State-dependent block of CNG channels by dequalinium

Medicinal applications and molecular targets of dequalinium chloride

For more than 60 years dequalinium chloride (DQ) has been used as anti-infective drug, mainly to treat local infections. It is a standard drug to treat bacterial vaginosis and an active ingredient of sore-throat lozenges. As a lipophilic bis-quaternary ammonium molecule, the drug displays membrane effects and selectively targets mitochondria to deplete DNA and to block energy production in cells. But beyond its mitochondriotropic property, DQ can interfere with the correct functioning of diverse proteins. A dozen of DQ protein targets have been identified and their implication in the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and anticancer properties of the drug is discussed here. The anticancer effects of DQ combine a mitochondrial action, a selective inhibition of kinases (PKC-α/β, Cdc7/Dbf4), and a modulation of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. At the bacterial level, DQ interacts with different multidrug transporters (QacR, AcrB, EmrE) and with the transcriptional regulator RamR. Other proteins implicated in the antiviral (MPER domain of gp41 HIV-1) and antiparasitic (chitinase A from Vibrio harveyi) activities have been identified. DQ also targets α -synuclein oligomers to restrict protofibrils formation implicated in some neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, DQ is a typical bolaamphiphile molecule, well suited to form liposomes and nanoparticules useful for drug entrapment and delivery (DQAsomes and others). Altogether, the review highlights the many pharmacological properties and therapeutic benefits of this old 'multi-talented' drug, which may be exploited further. Its multiple sites of actions in cells should be kept in mind when using DQ in experimental research.

Bis-Quinolinium Cyclophane Blockers of SK Potassium Channels Are Antagonists of M3 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Dequalinium is used as an antimicrobial compound for oral health and other microbial infections. Derivatives of dequalinium, the bis-quinolinium cyclophanes UCL 1684 and UCL 1848, are high affinity SK potassium channel antagonists. Here we investigated these compounds as M3 muscarinic receptor (mACHR) antagonists. We used the R-CEPIAer endoplasmic reticulum calcium reporter to functionally assay for Gq-coupled receptor signaling, and investigated the bis-quinolinium cyclophanes as antagonists of M3 mACHR activation in transfected CHO cells. Given mACHR roles in airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility, we also tested the ability of UCL 1684 to relax ASM. We find that these compounds antagonized M3 mACHRs with an IC₅₀ of 0.27 μM for dequalinium chloride, 1.5 μM for UCL 1684 and 1.0 μM for UCL 1848. UCL 1684 also antagonized M1 (IC₅₀ 0.12 μM) and M5 (IC₅₀ 0.52 μM) mACHR responses. UCL 1684 was determined to be a competitive antagonist at M3 receptors as it increased the EC₅₀ for carbachol without a reduction in the maximum response. The Ki for UCL1684 determined from competition binding experiments was 909 nM. UCL 1684 reduced carbachol-evoked ASM contractions (>90%, IC₅₀ 0.43 μM), and calcium mobilization in rodent and human lung ASM cells. We conclude that dequalinium and bis-quinolinium cyclophanes antagonized M3 mACHR activation at sub- to low micromolar concentrations, with UCL 1684 acting as an ASM relaxant. Caution should be taken when using these compounds to block SK potassium channels, as inhibition of mACHRs may be a side-effect if excessive concentrations are used.

Role of the S4-S5 linker in CNG channel activation

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels mediate sensory signal transduction in retinal and olfactory cells. The channels are activated by the binding of cyclic nucleotides to a cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) in the C-terminus that is located at the intracellular side. The molecular events translating the ligand binding to the pore opening are still unknown. We investigated the role of the S4-S5 linker in the activation process by quantifying its interaction with other intracellular regions. To this end, we constructed chimeric channels in which the N-terminus, the S4-S5 linker, the C-linker, and the CNBD of the retinal CNGA1 subunit were systematically replaced by the respective regions of the olfactory CNGA2 subunit. Macroscopic concentration-response relations were analyzed, yielding the apparent affinity to cGMP and the Hill coefficient. The degree of functional coupling of intracellular regions in the activation gating was determined by thermodynamic double-mutant cycle analysis. We observed that all four intracellular regions, including the relatively short S4-S5 linker, are involved in controlling the apparent affinity of the channel to cGMP and, moreover, in determining the degree of cooperativity between the subunits, as derived from the Hill coefficient. The interaction energies reveal an interaction of the S4-S5 linker with both the N-terminus and the C-linker, but no interaction with the CNBD.

