1
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Fouda MA, Ghovanloo MR, Ruben PC. Late sodium current: incomplete inactivation triggers seizures, myotonias, arrhythmias, and pain syndromes. J Physiol 2022; 600:2835-2851. [PMID: 35436004 DOI: 10.1113/jp282768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired and inherited dysfunction in voltage-gated sodium channels underlies a wide range of diseases. "In addition to the defects in trafficking and expression, sodium channelopathies are also caused by dysfunction in one or several gating properties, for instance activation or inactivation. Disruption of the channel inactivation leads to the increased late sodium current, which is a common defect in seizure disorders, cardiac arrhythmias skeletal muscle myotonia and pain. An increase in late sodium current leads to repetitive action potential in neurons and skeletal muscles, and prolonged action potential duration in the heart. In this topical review, we compare the effects of late sodium current in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and peripheral nerves. Abstract figure legend Shows cartoon illustration of general Nav channel transitions between (1) resting, (2) open, and (3) fast inactivated states. Disruption of the inactivation process exacerbates (4) late sodium currents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Fouda
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Peter C Ruben
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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2
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Xenakis MN, Kapetis D, Yang Y, Gerrits MM, Heijman J, Waxman SG, Lauria G, Faber CG, Westra RL, Lindsey PJ, Smeets HJ. Hydropathicity-based prediction of pain-causing NaV1.7 variants. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:212. [PMID: 33892629 PMCID: PMC8063372 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutation-induced variations in the functional architecture of the NaV1.7 channel protein are causally related to a broad spectrum of human pain disorders. Predicting in silico the phenotype of NaV1.7 variant is of major clinical importance; it can aid in reducing costs of in vitro pathophysiological characterization of NaV1.7 variants, as well as, in the design of drug agents for counteracting pain-disease symptoms. Results In this work, we utilize spatial complexity of hydropathic effects toward predicting which NaV1.7 variants cause pain (and which are neutral) based on the location of corresponding mutation sites within the NaV1.7 structure. For that, we analyze topological and scaling hydropathic characteristics of the atomic environment around NaV1.7’s pore and probe their spatial correlation with mutation sites. We show that pain-related mutation sites occupy structural locations in proximity to a hydrophobic patch lining the pore while clustering at a critical hydropathic-interactions distance from the selectivity filter (SF). Taken together, these observations can differentiate pain-related NaV1.7 variants from neutral ones, i.e., NaV1.7 variants not causing pain disease, with 80.5\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}% specificity [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.872]. Conclusions Our findings suggest that maintaining hydrophobic NaV1.7 interior intact, as well as, a finely-tuned (dictated by hydropathic interactions) distance from the SF might be necessary molecular conditions for physiological NaV1.7 functioning. The main advantage for using the presented predictive scheme is its negligible computational cost, as well as, hydropathicity-based biophysical rationalization. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04119-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makros N Xenakis
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Research School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Dimos Kapetis
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Monique M Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald L Westra
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick J Lindsey
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Research School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Research School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Le Cann K, Meents JE, Sudha Bhagavath Eswaran V, Dohrn MF, Bott R, Maier A, Bialer M, Hautvast P, Erickson A, Rolke R, Rothermel M, Körner J, Kurth I, Lampert A. Assessing the impact of pain-linked Nav1.7 variants: An example of two variants with no biophysical effect. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:208-228. [PMID: 33487118 PMCID: PMC7833769 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1870087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 are linked to human pain. The Nav1.7/N1245S variant was described before in several patients suffering from primary erythromelalgia and/or olfactory hypersensitivity. We have identified this variant in a pain patient and a patient suffering from severe and life-threatening orthostatic hypotension. In addition, we report a female patient suffering from muscle pain and carrying the Nav1.7/E1139K variant. We tested both Nav1.7 variants by whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in HEK293 cells, revealing a slightly enhanced current density for the N1245S variant when co-expressed with the β1 subunit. This effect was counteracted by an enhanced slow inactivation. Both variants showed similar voltage dependence of activation and steady-state fast inactivation, as well as kinetics of fast inactivation, deactivation, and use-dependency compared to WT Nav1.7. Finally, homology modeling revealed that the N1245S substitution results in different intramolecular interaction partners. Taken together, these experiments do not point to a clear pathogenic effect of either the N1245S or E1139K variant and suggest they may not be solely responsible for the patients’ pain symptoms. As discussed previously for other variants, investigations in heterologous expression systems may not sufficiently mimic the pathophysiological situation in pain patients, and single nucleotide variants in other genes or modulatory proteins are necessary for these specific variants to show their effect. Our findings stress that biophysical investigations of ion channel mutations need to be evaluated with care and should preferably be supplemented with studies investigating the mutations in their context, ideally in human sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le Cann
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis E Meents
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Maike F Dohrn
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Raya Bott
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Maier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Bialer
- Division of Clinical Metabolism of Medical Genetics and Human Genomics at Northwell Health System , New-York, United States
| | - Petra Hautvast
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Andelain Erickson
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Rolke
- Department for Palliative Care, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Department of Chemosensation, AG Neuromodulation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Jannis Körner
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital , Aachen, Germany
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4
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Loser D, Schaefer J, Danker T, Möller C, Brüll M, Suciu I, Ückert AK, Klima S, Leist M, Kraushaar U. Human neuronal signaling and communication assays to assess functional neurotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:229-252. [PMID: 33269408 PMCID: PMC7811517 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of drug toxicity on the human nervous system still relies mainly on animal experiments. Here, we developed an alternative system allowing assessment of complex signaling in both individual human neurons and on the network level. The LUHMES cultures used for our approach can be cultured in 384-well plates with high reproducibility. We established here high-throughput quantification of free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i as broadly applicable surrogate of neuronal activity and verified the main processes by patch clamp recordings. Initially, we characterized the expression pattern of many neuronal signaling components and selected the purinergic receptors to demonstrate the applicability of the [Ca2+]i signals for quantitative characterization of agonist and antagonist responses on classical ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors. This included receptor sub-typing and the characterization of the anti-parasitic drug suramin as modulator of the cellular response to ATP. To exemplify potential studies on ion channels, we characterized voltage-gated sodium channels and their inhibition by tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin and lidocaine, as well as their opening by the plant alkaloid veratridine and the food-relevant marine biotoxin ciguatoxin. Even broader applicability of [Ca2+]i quantification as an end point was demonstrated by measurements of dopamine transporter activity based on the membrane potential-changing activity of this neurotransmitter carrier. The substrates dopamine or amphetamine triggered [Ca2+]i oscillations that were synchronized over the entire culture dish. We identified compounds that modified these oscillations by interfering with various ion channels. Thus, this new test system allows multiple types of neuronal signaling, within and between cells, to be assessed, quantified and characterized for their potential disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Loser
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
- NMI TT GmbH, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
- Life Sciences Faculty, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, 72488, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Schaefer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
- NMI TT GmbH, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | | | - Clemens Möller
- Life Sciences Faculty, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, 72488, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Markus Brüll
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Ilinca Suciu
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Ückert
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Stefanie Klima
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| | - Udo Kraushaar
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
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5
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Toffano AA, Chiarot G, Zamuner S, Marchi M, Salvi E, Waxman SG, Faber CG, Lauria G, Giacometti A, Simeoni M. Computational pipeline to probe NaV1.7 gain-of-function variants in neuropathic painful syndromes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17930. [PMID: 33087732 PMCID: PMC7578092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74591-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Applications of machine learning and graph theory techniques to neuroscience have witnessed an increased interest in the last decade due to the large data availability and unprecedented technology developments. Their employment to investigate the effect of mutational changes in genes encoding for proteins modulating the membrane of excitable cells, whose biological correlates are assessed at electrophysiological level, could provide useful predictive clues. We apply this concept to the analysis of variants in sodium channel NaV1.7 subunit found in patients with chronic painful syndromes, by the implementation of a dedicated computational pipeline empowering different and complementary techniques including homology modeling, network theory, and machine learning. By testing three templates of different origin and sequence identities, we provide an optimal condition for its use. Our findings reveal the usefulness of our computational pipeline in supporting the selection of candidates for cell electrophysiology assay and with potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Toffano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Giacomo Chiarot
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Stefano Zamuner
- Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics, Institute of Physics, School of Basic Sciences, Ècole Polytechnique Fèdèrale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margherita Marchi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Salvi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale Medical School, West Haven, USA
| | - Catharina G Faber
- MHeNs school for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Achille Giacometti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.,European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy
| | - Marta Simeoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy. .,European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy.
