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Alborghetti M, Bianchini E, De Carolis L, Galli S, Pontieri FE, Rinaldi D. Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors in neurological diseases: clinical applications based on preclinical findings. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:16-21. [PMID: 37488838 PMCID: PMC10479837 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors, encompassing selegiline, rasagiline, and safinamide, are available to treat Parkinson's disease. These drugs ameliorate motor symptoms and improve motor fluctuation in the advanced stages of the disease. There is also evidence supporting the benefit of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as mood deflection, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Preclinical studies indicate that type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors hold a strong neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases for reducing oxidative stress and stimulating the production and release of neurotrophic factors, particularly glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, which support dopaminergic neurons. Besides, safinamide may interfere with neurodegenerative mechanisms, counteracting excessive glutamate overdrive in basal ganglia motor circuit and reducing death from excitotoxicity. Due to the dual mechanism of action, the new generation of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including safinamide, is gaining interest in other neurological pathologies, and many supporting preclinical studies are now available. The potential fields of application concern epilepsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and above all, ischemic brain injury. The purpose of this review is to investigate the preclinical and clinical pharmacology of selegiline, rasagiline, and safinamide in Parkinson's disease and beyond, focusing on possible future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Alborghetti
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bianchini
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS—Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lanfranco De Carolis
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Galli
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco E. Pontieri
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS—Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Rinaldi
- Neurology Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza—University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS—Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Brenes O, Pusch M, Morales F. ClC-1 Chloride Channel: Inputs on the Structure-Function Relationship of Myotonia Congenita-Causing Mutations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2622. [PMID: 37892996 PMCID: PMC10604815 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonia congenita is a hereditary muscle disease mainly characterized by muscle hyperexcitability, which leads to a sustained burst of discharges that correlates with the magnitude and duration of involuntary aftercontractions, muscle stiffness, and hypertrophy. Mutations in the chloride voltage-gated channel 1 (CLCN1) gene that encodes the skeletal muscle chloride channel (ClC-1) are responsible for this disease, which is commonly known as myotonic chloride channelopathy. The biophysical properties of the mutated channel have been explored and analyzed through in vitro approaches, providing important clues to the general function/dysfunction of the wild-type and mutated channels. After an exhaustive search for CLCN1 mutations, we report in this review more than 350 different mutations identified in the literature. We start discussing the physiological role of the ClC-1 channel in skeletal muscle functioning. Then, using the reported functional effects of the naturally occurring mutations, we describe the biophysical and structural characteristics of the ClC-1 channel to update the knowledge of the function of each of the ClC-1 helices, and finally, we attempt to point out some patterns regarding the effects of mutations in the different helices and loops of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Brenes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica;
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias (CIN), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Michael Pusch
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Fernando Morales
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
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Vicino A, Brugnoni R, Maggi L. Diagnostics in skeletal muscle channelopathies. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:1175-1193. [PMID: 38009256 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2288258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skeletal muscle channelopathies (SMCs) are a heterogenous group of disorders, caused by mutations in skeletal ion channels leading to abnormal muscle excitability, resulting in either delayed muscle relaxation (myotonia) which characterizes non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs), or membrane transient inactivation, causing episodic weakness, typical of periodic paralyses (PPs). AREAS COVERED SMCs include myotonia congenita, paramyotonia congenita, and sodium-channel myotonia among NDMs, and hyper-normokalemic, hypokalemic, or late-onset periodic paralyses among PPs. When suspecting an SMC, a structured diagnostic approach is required. Detailed personal and family history and clinical examination are essential, while neurophysiological tests should confirm myotonia and rule out alternative diagnosis. Moreover, specific electrodiagnostic studies are important to further define the phenotype of de novo cases and drive molecular analyses together with clinical data. Definite diagnosis is achieved through genetic testing, either with Sanger sequencing or multigene next-generation sequencing panel. In still unsolved patients, more advanced techniques, as exome-variant sequencing or whole-genome sequencing, may be considered in expert centers. EXPERT OPINION The diagnostic approach to SMC is still mainly based on clinical data; moreover, definite diagnosis is sometimes complicated by the difficulty to establish a proper genotype-phenotype correlation. Lastly, further studies are needed to allow the genetic characterization of unsolved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vicino