PP2B/calcineurin-mediated desensitization of TRPV1 does not require AKAP150

Activation of protein kinases and phosphatases at the plasma membrane often initiates agonist-dependent signalling events. In sensory neurons, AKAP150 (A-kinase-anchoring protein 150) orientates PKA (protein kinase A), PKC (protein kinase C) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PP2B (protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin) towards membrane-associated substrates. Recent evidence indicates that AKAP150-anchored PKA and PKC phosphorylate and sensitize the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential subfamily V type 1 channel, also known as the capsaicin receptor). In the present study, we explore the hypothesis that an AKAP150-associated pool of PP2B catalyses the dephosphorylation and desensitization of TRPV1. Biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-based experiments indicate that PP2B associates with AKAP150 and TRPV1 in cultured TG (trigeminal ganglia) neurons. Gene silencing of AKAP150 reduces basal phosphorylation of TRPV1. However, functional studies in neurons isolated from AKAP150-/- mice indicate that the anchoring protein is not required for pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1. Behavioural analysis of AKAP150-/- mice further support this notion, demonstrating that agonist-stimulated desensitization of TRPV1 is sensitive to PP2B inhibition and does not rely on AKAP150. These findings allow us to conclude that pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1 by PP2B may involve additional regulatory components.

On the mechanism of TBA block of the TRPV1 channel

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is a nonselective cation channel activated by capsaicin and responsible for thermosensation. To date, little is known about the gating characteristics of these channels. Here we used tetrabutylammonium (TBA) to determine whether this molecule behaves as an ion conduction blocker in TRPV1 channels and to gain insight into the nature of the activation gate of this protein. TBA belongs to a family of classic potassium channel blockers that have been widely used as tools for determining the localization of the activation gate and the properties of the pore of several ion channels. We found TBA to be a voltage-dependent pore blocker and that the properties of block are consistent with an open-state blocker, with the TBA molecule binding to multiple open states, each with different blocker affinities. Kinetics of channel closure and burst-length analysis in the presence of blocker are consistent with a state-dependent blocking mechanism, with TBA interfering with closing of an activation gate. This activation gate may be located cytoplasmically with respect to the binding site of TBA ions, similar to what has been observed in potassium channels. We propose an allosteric model for TRPV1 activation and block by TBA, which explains our experimental data.

State-independent block of BK channels by an intracellular quaternary ammonium

Intracellular blockade by quaternary ammonium (QA) molecules of many potassium channels is state dependent, where the requirement for channel opening is evidenced by a time-dependent component of block in the macroscopic record. Whether this is the case for Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels, however, remains unclear. Previous work (Li, W., and R.W. Aldrich. 2004. J. Gen. Physiol. 124:43-57) tentatively proposed a state-dependent, trapping model, but left open the possibility of state-independent block. Here, we found BK channel blockade by a novel QA derivative, bbTBA, was time dependent, raising the possibility of state-dependent, open channel block. Alternatively, the observed voltage dependence of block could be sufficient to explain time-dependent block. We have used steady-state and kinetic measurements of bbTBA blockade in order to discriminate between these two possibilities. bbTBA did not significantly slow deactivation kinetics at potentials between -200 and -100 mV, suggesting that channels can close unhindered by bound bbTBA. We further find no evidence that bbTBA is trapped inside BK channels after closing. Measurements of steady state fractional block at +40 mV revealed a 1.3-fold change in apparent affinity for a 33-fold change in P(o), in striking contrast to the 31-fold change predicted by state-dependent block. Finally, the appearance of a third kinetic component of bbTBA blockade at high concentrations is incompatible with state-dependent block. Our results suggest that access of intracellular bbTBA to the BK channel cavity is not strictly gated by channel opening and closing, and imply that the permeation gate for BK channels may not be intracellular.