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6
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Painful and painless mutations of SCN9A and SCN11A voltage-gated sodium channels. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:865-880. [PMID: 32601768 PMCID: PMC7351857 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02419-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a global problem affecting up to 20% of the world’s population and has a significant economic, social and personal cost to society. Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) detect noxious stimuli and transmit this sensory information to regions of the central nervous system (CNS) where activity is perceived as pain. DRG neurons express multiple voltage-gated sodium channels that underlie their excitability. Research over the last 20 years has provided valuable insights into the critical roles that two channels, NaV1.7 and NaV1.9, play in pain signalling in man. Gain of function mutations in NaV1.7 cause painful conditions while loss of function mutations cause complete insensitivity to pain. Only gain of function mutations have been reported for NaV1.9. However, while most NaV1.9 mutations lead to painful conditions, a few are reported to cause insensitivity to pain. The critical roles these channels play in pain along with their low expression in the CNS and heart muscle suggest they are valid targets for novel analgesic drugs.
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7
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Ciotu CI, Tsantoulas C, Meents J, Lampert A, McMahon SB, Ludwig A, Fischer MJM. Noncanonical Ion Channel Behaviour in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4572. [PMID: 31540178 PMCID: PMC6770626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels contribute fundamental properties to cell membranes. Although highly diverse in conductivity, structure, location, and function, many of them can be regulated by common mechanisms, such as voltage or (de-)phosphorylation. Primarily considering ion channels involved in the nociceptive system, this review covers more novel and less known features. Accordingly, we outline noncanonical operation of voltage-gated sodium, potassium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-gated channels. Noncanonical features discussed include properties as a memory for prior voltage and chemical exposure, alternative ion conduction pathways, cluster formation, and silent subunits. Complementary to this main focus, the intention is also to transfer knowledge between fields, which become inevitably more separate due to their size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin I Ciotu
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London SE1 1UR, UK
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael J M Fischer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Huang CW, Lai HJ, Huang PY, Lee MJ, Kuo CC. Anomalous enhancement of resurgent Na + currents at high temperatures by SCN9A mutations underlies the episodic heat-enhanced pain in inherited erythromelalgia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12251. [PMID: 31439884 PMCID: PMC6706385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), caused by mutations in Nav1.7 channel is characterized by episodic neuropathic pain triggered especially by warm temperature. However, the mechanism underlying the temperature–dependent episodic attacks of IEM remains elusive. We investigated the electrophysiological effect of temperature changes on Nav1.7 channels with three different mutations, p.I136V, p. I848T, and p.V1316A, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro biophysical studies of the mutant channels show consistent temperature-dependent enhancement of the relative resurgent currents if normalized to the transient currents, as well as temperature-dependent changes in the time to peak and the kinetics of decay of the resurgent currents, but no congruent temperature–dependent changes in steady–state parameters such as shift of activation/inactivation curves and changes of the absolute size of the window or resurgent currents. In vivo nerve excitability tests (NET) in IEM patients reveal the essentially normal indices of NET at a single stimulus. However, there are evident abnormalities if assessed with preconditioning pulses, such as the decrease of threshold elevation in hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus (50–100 ms), the increase of inward rectification in current–voltage curve, and the increase of refractoriness at the interpulse interval of 2–6 ms in recovery cycle, probably also implicating derangements in temperature dependence of inactivation and of recovery from inactivation in the mutant channels. The pathogenesis of heat–enhanced pain in IEM could be attributed to deranged temperature dependence of Nav1.7 channels responsible for the genesis of resurgent currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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9
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Transcriptional Regulation of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels Contributes to GM-CSF-Induced Pain. J Neurosci 2019; 39:5222-5233. [PMID: 31015342 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2204-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induces the production of granulocyte and macrophage populations from the hematopoietic progenitor cells; it is one of the most common growth factors in the blood. GM-CSF is also involved in bone cancer pain development by regulating tumor-nerve interactions, remodeling of peripheral nerves, and sensitization of damage-sensing (nociceptive) nerves. However, the precise mechanism for GM-CSF-dependent pain is unclear. In this study, we found that GM-CSF is highly expressed in human malignant osteosarcoma. Female Sprague Dawley rats implanted with bone cancer cells develop mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, but antagonizing GM-CSF in these animals significantly reduced such hypersensitivity. The voltage-gated Na+ channels Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 were found to be selectively upregulated in rat DRG neurons treated with GM-CSF, which resulted in enhanced excitability. GM-CSF activated the Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway, which promoted the transcription of Nav1.7-1.9 in DRG neurons. Accordingly, targeted knocking down of either Nav1.7-1.9 or Jak2/Stat3 in DRG neurons in vivo alleviated the hyperalgesia in male Sprague Dawley rats. Our findings describe a novel bone cancer pain mechanism and provide a new insight into the physiological and pathological functions of GM-CSF.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It has been reported that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plays a key role in bone cancer pain, yet the underlying mechanisms involved in the GM-CSF-mediated signaling pathway in nociceptors is not fully understood. Here, we showed that GM-CSF promotes bone cancer-associated pain by enhancing the excitability of DRG neurons via the Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (Stat3)-mediated upregulation of expression of nociceptor-specific voltage-gated sodium channels. Our study provides a detailed understanding of the roles that sodium channels and the Jak2/Stat3 pathway play in the GM-CSF-mediated bone cancer pain; our data also highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting GM-CSF.
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10
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McDermott LA, Weir GA, Themistocleous AC, Segerdahl AR, Blesneac I, Baskozos G, Clark AJ, Millar V, Peck LJ, Ebner D, Tracey I, Serra J, Bennett DL. Defining the Functional Role of Na V1.7 in Human Nociception. Neuron 2019; 101:905-919.e8. [PMID: 30795902 PMCID: PMC6424805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in NaV1.7 cause congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP); this voltage-gated sodium channel is therefore a key target for analgesic drug development. Utilizing a multi-modal approach, we investigated how NaV1.7 mutations lead to human pain insensitivity. Skin biopsy and microneurography revealed an absence of C-fiber nociceptors in CIP patients, reflected in a reduced cortical response to capsaicin on fMRI. Epitope tagging of endogenous NaV1.7 revealed the channel to be localized at the soma membrane, axon, axon terminals, and the nodes of Ranvier of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) nociceptors. CIP patient-derived iPSC nociceptors exhibited an inability to properly respond to depolarizing stimuli, demonstrating that NaV1.7 is a key regulator of excitability. Using this iPSC nociceptor platform, we found that some NaV1.7 blockers undergoing clinical trials lack specificity. CIP, therefore, arises due to a profound loss of functional nociceptors, which is more pronounced than that reported in rodent models, or likely achievable following acute pharmacological blockade. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A McDermott
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Greg A Weir
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Andrew R Segerdahl
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Iulia Blesneac
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Georgios Baskozos
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alex J Clark
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Val Millar
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Liam J Peck
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Irene Tracey
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jordi Serra
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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11
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Pediatric Erythromelalgia and SCN9A Mutations: Systematic Review and Single-Center Case Series. J Pediatr 2019; 206:217-224.e9. [PMID: 30416015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical features of erythromelalgia in childhood associated with gain-of-function SCN9A mutations that increase activity of the Nav1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel, we conducted a systematic review of pediatric presentations of erythromelalgia related to SCN9A mutations, and compared pediatric clinical presentations of symptomatic erythromelalgia, with or without SCN9A mutations. STUDY DESIGN PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO Databases were searched for reports of inherited erythromelalgia in childhood. Clinical features, management, and genotype were extracted. Case notes of pediatric patients with erythromelalgia from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Pain Service were reviewed for clinical features, patient-reported outcomes, and treatments. Children aged over 10 years were recruited for quantitative sensory testing. RESULTS Twenty-eight publications described erythromelalgia associated with 15 different SCN9A gene variants in 25 children. Pain was severe and often refractory to multiple treatments, including nonspecific sodium channel blockers. Skin damage or other complications of cold immersion for symptomatic relief were common (60%). SCN9A mutations resulting in greater hyperpolarizing shifts in Nav1.7 sodium channels correlated with symptom onset at younger ages (P = .016). Variability in reporting, and potential publication bias toward severe cases, limit any estimations of overall prevalence. In our case series, symptoms were similar but comorbidities were more common in children with SCN9A mutations. Quantitative sensory testing revealed marked dynamic warm allodynia. CONCLUSIONS Inherited erythromelalgia in children is associated with difficult-to-manage pain and significant morbidity. Standardized reporting of outcome and management in larger series will strengthen identification of genotype-phenotype relationships. More effective long-term therapies are a significant unmet clinical need.
