reduced the blocking effect of PTX by 30% and accelerated the recovery of IGABA by almost 10 times (τrec = 2.4 min). 0.5 μM Zolp did not change the IGABA block in the presence of PTX but accelerated the recovery of IGABA by more than 3 times (τrec = 5.6 min). Increasing the GABA concentration to 20 μM did not change the blocking effect of PTX, but accelerated recovery by 6 times (τrec = 3.3 min). The mechanism of the shortening of the PTX aftereffect is presumably the expansion of the GABAAR pore in the presence of PAMs and a high concentration of the agonist and, as a consequence, the escape of PTX from the "trap". The work describes new pharmacological properties of Allo and Zolp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia V Bukanova
- Brain Research Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena I Solntseva
- Brain Research Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia.
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15
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Colucci Cante R, Nigro F, Passannanti F, Lentini G, Gallo M, Nigro R, Budelli AL. Gut health benefits and associated systemic effects provided by functional components from the fermentation of natural matrices. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13356. [PMID: 38767859 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic health, immunity, behavioral balance, longevity, and intestine comfort has been the object of several studies from scientific communities. They were encouraged by a growing interest from food industries and consumers toward novel fermented ingredients and formulations with powerful biological effects, such as pre, pro, and postbiotic products. Depending on the selected strains, the operating conditions, the addition of suitable reagents or enzymes, the equipment, and the reactor configurations, functional compounds with high bioactivity, such as short-chain fatty acids, gamma-aminobutyric acid, bioactive peptides, and serotonin, can be enhanced and/or produced through fermentation of several vegetable matrices. Otherwise, their formation can also be promoted directly in the gut after the dietary intake of fermented foods: In this case, fermentation will aim to increase the content of precursor substances, such as indigestible fibers, polyphenols, some amino acids, and resistant starch, which can be potentially metabolized by endogenous gut microorganisms and converted in healthy molecules. This review provides an overview of the main functional components currently investigated in literature and the associated gut health benefits. The current state of the art about fermentation technology as a promising functionalization tool to promote the direct or indirect formation of gut-health-enhancing components was deepened, highlighting the importance of optimizing microorganism selection, system setups, and process conditions according to the target compound of interest. The collected data suggested the possibility of gaining novel functional food ingredients or products rich in functional molecules through fermentation without performing additional extraction and purification stages, which are needed when conventional culture broths are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Colucci Cante
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Nigro
- I. T. P. Innovation and Technology Provider S.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Passannanti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- I. T. P. Innovation and Technology Provider S.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Lentini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Gallo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
- I. T. P. Innovation and Technology Provider S.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Nigro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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16
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Wright NJD. A review of the direct targets of the cannabinoids cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. AIMS Neurosci 2024; 11:144-165. [PMID: 38988890 PMCID: PMC11230856 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2024009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Marijuana has been used by humans for thousands of years for both medicinal and recreational purposes. This included the treatment of pain, inflammation, seizures, and nausea. In the 1960s, the structure of the principal psychoactive ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol was determined, and over the next few decades, two cannabinoid receptors were characterized along with the human endocannabinoid system and what it affects. This includes metabolism, the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, and it is involved in such conditions as inflammation, cancer, glaucoma, and liver and musculoskeletal disorders. In the central nervous system, the endocannabinoid system has been linked to appetite, learning, memory, and conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, neurodegeneration, addiction, and epilepsy. It was the profound effectiveness of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, to relieve the symptoms of Dravet syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy, that recently helped spur marijuana research. This has helped substantially to change society's attitude towards this potential source of useful drugs. However, research has also revealed that the actions of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and the phytocannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, were not just due to interactions with the two cannabinoid receptors but by acting directly on many other targets including various G-protein receptors and cation channels, such as the transient receptor potential channels for example. This mini-review attempts to survey the effects of these 4 important cannabinoids on these currently identified targets.
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17
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Tateiwa H, Evers AS. Neurosteroids and their potential as a safer class of general anesthetics. J Anesth 2024; 38:261-274. [PMID: 38252143 PMCID: PMC10954990 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-023-03291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids (NS) are a class of steroids that are synthesized within the central nervous system (CNS). Various NS can either enhance or inhibit CNS excitability and they play important biological roles in brain development, brain function and as mediators of mood. One class of NS, 3α-hydroxy-pregnane steroids such as allopregnanolone (AlloP) or pregnanolone (Preg), inhibits neuronal excitability; these endogenous NS and their analogues have been therapeutically applied as anti-depressants, anti-epileptics and general anesthetics. While NS have many favorable properties as anesthetics (e.g. rapid onset, rapid recovery, minimal cardiorespiratory depression, neuroprotection), they are not currently in clinical use, largely due to problems with formulation. Recent advances in understanding NS mechanisms of action and improved formulations have rekindled interest in development of NS as sedatives and anesthetics. In this review, the synthesis of NS, and their mechanism of action will be reviewed with specific emphasis on their binding sites and actions on γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. The potential advantages of NS analogues as sedative and anesthetic agents will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tateiwa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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18
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Witkin JM, Shafique H, Cerne R, Smith JL, Marini AM, Lipsky RH, Delery E. Mechanistic and therapeutic relationships of traumatic brain injury and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA). Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108609. [PMID: 38369062 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a highly prevalent medical condition for which no medications specific for the prophylaxis or treatment of the condition as a whole exist. The spectrum of symptoms includes coma, headache, seizures, cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. Although it has been known for years that the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) is involved in TBI, no novel therapeutics based upon this mechanism have been introduced into clinical practice. We review the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neurochemical, and neuropharmacological relationships of GABA neurotransmission to TBI with a view toward new potential GABA-based medicines. The long-standing idea that excitatory and inhibitory (GABA and others) balances are disrupted by TBI is supported by the experimental data but has failed to invent novel methods of restoring this balance. The slow progress in advancing new treatments is due to the complexity of the disorder that encompasses multiple dynamically interacting biological processes including hemodynamic and metabolic systems, neurodegeneration and neurogenesis, major disruptions in neural networks and axons, frank brain lesions, and a multitude of symptoms that have differential neuronal and neurohormonal regulatory mechanisms. Although the current and ongoing clinical studies include GABAergic drugs, no novel GABA compounds are being explored. It is suggested that filling the gap in understanding the roles played by specific GABAA receptor configurations within specific neuronal circuits could help define new therapeutic approaches. Further research into the temporal and spatial delivery of GABA modulators should also be useful. Along with GABA modulation, research into the sequencing of GABA and non-GABA treatments will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Departments of Neuroscience and Trauma Research, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jodi L Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ann M Marini
- Department of Neurology, Program in Neuroscience, and Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert H Lipsky
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delery
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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19
