1
|
Fiore APZP, Maity S, Jeffery L, An D, Rendleman J, Iannitelli D, Choi H, Mazzoni E, Vogel C. Identification of molecular signatures defines the differential proteostasis response in induced spinal and cranial motor neurons. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113885. [PMID: 38457337 PMCID: PMC11018139 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis damages proteostasis, affecting spinal and upper motor neurons earlier than a subset of cranial motor neurons. To aid disease understanding, we exposed induced cranial and spinal motor neurons (iCrMNs and iSpMNs) to proteotoxic stress, under which iCrMNs showed superior survival, quantifying the transcriptome and proteome for >8,200 genes at 0, 12, and 36 h. Two-thirds of the proteome showed cell-type differences. iSpMN-enriched proteins related to DNA/RNA metabolism, and iCrMN-enriched proteins acted in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/ER chaperone complex, tRNA aminoacylation, mitochondria, and the plasma/synaptic membrane, suggesting that iCrMNs expressed higher levels of proteins supporting proteostasis and neuronal function. When investigating the increased proteasome levels in iCrMNs, we showed that the activity of the 26S proteasome, but not of the 20S proteasome, was higher in iCrMNs than in iSpMNs, even after a stress-induced decrease. We identified Ublcp1 as an iCrMN-specific regulator of the nuclear 26S activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuvadeep Maity
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Lauren Jeffery
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Disi An
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Justin Rendleman
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dylan Iannitelli
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Esteban Mazzoni
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christine Vogel
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gotti C, Clementi F, Zoli M. Auxiliary protein and chaperone regulation of neuronal nicotinic receptor subtype expression and function. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107067. [PMID: 38218358 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a family of pentameric, ligand-gated ion channels that are located on the surface of neurons and non-neuronal cells and have multiple physiological and pathophysiological functions. In order to reach the cell surface, many nAChR subtypes require the help of chaperone and/or auxiliary/accessory proteins for their assembly, trafficking, pharmacological modulation, and normal functioning in vivo. The use of powerful genome-wide cDNA screening has led to the identification and characterisation of the molecules and mechanisms that participate in the assembly and trafficking of receptor subtypes, including chaperone and auxiliary or accessory proteins. The aim of this review is to describe the latest findings concerning nAChR chaperones and auxiliary proteins and pharmacological chaperones, and how some of them control receptor biogenesis or regulate channel activation and pharmacology. Some auxiliary proteins are subtype selective, some regulate various subtypes, and some not only modulate nAChRs but also target other receptors and signalling pathways. We also discuss how changes in auxiliary proteins may be involved in nAChR dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Gotti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
| | - Francesco Clementi
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Colombo SF, Galli C, Crespi A, Renzi M, Gotti C. Rare Missense Variants of the Human β4 Subunit Alter Nicotinic α3β4 Receptor Plasma Membrane Localisation. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031247. [PMID: 36770914 PMCID: PMC9919425 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nARs) are pentameric ligand-gated cation channels that function in peripheral tissue and in the peripheral and central nervous systems, where they are critical mediators of ganglionic synaptic transmission and modulators of reward-related behaviours. In the pentamer, two α3β4 subunit couples provide ligand-binding sites, and the fifth single (accessory) subunit (α3 or β4) regulates receptor trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. A number of rare missense variants of the human β4 subunit have recently been linked to nicotine dependence and/or sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and altered responses to nicotine have been reported for these variants; however, it is unknown whether the effects of mutations depend on the subunit within the ligand-binding couples and/or on the fifth subunit. Here, by expressing single populations of pentameric receptors with fixed stoichiometry in cultured cells, we investigated the effect of β4 variants in the fifth position on the assembly and surface exposure of α3β4 nAChRs. The results demonstrate that the missense mutations in the accessory subunit alone, despite not affecting the assembly of α3β4 receptors, alter their trafficking and surface localisation. Thus, altered trafficking of an otherwise functional nAChR may underlie the pathogenic effects of these mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Francesca Colombo
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Cecilia Galli
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Crespi
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Renzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, “Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Udine E, Jain A, van Blitterswijk M. Advances in sequencing technologies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:4. [PMID: 36635726 PMCID: PMC9838075 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by upper and lower motor neuron loss and has a fairly rapid disease progression, leading to fatality in an average of 2-5 years after symptom onset. Numerous genes have been implicated in this disease; however, many cases remain unexplained. Several technologies are being used to identify regions of interest and investigate candidate genes. Initial approaches to detect ALS genes include, among others, linkage analysis, Sanger sequencing, and genome-wide association studies. More recently, next-generation sequencing methods, such as whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, have been introduced. While those methods have been particularly useful in discovering new ALS-linked genes, methodological advances are becoming increasingly important, especially given the complex genetics of ALS. Novel sequencing technologies, like long-read sequencing, are beginning to be used to uncover the contribution of repeat expansions and other types of structural variation, which may help explain missing heritability in ALS. In this review, we discuss how popular and/or upcoming methods are being used to discover ALS genes, highlighting emerging long-read sequencing platforms and their role in aiding our understanding of this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Udine
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Angita Jain
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Theme 02 - Genetics and Genomics. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2120678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
6
|
Tábuas-Pereira M, Santana I, Gibbons E, Paquette K, Almeida MR, Baldeiras I, Bras J, Guerreiro R. Exome Sequencing of a Portuguese Cohort of Frontotemporal Dementia Patients: Looking Into the ALS-FTD Continuum. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886379. [PMID: 35873773 PMCID: PMC9300853 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is considered to be part of a continuum with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many genes are associated with both ALS and FTD. Yet, many genes associated with ALS have not been shown to cause FTD. We aimed to study a Portuguese cohort of FTD patients, searching for variants in genes associated with both FTD and/or ALS. Methods We included 57 thoroughly characterized index FTD patients from our memory clinic, who were not carriers of pathogenic variants in GRN, MAPT or C9orf72. We performed exome sequencing and 1) prioritized potential FTD and ALS causing variants by using Exomiser to annotate and filter results; and 2) looked specifically at rare variability in genes associated with FTD (excluding GRN, MAPT and C9ORF72) and/or ALS. Results We identified 13 rare missense variants in 10 patients (three patients had two variants) in the following genes: FUS, OPTN, CCNF, DCTN1, TREM2, ERBB4, ANG, CHRNA4, CHRNB4 and SETX. We found an additional frameshift variant on GLT8D1 in one patient. One variant (ERBB4 p.Arg1112His) gathered enough evidence to be classified as likely pathogenic by the ACMG criteria. Discussion We report, for the first time, an expanded study of genes known to cause FTD-ALS, in the Portuguese population. Potentially pathogenic variants in ERBB4, FUS, SETX, ANG, CHRNA4 and CHRNB4 were identified in FTD patients. These findings provide additional evidence for the potential role of rare variability in ALS-associated genes in FTD, expanding the genetic spectrum between the two diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Tábuas-Pereira
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Miguel Tábuas-Pereira
| | - Isabel Santana
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Kimberly Paquette
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Maria Rosário Almeida