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12
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Chen L, Huang J, Zhao P, Persson AK, Dib-Hajj FB, Cheng X, Tan A, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD. Conditional knockout of Na V1.6 in adult mice ameliorates neuropathic pain. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3845. [PMID: 29497094 PMCID: PMC5832877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22216-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 have been the focus for pain studies because their mutations are associated with human pain disorders, but the role of NaV1.6 in pain is less understood. In this study, we selectively knocked out NaV1.6 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, using NaV1.8-Cre directed or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Cre mediated approaches, and examined the specific contribution of NaV1.6 to the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) current in these neurons and its role in neuropathic pain. We report here that NaV1.6 contributes up to 60% of the TTX-S current in large, and 34% in small DRG neurons. We also show NaV1.6 accumulates at nodes of Ranvier within the neuroma following spared nerve injury (SNI). Although NaV1.8-Cre driven NaV1.6 knockout does not alter acute, inflammatory or neuropathic pain behaviors, AAV-Cre mediated NaV1.6 knockout in adult mice partially attenuates SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. Additionally, AAV-Cre mediated NaV1.6 knockout, mostly in large DRG neurons, significantly attenuates excitability of these neurons after SNI and reduces NaV1.6 accumulation at nodes of Ranvier at the neuroma. Together, NaV1.6 in NaV1.8-positive neurons does not influence pain thresholds under normal or pathological conditions, but NaV1.6 in large NaV1.8-negative DRG neurons plays an important role in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Jianying Huang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Anna-Karin Persson
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Fadia B Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Andrew Tan
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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13
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Marakhonov AV, Varenikov GG, Skoblov MY. Sodium Channelopathies: From Molecular Physiology towards Medical Genetics. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279541801009x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Tham SW, Li L, Effraim P, Waxman S. Between fire and ice: refractory hypothermia and warmth-induced pain in inherited erythromelalgia. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2017-219486. [PMID: 28751508 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-219486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) is a well-described pain disorder caused by mutations of sodium channel Nav1.7, a peripheral channel expressed within dorsal root ganglion and the sympathetic ganglion neurons. Clinically, IEM is characterised by paroxysmal attacks of severe pain, usually in the distal extremities, triggered by warmth or exercise. Pain is not adequately treated by existing pharmacological agents. Individuals with IEM classically cool their limbs for relief, in some cases resulting in tissue injury. We describe a patient from a family with IEM due to the L858F mutation of Nav1.7 who presented with refractory hypothermia due to overcooling. This presentation of refractory hypothermia necessitating warming strategies, complicated by severe warmth-induced pain, posed a substantial therapeutic challenge. We report our experience in overcoming hypothermia lasting 3 weeks in a child with IEM, discuss possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this unusual complication and suggest potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Wan Tham
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Philip Effraim
- Department of Anesthesia, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephen Waxman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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15
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Tanaka BS, Nguyen PT, Zhou EY, Yang Y, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. Gain-of-function mutation of a voltage-gated sodium channel Na V1.7 associated with peripheral pain and impaired limb development. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:9262-9272. [PMID: 28381558 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.778779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 cause inherited erythromelalgia, a debilitating pain disorder characterized by severe burning pain and redness of the distal extremities. NaV1.7 is preferentially expressed within peripheral sensory and sympathetic neurons. Here, we describe a novel NaV1.7 mutation in an 11-year-old male with underdevelopment of the limbs, recurrent attacks of burning pain with erythema, and swelling in his feet and hands. Frequency and duration of the episodes gradually increased with age, and relief by cooling became less effective. The patient's sister had short stature and reported similar complaints of erythema and burning pain, but with less intensity. Genetic analysis revealed a novel missense mutation in NaV1.7 (2567G>C; p.Gly856Arg) in both siblings. The G856R mutation, located within the DII/S4-S5 linker of the channel, substitutes a highly conserved non-polar glycine by a positively charged arginine. Voltage-clamp analysis of G856R currents revealed that the mutation hyperpolarized (-11.2 mV) voltage dependence of activation and slowed deactivation but did not affect fast inactivation, compared with wild-type channels. A mutation of Gly-856 to aspartic acid was previously found in a family with limb pain and limb underdevelopment, and its functional assessment showed hyperpolarized activation, depolarized fast inactivation, and increased ramp current. Structural modeling using the Rosetta computational modeling suite provided structural clues to the divergent effects of the substitution of Gly-856 by arginine and aspartic acid. Although the proexcitatory changes in gating properties of G856R contribute to the pathophysiology of inherited erythromelalgia, the link to limb underdevelopment is not well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Tanaka
- From the Department of Neurology.,the Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.,the Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Phuong T Nguyen
- the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology and.,the Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Eray Yihui Zhou
- the Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China, and.,the Department of Dermatology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yong Yang
- the Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China, and
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology and.,the Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- From the Department of Neurology.,the Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.,the Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- From the Department of Neurology, .,the Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.,the Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
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16
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Vetter I, Deuis JR, Mueller A, Israel MR, Starobova H, Zhang A, Rash LD, Mobli M. NaV1.7 as a pain target – From gene to pharmacology. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 172:73-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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17
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Kapetis D, Sassone J, Yang Y, Galbardi B, Xenakis MN, Westra RL, Szklarczyk R, Lindsey P, Faber CG, Gerrits M, Merkies ISJ, Dib-Hajj SD, Mantegazza M, Waxman SG, Lauria G. Network topology of NaV1.7 mutations in sodium channel-related painful disorders. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017; 11:28. [PMID: 28235406 PMCID: PMC5324268 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gain-of-function mutations in SCN9A gene that encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 have been associated with a wide spectrum of painful syndromes in humans including inherited erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder and small fibre neuropathy. These mutations change the biophysical properties of NaV1.7 channels leading to hyperexcitability of dorsal root ganglion nociceptors and pain symptoms. There is a need for better understanding of how gain-of-function mutations alter the atomic structure of Nav1.7. RESULTS We used homology modeling to build an atomic model of NaV1.7 and a network-based theoretical approach, which can predict interatomic interactions and connectivity arrangements, to investigate how pain-related NaV1.7 mutations may alter specific interatomic bonds and cause connectivity rearrangement, compared to benign variants and polymorphisms. For each amino acid substitution, we calculated the topological parameters betweenness centrality (B ct ), degree (D), clustering coefficient (CC ct ), closeness (C ct ), and eccentricity (E ct ), and calculated their variation (Δ value = mutant value -WT value ). Pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations showed significantly higher variation of |ΔB ct | compared to benign variants and polymorphisms. Using the cut-off value ±0.26 calculated by receiver operating curve analysis, we found that ΔB ct correctly differentiated pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations from variants not causing biophysical abnormalities (nABN) and homologous SNPs (hSNPs) with 76% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our in-silico analyses predict that pain-related pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations may affect the network topological properties of the protein and suggest |ΔB ct | value as a potential in-silico marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimos Kapetis
- Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jenny Sassone
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
- Present address: San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Barbara Galbardi
- Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Markos N. Xenakis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald L. Westra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Radek Szklarczyk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Lindsey
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Spaarne Hospital, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Sulayman D. Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, CNRS UMR7275 & University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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18
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Michiels JJ. Aspirin responsive erythromelalgia in JAK2-thrombocythemia and incurable inherited erythrothermalgia in neuropathic Nav1.7 sodium channelopathy: from Mitchell 1878 to Michiels 2017. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1270822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jacques Michiels
- Department of Hematology & Coagulation, Academic Hospital Dijkzigt and Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Blood and Coagulation Disorders, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Blood, Coagulation and Vascular Medicine Research Center, Goodheart Institute & Foundation in Nature Medicine & Health, Freedom of Science and Education, European Free University, Erasmus Tower, Rotterdam
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19