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Chang Y, Xie X, Liu Y, Liu M, Zhang H. Exploring clinical applications and long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepines: An integrated perspective on mechanisms, imaging, and personalized medicine. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116329. [PMID: 38401518 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines have been long-established treatments for various conditions, including anxiety disorders and insomnia. Recent FDA warnings emphasize the risks of misuse and dependence associated with benzodiazepines. This article highlights their benefits and potential drawbacks from various perspectives. It achieves this by explaining how benzodiazepines work in terms of neuroendocrinology, immunomodulation, sleep, anxiety, cognition, and addiction, ultimately improving their clinical effectiveness. Benzodiazepines play a regulatory role in the HPA axis and impact various systems, including neuropeptide Y and cholecystokinin. Benzodiazepines can facilitate sleep-dependent memory consolidation by promoting spindle wave activity, but they can also lead to memory deficits in older individuals due to reduced slow-wave sleep. The cognitive effects of chronic benzodiazepines use remain uncertain; however, no adverse findings have been reported in clinical imaging studies. This article aims to comprehensively review the evidence on benzodiazepines therapy, emphasizing the need for more clinical studies, especially regarding long-term benzodiazepines use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiheng Chang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xueting Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yudan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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20
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Guo Y, Kang Y, Bai W, Liu Q, Zhang R, Wang Y, Wang C. Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A impairs cognitive function via the gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling pathway in male rat offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1235-1244. [PMID: 37926988 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common synthetic endocrine disruptor that can be utilized in the fabrication of materials such as polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Numerous studies have linked BPA to learning and memory problems, although the precise mechanism remains unknown. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system, and it is intimately related to learning and memory. This study aims to evaluate whether altered cognitive behavior involves the GABA signaling pathway in male offspring of rats exposed to BPA during the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Pregnant rats were orally given BPA (0, 0.04, 0.4, and 4 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day) from the first day of pregnancy to the 21st day of breastfeeding. Three-week-old male rat offspring were selected for an open-field experiment and a new object recognition experiment to evaluate the effect of BPA exposure on cognitive behavior. Furthermore, the role of GABA signaling markers in the cognition affected by BPA was investigated at the molecular level using western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The research demonstrated that BPA exposure impacted the behavior and memory of male rat offspring and elevated the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), GABA type A receptors subunit (GABAARα1), and GABA vesicle transporter (VGAT) in the hippocampus while decreasing the expression levels of GABA transaminase (GABA-T) and GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1). These findings indicate that the alteration in the expression of GABA signaling molecules may be one of the molecular mechanisms by which perinatal exposure to BPA leads to decreased learning and memory in male rat offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Guo
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxin Kang
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjie Bai
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiling Liu
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhang
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Health Public, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
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21
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Richardson RJ, Petrou S, Bryson A. Established and emerging GABA A receptor pharmacotherapy for epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1341472. [PMID: 38449810 PMCID: PMC10915249 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1341472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs that modulate the GABAA receptor are widely used in clinical practice for both the long-term management of epilepsy and emergency seizure control. In addition to older medications that have well-defined roles for the treatment of epilepsy, recent discoveries into the structure and function of the GABAA receptor have led to the development of newer compounds designed to maximise therapeutic benefit whilst minimising adverse effects, and whose position within the epilepsy pharmacologic armamentarium is still emerging. Drugs that modulate the GABAA receptor will remain a cornerstone of epilepsy management for the foreseeable future and, in this article, we provide an overview of the mechanisms and clinical efficacy of both established and emerging pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Richardson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Bryson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Ali DN, Ali HM, Lopez MR, Kang S, Choi DS. Astrocytic GABAergic Regulation in Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:318. [PMID: 38391931 PMCID: PMC10887002 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Most GABAergic neurons synthesize GABA from glutamate and release it in the synaptic cleft in the CNS. However, astrocytes can also synthesize and release GABA, activating GABA receptors in the neighboring neurons in physiological and pathological conditions. As the primary homeostatic glial cells in the brain, astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating GABA homeostasis and synaptic neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that astrocytic GABA dysregulation is implicated in psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), the most prevalent co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Several current medications and emerging pharmacological agents targeting GABA levels are in clinical trials for treating AUD and MDD. This review offers a concise summary of the role of astrocytic GABA regulation in AUD and MDD. We also provide an overview of the current understanding and areas of debate regarding the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate GABA in the CNS and their potential significance in the molecular basis of AUD and MDD, paving the way toward future research directions and potential therapeutic target areas within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina N. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Hossam M. Ali
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew R. Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Shinwoo Kang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (D.N.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.R.L.); (S.K.)
- Neuroscience Program, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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23
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de Menezes JFS, Sá Pires Silva AM, Aparecida Faria de Almeida E, da Silva AF, Morais Bomfim De Lima J, da Silva AW, Ferreira MKA, de Menezes JESA, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Marinho GS, Marques da Fonseca A. Synthesis and anxiolytic effect of europium metallic complex containing lapachol [Eu(DBM) 3. LAP] in adult zebrafish through serotonergic neurotransmission: in vivo and in silico approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1280-1292. [PMID: 37029769 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2199087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety-related mental health problems are estimated at 3.6% globally, benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the class of drugs indicated for the treatment of anxiety, including lorazepam and diazepam. However, concerns have been raised about the short- and long-term risks associated with BZDs. Therefore, despite anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, there is a need to develop more effective pharmacotherapies with fewer side effects than existing drugs. The present work reported the synthesis, anxiolytic activity, mechanism of action in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in silico study of a europium metallic complex with Lapachol, [Eu(DBM)3. LAP]. Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 µL) with the synthesized complex (4, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 µL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1, 5-HTR2A/2C and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The complex was characterized using spectrometric techniques, and the anxiolytic effect of complex may be involved the neuromodulation of receptors 5-HT3A/3B, since the pre-treatment with pizotifen and cyproheptadine did not block the anxiolytic effect of [Eu(DBM)3. LAP], unlike fluoxetine had its anxiolytic effect reversed. In addition, molecular docking showed interaction between the [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] and 5HT3A receptor with binding energy -7.8 kcal/mol and the ADMET study showed that complex has low toxic risk. It is expected that the beginning of this study will allow the application of the new anxiolytic drugs, given the pharmacological potential of the lapachol complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Fernando Silva de Menezes
- Center for Teacher Training, Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia, Amargosa, Bahia, Brazil
- INCT - Energia e Meio Ambiente, UFBA, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ananias Freire da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Energy and Environment - PGEA, Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- State University of Ceará, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- State University of Vale do Acaraú, Chemistry Course, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- State University of Ceará, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Degree Course in Computer Science, Ceará State University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Postgraduate Program in Energy and Environment - PGEA, Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, Ceará, Brazil
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24