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Baldeiras
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jose Bras
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Rita Guerreiro
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Differential effects of invasive anodal trans-spinal direct current stimulation on monosynaptic EPSPs, Ia afferents excitability, and motoneuron intrinsic properties between SOD1 G93A and WT mice. Neuroscience 2022; 498:125-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
8
|
Calió ML, Henriques E, Siena A, Bertoncini CRA, Gil-Mohapel J, Rosenstock TR. Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Neurogenesis, and Epigenetics: Putative Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neurodegeneration and Treatment. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:679. [PMID: 32760239 PMCID: PMC7373761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and devastating multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Although the pathogenesis of ALS is still not completely understood, numerous studies suggest that mitochondrial deregulation may be implicated in its onset and progression. Interestingly, mitochondrial deregulation has also been associated with changes in neural stem cells (NSC) proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In this review, we highlight the importance of mitochondrial function for neurogenesis, and how both processes are correlated and may contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS; we have focused primarily on preclinical data from animal models of ALS, since to date no studies have evaluated this link using human samples. As there is currently no cure and no effective therapy to counteract ALS, we have also discussed how improving neurogenic function by epigenetic modulation could benefit ALS. In support of this hypothesis, changes in histone deacetylation can alter mitochondrial function, which in turn might ameliorate cellular proliferation as well as neuronal differentiation and migration. We propose that modulation of epigenetics, mitochondrial function, and neurogenesis might provide new hope for ALS patients, and studies exploring these new territories are warranted in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisandra Henriques
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Siena
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clélia Rejane Antonio Bertoncini
- CEDEME, Center of Development of Experimental Models for Medicine and Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Victoria and Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Rosado Rosenstock
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Cantini F, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Cell-Clearing Systems Bridging Repeat Expansion Proteotoxicity and Neuromuscular Junction Alterations in ALS and SBMA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114021. [PMID: 32512809 PMCID: PMC7312203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated activities of autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are key to preventing the aggregation and toxicity of misfold-prone proteins which manifest in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. These include proteins which are encoded by genes containing nucleotide repeat expansions. In the present review we focus on the overlapping role of autophagy and the UPS in repeat expansion proteotoxicity associated with chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) and androgen receptor (AR) genes, which are implicated in two motor neuron disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), respectively. At baseline, both C9ORF72 and AR regulate autophagy, while their aberrantly-expanded isoforms may lead to a failure in both autophagy and the UPS, further promoting protein aggregation and toxicity within motor neurons and skeletal muscles. Besides proteotoxicity, autophagy and UPS alterations are also implicated in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) alterations, which occur early in both ALS and SBMA. In fact, autophagy and the UPS intermingle with endocytic/secretory pathways to regulate axonal homeostasis and neurotransmission by interacting with key proteins which operate at the NMJ, such as agrin, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and adrenergic beta2 receptors (B2-ARs). Thus, alterations of autophagy and the UPS configure as a common hallmark in both ALS and SBMA disease progression. The findings here discussed may contribute to disclosing overlapping molecular mechanisms which are associated with a failure in cell-clearing systems in ALS and SBMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Cantini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mejzini R, Flynn LL, Pitout IL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. ALS Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1310. [PMID: 31866818 PMCID: PMC6909825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to shift as the number of genes associated with the disease risk and pathogenesis, and the cellular processes involved, continues to grow. Despite decades of intense research and over 50 potentially causative or disease-modifying genes identified, etiology remains unexplained and treatment options remain limited for the majority of ALS patients. Various factors have contributed to the slow progress in understanding and developing therapeutics for this disease. Here, we review the genetic basis of ALS, highlighting factors that have contributed to the elusiveness of genetic heritability. The most commonly mutated ALS-linked genes are reviewed with an emphasis on disease-causing mechanisms. The cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis are discussed, with evidence implicating their involvement in ALS summarized. Past and present therapeutic strategies and the benefits and limitations of the model systems available to ALS researchers are discussed with future directions for research that may lead to effective treatment strategies outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P. Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu W, Li MD. Insights Into Nicotinic Receptor Signaling in Nicotine Addiction: Implications for Prevention and Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:350-370. [PMID: 28762314 PMCID: PMC6018190 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170801103009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belong to the Cys-loop ligandgated ion-channel (LGIC) superfamily, which also includes the GABA, glycine, and serotonin receptors. Many nAChR subunits have been identified and shown to be involved in signal transduction on binding to them of either the neurotransmitter acetylcholine or exogenous ligands such as nicotine. The nAChRs are pentameric assemblies of homologous subunits surrounding a central pore that gates cation flux, and they are expressed at neuromuscular junctions throughout the nervous system. METHODS AND RESULTS Because different nAChR subunits assemble into a variety of pharmacologically distinct receptor subtypes, and different nAChRs are implicated in various physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions, nAChRs represent potential molecular targets for drug addiction and medical therapeutic research. This review intends to provide insights into recent advances in nAChR signaling, considering the subtypes and subunits of nAChRs and their roles in nicotinic cholinergic systems, including structure, diversity, functional allosteric modulation, targeted knockout mutations, and rare variations of specific subunits, and the potency and functional effects of mutations by focusing on their effects on nicotine addiction (NA) and smoking cessation (SC). Furthermore, we review the possible mechanisms of action of nAChRs in NA and SC based on our current knowledge. CONCLUSION Understanding these cellular and molecular mechanisms will lead to better translational and therapeutic operations and outcomes for the prevention and treatment of NA and other drug addictions, as well as chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Finally, we put forward some suggestions and recommendations for therapy and treatment of NA and other chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,School of Biological Sciences and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anuhi 236041, China