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Nerve-Muscle Unit, Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raffaella Brugnoni
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Statins Induce Locomotion and Muscular Phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster That Are Reminiscent of Human Myopathy: Evidence for the Role of the Chloride Channel Inhibition in the Muscular Phenotypes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223528. [PMID: 36428957 PMCID: PMC9688544 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms for statin-induced myopathy (SIM) are still equivocal. In this study, we employ Drosophila melanogaster to dissect possible underlying mechanisms for SIM. We observe that chronic fluvastatin treatment causes reduced general locomotion activity and climbing ability. In addition, transmission microscopy of dissected skeletal muscles of fluvastatin-treated flies reveals strong myofibrillar damage, including increased sarcomere lengths and Z-line streaming, which are reminiscent of myopathy, along with fragmented mitochondria of larger sizes, most of which are round-like shapes. Furthermore, chronic fluvastatin treatment is associated with impaired lipid metabolism and insulin signalling. Mechanistically, knockdown of the statin-target Hmgcr in the skeletal muscles recapitulates fluvastatin-induced mitochondrial phenotypes and lowered general locomotion activity; however, it was not sufficient to alter sarcomere length or elicit myofibrillar damage compared to controls or fluvastatin treatment. Moreover, we found that fluvastatin treatment was associated with reduced expression of the skeletal muscle chloride channel, ClC-a (Drosophila homolog of CLCN1), while selective knockdown of skeletal muscle ClC-a also recapitulated fluvastatin-induced myofibril damage and increased sarcomere lengths. Surprisingly, exercising fluvastatin-treated flies restored ClC-a expression and normalized sarcomere lengths, suggesting that fluvastatin-induced myofibrillar phenotypes could be linked to lowered ClC-a expression. Taken together, these results may indicate the potential role of ClC-a inhibition in statin-associated muscular phenotypes. This study underlines the importance of Drosophila melanogaster as a powerful model system for elucidating the locomotion and muscular phenotypes, promoting a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying SIM.
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Altamura C, Conte E, Campanale C, Laghetti P, Saltarella I, Camerino GM, Imbrici P, Desaphy JF. Chaperone activity of niflumic acid on ClC-1 chloride channel mutants causing myotonia congenita. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:958196. [PMID: 36034862 PMCID: PMC9403836 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.958196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonia congenita (MC) is an inherited rare disease characterized by impaired muscle relaxation after contraction, resulting in muscle stiffness. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the skeletal muscle chloride channel ClC-1, important for the stabilization of resting membrane potential and for the repolarization phase of action potentials. Thanks to in vitro functional studies, the molecular mechanisms by which ClC-1 mutations alter chloride ion influx into the cell have been in part clarified, classifying them in “gating-defective” or “expression-defective” mutations. To date, the treatment of MC is only palliative because no direct ClC-1 activator is available. An ideal drug should be one which is able to correct biophysical defects of ClC-1 in the case of gating-defective mutations or a drug capable to recover ClC-1 protein expression on the plasma membrane for trafficking-defective ones. In this study, we tested the ability of niflumic acid (NFA), a commercial nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to act as a pharmacological chaperone on trafficking-defective MC mutants (A531V, V947E). Wild-type (WT) or MC mutant ClC-1 channels were expressed in HEK293 cells and whole-cell chloride currents were recorded with the patch-clamp technique before and after NFA incubation. Membrane biotinylation assays and western blot were performed to support electrophysiological results. A531V and V947E mutations caused a decrease in chloride current density due to a reduction of ClC-1 total protein level and channel expression on the plasma membrane. The treatment of A531V and V947E-transfected cells with 50 µM NFA restored chloride currents, reaching levels similar to those of WT. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in voltage dependence, suggesting that NFA increased protein membrane expression without altering the function of ClC-1. Indeed, biochemical experiments confirmed that V947E total protein expression and its plasma membrane distribution were recovered after NFA incubation, reaching protein levels similar to WT. Thus, the use of NFA as a pharmacological chaperone in trafficking defective ClC-1 channel mutations could represent a good strategy in the treatment of MC. Because of the favorable safety profile of this drug, our study may easily open the way for confirmatory human pilot studies aimed at verifying the antimyotonic activity of NFA in selected patients carrying specific ClC-1 channel mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Altamura