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Platonov M, Maximyuk O, Rayevsky A, Iegorova O, Hurmach V, Holota Y, Bulgakov E, Cherninskyi A, Karpov P, Ryabukhin S, Krishtal O, Volochnyuk D. Integrated workflow for the identification of new GABA A R positive allosteric modulators based on the in silico screening with further in vitro validation. Case study using Enamine's stock chemical space. Mol Inform 2024; 43:e202300156. [PMID: 37964718 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202300156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies reported an association between GABAA R subunit genes and epilepsy, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and bipolar disorders. This study was aimed to find some potential positive allosteric modulators and was performed by combining the in silico approach with further in vitro evaluation of its real activity. We started from the GABAA R-diazepam complexes and assembled a lipid embedded protein ensemble to refine it via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Then we focused on the interaction of α1β2γ2 with some Z-drugs (non-benzodiazepine compounds) using an Induced Fit Docking (IFD) into the relaxed binding site to generate a pharmacophore model. The pharmacophore model was validated with a reference set and applied to decrease the pre-filtered Enamine database before the main docking procedure. Finally, we succeeded in identifying a set of compounds, which met all features of the docking model. The aqueous solubility and stability of these compounds in mouse plasma were assessed. Then they were tested for the biological activity using the rat Purkinje neurons and CHO cells with heterologously expressed human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to reveal the GABA induced currents. Our study represents a convenient and tunable model for the discovery of novel positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. A High-throughput virtual screening of the largest available database of chemical compounds resulted in the selection of 23 compounds. Further electrophysiological tests allowed us to determine a set of 3 the most outstanding active compounds. Considering the structural features of leader compounds, the study can develop into the MedChem project soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Platonov
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maximyuk
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alexey Rayevsky
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Olena Iegorova
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vasyl Hurmach
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yuliia Holota
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Elijah Bulgakov
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Cherninskyi
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pavel Karpov
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Sergey Ryabukhin
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv., Glushkova Ave, 03022, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of organic chemistry NAS of Ukraine, 5 Murmanska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmitriy Volochnyuk
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv., Glushkova Ave, 03022, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of organic chemistry NAS of Ukraine, 5 Murmanska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
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25
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Menzikov SA, Zaichenko DM, Moskovtsev AA, Morozov SG, Kubatiev AA. Phenols and GABA A receptors: from structure and molecular mechanisms action to neuropsychiatric sequelae. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1272534. [PMID: 38303988 PMCID: PMC10831359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1272534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are members of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) family, which are widespread throughout the invertebrate and vertebrate central nervous system. GABAARs are engaged in short-term changes of the neuronal concentrations of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3 -) ions by their passive permeability through the ion channel pore. GABAARs are regulated by various structurally diverse phenolic substances ranging from simple phenols to complex polyphenols. The wide chemical and structural variability of phenols suggest similar and different binding sites on GABAARs, allowing them to manifest themselves as activators, inhibitors, or allosteric ligands of GABAAR function. Interest in phenols is associated with their great potential for GABAAR modulation, but also with their subsequent negative or positive role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on the GABAergic deficit hypotheses during neurological and psychiatric disorders induced by various phenols. We summarize the structure-activity relationship of general phenol groups concerning their differential roles in the manifestation of neuropsychiatric symptoms. We describe and analyze the role of GABAAR subunits in manifesting various neuropathologies and the molecular mechanisms underlying their modulation by phenols. Finally, we discuss how phenol drugs can modulate GABAAR activity via desensitization and resensitization. We also demonstrate a novel pharmacological approach to treat neuropsychiatric disorders via regulation of receptor phosphorylation/dephosphorylation.
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26
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Lebovich M, Lora MA, Gracia-David J, Andrews LB. Genetic Circuits for Feedback Control of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Biosynthesis in Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Metabolites 2024; 14:44. [PMID: 38248847 PMCID: PMC10819706 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms such as the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) offer a strategy to sense and modulate the concentration of metabolites or therapeutics in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we present an approach to regulate the production of the depression-associated metabolite gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in EcN using genetic circuits that implement negative feedback. We engineered EcN to produce GABA by overexpressing glutamate decarboxylase and applied an intracellular GABA biosensor to identify growth conditions that improve GABA biosynthesis. We next employed characterized genetically encoded NOT gates to construct genetic circuits with layered feedback to control the rate of GABA biosynthesis and the concentration of GABA produced. Looking ahead, this approach may be utilized to design feedback control of microbial metabolite biosynthesis to achieve designable smart microbes that act as living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Marcos A. Lora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jared Gracia-David
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biology, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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27
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Thompson SM. Modulators of GABA A receptor-mediated inhibition in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders: past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:83-95. [PMID: 37709943 PMCID: PMC10700661 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01728-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acts at ionotropic GABAA receptors to counterbalance excitation and regulate neuronal firing. GABAA receptors are heteropentameric channels comprised from subunits derived from 19 different genes. GABAA receptors have one of the richest and well-developed pharmacologies of any therapeutic drug target, including agonists, antagonists, and positive and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs, NAMs). Currently used PAMs include benzodiazepine sedatives and anxiolytics, barbiturates, endogenous and synthetic neurosteroids, and general anesthetics. In this article, I will review evidence that these drugs act at several distinct binding sites and how they can be used to alter the balance between excitation and inhibition. I will also summarize existing literature regarding (1) evidence that changes in GABAergic inhibition play a causative role in major depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and schizophrenia and (2) whether and how GABAergic drugs exert beneficial effects in these conditions, focusing on human studies where possible. Where these classical therapeutics have failed to exert benefits, I will describe recent advances in clinical and preclinical drug development. I will also highlight opportunities to advance a generation of GABAergic therapeutics, such as development of subunit-selective PAMs and NAMs, that are engendering hope for novel tools to treat these devastating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Thompson
- Center for Novel Therapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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28
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Feng YF, Zhou YY, Duan KM. The Role of Extrasynaptic GABA Receptors in Postpartum Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:385-396. [PMID: 37612480 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a serious disease with a high incidence and severe impact on pregnant women and infants, but its mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic receptors, are closely associated with postpartum depression. There are many different structures of GABA receptors, so different types of receptors have different functions, even though they transmit information primarily through GABA. In this review, we focus on the function of GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic GABA receptors, and their association with postpartum depression. We have shown that the extrasynaptic GABA receptor has a significant impact on the activity and function of neurons through tonic inhibition. The extrasynaptic receptor and its ligands undergo drastic changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Abnormal changes or the body's inability to adjust and recover may be an important cause of postpartum depression. Finally, by reviewing the mechanisms of several novel antidepressants, we suggest that extrasynaptic receptors may be potential targets for the treatment of postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Fei Feng
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yin Yong Zhou
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Kai Ming Duan
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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29
