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Gonda X, Tarazi FI, Dome P. The emergence of antidepressant drugs targeting GABA A receptors: A concise review. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116481. [PMID: 39147329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Depression is among the most common psychiatric illnesses, which imposes a major socioeconomic burden on patients, caregivers, and the public health system. Treatment with classical antidepressants (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors), which primarily affect monoaminergic systems has several limitations, such as delayed onset of action and moderate efficacy in a relatively large proportion of depressed patients. Furthermore, depression is highly heterogeneus, and its different subtypes, including post-partum depression, involve distinct neurobiology, warranting a differential approach to pharmacotherapy. Given these shortcomings, the need for novel antidepressants that are superior in efficacy and faster in onset of action is fully justified. The development and market introduction of rapid-acting antidepressants has accelerated in recent years. Some of these new antidepressants act through the GABAergic system. In this review, we discuss the discovery, efficacy, and limitations of treatment with classic antidepressants. We provide a detailed discussion of GABAergic neurotransmission, with a special focus on GABAA receptors, and possible explanations for the mood-enhancing effects of GABAergic medications (in particular neurosteroids acting at GABAA receptors), and, ultimately, we present the most promising molecules belonging to this family which are currently used in clinical practice or are in late phases of clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; NAP3.0-SE Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Frank I Tarazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Dome
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Nyiro Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictology, Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Aroniadou-Anderjaska V, Figueiredo TH, De Araujo Furtado M, Pidoplichko VI, Lumley LA, Braga MFM. Alterations in GABA A receptor-mediated inhibition triggered by status epilepticus and their role in epileptogenesis and increased anxiety. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106633. [PMID: 39117119 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The triggers of status epilepticus (SE) in non-epileptic patients can vary widely, from idiopathic causes to exposure to chemoconvulsants. Regardless of its etiology, prolonged SE can cause significant brain damage, commonly resulting in the development of epilepsy, which is often accompanied by increased anxiety. GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated inhibition has a central role among the mechanisms underlying brain damage and the ensuing epilepsy and anxiety. During SE, calcium influx primarily via ionotropic glutamate receptors activates signaling cascades which trigger a rapid internalization of synaptic GABAARs; this weakens inhibition, exacerbating seizures and excitotoxicity. GABAergic interneurons are more susceptible to excitotoxic death than principal neurons. During the latent period of epileptogenesis, the aberrant reorganization in synaptic interactions that follow interneuronal loss in injured brain regions, leads to the formation of hyperexcitable, seizurogenic neuronal circuits, along with disturbances in brain oscillatory rhythms. Reduction in the spontaneous, rhythmic "bursts" of IPSCs in basolateral amygdala neurons is likely to play a central role in anxiogenesis. Protecting interneurons during SE is key to preventing both epilepsy and anxiety. Antiglutamatergic treatments, including antagonism of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, can be expected to control seizures and reduce excitotoxicity not only by directly suppressing hyperexcitation, but also by counteracting the internalization of synaptic GABAARs. Benzodiazepines, as delayed treatment of SE, have low efficacy due to the reduction and dispersion of their targets (the synaptic GABAARs), but also because themselves contribute to further reduction of available GABAARs at the synapse; furthermore, benzodiazepines may be completely ineffective in the immature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Aroniadou-Anderjaska
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Taiza H Figueiredo
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Marcio De Araujo Furtado
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Volodymyr I Pidoplichko
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Lucille A Lumley
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, Proving Ground, MD, USA.