| | - Ming D Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Research Center for Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps clinically with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Investigations of the 10% of ALS cases that are transmitted as dominant traits have revealed numerous gene mutations and variants that either cause these disorders or influence their clinical phenotype. The evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS has illuminated broad themes in the molecular pathophysiology of both familial and sporadic ALS and FTD. These central themes encompass disturbances of protein homeostasis, alterations in the biology of RNA binding proteins, and defects in cytoskeletal dynamics, as well as numerous downstream pathophysiological events. Together, these findings from ALS genetics provide new insight into therapies that target genetically distinct subsets of ALS and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zuo L, Tan Y, Li CSR, Wang Z, Wang K, Zhang X, Lin X, Chen X, Zhong C, Wang X, Guo X, Wang J, Lu L, Luo X. Associations of rare nicotinic cholinergic receptor gene variants to nicotine and alcohol dependence. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:1057-1071. [PMID: 27473937 PMCID: PMC5587505 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine's rewarding effects are mediated through distinct subunits of nAChRs, encoded by different nicotinic cholinergic receptor (CHRN) genes and expressed in discrete regions in the brain. In the present study, we aimed to test the associations between rare variants at CHRN genes and nicotine dependence (ND), and alcohol dependence (AD). A total of 26,498 subjects with nine different neuropsychiatric disorders in 15 independent cohorts, which were genotyped on Illumina, Affymetrix, or PERLEGEN microarray platforms, were analyzed. Associations between rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) <0.05) at CHRN genes and nicotine dependence, and alcohol dependence were tested. The mRNA expression of all Chrn genes in whole mouse brain and 10 specific brain areas was investigated. All CHRN genes except the muscle-type CHRNB1, including eight genomic regions containing 11 neuronal CHRN genes and three genomic regions containing four muscle-type CHRN genes, were significantly associated with ND, and/or AD. All of these genes were expressed in the mouse brain. We conclude that CHRNs are associated with ND (mainly) and AD, supporting the hypothesis that the full catalog of ND/AD risk genes may contain most neuronal nAChRs-encoding genes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chiang-Shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kesheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiandong Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine and Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of EEG & Neuroimaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijun Wang
- Department of EEG & Neuroimaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College of Nantong University, China
- Departments of Genetics, Genomics, Informatics, Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sugita S, Fleming LL, Wood C, Vaughan SK, Gomes MPSM, Camargo W, Naves LA, Prado VF, Prado MAM, Guatimosim C, Valdez G. VAChT overexpression increases acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft and accelerates aging of neuromuscular junctions. Skelet Muscle 2016; 6:31. [PMID: 27713817 PMCID: PMC5050580 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-016-0105-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinergic dysfunction occurs during aging and in a variety of diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it remains unknown whether changes in cholinergic transmission contributes to age- and disease-related degeneration of the motor system. Here we investigated the effect of moderately increasing levels of synaptic acetylcholine (ACh) on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), muscle fibers, and motor neurons during development and aging and in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Chat-ChR2-EYFP (VAChTHyp) mice containing multiple copies of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A), and Chat-IRES-Cre and tdTomato transgenic mice were used in this study. NMJs, muscle fibers, and α-motor neurons' somata and their axons were examined using a light microscope. Transcripts for select genes in muscles and spinal cords were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR. Motor function tests were carried out using an inverted wire mesh and a rotarod. Electrophysiological recordings were collected to examine miniature endplate potentials (MEPP) in muscles. RESULTS We show that VAChT is elevated in the spinal cord and at NMJs of VAChTHyp mice. We also show that the amplitude of MEPPs is significantly higher in VAChTHyp muscles, indicating that more ACh is loaded into synaptic vesicles and released into the synaptic cleft at NMJs of VAChTHyp mice compared to control mice. While the development of NMJs was not affected in VAChTHyp mice, NMJs prematurely acquired age-related structural alterations in adult VAChTHyp mice. These structural changes at NMJs were accompanied by motor deficits in VAChTHyp mice. However, cellular features of muscle fibers and levels of molecules with critical functions at the NMJ and in muscle fibers were largely unchanged in VAChTHyp mice. In the SOD1G93A mouse model for ALS, increasing synaptic ACh accelerated degeneration of NMJs caused motor deficits and resulted in premature death specifically in male mice. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this manuscript demonstrate that increasing levels of ACh at the synaptic cleft promote degeneration of adult NMJs, contributing to age- and disease-related motor deficits. We thus propose that maintaining normal cholinergic signaling in muscles will slow degeneration of NMJs and attenuate loss of motor function caused by aging and neuromuscular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Sugita
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA USA
| | - Leland L. Fleming
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA USA
- Virginia Tech Postbaccalaureate Research and Education (VT PREP) Scholar, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Caleb Wood
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA USA
| | - Sydney K. Vaughan
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Matheus P. S. M. Gomes
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instiuto Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Wallace Camargo
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instiuto Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Ligia A. Naves
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instiuto Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Vania F. Prado
- Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5K8 Canada
| | - Marco A. M. Prado
- Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5K8 Canada
| | - Cristina Guatimosim
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instiuto Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Gregorio Valdez
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Genes linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) susceptibility are being identified at an increasing rate owing to advances in molecular genetic technology. Genetic mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis seem to exert major effects in about 10% of patients, but genetic factors at some level may be important components of disease risk in most patients with ALS. Identification of gene variants associated with ALS has informed concepts of the pathogenesis of ALS, aided the identification of therapeutic targets, facilitated research to develop new ALS biomarkers, and supported the establishment of clinical diagnostic tests for ALS-linked genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Checks and balances on cholinergic signaling in brain and body function. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:448-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
17
|
Stokes C, Treinin M, Papke RL. Looking below the surface of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:514-23. [PMID: 26067101 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The amino acid sequences of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) from diverse species can be compared across extracellular, transmembrane, and intracellular domains. The intracellular domains are most divergent among subtypes, yet relatively consistent among species. The diversity indicates that each nAChR subtype has a unique language for communication with its host cell. The conservation across species also suggests that the intracellular domains have defining functional roles for each subtype. Secondary structure prediction indicates two relatively conserved alpha helices within the intracellular domains of all nAChRs. Among all subtypes, the intracellular domain of α7 nAChR is one of the most well conserved, and α7 nAChRs have effects in non-neuronal cells independent of generating ion currents, making it likely that the α7 intracellular domain directly mediates signal transduction. There are potential phosphorylation and protein-binding sites in the α7 intracellular domain, which are conserved and may be the basis for α7-mediated signal transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Millet Treinin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Marangi G, Traynor BJ. Genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new genetic analysis methodologies entailing new opportunities and challenges. Brain Res 2015; 1607:75-93. [PMID: 25316630 PMCID: PMC5916786 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being increasingly understood. In this far-reaching review, we examine what is currently known about ALS genetics and how these genes were initially identified. We also discuss the various types of mutations that might underlie this fatal neurodegenerative condition and outline some of the strategies that might be useful in untangling them. These include expansions of short repeat sequences, common and low-frequency genetic variations, de novo mutations, epigenetic changes, somatic mutations, epistasis, oligogenic and polygenic hypotheses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marangi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Roma, Italy.