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Concetta Altamura,
| | - Elena Conte
- Dept. of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Campanale
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Laghetti
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Paola Imbrici
- Dept. of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Tarantino N, Canfora I, Camerino GM, Pierno S. Therapeutic Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Focus on Ion Channels and Skeletal Muscle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030415. [PMID: 35159225 PMCID: PMC8834084 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive loss of motor neurons, which severely compromises skeletal muscle function. Evidence shows that muscle may act as a molecular powerhouse, whose final signals generate in patients a progressive loss of voluntary muscle function and weakness leading to paralysis. This pathology is the result of a complex cascade of events that involves a crosstalk among motor neurons, glia, and muscles, and evolves through the action of converging toxic mechanisms. In fact, mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to oxidative stress, is one of the mechanisms causing cell death. It is a common denominator for the two existing forms of the disease: sporadic and familial. Other factors include excitotoxicity, inflammation, and protein aggregation. Currently, there are limited cures. The only approved drug for therapy is riluzole, that modestly prolongs survival, with edaravone now waiting for new clinical trial aimed to clarify its efficacy. Thus, there is a need of effective treatments to reverse the damage in this devastating pathology. Many drugs have been already tested in clinical trials and are currently under investigation. This review summarizes the already tested drugs aimed at restoring muscle-nerve cross-talk and on new treatment options targeting this tissue.
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Maggi L, Bonanno S, Altamura C, Desaphy JF. Ion Channel Gene Mutations Causing Skeletal Muscle Disorders: Pathomechanisms and Opportunities for Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061521. [PMID: 34208776 PMCID: PMC8234207 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies (SMICs) are a large heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding ion channel subunits in the skeletal muscle mainly characterized by myotonia or periodic paralysis, potentially resulting in long-term disabilities. However, with the development of new molecular technologies, new genes and new phenotypes, including progressive myopathies, have been recently discovered, markedly increasing the complexity in the field. In this regard, new advances in SMICs show a less conventional role of ion channels in muscle cell division, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Hence, SMICs represent an expanding and exciting field. Here, we review current knowledge of SMICs, with a description of their clinical phenotypes, cellular and molecular pathomechanisms, and available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.A.); (J.-F.D.)
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.A.); (J.-F.D.)
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Jehasse K, Jacquerie K, de Froidmont A, Lemoine C, Grisar T, Stouffs K, Lakaye B, Seutin V. Functional analysis of the F337C mutation in the CLCN1 gene associated with dominant myotonia congenita reveals an alteration of the macroscopic conductance and voltage dependence. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1588. [PMID: 33507632 PMCID: PMC8077071 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myotonia congenita (MC) is a common channelopathy affecting skeletal muscle and which is due to pathogenic variants within the CLCN1 gene. Various alterations in the function of the channel have been reported and we here illustrate a novel one. Methods A patient presenting the symptoms of myotonia congenita was shown to bear a new heterozygous missense variant in exon 9 of the CLCN1 gene (c.1010 T > G, p.(Phe337Cys)). Confocal imaging and patch clamp recordings of transiently transfected HEK293 cells were used to functionally analyze the effect of this variant on channel properties. Results Confocal imaging showed that the F337C mutant incorporated as well as the WT channel into the plasma membrane. However, in patch clamp, we observed a smaller conductance for F337C at −80 mV. We also found a marked reduction of the fast gating component in the mutant channels, as well as an overall reduced voltage dependence. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mixed alteration in the biophysical properties of hClC‐1 consisting of a reduced conductance at resting potential and an almost abolished voltage dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jehasse
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyGIGA InstituteLiegeBelgium
| | - Kathleen Jacquerie
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceLiège UniversityLiègeBelgium
| | | | | | - Thierry Grisar
- Laboratory of Molecular Regulation of NeurogenesisGIGA InstituteLiègeBelgium
| | - Katrien Stouffs
- Neurogenetics Research GroupVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUBUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Reproduction and GeneticsBrusselsBelgium
| | - Bernard Lakaye
- Laboratory of Molecular Regulation of NeurogenesisGIGA InstituteLiègeBelgium