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Maguire JL, Mennerick S. Neurosteroids: mechanistic considerations and clinical prospects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:73-82. [PMID: 37369775 PMCID: PMC10700537 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Like other classes of treatments described in this issue's section, neuroactive steroids have been studied for decades but have risen as a new class of rapid-acting, durable antidepressants with a distinct mechanism of action from previous antidepressant treatments and from other compounds covered in this issue. Neuroactive steroids are natural derivatives of progesterone but are proving effective as exogenous treatments. The best understood mechanism is that of positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, where subunit selectivity may promote their profile of action. Mechanistically, there is some reason to think that neuroactive steroids may separate themselves from liabilities of other GABA modulators, although research is ongoing. It is also possible that intracellular targets, including inflammatory pathways, may be relevant to beneficial actions. Strengths and opportunities for further development include exploiting non-GABAergic targets, structural analogs, enzymatic production of natural steroids, precursor loading, and novel formulations. The molecular mechanisms of behavioral effects are not fully understood, but study of brain network states involved in emotional processing demonstrate a robust influence on affective states not evident with at least some other GABAergic drugs including benzodiazepines. Ongoing studies with neuroactive steroids will further elucidate the brain and behavioral effects of these compounds as well as likely underpinnings of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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30
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Masciocchi S, Businaro P, Scaranzin S, Morandi C, Franciotta D, Gastaldi M. General features, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnostics of autoimmune encephalitis. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:45-69. [PMID: 37777038 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2247482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a group of inflammatory conditions that can associate with the presence of antibodies directed to neuronal intracellular, or cell surface antigens. These disorders are increasingly recognized as an important differential diagnosis of infectious encephalitis and of other common neuropsychiatric conditions. Autoantibody diagnostics plays a pivotal role for accurate diagnosis of AE, which is of utmost importance for the prompt recognition and early treatment. Several AE subgroups can be identified, either according to the prominent clinical phenotype, presence of a concomitant tumor, or type of neuronal autoantibody, and recent diagnostic criteria have provided important insights into AE classification. Antibodies to neuronal intracellular antigens typically associate with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and poor prognosis, whereas antibodies to synaptic/neuronal cell surface antigens characterize many AE subtypes that associate with tumors less frequently, and that are often immunotherapy-responsive. In addition to the general features of AE, we review current knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these disorders, focusing mainly on the potential role of neuronal antibodies in the most frequent conditions, and highlight current theories and controversies. Then, we dissect the crucial aspects of the laboratory diagnostics of neuronal antibodies, which represents an actual challenge for both pathologists and neurologists. Indeed, this diagnostics entails technical difficulties, along with particularly interesting novel features and pitfalls. The novelties especially apply to the wide range of assays used, including specific tissue-based and cell-based assays. These assays can be developed in-house, usually in specialized laboratories, or are commercially available. They are widely used in clinical immunology and in clinical chemistry laboratories, with relevant differences in analytic performance. Indeed, several data indicate that in-house assays could perform better than commercial kits, notwithstanding that the former are based on non-standardized protocols. Moreover, they need expertise and laboratory facilities usually unavailable in clinical chemistry laboratories. Together with the data of the literature, we critically evaluate the analytical performance of the in-house vs commercial kit-based approach. Finally, we propose an algorithm aimed at integrating the present strategies of the laboratory diagnostics in AE for the best clinical management of patients with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Masciocchi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Businaro
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Scaranzin
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Morandi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Diego Franciotta
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Gastaldi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Chen M, Koopmans F, Gonzalez-Lozano MA, Smit AB, Li KW. Brain Region Differences in α1- and α5-Subunit-Containing GABA A Receptor Proteomes Revealed with Affinity Purification and Blue Native PAGE Proteomics. Cells 2023; 13:14. [PMID: 38201218 PMCID: PMC10778189 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are the major inhibitory receptors in the brain. They are hetero-pentamers with a composition of predominantly two α, two β, and one γ or δ subunit. Of the six α subunit genes, the α5 subunit displays a limited spatial expression pattern and is known to mediate both phasic and tonic inhibition. In this study, using immunoaffinity-based proteomics, we identified the α5 subunit containing receptor complexes in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb. The α1-α5 interaction was identified in both brain regions, albeit with significantly different stoichiometries. In line with this, reverse IPs using anti-α1 antibodies showed the α5-α1 co-occurrence and validated the quantitative difference. In addition, we showed that the association of Neuroligin 2 with α1-containing receptors was much higher in the olfactory bulb than in the hippocampus, which was confirmed using blue native gel electrophoresis and quantitative mass spectrometry. Finally, immunocytochemical staining revealed a co-localization of α1 and α5 subunits in the post-synaptic puncta in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.A.G.-L.); (A.B.S.)
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32
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Kasaragod VB, Malinauskas T, Wahid AA, Lengyel J, Knoflach F, Hardwick SW, Jones CF, Chen WN, Lucas X, El Omari K, Chirgadze DY, Aricescu AR, Cecere G, Hernandez MC, Miller PS. The molecular basis of drug selectivity for α5 subunit-containing GABA A receptors. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1936-1946. [PMID: 37903907 PMCID: PMC10716045 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01133-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
α5 subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors represent a promising drug target for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Altered expression and function contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Dup15q and Angelman syndromes, developmental epilepsy and autism. Effective drug action without side effects is dependent on both α5-subtype selectivity and the strength of the positive or negative allosteric modulation (PAM or NAM). Here we solve structures of drugs bound to the α5 subunit. These define the molecular basis of binding and α5 selectivity of the β-carboline, methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), type II benzodiazepine NAMs, and a series of isoxazole NAMs and PAMs. For the isoxazole series, each molecule appears as an 'upper' and 'lower' moiety in the pocket. Structural data and radioligand binding data reveal a positional displacement of the upper moiety containing the isoxazole between the NAMs and PAMs. Using a hybrid molecule we directly measure the functional contribution of the upper moiety to NAM versus PAM activity. Overall, these structures provide a framework by which to understand distinct modulator binding modes and their basis of α5-subtype selectivity, appreciate structure-activity relationships, and empower future structure-based drug design campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Babu Kasaragod
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tomas Malinauskas
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ayla A Wahid
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Judith Lengyel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven W Hardwick
- CryoEM Facility, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Wan-Na Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xavier Lucas
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kamel El Omari
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Dimitri Y Chirgadze
- CryoEM Facility, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Radu Aricescu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Giuseppe Cecere
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Clemencia Hernandez