Access of quaternary ammonium blockers to the internal pore of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels: implications for the location of the gate

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play important roles in the transduction of visual and olfactory information by sensing changes in the intracellular concentration of cyclic nucleotides. We have investigated the interactions between intracellularly applied quaternary ammonium (QA) ions and the alpha subunit of rod cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. We have used a family of alkyl-triethylammonium derivatives in which the length of one chain is altered. These QA derivatives blocked the permeation pathway of CNG channels in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. For QA compounds with tails longer than six methylene groups, increasing the length of the chain resulted in higher apparent affinities of approximately 1.2 RT per methylene group added, which is consistent with the presence of a hydrophobic pocket within the intracellular mouth of the channel that serves as part of the receptor binding site. At the single channel level, decyltriethyl ammonium (C10-TEA) ions did not change the unitary conductance but they did reduce the apparent mean open time, suggesting that the blocker binds to open channels. We provide four lines of evidence suggesting that QA ions can also bind to closed channels: (1) the extent of C10-TEA blockade at subsaturating [cGMP] was larger than at saturating agonist concentration, (2) under saturating concentrations of cGMP, cIMP, or cAMP, blockade levels were inversely correlated with the maximal probability of opening achieved by each agonist, (3) in the closed state, MTS reagents of comparable sizes to QA ions were able to modify V391C in the inner vestibule of the channel, and (4) in the closed state, C10-TEA was able to slow the Cd2+ inhibition observed in V391C channels. These results are in stark contrast to the well-established QA blockade mechanism in Kv channels, where these compounds can only access the inner vestibule in the open state because the gate that opens and closes the channel is located cytoplasmically with respect to the binding site of QA ions. Therefore, in the context of Kv channels, our observations suggest that the regions involved in opening and closing the permeation pathways in these two types of channels are different.

The pharmacology of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels: emerging from the darkness

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels play a central role in vision and olfaction, generating the electrical responses to light in photoreceptors and to odorants in olfactory receptors. These channels have been detected in many other tissues where their functions are largely unclear. The use of gene knockouts and other methods have yielded some information, but there is a pressing need for potent and specific pharmacological agents directed at CNG channels. To date there has been very little systematic effort in this direction - most of what can be termed CNG channel pharmacology arose from testing reagents known to target protein kinases or other ion channels, or by accident when researchers were investigating other intracellular pathways that may regulate the activity of CNG channels. Predictably, these studies have not produced selective agents. However, taking advantage of emerging structural information and the increasing knowledge of the biophysical properties of these channels, some promising compounds and strategies have begun to emerge. In this review we discuss progress on two fronts, cyclic nucleotide analogs as both activators and competitive inhibitors, and inhibitors that target the pore or gating machinery of the channel. We also discuss the potential of these compounds for treating certain forms of retinal degeneration.

Defining the retinoid binding site in the rod cyclic nucleotide-gated channel

Rod vision is initiated when 11-cis-retinal, bound within rhodopsin, absorbs a photon and isomerizes to all-trans-retinal (ATR). This triggers an enzyme cascade that lowers cGMP, thereby closing cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. ATR then dissociates from rhodopsin, with bright light releasing millimolar levels of ATR. We have recently shown that ATR is a potent closed-state inhibitor of the rod CNG channel, and that it requires access to the cytosolic face of the channel (McCabe, S.L., D.M. Pelosi, M. Tetreault, A. Miri, W. Nguitragool, P. Kovithvathanaphong, R. Mahajan, and A.L. Zimmerman. 2004. J. Gen. Physiol. 123:521–531). However, the details of the interaction between the channel and ATR have not been resolved. Here, we explore the nature of this interaction by taking advantage of specific retinoids and retinoid analogues, namely, β-ionone, all-trans-C15 aldehyde, all-trans-C17 aldehyde, all-trans-C22 aldehyde, all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinoic acid, and all-trans-retinylidene-n-butylamine. These retinoids differ in polyene chain length, chemical functionality, and charge. Results obtained from patch clamp and NMR studies have allowed us to better define the characteristics of the site of retinoid–channel interaction. We propose that the cytoplasmic face of the channel contains a retinoid binding site. This binding site likely contains a hydrophobic region that allows the ionone ring and polyene tail to sit in an optimal position to promote interaction of the terminal functional group with residues ∼15 Å away from the ionone ring. Based on our functional data with retinoids possessing either a positive or a negative charge, we speculate that these amino acid residues may be polar and/or aromatic.