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Huang CW, Lai HJ, Huang PY, Lee MJ, Kuo CC. The Biophysical Basis Underlying Gating Changes in the p.V1316A Mutant Nav1.7 Channel and the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inherited Erythromelalgia. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002561. [PMID: 27653502 PMCID: PMC5031448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nav1.7 channel critically contributes to the excitability of sensory neurons, and gain-of-function mutations of this channel have been shown to cause inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) with neuropathic pain. In this study, we report a case of a severe phenotype of IEM caused by p.V1316A mutation in the Nav1.7 channel. Mechanistically, we first demonstrate that the Navβ4 peptide acts as a gating modifier rather than an open channel blocker competing with the inactivating peptide to give rise to resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, there are two distinct open and two corresponding fast inactivated states in the genesis of resurgent Na+ currents. One is responsible for the resurgent route and practically existent only in the presence of Navβ4 peptide, whereas the other is responsible for the “silent” route of recovery from inactivation. In this regard, the p.V1316A mutation makes hyperpolarization shift in the activation curve, and depolarization shift in the inactivation curve, vividly uncoupling inactivation from activation. In terms of molecular gating operation, the most important changes caused by the p.V1316A mutation are both acceleration of the transition from the inactivated states to the activated states and deceleration of the reverse transition, resulting in much larger sustained as well as resurgent Na+ currents. In summary, the genesis of the resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel is ascribable to the transient existence of a distinct and novel open state promoted by the Navβ4 peptide. In addition, S4–5 linker in domain III where V1316 is located seems to play a critical role in activation–inactivation coupling, chiefly via direct modulation of the transitional kinetics between the open and the inactivated states. The sustained and resurgent Na+ currents may therefore be correlatively enhanced by specific mutations involving this linker and relevant regions, and thus marked hyperexcitability in corresponding neural tissues as well as IEM symptomatology. Mutations in the Nav1.7 sodium channel cause idiopathic erythromelalgia. This study shows that the pathogenic resurgent sodium currents arise via modification of gating behavior rather than via competing pore block by the Navβ4 peptide. The gain-of-function mutation (p.V1316A) of the Nav1.7 channel causes inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a disease characterized by extremely enhanced activity in relevant neural tissues that results in neuropathic pain. We found that the p.V1316A mutation alters the basic gating properties of the channel, leading to increased sustained currents during membrane depolarization and resurgent currents during repolarization. Neurons expressing these mutant channels are more difficult to maintain in a hyperpolarized state and are thus more excitable. We demonstrate that there is very likely a distinct set of open/inactivated (O/I) states responsible for the genesis of resurgent currents. We show that the p.V1316A mutation chiefly accelerates the I to O transition in this set, but also decelerates the transitions between different sets of O/I states, to cause the channel gating and cellular excitability changes. Contrary to the conventional view, we find that the Navβ4 peptide, a key element responsible for sizable resurgent currents, does not seem to act as a pore blocker that competes with the inactivation peptide. Instead, we show that it acts as a gating modifier of the Nav1.7 channel. Thus, the DIII/S4–5 linker, where V1316 is located, may play a critical role not only in O/I coupling but also in the couplings between different sets of O/I in the Nav1.7 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
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20
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Kist AM, Sagafos D, Rush AM, Neacsu C, Eberhardt E, Schmidt R, Lunden LK, Ørstavik K, Kaluza L, Meents J, Zhang Z, Carr TH, Salter H, Malinowsky D, Wollberg P, Krupp J, Kleggetveit IP, Schmelz M, Jørum E, Lampert A, Namer B. SCN10A Mutation in a Patient with Erythromelalgia Enhances C-Fiber Activity Dependent Slowing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161789. [PMID: 27598514 PMCID: PMC5012686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in the tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) Nav1.7 have been identified as a key mechanism underlying chronic pain in inherited erythromelalgia. Mutations in TTX resistant channels, such as Nav1.8 or Nav1.9, were recently connected with inherited chronic pain syndromes. Here, we investigated the effects of the p.M650K mutation in Nav1.8 in a 53 year old patient with erythromelalgia by microneurography and patch-clamp techniques. Recordings of the patient’s peripheral nerve fibers showed increased activity dependent slowing (ADS) in CMi and less spontaneous firing compared to a control group of erythromelalgia patients without Nav mutations. To evaluate the impact of the p.M650K mutation on neuronal firing and channel gating, we performed current and voltage-clamp recordings on transfected sensory neurons (DRGs) and neuroblastoma cells. The p.M650K mutation shifted steady-state fast inactivation of Nav1.8 to more hyperpolarized potentials and did not significantly alter any other tested gating behaviors. The AP half-width was significantly broader and the stimulated action potential firing rate was reduced for M650K transfected DRGs compared to WT. We discuss the potential link between enhanced steady state fast inactivation, broader action potential width and the potential physiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. Kist
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dagrun Sagafos
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital -Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Cristian Neacsu
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Esther Eberhardt
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Schmidt
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Kristian Lunden
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital -Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Ørstavik
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital -Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luisa Kaluza
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Inge Petter Kleggetveit
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital -Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Anesthesiology Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ellen Jørum
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital -Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (EJ); (AL); (BN)
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail: (EJ); (AL); (BN)
| | - Barbara Namer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- * E-mail: (EJ); (AL); (BN)
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21
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Greig M, Tesfaye S, Selvarajah D, Wilkinson ID. Insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2016; 126:559-78. [PMID: 25410244 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53480-4.00037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Painful diabetic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (painful DPN) is a puzzle with two important missing pieces: Firstly we still do not understand why only some patients with neuropathy experience painful symptoms; Secondly we still do not have a complete understanding of how nociception generated in the peripheral nervous system is processed by the central nervous system (CNS). Available treatments offer only symptom relief and there is currently no effective treatment based on arresting or reversing the progression of disease. Therefore the management of painful DPN remains less than optimal because the complex pathophysiology of nociception and pain perception in health and disease is incompletely understood. Studies of the peripheral nervous system are investigating the molecular processes involved in signal transduction that have the potential to be interrupted or modified to ease pain. Magnetic resonance imaging techniques are helping to elucidate central pain processing pathways and describe the translation of nociception to pain. Combining the knowledge from these two streams of enquiry we will soon be able to predict accurately who will develop painful DPN, how we can halt or reverse the condition, or who will respond to symptomatic treatments. Future developments in the treatment of painful DPN will be underpinned by decoding the peripheral and central mechanisms of pain. Research is focusing on these areas of enquiry in the hope that answers will lead to effective treatments to alleviate pain and reverse pathology for those suffering from painful DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marni Greig
- Diabetes Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Solomon Tesfaye
- Diabetes Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
| | | | - Iain D Wilkinson
- Academic Radiology, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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22
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Sodium channel slow inactivation interferes with open channel block. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25974. [PMID: 27174182 PMCID: PMC4865801 DOI: 10.1038/srep25974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 are linked to inherited pain syndromes such as erythromelalgia (IEM) and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD). PEPD mutations impair Nav1.7 fast inactivation and increase persistent currents. PEPD mutations also increase resurgent currents, which involve the voltage-dependent release of an open channel blocker. In contrast, IEM mutations, whenever tested, leave resurgent currents unchanged. Accordingly, the IEM deletion mutation L955 (ΔL955) fails to produce resurgent currents despite enhanced persistent currents, which have hitherto been considered a prerequisite for resurgent currents. Additionally, ΔL955 exhibits a prominent enhancement of slow inactivation (SI). We introduced mutations into Nav1.7 and Nav1.6 that either enhance or impair SI in order to investigate their effects on resurgent currents. Our results show that enhanced SI is accompanied by impaired resurgent currents, which suggests that SI may interfere with open-channel block.
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McDonnell A, Schulman B, Ali Z, Dib-Hajj SD, Brock F, Cobain S, Mainka T, Vollert J, Tarabar S, Waxman SG. Inherited erythromelalgia due to mutations inSCN9A:natural history, clinical phenotype and somatosensory profile. Brain 2016; 139:1052-65. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Barbosa C, Cummins TR. Unusual Voltage-Gated Sodium Currents as Targets for Pain. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2016; 78:599-638. [PMID: 27586296 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a serious health problem that impacts the lives of many individuals. Hyperexcitability of peripheral sensory neurons contributes to both acute and chronic pain syndromes. Because voltage-gated sodium currents are crucial to the transmission of electrical signals in peripheral sensory neurons, the channels that underlie these currents are attractive targets for pain therapeutics. Sodium currents and channels in peripheral sensory neurons are complex. Multiple-channel isoforms contribute to the macroscopic currents in nociceptive sensory neurons. These different isoforms exhibit substantial variations in their kinetics and pharmacology. Furthermore, sodium current complexity is enhanced by an array of interacting proteins that can substantially modify the properties of voltage-gated sodium channels. Resurgent sodium currents, atypical currents that can enhance recovery from inactivation and neuronal firing, are increasingly being recognized as playing potentially important roles in sensory neuron hyperexcitability and pain sensations. Here we discuss unusual sodium channels and currents that have been identified in nociceptive sensory neurons, describe what is known about the molecular determinants of the complex sodium currents in these neurons. Finally, we provide an overview of therapeutic strategies to target voltage-gated sodium currents in nociceptive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barbosa
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - T R Cummins