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Brugnoni R, Maggi L, Canioni E, Verde F, Gallone A, Ariatti A, Filosto M, Petrelli C, Logullo FO, Esposito M, Ruggiero L, Tonin P, Riguzzi P, Pegoraro E, Torri F, Ricci G, Siciliano G, Silani V, Merlini L, De Pasqua S, Liguori R, Pini A, Mariotti C, Moroni I, Imbrici P, Desaphy JF, Mantegazza R, Bernasconi P. Next-generation sequencing application to investigate skeletal muscle channelopathies in a large cohort of Italian patients. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 31:336-347. [PMID: 33573884 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-dystrophic myotonias and periodic paralyses are a heterogeneous group of disabling diseases classified as skeletal muscle channelopathies. Their genetic characterization is essential for prognostic and therapeutic purposes; however, several genes are involved. Sanger-based sequencing of a single gene is time-consuming, often expensive; thus, we designed a next-generation sequencing panel of 56 putative candidate genes for skeletal muscle channelopathies, codifying for proteins involved in excitability, excitation-contraction coupling, and metabolism of muscle fibres. We analyzed a large cohort of 109 Italian patients with a suspect of NDM or PP by next-generation sequencing. We identified 24 patients mutated in CLCN1 gene, 15 in SCN4A, 3 in both CLCN1 and SCN4A, 1 in ATP2A1, 1 in KCNA1 and 1 in CASQ1. Eight were novel mutations: p.G395Cfs*32, p.L843P, p.V829M, p.E258E and c.1471+4delTCAAGAC in CLCN1, p.K1302R in SCN4A, p.L208P in ATP2A1 and c.280-1G>C in CASQ1 genes. This study demonstrated the utility of targeted next generation sequencing approach in molecular diagnosis of skeletal muscle channelopathies and the importance of the collaboration between clinicians and molecular geneticists and additional methods for unclear variants to make a conclusive diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Brugnoni
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Canioni
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Gallone
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ariatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Unit of Neurology, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcello Esposito
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive, and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive, and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Tonin
- Neurological Clinic, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pietro Riguzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology-Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Merlini
- DIBINEM-Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Pini
- Neuromuscular Pediatric Unit, IRRCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Moroni
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV Unit, Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Altamura C, Ivanova EA, Imbrici P, Conte E, Camerino GM, Dadali EL, Polyakov AV, Kurbatov SA, Girolamo F, Carratù MR, Desaphy JF. Pathomechanisms of a CLCN1 Mutation Found in a Russian Family Suffering From Becker's Myotonia. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1019. [PMID: 33013670 PMCID: PMC7500137 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Myotonia congenita (MC) is a rare muscle disease characterized by sarcolemma over-excitability inducing skeletal muscle stiffness. It can be inherited either as an autosomal dominant (Thomsen's disease) or an autosomal recessive (Becker's disease) trait. Both types are caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CLCN1 gene, encoding for ClC-1 chloride channel. We found a ClC-1 mutation, p.G411C, identified in Russian patients who suffered from a severe form of Becker's disease. The purpose of this study was to provide a solid correlation between G411C dysfunction and clinical symptoms in the affected patient. Methods: We provide clinical and genetic information of the proband kindred. Functional studies include patch-clamp electrophysiology, biotinylation assay, western blot analysis, and confocal imaging of G411C and wild-type ClC-1 channels expressed in HEK293T cells. Results: The G411C mutation dramatically abolished chloride currents in transfected HEK cells. Biochemical experiments revealed that the majority of G411C mutant channels did not reach the plasma membrane but remained trapped in the cytoplasm. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduced the degradation rate of G411C mutant channels, leading to their expression at the plasma membrane. However, despite an increase in cell surface expression, no significant chloride current was recorded in the G411C-transfected cell treated with MG132, suggesting that this mutation produces non-functional ClC-1 chloride channels. Conclusion: These results suggest that the molecular pathophysiology of G411C is linked to a reduced plasma membrane expression and biophysical dysfunction of mutant channels, likely due to a misfolding defect. Chloride current abolition confirms that the mutation is responsible for the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Altamura
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Evgeniya A Ivanova
- N.P. Bochkov's Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Conte
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Camerino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena L Dadali
- N.P. Bochkov's Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Polyakov
- N.P. Bochkov's Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Francesco Girolamo
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Carratù
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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11