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common CHRNA5 mis-sense coding single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16969968:G>A (D398N) has repeatedly been shown to confer risk for heavy smoking in individuals who carry the 'A' allele (encoding the 398N amino acid). The mis-sense SNP has a minor allele frequency of ∼40% in European-Americans, but only ∼7% in African-Americans (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/SNP/). We reasoned that there might be other mis-sense variants among African-Americans that could confer the heavy smoking phenotype (defined here as ≥20 cigarettes per day), perhaps in a manner similar to that of the D398N polymorphism in Europeans. MATERIALS AND METHODS As such, we resequenced 250 African-American heavy smokers, most of whom were homozygous 'G' at rs16969968:G>A (minor allele frequency of 9.6% within the population). RESULTS Although many novel coding SNPs were not observed, we report an interesting, although rare (perhaps personal), variant in CHRNA5 that could result in nonsense-mediated decay of the aberrant transcript. CONCLUSION We conclude that, in African-Americans, variants (common or rare) in genes other than CHRNA5 most likely contribute toward the nicotine-dependent phenotype, either independently or in combination with variants in CHRNA5. The functional significance, on CHRNA5 expression or protein function, of the variants found here should be determined in future studies.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang Q, Wang L, Koboldt D, Boreki IB, Province MA. Adjusting family relatedness in data-driven burden test of rare variants. Genet Epidemiol 2014; 38:722-7. [PMID: 25169066 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.21848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Family data represent a rich resource for detecting association between rare variants (RVs) and human traits. However, most RV association analysis methods developed in recent years are data-driven burden tests which can adaptively learn weights from data but require permutation to evaluate significance, thus are not readily applicable to family data, because random permutation will destroy family structure. Direct application of these methods to family data may result in a significant inflation of false positives. To overcome this issue, we have developed a generalized, weighted sum mixed model (WSMM), and corresponding computational techniques that can incorporate family information into data-driven burden tests, and allow adaptive and efficient permutation test in family data. Using simulated and real datasets, we demonstrate that the WSMM method can be used to appropriately adjust for genetic relatedness among family members and has a good control for the inflation of false positives. We compare WSMM with a nondata-driven, family-based Sequence Kernel Association Test (famSKAT), showing that WSMM has significantly higher power in some cases. WSMM provides a generalized, flexible framework for adapting different data-driven burden tests to analyze data with any family structures, and it can be extended to binary and time-to-onset traits, with or without covariates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qunyuan Zhang
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Slimak MA, Ables JL, Frahm S, Antolin-Fontes B, Santos-Torres J, Moretti M, Gotti C, Ibañez-Tallon I. Habenular expression of rare missense variants of the β4 nicotinic receptor subunit alters nicotine consumption. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:12. [PMID: 24478678 PMCID: PMC3902282 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster, encoding the α5, α3, and β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits, has been linked to nicotine dependence. The habenulo-interpeduncular (Hb-IPN) tract is particularly enriched in α3β4 nAChRs. We recently showed that modulation of these receptors in the medial habenula (MHb) in mice altered nicotine consumption. Given that β4 is rate-limiting for receptor activity and that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CHRNB4 have been linked to altered risk of nicotine dependence in humans, we were interested in determining the contribution of allelic variants of β4 to nicotine receptor activity in the MHb. We screened for missense SNPs that had allele frequencies >0.0005 and introduced the corresponding substitutions in Chrnb4. Fourteen variants were analyzed by co-expression with α3. We found that β4A90I and β4T374I variants, previously shown to associate with reduced risk of smoking, and an additional variant β4D447Y, significantly increased nicotine-evoked current amplitudes, while β4R348C, the mutation most frequently encountered in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS), showed reduced nicotine currents. We employed lentiviruses to express β4 or β4 variants in the MHb. Immunoprecipitation studies confirmed that β4 lentiviral-mediated expression leads to specific upregulation of α3β4 but not β2 nAChRs in the Mhb. Mice injected with the β4-containing virus showed pronounced aversion to nicotine as previously observed in transgenic Tabac mice overexpressing Chrnb4 at endogenous sites including the MHb. Habenular expression of the β4 gain-of-function allele T374I also resulted in strong aversion, while transduction with the β4 loss-of function allele R348C failed to induce nicotine aversion. Altogether, these data confirm the critical role of habenular β4 in nicotine consumption, and identify specific SNPs in CHRNB4 that modify nicotine-elicited currents and alter nicotine consumption in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Slimak
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica L Ables
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| | - Silke Frahm
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Beatriz Antolin-Fontes
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin, Germany ; Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| | - Julio Santos-Torres
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Milena Moretti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Institute of Neuroscience and Biometra Department, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Institute of Neuroscience and Biometra Department, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Inés Ibañez-Tallon
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin, Germany ; Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
McClure-Begley TD, Papke RL, Stone KL, Stokes C, Levy AD, Gelernter J, Xie P, Lindstrom J, Picciotto MR. Rare human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 subunit (CHRNA4) variants affect expression and function of high-affinity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 348:410-20. [PMID: 24385388 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.209767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, the primary psychoactive component in tobacco smoke, produces its behavioral effects through interactions with neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). α4β2 nAChRs are the most abundant in mammalian brain, and converging evidence shows that this subtype mediates the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine. A number of rare variants in the CHRNA4 gene that encode the α4 nAChR subunit have been identified in human subjects and appear to be underrepresented in a cohort of smokers. We compared three of these variants (α4R336C, α4P451L, and α4R487Q) to the common variant to determine their effects on α4β2 nAChR pharmacology. We examined [(3)H]epibatidine binding, interacting proteins, and phosphorylation of the α4 nAChR subunit with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in HEK 293 cells and voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We observed significant effects of the α4 variants on nAChR expression, subcellular distribution, and sensitivity to nicotine-induced receptor upregulation. Proteomic analysis of immunopurified α4β2 nAChRs incorporating the rare variants identified considerable differences in the intracellular interactomes due to these single amino acid substitutions. Electrophysiological characterization in X. laevis oocytes revealed alterations in the functional parameters of activation by nAChR agonists conferred by these α4 rare variants, as well as shifts in receptor function after incubation with nicotine. Taken together, these experiments suggest that genetic variation at CHRNA4 alters the assembly and expression of human α4β2 nAChRs, resulting in receptors that are more sensitive to nicotine exposure than those assembled with the common α4 variant. The changes in nAChR pharmacology could contribute to differences in responses to smoked nicotine in individuals harboring these rare variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T D McClure-Begley