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Paul S Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Bhave K, Forman SA. Substituted Cysteine Modification and Protection with n-Alkyl-MTS Reagents Quantifies Steric Changes Induced by a Mutation in Anesthetic Binding Sites on GABA Type A Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 104:266-274. [PMID: 37586749 PMCID: PMC10658906 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple approaches, including cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), indicate that the anesthetics etomidate and propofol modulate α1β2/3γ2 GABAA receptors by binding in overlapping transmembrane inter-subunit sites near βM286 and αL232 sidechains. High-precision approaches in functional receptors are needed for comparisons with cryo-EM. We previously used substituted cysteine modification and protection (SCAMP) with n-alkyl-methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents and electrophysiology in α1β3M286Cγ2L receptors to estimate the distance from etomidate to β3M286 with precision near 1.3 Å. Here, we address three more aims using this approach: (i) SCAMP with etomidate was tested in α1L232Cβ3γ2L receptors; (ii) studies in α1L232Wβ3M286Cγ2L receptors assessed whether α1L232W displaces etomidate relative to β3M286C; and (iii) results with propofol were compared with those with etomidate. Voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes was used to assess persistent functional changes after exposing cysteine-substituted receptors to methyl-MTS through n-decyl-MTS. Overlap of modified cysteine sidechains with bound anesthetic was inferred when anesthetic co-application with alkyl-MTS reagent blocked the development of persistent effects. In α1L232Cβ3γ2L receptors, only pentyl-MTS and hexyl-MTS induced persistent effects that were unaltered by etomidate co-application, precluding a direct estimate of intermolecular distance. In α1L232Wβ3M286Cγ2L receptors, sidechain overlap with bound etomidate was inferred for modifications with ethyl-MTS through n-pentyl-MTS, with unambiguous cut-on and cut-off. Comparison with results in α1β3M286Cγ2L reveals that α1L232W, which increases maximal sidechain length by 2.1 Å, displaces etomidate closer to β3M286C by about 1.3 Å. Propofol results largely mirrored those with etomidate. These findings indicate that both etomidate and propofol bind within 1 Å of α1L232, consistent with cryo-EM structures. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We combined electrophysiology, cysteine substitutions, and n-alkyl-methanethiosulfonate modifiers in functional GABAA receptors to enable precise estimates of the distance between β3M286C sidechains and anesthetics (etomidate and propofol) bound in transmembrane β+/α- inter-subunit pockets. Comparing results in α1β3M286Cγ2L and α1L232Wβ3M286Cγ2L receptors reveals that α1L232W mutations displace both anesthetics toward β3M286C, indicating that these anesthetics bind within 1 Å of the α1L232 sidechain in functional receptors, consistent with cryogenic electron microscopy structures derived under nonphysiologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Bhave
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Beecher-Mallinckrodt Laboratories, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Brown SM, Mayer-Bacon C, Freeland S. Xeno Amino Acids: A Look into Biochemistry as We Do Not Know It. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2281. [PMID: 38137883 PMCID: PMC10744825 DOI: 10.3390/life13122281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Would another origin of life resemble Earth's biochemical use of amino acids? Here, we review current knowledge at three levels: (1) Could other classes of chemical structure serve as building blocks for biopolymer structure and catalysis? Amino acids now seem both readily available to, and a plausible chemical attractor for, life as we do not know it. Amino acids thus remain important and tractable targets for astrobiological research. (2) If amino acids are used, would we expect the same L-alpha-structural subclass used by life? Despite numerous ideas, it is not clear why life favors L-enantiomers. It seems clearer, however, why life on Earth uses the shortest possible (alpha-) amino acid backbone, and why each carries only one side chain. However, assertions that other backbones are physicochemically impossible have relaxed into arguments that they are disadvantageous. (3) Would we expect a similar set of side chains to those within the genetic code? Many plausible alternatives exist. Furthermore, evidence exists for both evolutionary advantage and physicochemical constraint as explanatory factors for those encoded by life. Overall, as focus shifts from amino acids as a chemical class to specific side chains used by post-LUCA biology, the probable role of physicochemical constraint diminishes relative to that of biological evolution. Exciting opportunities now present themselves for laboratory work and computing to explore how changing the amino acid alphabet alters the universe of protein folds. Near-term milestones include: (a) expanding evidence about amino acids as attractors within chemical evolution; (b) extending characterization of other backbones relative to biological proteins; and (c) merging computing and laboratory explorations of structures and functions unlocked by xeno peptides.
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Chaudhuri T, Hosur MV. Molecular modelling reveals how abundance of α4 sub-type in synaptic GABAR A receptor can lead to refractoriness toward GABA and BZ-type drugs. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37948195 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2277858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder with genetic and acquired causes, and the drugs presently used to treat epilepsy are not effective in about 30% of the cases. Identification of the molecular mechanisms of resistance will help in the development of newer molecules for treatment. Recent clinical data indicate increased expression of α4- and γ2-containing synaptic GABARA receptors in patients of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), which is associated with refractory epilepsy pathology. We have investigated, by molecular modelling and docking, the structure and ligand-binding efficiency of the α4-containing hetero-pentameric synaptic GABARA receptor. Though the overall conformation is similar to that of the α1-containing receptor, local conformational changes are seen due to differences between aligned α1 and α4 sub-type residues. The overlaps ALA209(α1)/PRO215(α4) and PHE73(α1)/TYR79(α4) have together caused conformational changes in ARG100(α4) (aligned with ARG94 in α1) thereby affecting key hydrogen bonding interactions with the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This may influence the nature of seizures as strength of GABA-binding is known to affect the nature of Inhibitory Post-Synaptic Currents (IPSCs) from GABAergic neurons. The residue ARG135 (α4) aligns with the residue HIS129 (α1) in the benzodiazapine binding pocket. Molecular modelling also shows that a steric clash between benzodiazapine-type (BZ-type) drugs and ARG135 would reduce the binding of BZ-type drugs to α4-containing receptor. These two findings rationalize the observed association between over-expression of α4-containing synaptic GABARA receptors and refractory epilepsy pathology in FCD. The accurate three-dimensional geometry of the receptor-drug complex made available by these modelling studies will help in designing effective drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanusree Chaudhuri
- Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, India
| | - M V Hosur
- Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, India
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36
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Cabral IB, de Lima Moreira CV, Rodrigues ACC, da Silva Moreira LK, Pereira JKA, Gomides CD, Lião LM, Machado LS, Vaz BG, da Cunha LC, de Oliveira Neto JR, da Silva-Júnior EF, de Aquino TM, da Silva Santos-Júnior PF, Silva ON, da Rocha FF, Costa EA, Menegatti R, Fajemiroye JO. Preclinical data on morpholine (3,5-di-tertbutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) methanone induced anxiolysis. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2957-2975. [PMID: 37097335 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Trimetozine is used to be indicated for the treatment of mental illnesses, particularly anxiety. The present study provides data on the pharmacological profile of trimetozine derivative morpholine (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) methanone (LQFM289) which was designed from molecular hybridization of trimetozine lead compound and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-hydroxytoluene to develop new anxiolytic drugs. Here, we conduct molecular dynamics simulations, docking studies, receptor binding assays, and in silico ADMET profiling of LQFM289 before its behavioral and biochemical assessment in mice within the dose range of 5-20 mg/kg. The docking of LQFM289 showed strong interactions with the benzodiazepine binding sites and matched well with receptor binding data. With the ADMET profile of this trimetozine derivative that predicts a high intestinal absorption and permeability to blood-brain barrier without being inhibited by the permeability glycoprotein, the oral administration of LQFM289 10 mg/kg consistently induced anxiolytic-like behavior of the mice exposed to the open field and light-dark box apparatus without eliciting motor incoordination in the wire, rotarod, and chimney tests. A decrease in the wire and rotarod´s fall latency coupled with an increase in the chimney test´s climbing time and a decrease in the number of crossings in the open field apparatus at the dose of 20 mg/kg of this trimetozine derivative suggest sedative or motor coordination impairment at this highest dose. The attenuation of the anxiolytic-like effects of LQFM289 (10 mg/kg) by flumazenil pretreatment implicates the participation of benzodiazepine binding sites. The lowering of corticosterone and tumor necrosis factor alpha (cytokine) in LQFM289-treated mice at a single oral (acute) dose of 10 mg/kg suggests that the anxiolytic-like effect of this compound also involves the recruitment of non-benzodiazepine binding sites/GABAergic molecular machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Barbosa Cabral
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Goiás, CEP 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Christian Dias Gomides
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Av. Esperança S/N, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano M Lião
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Av. Esperança S/N, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Machado
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Av. Esperança S/N, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Boniek G Vaz
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Av. Esperança S/N, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos da Cunha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, PMB 131, CEP 74001-970, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Alagoas, Maceió, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Mendonça de Aquino
- Research Group in Therapeutic Strategies, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Alagoas, Maceió, 57072-900, Brazil
| | | | - Osmar N Silva
- Evangelical University of Goias, UniEvangélica, Av. Universitária Km 3, 5 Cidade Universitária Anápolis, Goias, GO, 75083-515, Brazil
| | - Fábio Fagundes da Rocha
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elson Alves Costa
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Goiás, CEP 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Menegatti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, PMB 131, CEP 74001-970, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - James O Fajemiroye
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Goiás, CEP 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
- Evangelical University of Goias, UniEvangélica, Av. Universitária Km 3, 5 Cidade Universitária Anápolis, Goias, GO, 75083-515, Brazil.