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Zhao C, Tang D, Huang H, Tang H, Yang Y, Yang M, Luo Y, Tao H, Tang J, Zhou X, Shi X. Myotonia congenita and periodic hypokalemia paralysis in a consanguineous marriage pedigree: Coexistence of a novel CLCN1 mutation and an SCN4A mutation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233017. [PMID: 32407401 PMCID: PMC7224471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonia congenita and hypokalemic periodic paralysis type 2 are both rare genetic channelopathies caused by mutations in the CLCN1 gene encoding voltage-gated chloride channel CLC-1 and the SCN4A gene encoding voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.4. The patients with concomitant mutations in both genes manifested different unique symptoms from mutations in these genes separately. Here, we describe a patient with myotonia and periodic paralysis in a consanguineous marriage pedigree. By using whole-exome sequencing, a novel F306S variant in the CLCN1 gene and a known R222W mutation in the SCN4A gene were identified in the pedigree. Patch clamp analysis revealed that the F306S mutant reduced the opening probability of CLC-1 and chloride conductance. Our study expanded the CLCN1 mutation database. We emphasized the value of whole-exome sequencing for differential diagnosis in atypical myotonic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - DongFang Tang
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haiyan Tang
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Intensive Care Unit, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingying Luo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huai Tao
- Depatment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianguang Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail: (XZ); (XLS)
| | - Xiaoliu Shi
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail: (XZ); (XLS)
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12
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Altamura C, Desaphy JF, Conte D, De Luca A, Imbrici P. Skeletal muscle ClC-1 chloride channels in health and diseases. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:961-975. [PMID: 32361781 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In 1970, the study of the pathomechanisms underlying myotonia in muscle fibers isolated from myotonic goats highlighted the importance of chloride conductance for skeletal muscle function; 20 years later, the human ClC-1 chloride channel has been cloned; last year, the crystal structure of human protein has been solved. Over the years, the efforts of many researchers led to significant advances in acknowledging the role of ClC-1 in skeletal muscle physiology and the mechanisms through which ClC-1 dysfunctions lead to impaired muscle function. The wide spectrum of pathophysiological conditions associated with modification of ClC-1 activity, either as the primary cause, such as in myotonia congenita, or as a secondary adaptive mechanism in other neuromuscular diseases, supports the idea that ClC-1 is relevant to preserve not only for skeletal muscle excitability, but also for skeletal muscle adaptation to physiological or harmful events. Improving this understanding could open promising avenues toward the development of selective and safe drugs targeting ClC-1, with the aim to restore normal muscle function. This review summarizes the most relevant research on ClC-1 channel physiology, associated diseases, and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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13
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Sahbani D, Strumbo B, Tedeschi S, Conte E, Camerino GM, Benetti E, Montini G, Aceto G, Procino G, Imbrici P, Liantonio A. Functional Study of Novel Bartter's Syndrome Mutations in ClC-Kb and Rescue by the Accessory Subunit Barttin Toward Personalized Medicine. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:327. [PMID: 32256370 PMCID: PMC7092721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Type III and IV Bartter syndromes (BS) are rare kidney tubulopathies caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CLCNKB and BSND genes coding respectively for the ClC-Kb chloride channels and accessory subunit barttin. ClC-K channels are expressed in the Henle's loop, distal convoluted tubule, and cortical collecting ducts of the kidney and contribute to chloride absorption and urine concentration. In our Italian cohort, we identified two new mutations in CLCNKB, G167V and G289R, in children affected by BS and previously reported genetic variants, A242E, a chimeric gene and the deletion of the whole CLCNKB. All the patients had hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, increased serum renin and aldosterone levels and were treated with a symptomatic therapy. In order to define the molecular mechanisms responsible for BS, we co-expressed ClC-Kb wild type and channels with point mutations with barttin in HEK 293 cells and characterized chloride currents through the patch-clamp technique. In addition, we attempted to revert the functional defect caused by BS mutations through barttin overexpression. G167V and A242E channels showed a drastic current reduction compared to wild type, likely suggesting compromised expression of mutant channels at the plasma membrane. Conversely, G289R channel was similar to wild type raising the doubt that an additional mutation in another gene or other mechanisms could account for the clinical phenotype. Interestingly, increasing ClC-K/barttin ratio augmented G167V and A242E mutants' chloride current amplitudes towards wild type levels. These results confirm a genotype-phenotype correlation in BS and represent a preliminary proof of concept that molecules functioning as molecular chaperones can restore channel function in expression-defective ClC-Kb mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Sahbani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Bice Strumbo
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Tedeschi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Benetti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Montini
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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14