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (T.D.M.-B., A.D.L., J.G., M.R.P.); Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, Colorado (T.D.M.-B.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (R.L.P., C.S.); W.M. Keck Biotechnology Research Laboratory (K.S.), Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (A.D.L., M.R.P.), Department of Genetics (J.G., P.X.), and Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (M.R.P.); Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut (J.G.); Center for Human Genome Variation, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (P.X.); and Department of Neuroscience, Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Colombo SF, Mazzo F, Pistillo F, Gotti C. Biogenesis, trafficking and up-regulation of nicotinic ACh receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1063-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
24
|
Biosynthesis of ionotropic acetylcholine receptors requires the evolutionarily conserved ER membrane complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E1055-63. [PMID: 23431131 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1216154110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) present in the plasma membrane of muscle and neuronal cells is limited by the assembly of individual subunits into mature pentameric receptors. This process is usually inefficient, and a large number of the synthesized subunits are degraded by endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation. To identify cellular factors required for the synthesis of AChRs, we performed a genetic screen in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for mutants with decreased sensitivity to the cholinergic agonist levamisole. We isolated a partial loss-of-function allele of ER membrane protein complex-6 (emc-6), a previously uncharacterized gene in C. elegans. emc-6 encodes an evolutionarily conserved 111-aa protein with two predicted transmembrane domains. EMC-6 is ubiquitously expressed and localizes to the ER. Partial inhibition of EMC-6 caused decreased expression of heteromeric levamisole-sensitive AChRs by destabilizing unassembled subunits in the ER. Inhibition of emc-6 also reduced the expression of homomeric nicotine-sensitive AChRs and GABAA receptors in C. elegans muscle cells. emc-6 is orthologous to the yeast and human EMC6 genes that code for a component of the recently identified ER membrane complex (EMC). Our data suggest this complex is required for protein folding and is connected to ER-associated degradation. We demonstrated that inactivation of additional EMC members in C. elegans also impaired AChR synthesis and induced the unfolded protein response. These results suggest that the EMC is a component of the ER folding machinery. AChRs might provide a valuable proxy to decipher the function of the EMC further.
Collapse
|
25
|
Cozzolino M, Pesaresi MG, Gerbino V, Grosskreutz J, Carrì MT. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new insights into underlying molecular mechanisms and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Antioxid Redox Signal 2012; 17:1277-330. [PMID: 22413952 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in the pathogenic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a late-onset progressive degeneration of motor neurons. The discovery of new genes associated with the familial form of the disease, along with a deeper insight into pathways already described for this disease, has led scientists to reconsider previous postulates. While protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, defective axonal transport, and excitotoxicity have not been dismissed, they need to be re-examined as contributors to the onset or progression of ALS in the light of the current knowledge that the mutations of proteins involved in RNA processing, apparently unrelated to the previous "old partners," are causative of the same phenotype. Thus, newly envisaged models and tools may offer unforeseen clues on the etiology of this disease and hopefully provide the key to treatment.
Collapse
|
26
|
Knight S, Abo RP, Abel HJ, Neklason DW, Tuohy TM, Burt RW, Thomas A, Camp NJ. Shared genomic segment analysis: the power to find rare disease variants. Ann Hum Genet 2012; 76:500-9. [PMID: 22989048 PMCID: PMC3879794 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2012.00728.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Shared genomic segment (SGS) analysis uses dense single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping in high-risk (HR) pedigrees to identify regions of sharing between cases. Here, we illustrate the power of SGS to identify dominant rare risk variants. Using simulated pedigrees, we consider 12 disease models based on disease prevalence, minor allele frequency and penetrance to represent disease loci that explain 0.2-99.8% of total disease risk. Pedigrees were required to contain ≥ 15 meioses between all cases and to be HR based on significant excess of disease (P < 0.001 or P < 0.00001). Across these scenarios, the power for a single pedigree ranged widely. Nonetheless, fewer than 10 pedigrees were sufficient for excellent power in the majority of models. Power increased with the risk attributable to the disease locus, penetrance and the excess of disease in the pedigree. Sharing allowing for one sporadic case was uniformly more powerful than sharing using all cases. Furthermore, an SGS analysis using a large attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis pedigree identified a 1.96 Mb region containing the known causal APC gene with genome-wide significance. SGS is a powerful method for detecting rare variants and a valuable complement to genome-wide association studies and linkage analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Knight
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sabatelli M, Lattante S, Conte A, Marangi G, Luigetti M, Del Grande A, Chiò A, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Calvo A, Restagno G, Lunetta C, Penco S, Battistini S, Zeppilli P, Bizzarro A, Capoluongo E, Neri G, Rossini PM, Zollino M. Replication of association of CHRNA4 rare variants with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the Italian multicentre study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:580-4. [PMID: 22873564 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.704926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the mammalian brain, including bulbar and spinal motor neurons. They are involved in neuroprotection and in control of release of many neurotransmitters, including glutamate. Previous data raised the hypothesis that rare variants in the region coding the intracellular loop subunits of nAChRs might represent one of several genetic risk factors for SALS. The aim of present study was to replicate the study in an independent cohort of ALS patients. We analysed 718 sporadic ALS patients from five Italian ALS centres and 1300 ethnically matched controls. We focused primarily on CHRNA4, encoding α4 subunit, since most mutations were previously detected in this gene. We observed a significant association between CHRNA4 mutations and ALS (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4080-6.0453; p = 0.0056). Most mutations detected in patients were not present in the dbSNP134 and in 3500 ethnically matched control chromosomes and affected evolutionary conserved amino acid residues. In conclusion, the present data confirm that CHRNA4 variants are overrepresented in SALS strengthening the hypothesis can they act as predisposing genetic factors for SALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sabatelli