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37
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Wang C, Tian Z, Luo Q. The impact of exercise on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1279599. [PMID: 37860792 PMCID: PMC10582957 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1279599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global surge in mental health challenges. This study (PROSPERO CRD42023443860) aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on individuals' mental health through systematic evaluation and meta-analysis to develop a scientific exercise program. Methods We systematically searched the literature up to August 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool gaged the methodological quality of the included literature. Results Among the initially identified 10,343 search records, 12 studies were deemed to meet the criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. Exercise significantly improved anxiety (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.52, p < 0.00001), depression (-1.02, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.62, p = 0.0001), stress (-1.05, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.78, p < 0.00001), and quality of life (1.11, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.41, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyzes indicated that a single exercise session lasting 30-40 min had the most pronounced effect on reducing anxiety (-1.29, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.86, p < 0.00001) and depression (-1.76, 95% CI -2.24 to -1.28, p < 0.00001). Similarly, an exercise frequency of 3-5 times per week yielded the greatest benefits for anxiety (-1.31, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.46, p < 0.00001) and depression (-1.27, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.41, p = 0.0003). Notably, exercise exhibited its most significant impact on depression improvement in the 40-64 age group (-1.32, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.86, p < 0.00001). Moreover, exercise notably enhanced anxiety levels among individuals in middle and upper-income brackets (-0.99, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.87, p < 0.00001). Conclusion Exercise alleviated anxiety disorders, depression, stress levels, and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant impact on anxiety and depression improvement is achieved by engaging in 30-40 min of exercise sessions, 3-5 times per week.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zuguo Tian
- Department of Physical Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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38
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Raisch T, Raunser S. The modes of action of ion-channel-targeting neurotoxic insecticides: lessons from structural biology. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1411-1427. [PMID: 37845413 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Insecticides are indispensable tools for plant protection in modern agriculture. Despite having highly heterogeneous structures, many neurotoxic insecticides use similar principles to inhibit or deregulate neuronal ion channels. Insecticides targeting pentameric ligand-gated channels are structural mimetics of neurotransmitters or manipulate and deregulate the proteins. Those binding to (pseudo-)tetrameric voltage-gated(-like) channels, on the other hand, are natural or synthetic compounds that directly block the ion-conducting pore or prevent conformational changes in the transmembrane domain necessary for opening and closing the pore. The use of a limited number of inhibition mechanisms can be problematic when resistances arise and become more widespread. Therefore, there is a rising interest in the development of insecticides with novel mechanisms that evade resistance and are pest-insect-specific. During the last decade, most known insecticide targets, many with bound compounds, have been structurally characterized, bringing the rational design of novel classes of agrochemicals within closer reach than ever before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Raisch
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany.
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Mohamad FH, Mohamad Jamali MA, Che Has AT. Structure-function Studies of GABA (A) Receptors and Related computer-aided Studies. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:804-817. [PMID: 37750966 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA (A) receptor) is a membrane protein activated by the neurotransmitter GABA. Structurally, this major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human central nervous system is a pentamer that can be built from a selection of 19 subunits consisting of α(1,2,3,4,5 or 6), β (1,2 or 3), γ (1,2 or 3), ρ (1,2 or 3), and δ, π, θ, and ε. This creates several possible pentameric arrangements, which also influence the pharmacological and physiological properties of the receptor. The complexity and heterogeneity of the receptors are further increased by the addition of short and long splice variants in several subunits and the existence of multiple allosteric binding sites and expansive ligands that can bind to the receptors. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the receptors is required to gain novel insights into the consequences of receptor dysfunction and subsequent drug development studies. Notably, advancements in computational-aided studies have facilitated the elucidation of residual interactions and exploring energy binding, which may otherwise be challenging to investigate. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of the structure and function of GABA (A) receptors obtained from advancements in computational-aided applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif Mohamad Jamali
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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40
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Lebovich M, Zeng M, Andrews LB. Algorithmic Programming of Sequential Logic and Genetic Circuits for Recording Biochemical Concentration in a Probiotic Bacterium. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2632-2649. [PMID: 37581922 PMCID: PMC10510703 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Through the implementation of designable genetic circuits, engineered probiotic microorganisms could be used as noninvasive diagnostic tools for the gastrointestinal tract. For these living cells to report detected biomarkers or signals after exiting the gut, the genetic circuits must be able to record these signals by using genetically encoded memory. Complex memory register circuits could enable multiplex interrogation of biomarkers and signals. A theory-based approach to create genetic circuits containing memory, known as sequential logic circuits, was previously established for a model laboratory strain of Escherichia coli, yet how circuit component performance varies for nonmodel and clinically relevant bacterial strains is poorly understood. Here, we develop a scalable computational approach to design robust sequential logic circuits in probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). In this work, we used TetR-family transcriptional repressors to build genetic logic gates that can be composed into sequential logic circuits, along with a set of engineered sensors relevant for use in the gut environment. Using standard methods, 16 genetic NOT gates and nine sensors were experimentally characterized in EcN. These data were used to design and predict the performance of circuit designs. We present a set of genetic circuits encoding both combinational logic and sequential logic and show that the circuit outputs are in close agreement with our quantitative predictions from the design algorithm. Furthermore, we demonstrate an analog-like concentration recording circuit that detects and reports three input concentration ranges of a biochemical signal using sequential logic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Min Zeng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular
and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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41
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Perucca E, Bialer M, White HS. New GABA-Targeting Therapies for the Treatment of Seizures and Epilepsy: I. Role of GABA as a Modulator of Seizure Activity and Recently Approved Medications Acting on the GABA System. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:755-779. [PMID: 37603262 PMCID: PMC10501955 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis or the expression of many neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Although GABA can act on different receptor subtypes, the component of the GABA system that is most critical to modulation of seizure activity is the GABAA-receptor-chloride (Cl-) channel complex, which controls the movement of Cl- ions across the neuronal membrane. In the mature brain, binding of GABA to GABAA receptors evokes a hyperpolarising (anticonvulsant) response, which is mediated by influx of Cl- into the cell driven by its concentration gradient between extracellular and intracellular fluid. However, in the immature brain and under certain pathological conditions, GABA can exert a paradoxical depolarising (proconvulsant) effect as a result of an efflux of chloride from high intracellular to lower extracellular Cl- levels. Extensive preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that alterations in GABAergic inhibition caused by drugs, toxins, gene defects or other disease states (including seizures themselves) play a causative or contributing role in facilitating or maintaning seizure activity. Conversely, enhancement of GABAergic transmission through pharmacological modulation of the GABA system is a major mechanism by which different antiseizure medications exert their therapeutic effect. In this article, we review the pharmacology and function of the GABA system and its perturbation in seizure disorders, and highlight how improved understanding of this system offers opportunities to develop more efficacious and better tolerated antiseizure medications. We also review the available data for the two most recently approved antiseizure medications that act, at least in part, through GABAergic mechanisms, namely cenobamate and ganaxolone. Differences in the mode of drug discovery, pharmacological profile, pharmacokinetic properties, drug-drug interaction potential, and clinical efficacy and tolerability of these agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Meir Bialer