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Wang K, Preisler SS, Zhang L, Cui Y, Missel JW, Grønberg C, Gotfryd K, Lindahl E, Andersson M, Calloe K, Egea PF, Klaerke DA, Pusch M, Pedersen PA, Zhou ZH, Gourdon P. Structure of the human ClC-1 chloride channel. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000218. [PMID: 31022181 PMCID: PMC6483157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ClC-1 protein channels facilitate rapid passage of chloride ions across cellular membranes, thereby orchestrating skeletal muscle excitability. Malfunction of ClC-1 is associated with myotonia congenita, a disease impairing muscle relaxation. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human ClC-1, uncovering an architecture reminiscent of that of bovine ClC-K and CLC transporters. The chloride conducting pathway exhibits distinct features, including a central glutamate residue ("fast gate") known to confer voltage-dependence (a mechanistic feature not present in ClC-K), linked to a somewhat rearranged central tyrosine and a narrower aperture of the pore toward the extracellular vestibule. These characteristics agree with the lower chloride flux of ClC-1 compared with ClC-K and enable us to propose a model for chloride passage in voltage-dependent CLC channels. Comparison of structures derived from protein studied in different experimental conditions supports the notion that pH and adenine nucleotides regulate ClC-1 through interactions between the so-called cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) domains and the intracellular vestibule ("slow gating"). The structure also provides a framework for analysis of mutations causing myotonia congenita and reveals a striking correlation between mutated residues and the phenotypic effect on voltage gating, opening avenues for rational design of therapies against ClC-1-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaituo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yanxiang Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julie Winkel Missel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Grønberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamil Gotfryd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Pascal F. Egea
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dan Arne Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Michael Pusch
- Institute of Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Z. Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pontus Gourdon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Altamura C, Lucchiari S, Sahbani D, Ulzi G, Comi GP, D'Ambrosio P, Petillo R, Politano L, Vercelli L, Mongini T, Dotti MT, Cardani R, Meola G, Lo Monaco M, Matthews E, Hanna MG, Carratù MR, Conte D, Imbrici P, Desaphy JF. The analysis of myotonia congenita mutations discloses functional clusters of amino acids within the CBS2 domain and the C-terminal peptide of the ClC-1 channel. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:1273-1283. [PMID: 29935101 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Myotonia congenita (MC) is a skeletal-muscle hyperexcitability disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ClC-1 chloride channel. Mutations are scattered over the entire sequence of the channel protein, with more than 30 mutations located in the poorly characterized cytosolic C-terminal domain. In this study, we characterized, through patch clamp, seven ClC-1 mutations identified in patients affected by MC of various severities and located in the C-terminal region. The p.Val829Met, p.Thr832Ile, p.Val851Met, p.Gly859Val, and p.Leu861Pro mutations reside in the CBS2 domain, while p.Pro883Thr and p.Val947Glu are in the C-terminal peptide. We showed that the functional properties of mutant channels correlated with the clinical phenotypes of affected individuals. In addition, we defined clusters of ClC-1 mutations within CBS2 and C-terminal peptide subdomains that share the same functional defect: mutations between 829 and 835 residues and in residue 883 induced an alteration of voltage dependence, mutations between 851 and 859 residues, and in residue 947 induced a reduction of chloride currents, whereas mutations on 861 residue showed no obvious change in ClC-1 function. This study improves our understanding of the mechanisms underlying MC, sheds light on the role of the C-terminal region in ClC-1 function, and provides information to develop new antimyotonic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Altamura
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lucchiari
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Dalila Sahbani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianna Ulzi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola D'Ambrosio
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Petillo
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Liliana Vercelli
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dotti
- Unit of Neurology and Neurometabolic Disorders, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosanna Cardani
- Laboratory of Muscle Histopathology and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Meola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Lo Monaco
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Polyclinic Gemelli, Rome, Italy.,MiA Onlus ("Miotonici in Associazione"), Portici, Italy
| | - Emma Matthews
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Maria Rosaria Carratù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Polyclinic, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Polyclinic, Bari, Italy
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16