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chiò A, Traynor BJ. Identifying potential risk factors for developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.11.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of adult life, characterized by the progressive loss of upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and of the spinal and bulbar lower motor neurons. The cause of sporadic cases and of the majority of hereditary cases remains elusive. So far a total of 17 genes or genetic loci of familial ALS have been identified, related to DNA/RNA processing, protein aggregation, membrane trafficking and axonal transport and mitochondrial dysfunction. A large range of environmental factors have also been studied, with inconclusive results, with the possible exception of cigarette smoking. ALS is now considered a complex multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder, but studies analyzing genetic and environmental factors together are still underway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, San Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Torino (NIT), Torino, Italy
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Patient phenotypes in pharmacological pain treatment varies between individuals, which could be partly assigned to their genotypes regarding the targets of classical analgesics (OPRM1, PTGS2) or associated signalling pathways (KCNJ6). Translational and genetic research have identified new targets, for which new analgesics are being developed. This addresses voltage-gated sodium, calcium and potassium channels, for which SCN9A, CACNA1B, KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, respectively, are primary gene candidates because they code for the subunits of the respective channels targeted by analgesics currently in clinical development. Mutations in voltage gated transient receptor potential (TRPV) channels are known from genetic pain research and may modulate the effects of analgesics under development targeting TRPV1 or TRPV3. To this add ligand-gated ion channels including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, ionotropic glutamate-gated receptors and ATP-gated purinergic P2X receptors with most important subunits coded by CHRNA4, GRIN2B and P2RX7. Among G protein coupled receptors, δ-opioid receptors (coded by OPRD1), cannabinoid receptors (CNR1 and CNR2), metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5 coded by GRM5), bradykinin B(1) (BDKRB1) and 5-HT(1A) (HTR1A) receptors are targeted by new analgesic substances. Finally, nerve growth factor (NGFB), its tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK1) and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) have become targets of interest. For most of these genes, functional variants have been associated with neuro-psychiatric disorders and not yet with analgesia. However, research on the genetic modulation of pain has already identified variants in these genes, relative to pain, which may facilitate the pharmacogenetic assessments of new analgesics. The increased number of candidate pharmacogenetic modulators of analgesic actions may open opportunities for the broader clinical implementation of genotyping information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Lötsch
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Richards CI, Srinivasan R, Xiao C, Mackey EDW, Miwa JM, Lester HA. Trafficking of alpha4* nicotinic receptors revealed by superecliptic phluorin: effects of a beta4 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutation and chronic exposure to nicotine. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:31241-9. [PMID: 21768117 PMCID: PMC3173132 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.256024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We employed a pH-sensitive GFP analog, superecliptic phluorin, to observe aspects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM) in cultured mouse cortical neurons. The experiments exploit differences in the pH among endoplasmic reticulum (ER), trafficking vesicles, and the extracellular solution. The data confirm that few α4β4 nAChRs, but many α4β2 nAChRs, remain in neutral intracellular compartments, mostly the ER. We observed fusion events between nAChR-containing vesicles and PM; these could be quantified in the dendritic processes. We also studied the β4R348C polymorphism, linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This mutation depressed fusion rates of α4β4 receptor-containing vesicles with the PM by ∼2-fold, with only a small decrease in the number of nAChRs per vesicle. The mutation also decreased the number of ER exit sites, showing that the reduced receptor insertion results from a change at an early stage in trafficking. We confirm the previous report that the mutation leads to reduced agonist-induced currents; in the cortical neurons studied, the reduction amounts to 2-3-fold. Therefore, the reduced agonist-induced currents are caused by the reduced number of α4β4-containing vesicles reaching the membrane. Chronic nicotine exposure (0.2 μM) did not alter the PM insertion frequency or trafficking behavior of α4β4-laden vesicles. In contrast, chronic nicotine substantially increased the number of α4β2-containing vesicle fusions at the PM; this stage in α4β2 nAChR up-regulation is presumably downstream from increased ER exit. Superecliptic phluorin provides a tool to monitor trafficking dynamics of nAChRs in disease and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher I. Richards
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Cheng Xiao
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Elisha D. W. Mackey
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Julie M. Miwa
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Henry A. Lester
- From the Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang Q, Irvin MR, Arnett DK, Province MA, Borecki I. A data-driven method for identifying rare variants with heterogeneous trait effects. Genet Epidemiol 2011; 35:679-85. [PMID: 21818776 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.20618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Collapsing multiple variants into one variable and testing their collective effect is a useful strategy for rare variant association analysis. Direct collapsing, however, is not valid or may significantly lose power when a group of variants to be collapsed have heterogeneous effects on target traits (i.e. some positive and some negative). This could be especially true for quantitative traits (such as blood pressure and body mass index), regardless of whether subjects are sampled randomly from a population or selectively from two extreme tails of the trait distribution. To deal with this problem, we propose a novel, data-driven method, the P-value Weighted Sum Test (PWST), which allows each variant to be individually weighted according to the evidence of association from the data itself. Specifically, both significance and direction of individual variant effects are used to calculate a single weighted sum score based on rescaled left-tail P-values from single-variant analysis, after which a permutation test of association is performed between the score and the trait. Our simulation under different sampling strategies shows that PWST significantly increases statistical power when there are heterogeneous variant effects. The appeal of the PWST approach is illustrated in an application to sequence data by detecting the collective effect of variants in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) gene on triglycerides (TG) response to fenofibrate treatment from 300 subjects in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering and Diet Network study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qunyuan Zhang