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Gawali V, Todt H. Mechanism of Inactivation in Voltage-Gated Na+ Channels. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2016; 78:409-50. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Klint JK, Chin YKY, Mobli M. Rational Engineering Defines a Molecular Switch That Is Essential for Activity of Spider-Venom Peptides against the Analgesics Target NaV1.7. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 88:1002-10. [PMID: 26429937 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many spider-venom peptides are known to modulate the activity of the voltage-gated sodium (NaV) subtype 1.7 (NaV1.7) channel, which has emerged as a promising analgesic target. In particular, a class of spider-venom peptides (NaSpTx1) has been found to potently inhibit NaV1.7 (nanomolar IC50), and has been shown to produce analgesic effects in animals. However, one member of this family [µ-TRTX-Hhn2b (Hhn2b)] does not inhibit mammalian NaV channels expressed in dorsal root ganglia at concentrations up to 100 µM. This peptide is classified as a NaSpTx1 member by virtue of its cysteine spacing and sequence conservation over functionally important residues. Here, we have performed detailed structural and functional analyses of Hhn2b, leading us to identify two nonpharmacophore residues that contribute to human NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7) inhibition by nonoverlapping mechanisms. These findings allowed us to produce a double mutant of Hhn2b that shows nanomolar inhibition of hNaV1.7. Traditional structure/function analysis did not provide sufficient resolution to identify the mechanism underlying the observed gain of function. However, by solving the high-resolution structure of both the wild-type and mutant peptides using advanced multidimensional NMR experiments, we were able to uncover a previously unknown network of interactions that stabilize the pharmacophore region of this class of venom peptides. We further monitored the lipid binding properties of the peptides and identified that one of the key amino acid substitutions also selectively modulates the binding of the peptide to anionic lipids. These results will further aid the development of peptide-based analgesics for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Klint
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, (J.K.K., Y.K.-Y.C.), and Centre for Advanced Imaging (M.M.), University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, (J.K.K., Y.K.-Y.C.), and Centre for Advanced Imaging (M.M.), University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, (J.K.K., Y.K.-Y.C.), and Centre for Advanced Imaging (M.M.), University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Tang Z, Chen Z, Tang B, Jiang H. Primary erythromelalgia: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:127. [PMID: 26419464 PMCID: PMC4589109 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary erythromelalgia (PE ORPHA90026) is a rare autosomal dominant neuropathy characterized by the combination of recurrent burning pain, warmth and redness of the extremities. The incidence rate of PE ranges from 0.36 to 1.1 per 100,000 persons. Gender ratio differs according to different studies and no evidence showed a gender preference. Clinical onset of PE is often in the first decade of life. Burning pain is the most predominant symptom and is usually caused and precipitated by warmth and physical activities. Reported cases of PE contain both inherited and sporadic forms. Genetic etiology of PE is mutations on SCN9A, the encoding gene of a voltage-gated sodium channel subtype Nav1.7. Diagnosis of PE is made upon clinical manifestations and screening for mutations on SCN9A. Exclusion of several other treatable diseases/secondary erythromelalgia is also necessary because of the lack of biomarkers specifically for PE. Differential diagnoses can include Fabry disease, cellulites, Raynaud phenomenon, vasculitis and so on. Diagnostic methods often involve complete blood count, imaging studies and thermograph. Treatment for PE is unsatisfactory and highly individualized. Frequently used pain relieving drugs involve sodium channel blockers such as lidocaine, carbamazepine and mexiletine. Novel drugs such as PF-05089771 and TV-45070 could be promising in ameliorating pain symptoms due to their Nav1.7 selectivity. Patients’ symptoms often worsen over time and many patients develop ulcerations and gangrenes caused by excessive exposure to low temperature in order to relieve pain. This review mainly focuses on PE and the causative gene SCN9A -- its mutations and their effects on Nav1.7 channels’ electrophysiological properties. We propose a genotype-channelopathy-phenotype correlation network underlying PE etiology which could provide guidance for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoli Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, 110 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, 110 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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28
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Matson DJ, Hamamoto DT, Bregman H, Cooke M, DiMauro EF, Huang L, Johnson D, Li X, McDermott J, Morgan C, Wilenkin B, Malmberg AB, McDonough SI, Simone DA. Inhibition of Inactive States of Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Sodium Channels Reduces Spontaneous Firing of C-Fiber Nociceptors and Produces Analgesia in Formalin and Complete Freund's Adjuvant Models of Pain. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138140. [PMID: 26379236 PMCID: PMC4575030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While genetic evidence shows that the Nav1.7 voltage-gated sodium ion channel is a key regulator of pain, it is unclear exactly how Nav1.7 governs neuronal firing and what biophysical, physiological, and distribution properties of a pharmacological Nav1.7 inhibitor are required to produce analgesia. Here we characterize a series of aminotriazine inhibitors of Nav1.7 in vitro and in rodent models of pain and test the effects of the previously reported "compound 52" aminotriazine inhibitor on the spiking properties of nociceptors in vivo. Multiple aminotriazines, including some with low terminal brain to plasma concentration ratios, showed analgesic efficacy in the formalin model of pain. Effective concentrations were consistent with the in vitro potency as measured on partially-inactivated Nav1.7 but were far below concentrations required to inhibit non-inactivated Nav1.7. Compound 52 also reversed thermal hyperalgesia in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of pain. To study neuronal mechanisms, electrophysiological recordings were made in vivo from single nociceptive fibers from the rat tibial nerve one day after CFA injection. Compound 52 reduced the spontaneous firing of C-fiber nociceptors from approximately 0.7 Hz to 0.2 Hz and decreased the number of action potentials evoked by suprathreshold tactile and heat stimuli. It did not, however, appreciably alter the C-fiber thresholds for response to tactile or thermal stimuli. Surprisingly, compound 52 did not affect spontaneous activity or evoked responses of Aδ-fiber nociceptors. Results suggest that inhibition of inactivated states of TTX-S channels, mostly likely Nav1.7, in the peripheral nervous system produces analgesia by regulating the spontaneous discharge of C-fiber nociceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Matson
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Darryl T. Hamamoto
- Department of Diagnostics and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Howard Bregman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melanie Cooke
- Department of Pharmaceutics Research & Development, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin F. DiMauro
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Liyue Huang
- Department of Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Danielle Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xingwen Li
- Department of Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeff McDermott
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carrie Morgan
- Department of Pharmaceutics Research & Development, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ben Wilenkin
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Annika B. Malmberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stefan I. McDonough
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Donald A. Simone
- Department of Diagnostics and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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Novel SCN9A mutations underlying extreme pain phenotypes: unexpected electrophysiological and clinical phenotype correlations. J Neurosci 2015; 35:7674-81. [PMID: 25995458 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3935-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of NaV1.7 (encoded by SCN9A) in the regulation of pain sensing is exemplified by the heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes associated with its mutation. Gain-of-function mutations are typically pain-causing and have been associated with inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD). IEM is usually caused by enhanced NaV1.7 channel activation, whereas mutations that alter steady-state fast inactivation often lead to PEPD. In contrast, nonfunctional mutations in SCN9A are known to underlie congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP). Although well documented, the correlation between SCN9A genotypes and clinical phenotypes is still unclear. Here we report three families with novel SCN9A mutations. In a multiaffected dominant family with IEM, we found the heterozygous change L245 V. Electrophysiological characterization showed that this mutation did not affect channel activation but instead resulted in incomplete fast inactivation and a small hyperpolarizing shift in steady-state slow inactivation, characteristics more commonly associated with PEPD. In two compound heterozygous CIP patients, we found mutations that still retained functionality of the channels, with two C-terminal mutations (W1775R and L1831X) exhibiting a depolarizing shift in channel activation. Two mutations (A1236E and L1831X) resulted in a hyperpolarizing shift in steady-state fast inactivation. To our knowledge, these are the first descriptions of mutations with some retained channel function causing CIP. This study emphasizes the complex genotype-phenotype correlations that exist for SCN9A and highlights the C-terminal cytoplasmic region of NaV1.7 as a critical region for channel function, potentially facilitating analgesic drug development studies.
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Three Peptide Modulators of the Human Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel 1.7, an Important Analgesic Target, from the Venom of an Australian Tarantula. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2494-513. [PMID: 26134258 PMCID: PMC4516925 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are responsible for propagating action potentials in excitable cells. NaV1.7 plays a crucial role in the human pain signalling pathway and it is an important therapeutic target for treatment of chronic pain. Numerous spider venom peptides have been shown to modulate the activity of NaV channels and these peptides represent a rich source of research tools and therapeutic lead molecules. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of NaV1.7-active peptides in the venom of an Australian Phlogius sp. tarantula and to characterise their potency and subtype selectivity. We isolated three novel peptides, μ-TRTX-Phlo1a, -Phlo1b and -Phlo2a, that inhibit human NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7). Phlo1a and Phlo1b are 35-residue peptides that differ by one amino acid and belong in NaSpTx family 2. The partial sequence of Phlo2a revealed extensive similarity with ProTx-II from NaSpTx family 3. Phlo1a and Phlo1b inhibit hNaV1.7 with IC50 values of 459 and 360 nM, respectively, with only minor inhibitory activity on rat NaV1.2 and hNaV1.5. Although similarly potent at hNaV1.7 (IC50 333 nM), Phlo2a was less selective, as it also potently inhibited rNaV1.2 and hNaV1.5. All three peptides cause a depolarising shift in the voltage-dependence of hNaV1.7 activation.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the clinical, neurophysiologic, and neuropathologic findings in patients presenting with small fiber neuropathies. Emphasis is placed on recent updates to the literature, but also on understanding the differential diagnosis and initial evaluation of patients with small fiber neuropathy. RECENT FINDINGS There have been several updates in the literature about diseases associated with small fiber neuropathy. First, treatment-induced neuropathy in diabetes mellitus is an iatrogenic small fiber neuropathy linked to overly rapid correction in blood glucose levels in the setting of chronic hyperglycemia. Second, several novel mutations to sodium channels have been identified in patients presenting with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy that may significantly alter our understanding and future treatment of small fiber neuropathy. Third, antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels appear to be associated with a much higher incidence of pain than would be expected, although the mechanism has not been established. Fourth, the link between glucose dysregulation, metabolic syndrome, and neuropathy continues to grow. Finally, several other disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, have been postulated to be associated with small fiber neuropathies. SUMMARY Small fiber neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that may present with a variety of sensory or autonomic symptoms. Recent reports highlight a number of new causes of small fiber neuropathy that continue to reduce the number of remaining idiopathic cases.