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Altamura C, Mangiatordi GF, Nicolotti O, Sahbani D, Farinato A, Leonetti F, Carratù MR, Conte D, Desaphy JF, Imbrici P. Mapping ligand binding pockets in chloride ClC-1 channels through an integrated in silico and experimental approach using anthracene-9-carboxylic acid and niflumic acid. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:1770-1780. [PMID: 29500929 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although chloride channels are involved in several physiological processes and acquired diseases, the availability of compounds selectively targeting CLC proteins is limited. ClC-1 channels are responsible for sarcolemma repolarization after an action potential in skeletal muscle and have been associated with myotonia congenita and myotonic dystrophy as well as with other muscular physiopathological conditions. To date only a few ClC-1 blockers have been discovered, such as anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9-AC) and niflumic acid (NFA), whereas no activator exists. The absence of a ClC-1 structure and the limited information regarding the binding pockets in CLC channels hamper the identification of improved modulators. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Here we provide an in-depth characterization of drug binding pockets in ClC-1 through an integrated in silico and experimental approach. We first searched putative cavities in a homology model of ClC-1 built upon an eukaryotic CLC crystal structure, and then validated in silico data by measuring the blocking ability of 9-AC and NFA on mutant ClC-1 channels expressed in HEK 293 cells. KEY RESULTS We identified four putative binding cavities in ClC-1. 9-AC appears to interact with residues K231, R421 and F484 within the channel pore. We also identified one preferential binding cavity for NFA and propose R421 and F484 as critical residues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study represents the first effort to delineate the binding sites of ClC-1. This information is fundamental to discover compounds useful in the treatment of ClC-1-associated dysfunctions and might represent a starting point for specifically targeting other CLC proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Altamura
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - G F Mangiatordi
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - O Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - D Sahbani
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - A Farinato
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - F Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - M R Carratù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - D Conte
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - J-F Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - P Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
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17
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Imbrici P, Nicolotti O, Leonetti F, Conte D, Liantonio A. Ion Channels in Drug Discovery and Safety Pharmacology. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1800:313-326. [PMID: 29934900 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7899-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are membrane proteins involved in almost all physiological processes, including neurotransmission, muscle contraction, pace-making activity, secretion, electrolyte and water balance, immune response, and cell proliferation. Due to their broad distribution in human body and physiological roles, ion channels are attractive targets for drug discovery and safety pharmacology. Over the years ion channels have been associated to many genetic diseases ("channelopathies"). For most of these diseases the therapy is mainly empirical and symptomatic, often limited by lack of efficacy and tolerability for a number of patients. The search for the development of new and more specific therapeutic approaches is therefore strongly pursued. At the same time acquired channelopathies or dangerous side effects (such as proarrhythmic risk) can develop as a consequence of drugs unexpectedly targeting ion channels. Several noncardiovascular drugs are known to block cardiac ion channels, leading to potentially fatal delayed ventricular repolarization. Thus, the search of reliable preclinical cardiac safety testing in early stage of drug discovery is mandatory. To fulfill these needs, both ion channels drug discovery and toxicology strategies are evolving toward comprehensive research approaches integrating ad hoc designed in silico predictions and experimental studies for a more reliable and quick translation of results to the clinic side.Here we discuss two examples of how the combination of in silico methods and patch clamp experiments can help addressing drug discovery and safety issues regarding ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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18
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Camerino GM, Musumeci O, Conte E, Musaraj K, Fonzino A, Barca E, Marino M, Rodolico C, Tricarico D, Camerino C, Carratù MR, Desaphy JF, De Luca A, Toscano A, Pierno S. Risk of Myopathy in Patients in Therapy with Statins: Identification of Biological Markers in a Pilot Study. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:500. [PMID: 28798690 PMCID: PMC5529355 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Statin therapy may induce skeletal muscle damage ranging from myalgia to severe rhabdomyolysis. Our previous preclinical studies showed that statin treatment in rats involves the reduction of skeletal muscle ClC-1 chloride channel expression and related chloride conductance (gCl). An increase of the activity of protein kinase C theta (PKC theta) isoform, able to inactivate ClC-1, may contribute to destabilize sarcolemma excitability. These effects can be detrimental for muscle function leading to drug-induced myopathy. Our goal is to study the causes of statin-induced muscle side effects in patients at the aim to identify biological markers useful to prevent and counteract statin-induced muscle damage. We examined 10 patients, who experienced myalgia and hyper-CK-emia after starting statin therapy compared to 9 non-myopathic subjects not using lipid-lowering drugs. Western Blot (WB) analysis showed a 40% reduction of ClC-1 protein and increased expression of phosphorylated PKC in muscle biopsies