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cozzolino M, Carrì MT. Mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 97:54-66. [PMID: 21827820 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the present article, we review the many facets of mitochondrial dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease due to loss of upper motor neurons in cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons in brainstem and spinal cord. Accumulating evidence from recent studies suggests that the many, interconnected facets of mitochondrial dysfunction may play a more significant role in the etiopathogenesis of this disorder than previously thought. This notion stems from our expanding knowledge of the complex physiology of mitochondria and of alteration of their properties that might confer an intrinsic susceptibility to long-lived, post-mitotic motor neurons to energy deficit, calcium mishandling and oxidative stress. The wealth of evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction as a major event in the pathology of ALS has prompted new studies aimed to the development of new mitochondria-targeted therapies. However, it is now clear that drugs targeting more than one aspect of mitochondrial dysfunction are needed to fight this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Volonté C, Apolloni S, Carrì MT, D'Ambrosi N. ALS: focus on purinergic signalling. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 132:111-22. [PMID: 21704075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases. It is devastating and fatal, causing progressive paralysis of all voluntary muscles and eventually death, while sparing cognitive functions. A pathological hallmark of ALS is neuroinflammation mediated by non-neuronal cells in the nervous system, such as microglia and astrocytes that accelerate the disease progression. Scientists have neither found a unique key mechanism, nor an effective treatment against ALS, supposedly because it is a multi-factorial and multi-systemic disease. Extracellular purines and pyrimidines are widespread and powerful physiopathological molecules, signalling to most cell types and directing cell-to-cell communication networks. They are instrumental for instance for neurotransmission, muscle contraction and immune surveillance. Recent work has reported the crucial involvement of purinergic pathways in many neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, comprising ALS. Especially P2 receptors for ATP, P1 receptors for adenosine, and nucleotide transporters were found to be modulated in ALS cells and tissues, playing a potential role in the disease. Given the composite cellular cross-talk occurring during ALS and the established action of extracellular purines/pyrimidines as neuron-to-glia alarm signal in the nervous system, a mutual query in these two fields should now be whether, how and when purinergic would meet ALS. In this review, we will highlight the early cellular and molecular purinergic cross-talk that participates to ALS etiopathology, with the conviction that better understanding of purinergic dynamics might provide original research perspectives, stimulate alternative disease modelling, and the design and testing of more powerful targeted therapeutics against this relentlessly progressive disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Volonté
- CNR-Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Turner MR, Lawrence H, Arnold I, Ansorge O, Talbot K. Catastrophic hyperkalaemia following administration of suxamethonium chloride to a patient with undiagnosed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Med (Lond) 2011; 11:292-3. [PMID: 21902090 PMCID: PMC4953330 DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.11-3-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent suxamethonium chloride, frequently used during endotracheal intubation, is contraindicated in patients with chronic denervation in whom it can cause a life-threatening hyperkalaemic reaction, thought to be mediated through upregulation of nicotinic alpha7 acetylcholine receptors. An underlying neuromuscular disorder should be considered in all patients with acute respiratory insufficiency, and an alternative neuromuscular blocking drug must be used if there is any possibility of widespread denervation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Turner
- Oxford University Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Han S, Yang BZ, Kranzler HR, Oslin D, Anton R, Gelernter J. Association of CHRNA4 polymorphisms with smoking behavior in two populations. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2011; 156B:421-9. [PMID: 21445957 PMCID: PMC3742073 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CHRNA4, the gene that encodes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α(4) subunit, is a potential candidate gene for nicotine dependence (ND). However, studies of the association of CHNRA4 with smoking behavior have shown inconsistent results. Our meta-analysis of linkage studies of smoking behavior identified a genome-wide significant linkage of the phenotype maximum number of cigarettes smoked in a 24-hour period to a region (20q13.12-q13.32) harboring CHRNA4. This motivated us to examine the association of CHRNA4 with smoking behavior in two independent samples. In this study, we examined five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within CHRNA4 and three smoking-related behaviors: one quantitative trait [cigarettes smoked per day (CPD)], and two binary traits [DSM-IV diagnosis of ND and dichotomized Fagerstrom test of ND (FTND)], in 1,249 unrelated European-Americans (EAs) and 1,790 unrelated African-Americans (AAs). Using the combined sample with sex, age, and race as covariates, the synonymous SNP rs1044394 was significantly associated with ND (P = 0.001) and FTND (P = 0.01). Rs2236196, which has a low correlation with rs1044394, was also significantly associated with CPD (P = 0.003). The pattern of association for these SNPs was similar in AAs and EAs. After correction for multiple testing, the association between rs1044394 and ND in the combined sample remained significant (P = 0.033). In summary, our study supports association between CHRNA4 common variation and ND in AA and EA samples. Additional studies will be necessary to evaluate the role of rare variants at CHRNA4 for ND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhong Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Human Genetics, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center 116A2; 950 Campbell Avenue; West Haven, CT
06516
| | - Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Human Genetics, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center 116A2; 950 Campbell Avenue; West Haven, CT
06516
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of
Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 and VISN 4 MIRECC, Philadelphia VAMC, Philadelphia,
PA 19104
| | - David Oslin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of
Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Raymond Anton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University
of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425 USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Human Genetics, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New
Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New
Haven, CT 06511, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center 116A2; 950 Campbell Avenue; West Haven, CT
06516
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Luigetti M, Lattante S, Zollino M, Conte A, Marangi G, Del Grande A, Sabatelli M. SOD1 G93D sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) patient with rapid progression and concomitant novel ANG variant. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 32:1924.e15-8. [PMID: 21621297 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
SOD1 G93D mutation has been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with slowly progressive disease. We describe an Italian patient affected by sporadic ALS with the SOD1 G93D mutation that disclosed an unusual rapid progression with death occurring after 30 months from the symptom onset. Considering the atypical clinical course further genes associated with ALS or known to be causative were studied including ANG, PGRN, TARDBP, FUS, VCP, CHRNA3, CHRNA4, and CHRNB4. A novel heterozygous ANG missense variant (c.433 C>T, p.R145C) was identified which is neither reported in controls nor in 1000 genomes and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) databases. This report confirms that clinical course of SOD1-related ALS may be modulated by other causative or associated genes, including ANG and suggests that extensive screening of ALS-associated genes in patients with an already identified mutation may be helpful for better knowledge of genetic architecture of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Luigetti