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Wang Y, Mi J, Lu K, Lu Y, Wang K. Comparison of Gating Properties and Use-Dependent Block of Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 Channels by Anti-Arrhythmics Mexiletine and Lidocaine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128653. [PMID: 26068619 PMCID: PMC4465899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexiletine and lidocaine are widely used class IB anti-arrhythmic drugs that are considered to act by blocking voltage-gated open sodium currents for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and relief of pain. To gain mechanistic insights into action of anti-arrhythmics, we characterized biophysical properties of Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 channels stably expressed in HEK293 cells and compared their use-dependent block in response to mexiletine and lidocaine using whole-cell patch clamp recordings. While the voltage-dependent activation of Nav1.5 or Nav1.7 was not affected by mexiletine and lidocaine, the steady-state fast and slow inactivation of Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 were significantly shifted to hyperpolarized direction by either mexiletine or lidocaine in dose-dependent manner. Both mexiletine and lidocaine enhanced the slow component of closed-state inactivation, with mexiletine exerting stronger inhibition on either Nav1.5 or Nav1.7. The recovery from inactivation of Nav1.5 or Nav1.7 was significantly prolonged by mexiletine compared to lidocaine. Furthermore, mexiletine displayed a pronounced and prominent use-dependent inhibition of Nav1.5 than lidocaine, but not Nav1.7 channels. Taken together, our findings demonstrate differential responses to blockade by mexiletine and lidocaine that preferentially affect the gating of Nav1.5, as compared to Nav1.7; and mexiletine exhibits stronger use-dependent block of Nav1.5. The differential gating properties of Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 in response to mexiletine and lidocaine may help explain the drug effectiveness and advance in new designs of safe and specific sodium channel blockers for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia or pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Jianxun Mi
- Key Laboratory of Computational Intelligence, College of Computer Science and Technology, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Ka Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yanxin Lu
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao 266021, China
- * E-mail:
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de Lera Ruiz M, Kraus RL. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and Clinical Indications. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7093-118. [PMID: 25927480 DOI: 10.1021/jm501981g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous therapeutic potential of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(v)s) has been the subject of many studies in the past and is of intense interest today. Na(v)1.7 channels in particular have received much attention recently because of strong genetic validation of their involvement in nociception. Here we summarize the current status of research in the Na(v) field and present the most relevant recent developments with respect to the molecular structure, general physiology, and pharmacology of distinct Na(v) channel subtypes. We discuss Na(v) channel ligands such as small molecules, toxins isolated from animal venoms, and the recently identified Na(v)1.7-selective antibody. Furthermore, we review eight characterized ligand binding sites on the Na(v) channel α subunit. Finally, we examine possible therapeutic applications of Na(v) ligands and provide an update on current clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel de Lera Ruiz
- Merck Research Laboratories , 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Richard L Kraus
- Merck Research Laboratories , 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
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Klint JK, Smith JJ, Vetter I, Rupasinghe DB, Er SY, Senff S, Herzig V, Mobli M, Lewis RJ, Bosmans F, King GF. Seven novel modulators of the analgesic target NaV 1.7 uncovered using a high-throughput venom-based discovery approach. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2445-58. [PMID: 25754331 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic pain is a serious worldwide health issue, with current analgesics having limited efficacy and dose-limiting side effects. Humans with loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV 1.7 (hNaV 1.7) are indifferent to pain, making hNaV 1.7 a promising target for analgesic development. Since spider venoms are replete with NaV channel modulators, we examined their potential as a source of hNaV 1.7 inhibitors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We developed a high-throughput fluorescent-based assay to screen spider venoms against hNaV 1.7 and isolate 'hit' peptides. To examine the binding site of these peptides, we constructed a panel of chimeric channels in which the S3b-S4 paddle motif from each voltage sensor domain of hNaV 1.7 was transplanted into the homotetrameric KV 2.1 channel. KEY RESULTS We screened 205 spider venoms and found that 40% contain at least one inhibitor of hNaV 1.7. By deconvoluting 'hit' venoms, we discovered seven novel members of the NaSpTx family 1. One of these peptides, Hd1a (peptide μ-TRTX-Hd1a from venom of the spider Haplopelma doriae), inhibited hNaV 1.7 with a high level of selectivity over all other subtypes, except hNaV 1.1. We showed that Hd1a is a gating modifier that inhibits hNaV 1.7 by interacting with the S3b-S4 paddle motif in channel domain II. The structure of Hd1a, determined using heteronuclear NMR, contains an inhibitor cystine knot motif that is likely to confer high levels of chemical, thermal and biological stability. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that spider venoms are a rich natural source of hNaV 1.7 inhibitors that might be useful leads for the development of novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Klint
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St. Lucia, Qld, Australia
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Amarouch MY, Abriel H. Cellular hyper-excitability caused by mutations that alter the activation process of voltage-gated sodium channels. Front Physiol 2015; 6:45. [PMID: 25741286 PMCID: PMC4330716 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are widely expressed as macro-molecular complexes in both excitable and non-excitable tissues. In excitable tissues, the upstroke of the action potential is the result of the passage of a large and rapid influx of sodium ions through these channels. NaV dysfunction has been associated with an increasingly wide range of neurological, muscular and cardiac disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recently identified sodium channel mutations that are linked to hyper-excitability phenotypes and associated with the alteration of the activation process of voltage gated sodium channels. Indeed, several clinical manifestations that demonstrate an alteration of tissue excitability were recently shown to be strongly associated with the presence of mutations that affect the activation process of the Nav. These emerging genotype-phenotype correlations have expanded the clinical spectrum of sodium channelopathies to include disorders which feature a hyper-excitability phenotype that may or may not be associated with a cardiomyopathy. The p.I141V mutation in SCN4A and SCN5A, as well as its homologous p.I136V mutation in SCN9A, are interesting examples of mutations that have been linked to inherited hyperexcitability myotonia, exercise-induced polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias and erythromelalgia, respectively. Regardless of which sodium channel isoform is investigated, the substitution of the isoleucine to valine in the locus 141 induces similar modifications in the biophysical properties of the Nav by shifting the voltage-dependence of steady state activation toward more negative potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Yassine Amarouch
- Materials, Natural Substances, Environment and Modeling Laboratory, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Taza, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah-Fes Taza, Morocco
| | - Hugues Abriel
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
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Depolarized inactivation overcomes impaired activation to produce DRG neuron hyperexcitability in a Nav1.7 mutation in a patient with distal limb pain. J Neurosci 2015; 34:12328-40. [PMID: 25209274 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2773-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by SCN9A, is expressed in DRG neurons and regulates their excitability. Genetic and functional studies have established a critical contribution of Nav1.7 to human pain disorders. We have now characterized a novel Nav1.7 mutation (R1279P) from a female human subject with distal limb pain, in which depolarized fast inactivation overrides impaired activation to produce hyperexcitability and spontaneous firing in DRG neurons. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells demonstrated that R1279P significantly depolarizes steady-state fast-, slow-, and closed-state inactivation. It accelerates deactivation, decelerates inactivation, and facilitates repriming. The mutation increases ramp currents in response to slow depolarizations. Our voltage-clamp analysis showed that R1279P depolarizes channel activation, a change that was supported by our multistate structural modeling. Because this mutation confers both gain-of-function and loss-of-function attributes on the Nav1.7 channel, we tested the impact of R1279P expression on DRG neuron excitability. Current-clamp studies reveal that R1279P depolarizes resting membrane potential, decreases current threshold, and increases firing frequency of evoked action potentials within small DRG neurons. The populations of spontaneously firing and repetitively firing neurons were increased by expressing R1279P. These observations indicate that the dominant proexcitatory gating changes associated with this mutation, including depolarized steady-state fast-, slow-, and closed-state inactivation, faster repriming, and larger ramp currents, override the depolarizing shift of activation, to produce hyperexcitability and spontaneous firing of nociceptive neurons that underlie pain.