of statin-treated patients with respect to untreated subjects, independently from their age and statin type. Real-time PCR analysis showed that despite reduction of the protein, the ClC-1 mRNA was not significantly changed, suggesting post-transcriptional modification. The mRNA expression of a series of genes was also evaluated. MuRF-1 was increased in accord with muscle atrophy, MEF-2, calcineurin (CN) and GLUT-4 transporter were reduced, suggesting altered transcription, alteration of glucose homeostasis and energy deficit. Accordingly, the phosphorylated form of AMPK, measured by WB, was increased, suggesting cytoprotective process activation. In parallel, mRNA expression of Notch-1, involved in muscle cell proliferation, was highly expressed in statin-treated patients, indicating active regeneration. Also, PGC-1-alpha and isocitrate-dehydrogenase increased expression together with increased activity of mitochondrial citrate-synthase, measured by spectrophotometric assay, suggests mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, the reduction of ClC-1 protein and consequent sarcolemma hyperexcitability together with energy deficiency appear to be among the most important alterations to be associated with statin-related risk of myopathy in humans. Thus, it may be important to avoid statin treatment in pathologies characterized by energy deficit and chloride channel malfunction. This study validates the measure of ClC-1 expression as a reliable clinical test for assessing statin-dependent risk of myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M Camerino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Olimpia Musumeci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Elena Conte
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Kejla Musaraj
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Adriano Fonzino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Barca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Domenico Tricarico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical SchoolBari, Italy
| | - Maria R Carratù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical SchoolBari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical SchoolBari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo MoroBari, Italy
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Musgaard M, Paramo T, Domicevica L, Andersen OJ, Biggin PC. Insights into channel dysfunction from modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:20-30. [PMID: 28669899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Developments in structural biology mean that the number of different ion channel structures has increased significantly in recent years. Structures of ion channels enable us to rationalize how mutations may lead to channelopathies. However, determining the structures of ion channels is still not trivial, especially as they necessarily exist in many distinct functional states. Therefore, the use of computational modelling can provide complementary information that can refine working hypotheses of both wild type and mutant ion channels. The simplest but still powerful tool is homology modelling. Many structures are available now that can provide suitable templates for many different types of ion channels, allowing a full three-dimensional interpretation of mutational effects. These structural models, and indeed the structures themselves obtained by X-ray crystallography, and more recently cryo-electron microscopy, can be subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, either as a tool to help explore the conformational dynamics in detail or simply as a means to refine the models further. Here we review how these approaches have been used to improve our understanding of how diseases might be linked to specific mutations in ion channel proteins. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Musgaard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Paramo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Domicevica
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Ole Juul Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Philip C Biggin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom.
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Ferradini V, Cassone M, Nuovo S, Bagni I, D'Apice MR, Botta A, Novelli G, Sangiuolo F. Targeted Next Generation Sequencing in patients with Myotonia Congenita. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 470:1-7. [PMID: 28427807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myotonia Congenita (MC) is a nondystrophic skeletal muscle disease characterized by muscle stiffness, weakness, delayed skeletal relaxation and hypertrophic muscle. The disease can be inherited as dominant or recessive. More than 130 mutations in CLCN1 gene have been identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the entire coding region and exon-intron boundaries of the CLCN1 gene in 40 MC patients. Samples already Sanger-sequenced were successively evaluated by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), on Ion Torrent PGM. Moreover, additional 15 patients were sequenced directly by NGS. RESULTS NGS allowed us to identify all CLCN1 mutations except those located within exon 3, demonstrating a 96% of sensitivity. Due to primer design, one SNP (exactly rs7794560) also failed to be detected. Our results enlarge the spectrum of CLCN1 mutations and showed a novel approach for molecular analysis of MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ferradini
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cassone
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Nuovo
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bagni
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria D'Apice
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Botta
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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