Mutation of the pore glutamate affects both cytoplasmic and external dequalinium block in the rat olfactory CNGA2 channel

Dequalinium has recently been reported to block CNGA1 and CNGA2 channels expressed in Xenopus laevis. Using the inside-out configuration of the patch-clamp technique, we examined the effects of dequalinium on rat olfactory CNGA2 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and studied aspects of its molecular mechanism of action. We found that cytoplasmic dequalinium blocked wild-type (WT) CNGA2 channels in a voltage-dependent manner with an IC(50) of approximately 1.3 muM at a V(m) of + 60 mV, and an effective fractional charge, zdelta, of +0.8 (z=2, delta=+0.4), suggesting that cytoplasmic dequalinium interacts with a binding site that is about two fifths of the way along the membrane electric field (from the intracellular side). Neutralizing the negatively charged pore lining glutamate acid residue (E342Q) still allows effective channel block by cytoplasmic dequalinium with an IC(50) of approximately 2.2 muM at a V(m) of +60 mV but now having a zdelta of +0.1 (delta=+0.05), indicating a profoundly decreased level of voltage-dependence. In addition, by comparing the extent of block under different levels of channel activation, we show that the block by cytoplasmic dequalinium displayed clear state-dependence in WT channels by interacting predominantly with the closed channel, whereas the block in E342Q channels was state-independent. Application of dequalinium to the external membrane surface also blocked currents through WT channels and the E342Q mutation significantly increased the IC(50) for external block approximately fivefold. These results confirm dequalinium as a potent, voltage-dependent and state-dependent blocker of cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels, and show that neutralization of the E342 residue profoundly affects the block by both cytoplasmic and external application of dequalinium.

All-trans-retinal is a closed-state inhibitor of rod cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels

Rod vision begins when 11-cis-retinal absorbs a photon and isomerizes to all-trans-retinal (ATR) within the photopigment, rhodopsin. Photoactivated rhodopsin triggers an enzyme cascade that lowers the concentration of cGMP, thereby closing cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) ion channels. After isomerization, ATR dissociates from rhodopsin, and after a bright light, this release is expected to produce a large surge of ATR near the CNG channels. Using excised patches from Xenopus oocytes, we recently showed that ATR shuts down cloned rod CNG channels, and that this inhibition occurs in the nanomolar range (aqueous concentration) at near-physiological concentrations of cGMP. Here we further characterize the ATR effect and present mechanistic information. ATR was found to decrease the apparent cGMP affinity, as well as the maximum current at saturating cGMP. When ATR was applied to outside-out patches, inhibition was much slower and less effective than when it was applied to inside-out patches, suggesting that ATR requires access to the intracellular surface of the channel or membrane. The apparent ATR affinity and maximal inhibition of heteromeric (CNGA1/CNGB1) channels was similar to that of homomeric (CNGA1) channels. Single-channel and multichannel data suggest that channel inhibition by ATR is reversible. Inhibition by ATR was not voltage dependent, and the form of its dose–response relation suggested multiple ATR molecules interacting per channel. Modeling of the data obtained with cAMP and cGMP suggests that ATR acts by interfering with the allosteric opening transition of the channel and that it prefers closed, unliganded channels. It remains to be determined whether ATR acts directly on the channel protein or instead alters channel–bilayer interactions.