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Waxman SG, Merkies ISJ, Gerrits MM, Dib-Hajj SD, Lauria G, Cox JJ, Wood JN, Woods CG, Drenth JPH, Faber CG. Sodium channel genes in pain-related disorders: phenotype–genotype associations and recommendations for clinical use. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:1152-1160. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Cregg R, Cox JJ, Bennett DLH, Wood JN, Werdehausen R. Mexiletine as a treatment for primary erythromelalgia: normalization of biophysical properties of mutant L858F NaV 1.7 sodium channels. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:4455-63. [PMID: 24866741 PMCID: PMC4209151 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The non-selective sodium channel inhibitor mexiletine has been found to be effective in several animal models of chronic pain and has become popular in the clinical setting as an orally available alternative to lidocaine. It remains unclear why patients with monogenic pain disorders secondary to gain-of-function SCN9a mutations benefit from a low systemic concentration of mexiletine, which does not usually induce adverse neurological side effects. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the biophysical effects of mexiletine on the L858F primary erythromelalgia NaV 1.7 mutation in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human wild-type and L858F-mutated NaV 1.7 channels were expressed in HEK293A cells. Whole-cell currents were recorded by voltage-clamp techniques to characterize the effect of mexiletine on channel gating properties. KEY RESULTS While the concentration-dependent tonic block of peak currents by mexiletine was similar in wild-type and L858F channels, phasic block was more pronounced in cells transfected with the L858F mutation. Moreover, mexiletine substantially shifted the pathologically-hyperpolarized voltage-dependence of steady-state activation in L858F-mutated channels towards wild-type values and the voltage-dependence of steady-state fast inactivation was shifted to more hyperpolarized potentials, leading to an overall reduction in window currents. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Mexiletine has a normalizing effect on the pathological gating properties of the L858F gain-of-function mutation in NaV 1.7, which, in part, might explain the beneficial effects of systemic treatment with mexiletine in patients with gain-of-function sodium channel disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cregg
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, UCL, London, UK; UCL Centre for Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, London, UK
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Al-Minshawy SM, El-Mazary AAM. An Egyptian child with erythromelalgia responding to a new line of treatment: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2014; 8:69. [PMID: 24568362 PMCID: PMC3943265 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-8-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Erythromelalgia is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by episodic erythema, warmth and intense burning pain, which commonly involves the extremities. For those affected, this disorder may lead to significant long-term morbidity. Unfortunately, to date, no definitive therapy is available. This case report describes an Egyptian child with primary erythromelalgia that manifested at an early age and showed partial response to therapy with cetirizine hydrochloride. This anecdotal case report may have a diagnostic value for clinicians who have not seen this disorder. Case presentation A 34-month-old previously healthy right-handed Hamitic boy without any significant past medical history presented at the age of 2 years with episodic bilateral pain in his feet. His mother reported associated warmth and erythema localized to his feet that never extended beyond his ankle joints. This pain is triggered by exertion and/or warm temperature exposure and is relieved by cooling measures. The diagnosis of erythromelalgia was made based on the patient’s medical history and a thorough physical examination during the episodes. No evidence of local or systemic infection was present. Other causes for the symptoms were excluded by a negative extensive diagnostic work-up. Our patient did not respond to ibuprofen (15mg/kg/dose) three times a day but partial improvement with the oral non-sedating antihistaminic cetirizine hydrochloride (2.5mg/kg/once daily) was observed. When the child stopped cetirizine hydrochloride for 1 month as a test, the symptoms became aggravated and were relieved when cetirizine therapy was restarted. Cetirizine hydrochloride had not previously been reported to have this effect in children with erythromelalgia. Conclusions Erythromelalgia is a clinical syndrome of which the etiology, diagnosis and management are controversial. We describe a case of a 34-month-old Egyptian child with primary erythromelalgia that manifested at an early age. We believe that this is the first Egyptian case report of this kind in the literature. Partial response of this patient to cetirizine hydrochloride may grant us a new clue to understanding this mysterious condition.
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Eberhardt M, Nakajima J, Klinger AB, Neacsu C, Hühne K, O'Reilly AO, Kist AM, Lampe AK, Fischer K, Gibson J, Nau C, Winterpacht A, Lampert A. Inherited pain: sodium channel Nav1.7 A1632T mutation causes erythromelalgia due to a shift of fast inactivation. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:1971-80. [PMID: 24311784 PMCID: PMC3900947 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.502211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) causes debilitating episodic neuropathic pain characterized by burning in the extremities. Inherited "paroxysmal extreme pain disorder" (PEPD) differs in its clinical picture and affects proximal body areas like the rectal, ocular, or jaw regions. Both pain syndromes have been linked to mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7. Electrophysiological characterization shows that IEM-causing mutations generally enhance activation, whereas mutations leading to PEPD alter fast inactivation. Previously, an A1632E mutation of a patient with overlapping symptoms of IEM and PEPD was reported (Estacion, M., Dib-Hajj, S. D., Benke, P. J., Te Morsche, R. H., Eastman, E. M., Macala, L. J., Drenth, J. P., and Waxman, S. G. (2008) NaV1.7 Gain-of-function mutations as a continuum. A1632E displays physiological changes associated with erythromelalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder mutations and produces symptoms of both disorders. J. Neurosci. 28, 11079-11088), displaying a shift of both activation and fast inactivation. Here, we characterize a new mutation of Nav1.7, A1632T, found in a patient suffering from IEM. Although transfection of A1632T in sensory neurons resulted in hyperexcitability and spontaneous firing of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, whole-cell patch clamp of transfected HEK cells revealed that Nav1.7 activation was unaltered by the A1632T mutation but that steady-state fast inactivation was shifted to more depolarized potentials. This is a characteristic normally attributed to PEPD-causing mutations. In contrast to the IEM/PEPD crossover mutation A1632E, A1632T failed to slow current decay (i.e. open-state inactivation) and did not increase resurgent currents, which have been suggested to contribute to high-frequency firing in physiological and pathological conditions. Reduced fast inactivation without increased resurgent currents induces symptoms of IEM, not PEPD, in the new Nav1.7 mutation, A1632T. Therefore, persistent and resurgent currents are likely to determine whether a mutation in Nav1.7 leads to IEM or PEPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Eberhardt
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover
| | - Julika Nakajima
- the Department of Human Genetics Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandra B. Klinger
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cristian Neacsu
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Hühne
- the Department of Human Genetics Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrias O. O'Reilly
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Kist
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne K. Lampe
- the South East of Scotland Clinical Genetic Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- the Department of Anesthesiology Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jane Gibson
- the Fife Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Whyteman's Brae Hospital, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2ND, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Nau
- the Department of Anesthesiology Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany, and
| | - Andreas Winterpacht
- the Department of Human Genetics Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- From the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitatsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- the Institute of Physiology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Paulwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Altered sodium channel gating as molecular basis for pain: contribution of activation, inactivation, and resurgent currents. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2014; 221:91-110. [PMID: 24737233 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41588-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels, especially Nav1.7, can cause the genetic pain syndromes inherited erythromelalgia, small fiber neuropathy, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, and chronic insensitivity to pain. Functional analysis of these mutations offers the possibility of understanding the potential pathomechanisms of these disease patterns and also may help to explicate the molecular mechanisms underlying pain in normal conditions. The mutations are distributed over the whole channel protein, but nevertheless induce similar changes for each pain syndrome. In this review we focus on their impact on sodium channel gating, which may be conferred via modulation of (1) conformation (affecting all gating characteristics); (2) the amount of voltage-sensing charges (affecting mainly activation); (3) interaction within the protein (e.g., binding of the inactivation linker); and (4) interaction with other proteins (e.g., for generation of resurgent currents). Understanding the molecular basis for each gating mode and its impact on cellular excitability and nociception in each disease type may provide a basis for development of more specific and effective therapeutic tools.
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Small-fiber neuropathy Nav1.8 mutation shifts activation to hyperpolarized potentials and increases excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Neurosci 2013; 33:14087-97. [PMID: 23986244 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2710-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy (I-SFN), clinically characterized by burning pain in distal extremities and autonomic dysfunction, is a disorder of small-caliber nerve fibers of unknown etiology with limited treatment options. Functional variants of voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by SCN9A, have been identified in approximately one-third of I-SFN patients. These variants render dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons hyperexcitable. Sodium channel Nav1.8, encoded by SCN10A, is preferentially expressed in small-diameter DRG neurons, and produces most of the current underlying the upstroke of action potentials in these neurons. We previously demonstrated two functional variants of Nav1.8 that either enhance ramp current or shift activation in a hyperpolarizing direction, and render DRG neurons hyperexcitable, in I-SFN patients with no mutations of SCN9A. We have now evaluated additional I-SFN patients with no mutations in SCN9A, and report a novel I-SFN-related Nav1.8 mutation I1706V in a patient with painful I-SFN. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in small DRG neurons demonstrate that the mutation hyperpolarizes activation and the response to slow ramp depolarizations. However, it decreases fractional channels resistant to fast inactivation and reduces persistent currents. Current-clamp studies reveal that mutant channels decrease current threshold and increase the firing frequency of evoked action potentials within small DRG neurons. These observations suggest that the effects of this mutation on activation and ramp current are dominant over the reduced persistent current, and show that these pro-excitatory gating changes confer hyperexcitability on peripheral sensory neurons, which may contribute to pain in this individual with I-SFN.