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Di Angelantonio S, Piccioni A, Moriconi C, Trettel F, Cristalli G, Grassi F, Limatola C. Adenosine A2A receptor induces protein kinase A-dependent functional modulation of human (alpha)3(beta)4 nicotinic receptor. J Physiol 2011; 589:2755-66. [PMID: 21486776 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.207282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine modulates the function of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) in a variety of preparations, possibly through pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), but these phenomena have not yet been investigated in detail. In this work we studied, using the patch clamp technique, the functional modulation of recombinant human α3β4 nAChR by the A2A adenosine receptor, co-expressed in HEK cells. Tonic activation of A2A receptor slowed current decay during prolonged applications of nicotine and accelerated receptor recovery from desensitization. Together, these changes resulted into a more sustained current response upon multiple nicotine or ACh applications. These findings were confirmed in cultured mouse superior cervical ganglion neurones, which express nAChR containing the α3 subunit together with β2 and/or β4 and A2A receptor. Expression of the A2A receptor in HEK cells also increased the apparent potency of nAChR for nicotine, further supporting a general A2A-induced gain of function for nAChR. These effects were dependent on PKA since the direct activation of PKA mimicked, and its inhibition prevented almost completely, the effects of the A2A receptor. Mutations of R385 and S388 in the cytoplasmic loop of the α3 subunit abolished the functional modulation of nAChR induced by activation of A2A receptor, PKA and other Ser/Thr kinases, suggesting that this region constitutes a putative consensus site for these kinases. These data provide conclusive evidence that activation of the A2A receptor determines functional changes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Università Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5; I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mutant human β4 subunit identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients impairs nicotinic receptor function. Pflugers Arch 2010; 461:225-33. [PMID: 21107856 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently identified mutations in the genes encoding the neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subunits in patients affected by sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) may represent a factor which enhances disease susceptibility, in particular in association with ambient causes such as cigarette smoking. In this work, we characterize the functional properties of nAChRs containing the β4R349C subunit, the mutation most frequently encountered in sALS patients. The mutation was coexpressed with wild-type α3 or α4 subunits or with mutant α4R487Q subunit, which has been detected in one patient together with β4R349C mutation. None of the functional parameters examined showed differences between α4β4 and α4R487Qβ4 nAChRs. By contrast, β4R349C mutation, independent of the companion α subunit, caused the reduction in potency of both ACh and nicotine, decreased the density of whole-cell current evoked by maximal transmitter concentrations, and altered the kinetics of ACh-evoked whole-cell currents. These data confirm that sALS-associated mutations in nicotinic subunits may markedly perturb cholinergic transmission in individuals bearing the mutations.
Collapse
|
39
|
Di Angelantonio S, De Stefano ME, Piccioni A, Lombardi L, Gotti C, Paggi P. Lack of dystrophin functionally affects α3β2/β4-nicotinic acethylcholine receptors in sympathetic neurons of dystrophic mdx mice. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 41:528-37. [PMID: 21056666 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the sympathetic superior cervical ganglion (SCG), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission. We previously demonstrated that in SCG neurons of mdx mice, an animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lack of dystrophin causes a decrease, compared to the wild-type, in post-synaptic nAChRs containing the α3 subunit associated with β2 and/or β4 (α3β2/β4-nAChRs), but not in those containing the α7 subunit. Here we show, by whole cell patch-clamp recordings from cultured SCG neurons, that both nicotine and acetylcholine-evoked currents through α3β2/β4-nAChRs are significantly reduced in mdx mice compared to the wild-type, while those through α7-nAChR are unaffected. This reduction associates with that of protein levels of α3, β2 and β4 subunits. Therefore, we suggest that, in mdx mouse SCG neurons, lack of dystrophin, by specifically affecting membrane stabilization of α3β2/β4-nAChRs, could determine an increase in receptor internalization and degradation, with consequent reduction in the fast intraganglionic cholinergic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wessel J, McDonald SM, Hinds DA, Stokowski RP, Javitz HS, Kennemer M, Krasnow R, Dirks W, Hardin J, Pitts SJ, Michel M, Jack L, Ballinger DG, McClure JB, Swan GE, Bergen AW. Resequencing of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes and association of common and rare variants with the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:2392-402. [PMID: 20736995 PMCID: PMC3055324 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes have previously been associated with measures of nicotine dependence. We investigated the contribution of common SNPs and rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in nAChR genes to Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) scores in treatment-seeking smokers. Exons of 10 genes were resequenced with next-generation sequencing technology in 448 European-American participants of a smoking cessation trial, and CHRNB2 and CHRNA4 were resequenced by Sanger technology to improve sequence coverage. A total of 214 SNP/SNVs were identified, of which 19.2% were excluded from analyses because of reduced completion rate, 73.9% had minor allele frequencies <5%, and 48.1% were novel relative to dbSNP build 129. We tested associations of 173 SNP/SNVs with the FTND score using data obtained from 430 individuals (18 were excluded because of reduced completion rate) using linear regression for common, the cohort allelic sum test and the weighted sum statistic for rare, and the multivariate distance matrix regression method for both common and rare SNP/SNVs. Association testing with common SNPs with adjustment for correlated tests within each gene identified a significant association with two CHRNB2 SNPs, eg, the minor allele of rs2072660 increased the mean FTND score by 0.6 Units (P=0.01). We observed a significant evidence for association with the FTND score of common and rare SNP/SNVs at CHRNA5 and CHRNB2, and of rare SNVs at CHRNA4. Both common and/or rare SNP/SNVs from multiple nAChR subunit genes are associated with the FTND score in this sample of treatment-seeking smokers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Wessel
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA,Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah M McDonald
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Harold S Javitz
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - Ruth Krasnow
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - Jill Hardin
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - Martha Michel
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Jack
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Gary E Swan
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Andrew W Bergen
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA,Molecular Genetics Program, Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. Tel: +1 650 859 4618; Fax: +1 650 859 5099; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Grassi F, Limatola C, Santoni A. Fabrizio Eusebi (1945–2009). J Neuroimmunol 2010; 224:114-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|