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Abstract
Diseases associated with nicotine dependence in the form of habitual tobacco use are a major cause of premature death in the United States. The majority of tobacco smokers will relapse within the first month of attempted abstinence. Smoking cessation agents increase the likelihood that smokers can achieve long-term abstinence. Nevertheless, currently available smoking cessation agents have limited utility and fail to prevent relapse in the majority of smokers. Pharmacotherapy is therefore an effective strategy to aid smoking cessation efforts but considerable risk of relapse persists even when the most efficacious medications currently available are used. The past decade has seen major breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular, cellular, and systems-level actions of nicotine in the brain that contribute to the development and maintenance of habitual tobacco use. In parallel, large-scale human genetics studies have revealed allelic variants that influence vulnerability to tobacco use disorder. These advances have revealed targets for the development of novel smoking cessation agents. Here, we summarize current efforts to develop smoking cessation therapeutics and highlight opportunities for future efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Lengel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Paul J. Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Drug Discovery Institute (DDI), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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43
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Mishra G, Singh P, Pottoo FH, Javed MN, Zeleke MM, Yimer YS. Nutraceuticals for Fibromyalgia and Neuropathic Pain. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND CARE 2023:133-191. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-4120-3.ch007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Both neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia are horrific painful conditions arising due to impairment in the somatosensory nervous system and the musculoskeletal system, respectively. They share some common symptoms like hyperalgesia, allodynia, insomnia, cognitive deficits, and mood disturbances. It is believed that fibromyalgia is the consequence of dysfunction of the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, imbalance in neurotransmitters, and psychological and emotional stress. Henceforth, these pain syndromes have become a major challenge for healthcare professionals due to their complex etiology and poor availability and effectiveness of the drugs. Notably, the available synthetic drugs possess serious side effects including physical dependence and tolerance. Therefore, researchers are now seeking natural-based therapy for modulating chronic pain conditions. This chapter has been written with the intention of exploring the beneficial effects of various nutraceuticals including herbal dietary supplements in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia
| | - Pradeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Noushad Javed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Jamia Hamdard, India
| | - Mulugeta Molla Zeleke
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia
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44
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Legesse DH, Fan C, Teng J, Zhuang Y, Howard RJ, Noviello CM, Lindahl E, Hibbs RE. Structural insights into opposing actions of neurosteroids on GABA A receptors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5091. [PMID: 37607940 PMCID: PMC10444788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40800-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors mediate fast inhibitory signaling in the brain and are targets of numerous drugs and endogenous neurosteroids. A subset of neurosteroids are GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators; one of these, allopregnanolone, is the only drug approved specifically for treating postpartum depression. There is a consensus emerging from structural, physiological and photolabeling studies as to where positive modulators bind, but how they potentiate GABA activation remains unclear. Other neurosteroids are negative modulators of GABAA receptors, but their binding sites remain debated. Here we present structures of a synaptic GABAA receptor bound to allopregnanolone and two inhibitory sulfated neurosteroids. Allopregnanolone binds at the receptor-bilayer interface, in the consensus potentiator site. In contrast, inhibitory neurosteroids bind in the pore. MD simulations and electrophysiology support a mechanism by which allopregnanolone potentiates channel activity and suggest the dominant mechanism for sulfated neurosteroid inhibition is through pore block.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Fan
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jinfeng Teng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuxuan Zhuang
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Rebecca J Howard
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Colleen M Noviello
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.
- Dept. of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Ryan E Hibbs
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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45
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Wang F, He J, Zhou Y, Ye L, Li B, Ma Z, Chen C, Zhang R, Lin Z, Tang J, Jin Z, Jiang Y, Lin N. A phase 1 study of dimdazenil to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, food effect and safety in Chinese healthy subjects. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1226014. [PMID: 37601041 PMCID: PMC10432719 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1226014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: As a partial positive allosteric modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor, dimdazenil was used for the treatment of insomnia with the potential to alleviate associated side effects compared to full agonists. The objective of this trial is to assess the safety, tolerability, food effect and pharmacokinetics following single and multiple doses of dimdazenil in Chinese healthy subjects. Methods: In this phase 1 trial, 36 healthy subjects aged ≥18 years were assigned to receive a single dose of 1.5, 2.5, or 5 mg dimdazenil, with each dose cohort consisting of 12 subjects, and 14 subjects were assigned to receive a multiple 2.5 mg daily dose of dimdazenil for 5 days. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated. Results: Of the 50 subjects enrolled and 49 completed the trial, the incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) in the single-dose groups of 1.5, 2.5, and 5 mg were 16.7%, 58.3% and 66.7% respectively, while 61.5% in the multiple-dose group. There were no serious AEs, deaths, AEs leading to discontinuation or AEs of requiring clinical intervention in any treatment groups. The most treatment-emergent AEs were dizziness (n = 4, 8.2%), hyperuricemia (n = 2, 6.1%), upper respiratory tract infection (n = 2, 6.1%), diastolic blood pressure decreased (n = 2, 6.1%), blood TG increased (n = 2, 6.1%) and RBC urine positive (n = 2, 6.1%). All AEs were mild-to-moderate and transient, and no severe AEs were documented in any study phase. The PK profile of dimdazenil and its active metabolite Ro46-1927 was linear across 1.5-5 mg oral doses in humans. The median Tmax for dimdazenil was in the range of 0.5-1.5 h, and the apparent terminal t1/2z ranged from 3.50 to 4.32 h. Taking Dimdazenil with food may delay Tmax and decrease Cmax, without affecting the total exposure (AUC). No relevant accumulations of dimdazenil and Ro 46-1927 were observed in multiple-dose group. Conclusion: Dimdazenil was generally well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects after single and 5 days-multiple dosing. The pharmacokinetic properties of dimdazenil are compatible with a drug for the treatment of insomnia. Clinical Trial Registration: chinadrugtrials.org.cn, identifier CTR20201978.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing He
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Ye
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Li
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoxi Zhang
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaocun Lin
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jinshan Tang
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Jin
- Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shaoxing, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Shanghai Research Institute, Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Nengming Lin
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- West lake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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46
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Hernando G, Turani O, Rodriguez Araujo N, Bouzat C. The diverse family of Cys-loop receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans: insights from electrophysiological studies. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:733-750. [PMID: 37681094 PMCID: PMC10480131 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cys-loop receptors integrate a large family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast ionotropic responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. Their vital role in converting neurotransmitter recognition into an electrical impulse makes these receptors essential for a great variety of physiological processes. In vertebrates, the Cys-loop receptor family includes the cation-selective channels, nicotinic acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors, and the anion-selective channels, GABAA and glycine receptors, whereas in invertebrates, the repertoire is significantly larger. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has the largest known Cys-loop receptor family as well as unique receptors that are absent in vertebrates and constitute attractive targets for anthelmintic drugs. Given the large number and variety of Cys-loop receptor subunits and the multiple possible ways of subunit assembly, C. elegans offers a large diversity of receptors although only a limited number of them have been characterized to date. C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model for the study of the nervous system and human diseases as well as a model for antiparasitic drug discovery. This nematode has also shown promise in the pharmaceutical industry search for new therapeutic compounds. C. elegans is therefore a powerful model organism to explore the biology and pharmacology of Cys-loop receptors and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is known about the function of C. elegans Cys-loop receptors from an electrophysiological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Hernando