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Leipold E, Liebmann L, Korenke GC, Heinrich T, Gießelmann S, Baets J, Ebbinghaus M, Goral RO, Stödberg T, Hennings JC, Bergmann M, Altmüller J, Thiele H, Wetzel A, Nürnberg P, Timmerman V, De Jonghe P, Blum R, Schaible HG, Weis J, Heinemann SH, Hübner CA, Kurth I. A de novo gain-of-function mutation in SCN11A causes loss of pain perception. Nat Genet 2013; 45:1399-404. [DOI: 10.1038/ng.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Oaklander AL, Klein MM. Evidence of small-fiber polyneuropathy in unexplained, juvenile-onset, widespread pain syndromes. Pediatrics 2013; 131:e1091-100. [PMID: 23478869 PMCID: PMC4074641 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that acquired small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), previously uncharacterized in children, contributes to unexplained pediatric widespread pain syndromes. METHODS Forty-one consecutive patients evaluated for unexplained widespread pain beginning before age 21 had medical records comprehensively analyzed regarding objective diagnostic testing for SFPN (neurodiagnostic skin biopsy, nerve biopsy, and autonomic function testing), plus histories, symptoms, signs, other tests, and treatments. Healthy, demographically matched volunteers provided normal controls for SFPN tests. RESULTS Age at illness onset averaged 12.3 ± 5.7 years; 73% among this poly-ethnic sample were female (P = .001). Sixty-eight percent were chronically disabled, and 68% had hospitalizations. Objective testing diagnosed definite SFPN in 59%, probable SFPN in 17%, and possible SFPN in 22%. Only 1 of 41 had entirely normal SFPN test results. Ninety-eight percent of patients had other somatic complaints consistent with SFPN dysautonomia (90% cardiovascular, 82% gastrointestinal, and 34% urologic), 83% reported chronic fatigue, and 63% had chronic headache. Neurologic examinations identified reduced sensation in 68% and vasomotor abnormalities in 55%, including 23% with erythromelalgia. Exhaustive investigations for SFPN causality identified only history of autoimmune illnesses in 33% and serologic markers of disordered immunity in 89%. Treatment with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immune globulin objectively and subjectively benefited 80% of patients (12/15). CONCLUSIONS More than half among a large series of patients with childhood-onset, unexplained chronic widespread pain met rigorous, multitest, diagnostic criteria for SFPN, which extends the age range of acquired SFPN into early childhood. Some cases appeared immune-mediated and improved with immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 275 Charles St/Warren 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Max M. Klein
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
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Yang Y, Estacion M, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. Molecular architecture of a sodium channel S6 helix: radial tuning of the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 activation gate. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:13741-7. [PMID: 23536180 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.462366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-frame deletion mutation (Del-L955) in NaV1.7 sodium channel from a kindred with erythromelalgia hyperpolarizes activation. RESULTS Del-L955 twists the S6 helix, displacing the Phe960 activation gate. Replacement of Phe960 at the correct helical position depolarizes activation. CONCLUSION Radial tuning of the activation gate is critical to the activation of NaV1.7 channel. SIGNIFICANCE Structural modeling guided electrophysiology reveals the functional importance of radial tuning of the S6 segment. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are membrane proteins that consist of 24 transmembrane segments organized into four homologous domains and are essential for action potential generation and propagation. Although the S6 helices of NaV channels line the ion-conducting pore and participate in channel activation, their functional architecture is incompletely understood. Our recent studies show that a naturally occurring in-frame deletion mutation (Del-L955) of NaV1.7 channel, identified in individuals with a severe inherited pain syndrome (inherited erythromelalgia) causes a substantial hyperpolarizing shift of channel activation. Here we took advantage of this deletion mutation to understand the role of the S6 helix in the channel activation. Based on the recently published structure of a bacterial NaV channel (NaVAb), we modeled the WT and Del-L955 channel. Our structural model showed that Del-L955 twists the DII/S6 helix, shifting location and radial orientation of the activation gate residue (Phe(960)). Hypothesizing that these structural changes produce the shift of channel activation of Del-L955 channels, we restored a phenylalanine in wild-type orientation by mutating Ser(961) (Del-L955/S961F), correcting activation by ∼10 mV. Correction of the displaced Phe(960) (F960S) together with introduction of the rescuing activation gate residue (S961F) produced an additional ∼6-mV restoration of activation of the mutant channel. A simple point mutation in the absence of a twist (L955A) did not produce a radial shift and did not hyperpolarize activation. Our results demonstrate the functional importance of radial tuning of the sodium channel S6 helix for the channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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Estacion M, Yang Y, Dib-Hajj SD, Tyrrell L, Lin Z, Yang Y, Waxman SG. A new Nav1.7 mutation in an erythromelalgia patient. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 432:99-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Wu MT, Huang PY, Yen CT, Chen CC, Lee MJ. A novel SCN9A mutation responsible for primary erythromelalgia and is resistant to the treatment of sodium channel blockers. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55212. [PMID: 23383113 PMCID: PMC3561374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary erythromelalgia (PE) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder characterized by severe burning pain and erythema in the extremities upon heat stimuli or exercise. Mutations in human SCN9A gene, encoding the α-subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel, Na(v)1.7, were found to be responsible for PE. Three missense mutations of SCN9A gene have recently been identified in Taiwanese patients including a familial (I136V) and two sporadic mutations (I848T, V1316A). V1316A is a novel mutation and has not been characterized yet. Topologically, I136V is located in DI/S1 segment and both I848T and V1316A are located in S4-S5 linker region of DII and DIII domains, respectively. To characterize the elelctrophysiological manifestations, the channel conductance with whole-cell patch clamp was recorded on the over-expressed Chinese hamster overy cells. As compared with wild type, the mutant channels showed a significant hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependent activation and a depolarizing shift in steady-state fast inactivation. The recovery time from channel inactivation is faster in the mutant than in the wild type channels. Since warmth can trigger and exacerbate symptoms, we then examine the influence of tempearture on the sodium channel conduction. At 35°C, I136V and V1316A mutant channels exhibit a further hyperpolarizing shift at activation as compared with wild type channel, even though wild type channel also produced a significant hyperpolarizing shift compared to that of 25°C. High temperature caused a significant depolarizing shift in steady-state fast inactivation in all three mutant channels. These findings may confer to the hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, especially at high temperature. In order to identifying an effective treatment, we tested the IC₅₀ values of selective sodium channel blockers, lidocaine and mexiletine. The IC₅₀ for mexiletine is lower for I848T mutant channel as compared to that of the wild type and other two mutants which is comparable to the clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Tzu Wu
- Graduate Institute of Zoology, College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Zoology, College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Tung Yen
- Graduate Institute of Zoology, College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Tapei, Taiwan
- Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Tapei, Taiwan
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Dib-Hajj SD, Yang Y, Black JA, Waxman SG. The NaV1.7 sodium channel: from molecule to man. Nat Rev Neurosci 2012; 14:49-62. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Sodium channel Na(v)1.7 is essential for lowering heat pain threshold after burn injury. J Neurosci 2012; 32:10819-32. [PMID: 22875917 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0304-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Marked hypersensitivity to heat and mechanical (pressure) stimuli develop after a burn injury, but the neural mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. In this study, we establish a new mouse model of focal second-degree burn injury to investigate the molecular and cellular basis for burn injury-induced pain. This model features robust injury-induced behavioral effects and tissue-specific altered cytokine profile, but absence of glial activation in spinal dorsal horn. Three voltage-gated sodium channels, Na(v)1.7, Na(v)1.8, and Na(v)1.9, are preferentially expressed in peripheral somatosensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and have been implicated in injury-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. Using knock-out mice, we provide evidence that Na(v)1.7 selectively contributes to burn-induced hypersensitivity to heat, but not mechanical, stimuli. After burn model injury, wild-type mice display increased sensitivity to heat stimuli, and a normally non-noxious warm stimulus induces activity-dependent Fos expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Strikingly, both effects are absent in Na(v)1.7 conditional knock-out (cKO) mice. Furthermore, burn injury increases density and shifts activation of tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents in a hyperpolarized direction, both pro-excitatory properties, in DRG neurons from wild-type but not Na(v)1.7 cKO mice. We propose that, in sensory neurons damaged by burn injury to the hindpaw, Na(v)1.7 currents contribute to the hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, their communication with postsynaptic spinal pain pathways, and behavioral thresholds to heat stimuli. Our results offer insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of modality-specific pain signaling, and suggest Na(v)1.7-blocking drugs may be effective in burn patients.
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Nardi A, Damann N, Hertrampf T, Kless A. Advances in targeting voltage-gated sodium channels with small molecules. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:1712-40. [PMID: 22945552 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201200298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) has been used successfully in the clinic to enable control of pathological firing patterns that occur in conditions as diverse as chronic pain, epilepsy, and arrhythmias. Herein we review the state of the art in marketed sodium channel inhibitors, including a brief compendium of their binding sites and of the cellular and molecular biology of sodium channels. Despite the preferential action of this drug class toward over-excited cells, which significantly limits potential undesired side effects on other cells, the need to develop a second generation of sodium channel inhibitors to overcome their critical clinical shortcomings is apparent. Current approaches in drug discovery to deliver novel and truly innovative sodium channel inhibitors is next presented by surveying the most recent medicinal chemistry breakthroughs in the field of small molecules and developments in automated patch-clamp platforms. Various strategies aimed at identifying small molecules that target either particular isoforms of sodium channels involved in specific diseases or anomalous sodium channel currents, irrespective of the isoform by which they have been generated, are critically discussed and revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nardi
- Global Drug Discovery, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Grünenthal, Zieglerstrasse 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany.
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