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ornella Turani
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Noelia Rodriguez Araujo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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47
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Huang TH, Lin YS, Hsiao CW, Wang LY, Ajibola MI, Abdulmajeed WI, Lin YL, Li YJ, Chen CY, Lien CC, Chiu CD, Cheng IHJ. Differential expression of GABA A receptor subunits δ and α6 mediates tonic inhibition in parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons in the mouse hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1146278. [PMID: 37545878 PMCID: PMC10397515 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1146278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons mediate inhibition in neuronal circuitry and support normal brain function. Consequently, dysregulation of inhibition is implicated in various brain disorders. Parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) interneurons, the two major types of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus, exhibit distinct morpho-physiological properties and coordinate information processing and memory formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the specialized properties of PV and SST interneurons remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the transcriptomic differences between these two classes of interneurons in the hippocampus using the ribosome tagging approach. The results revealed distinct expressions of genes such as voltage-gated ion channels and GABAA receptor subunits between PV and SST interneurons. Gabrd and Gabra6 were identified as contributors to the contrasting tonic GABAergic inhibition observed in PV and SST interneurons. Moreover, some of the differentially expressed genes were associated with schizophrenia and epilepsy. In conclusion, our results provide molecular insights into the distinct roles of PV and SST interneurons in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsuan Huang
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sian Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chiao-Wan Hsiao
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Yun Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Musa Iyiola Ajibola
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wahab Imam Abdulmajeed
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Yu-Ling Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jui Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Yi Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chang Lien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Chiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Spine Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Irene Han-Juo Cheng
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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48
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Lebovich M, Andrews LB. Genetic circuits for feedback control of gamma-aminobutyric acid biosynthesis in probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544351. [PMID: 37333167 PMCID: PMC10274909 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms such as the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) offer a strategy to sense and modulate the concentration of metabolites or therapeutics in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we present an approach to regulate production of the depression-associated metabolite gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in EcN using genetic circuits that implement negative feedback. We engineered EcN to produce GABA by overexpressing glutamate decarboxylase (GadB) from E. coli and applied an intracellular GABA biosensor to identify growth conditions that improve GABA biosynthesis. We next employed characterized genetically-encoded NOT gates to construct genetic circuits with layered feedback to control the rate of GABA biosynthesis and the concentration of GABA produced. Looking ahead, this approach may be utilized to design feedback control of microbial metabolite biosynthesis to achieve designable smart microbes that act as living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Chemical Engineering, Amherst, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Biotechnology Training Program, Amherst, MA
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Chemical Engineering, Amherst, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Biotechnology Training Program, Amherst, MA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Amherst, MA
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49
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Zhou S, Zhu J, Sun X, Xie L, Zhao Y, Ding S, Wang L, Chen J, Zhu B, Zheng A, Li Y, Zhou C, Shao F. Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Midazolam Gel After Rectal Administration in Healthy Chinese Subjects. Clin Drug Investig 2023:10.1007/s40261-023-01276-5. [PMID: 37270744 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-023-01276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Midazolam rectal gel is a novel rectal formulation that may be a promising and potential alternative to oral administration for pediatric sedation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and absolute bioavailability of midazolam rectal gel in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS An open-label, single-dose, randomized, two-period, two-treatment, crossover clinical study was conducted in 22 healthy subjects (16 males and six females), each receiving 2.5 mg intravenous midazolam in one period and 5 mg midazolam rectal gel in another period (the dosages here were calculated as active midazolam). Safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic assessments were conducted throughout the study. RESULTS All of the subjects completed both treatment periods. The formulation of rectal gel was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events occurring. After a single rectal dose of 5 mg midazolam rectal gel, it was absorbed rapidly with a median value of time to peak concentration (Tmax) of 1.00 h, and mean values of the peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-t) of 37.2 ng/mL and 137 h·ng/mL, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of rectal gel was 59.7%. The rectal gel exhibited a relatively delayed onset but a more stable sedative effect and a longer duration when compared with intravenous midazolam. CONCLUSION Midazolam rectal gel may be a feasible alternative with a high level of acceptance in pediatric sedation and enhanced bioavailability compared to an oral formulation. The modeling results may help to disclose out the exposure-response relationship of midazolam rectal gel and support the design of an escalating-doses study and pediatric extrapolation study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn (No. CTR20192350).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufeng Zhou
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinying Zhu
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaodi Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lijun Xie
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sijia Ding
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Zhu
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiping Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yajuan Li
- Xinjiang Tefeng Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Feng Shao
- Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, #300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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50
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Jimenez-Tellez N, Pehar M, Visser F, Casas-Ortiz A, Rice T, Syed NI. Sevoflurane Exposure in Neonates Perturbs the Expression Patterns of Specific Genes That May Underly the Observed Learning and Memory Deficits. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108696. [PMID: 37240038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to commonly used anesthetics leads to neurotoxic effects in animal models-ranging from cell death to learning and memory deficits. These neurotoxic effects invoke a variety of molecular pathways, exerting either immediate or long-term effects at the cellular and behavioural levels. However, little is known about the gene expression changes following early neonatal exposure to these anesthetic agents. We report here on the effects of sevoflurane, a commonly used inhalational anesthetic, on learning and memory and identify a key set of genes that may likely be involved in the observed behavioural deficits. Specifically, we demonstrate that sevoflurane exposure in postnatal day 7 (P7) rat pups results in subtle, but distinct, memory deficits in the adult animals that have not been reported previously. Interestingly, when given intraperitoneally, pre-treatment with dexmedetomidine (DEX) could only prevent sevoflurane-induced anxiety in open field testing. To identify genes that may have been altered in the neonatal rats after sevoflurane and DEX exposure, specifically those impacting cellular viability, learning, and memory, we conducted an extensive Nanostring study examining over 770 genes. We found differential changes in the gene expression levels after exposure to both agents. A number of the perturbed genes found in this study have previously been implicated in synaptic transmission, plasticity, neurogenesis, apoptosis, myelination, and learning and memory. Our data thus demonstrate that subtle, albeit long-term, changes observed in an adult animal's learning and memory after neonatal anesthetic exposure may likely involve perturbation of specific gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Jimenez-Tellez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Marcus Pehar
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Alberto Casas-Ortiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tiffany Rice
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Naweed I Syed
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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