| | - Maria F M Braga
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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3
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Arora I, Mal P, Arora P, Paul A, Kumar M. GABAergic implications in anxiety and related disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150218. [PMID: 38865810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150218] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that anxiety disorders arise from an imbalance in the functioning of brain circuits that govern the modulation of emotional responses to possibly threatening stimuli. The circuits under consideration in this context include the amygdala's bottom-up activity, which signifies the existence of stimuli that may be seen as dangerous. Moreover, these circuits encompass top-down regulatory processes that originate in the prefrontal cortex, facilitating the communication of the emotional significance associated with the inputs. Diverse databases (e.g., Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for literature using a combination of different terms e.g., "anxiety", "stress", "neuroanatomy", and "neural circuits", etc. A decrease in GABAergic activity is present in both anxiety disorders and severe depression. Research on cerebral functional imaging in depressive individuals has shown reduced levels of GABA within the cortical regions. Additionally, animal studies demonstrated that a reduction in the expression of GABAA/B receptors results in a behavioral pattern resembling anxiety. The amygdala consists of inhibitory networks composed of GABAergic interneurons, responsible for modulating anxiety responses in both normal and pathological conditions. The GABAA receptor has allosteric sites (e.g., α/γ, γ/β, and α/β) which enable regulation of neuronal inhibition in the amygdala. These sites serve as molecular targets for anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepine and barbiturates. Alterations in the levels of naturally occurring regulators of these allosteric sites, along with alterations to the composition of the GABAA receptor subunits, could potentially act as mechanisms via which the extent of neuronal inhibition is diminished in pathological anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Mal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Anushka Paul
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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4
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Akyuz E, Arulsamy A, Aslan FS, Sarisözen B, Guney B, Hekimoglu A, Yilmaz BN, Retinasamy T, Shaikh MF. An Expanded Narrative Review of Neurotransmitters on Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Therapeutic Interventions on Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y. [PMID: 39012443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles are the key players responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau affect the balance in chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the current review examined the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the alterations in the neurochemical activity and cross talk with their receptors and transporters. In the presence of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, changes may occur in the expression of neuronal receptors which in turn triggers excessive release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft contributing to cell death and neuronal damage. The GABAergic system may also be affected by AD pathology in a similar way. In addition, decreased receptors in the cholinergic system and dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmission of AD pathology may also contribute to the damage to cognitive function. Moreover, the presence of deficiencies in noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus in AD suggests that noradrenergic stimulation could be useful in addressing its pathophysiology. The regulation of melatonin, known for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Aβ accumulation, along with the involvement of the serotonergic system and histaminergic system in cognition and memory, becomes remarkable for promoting neurotransmission in AD. Additionally, nitric oxide and adenosine-based therapeutic approaches play a protective role in AD by preventing neuroinflammation. Overall, neurotransmitter-based therapeutic strategies emerge as pivotal for addressing neurotransmitter homeostasis and neurotransmission in the context of AD. This review discussed the potential for neurotransmitter-based drugs to be effective in slowing and correcting the neurodegenerative processes in AD by targeting the neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, neurotransmitter-based drugs could serve as a future therapeutic strategy to tackle AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Bugra Sarisözen
- School of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Guney
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Beyza Nur Yilmaz
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thaarvena Retinasamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.
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5
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Johnston GAR, Beart PM. Milestone review: GABA, from chemistry, conformations, ionotropic receptors, modulators, epilepsy, flavonoids, and stress to neuro-nutraceuticals. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1179-1192. [PMID: 38383146 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Arising out of a PhD project more than 50 years ago to synthesise analogues of the neurotransmitter GABA, a series of new chemical entities were found to have selective actions on ionotropic GABA receptors. Several of these neurochemicals are now commercially available. A new subtype of these receptors was discovered that could be a target for the treatment of myopia, the facilitation of learning and memory, and the improvement of post-stroke motor recovery. The development of these new chemical entities over many years demonstrates the importance of neurochemicals with which to investigate selective aspects of GABA receptors and illustrates the significance of collaboration between chemists and biologists in neurochemistry. Vital were the improvements in synthetic organic chemistry and the use of functional human receptors expressed in oocytes. Current interest in ionotropic GABA receptors includes the clinical development of subtype-specific agents and the role of gain-of-function receptor variants in epilepsy. Dietary flavonoids were found to cross the blood-brain barrier to influence brain function. Natural and synthetic flavonoids had a range of effects on GABA receptors, ranging from positive, silent, and negative allosteric modulators, to even second-order modulation of first-order modulators. Flavonoids have been called "a new family of benzodiazepines." Like benzodiazepines, flavonoids reduce stress. Stress produces changes in GABA receptors in the brain that may be because of changes in endogenous modulators, such as neurosteroids and corticosteroids. GABA also occurs naturally in the diet leading to studies of the effects of oral GABA on brain function. This finding has resulted in studies of GABA and related neurochemicals as neuro-nutraceuticals. GABA systems in the gut microbiome are essential to such studies. The actions of oral GABA and of GABA-enriched beverages and foodstuffs are now an area of considerable scientific and commercial interest. GABA is a deceptively simple chemical that can take up many shapes, which may underlie its complex functions. The need for new chemical entities with selective actions for further studies highlights the need for continuing collaboration between chemists and biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A R Johnston
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Jin Z, Hammoud H, Bhandage AK, Korol SV, Trujeque-Ramos O, Koreli S, Gong Z, Chowdhury AI, Sandbaumhüter FA, Jansson ET, Lindsay RS, Christoffersson G, Andrén PE, Carlsson PO, Bergsten P, Kamali-Moghaddam M, Birnir B. GABA-mediated inhibition of human CD4 + T cell functions is enhanced by insulin but impaired by high glucose levels. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105217. [PMID: 38943728 PMCID: PMC11260598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), known as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, exerts immunomodulatory functions by interaction with immune cells, including T cells. Metabolic programs of T cells are closely linked to their effector functions including proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production. The physiological molecules glucose and insulin may provide environmental cues and guidance, but whether they coordinate to regulate GABA-mediated T cell immunomodulation is still being examined. METHODS CD4+ T cells that were isolated from blood samples from healthy individuals and from patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) were activated in vitro. We carried out metabolic assays, multiple proximity extension assay (PEA), ELISA, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis, MS-based proteomics, as well as electrophysiology and live-cell Ca2+ imaging. FINDINGS We demonstrate that GABA-mediated reduction of metabolic activity and the release of inflammatory proteins, including IFNγ and IL-10, were abolished in human CD4+ T cells from healthy individuals and patients with T1D when the glucose concentration was elevated above levels typically observed in healthy people. Insulin increased GABAA receptor-subunit ρ2 expression, enhanced the GABAA receptors-mediated currents and Ca2+ influx. GABA decreased, whereas insulin sustained, hexokinase activity and glycolysis in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. INTERPRETATION These findings support that metabolic factors, such as glucose and insulin, influence the GABA-mediated immunomodulation of human primary T cells effector functions. FUNDING The Swedish Children's Diabetes Foundation, The Swedish Diabetes Foundation, The Swedish Research Council 2018-02952, EXODIAB, The Ernfors Foundation, The Thurings Foundation and the Science for Life Laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Jin
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hayma Hammoud
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Stasini Koreli
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhitao Gong
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Erik Tomas Jansson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Per Erik Andrén
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Spatial Mass Spectrometry, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per-Ola Carlsson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Bergsten
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Masood Kamali-Moghaddam
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Cowgill J, Fan C, Haloi N, Tobiasson V, Zhuang Y, Howard RJ, Lindahl E. Structure and dynamics of differential ligand binding in the human ρ-type GABA A receptor. Neuron 2023; 111:3450-3464.e5. [PMID: 37659407 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) drives critical inhibitory processes in and beyond the nervous system, partly via ionotropic type-A receptors (GABAARs). Pharmacological properties of ρ-type GABAARs are particularly distinctive, yet the structural basis for their specialization remains unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of a lipid-embedded human ρ1 GABAAR, including a partial intracellular domain, under apo, inhibited, and desensitized conditions. An apparent resting state, determined first in the absence of modulators, was recapitulated with the specific inhibitor (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid and blocker picrotoxin and provided a rationale for bicuculline insensitivity. Comparative structures, mutant recordings, and molecular simulations with and without GABA further explained the sensitized but slower activation of ρ1 relative to canonical subtypes. Combining GABA with picrotoxin also captured an apparent uncoupled intermediate state. This work reveals structural mechanisms of gating and modulation with applications to ρ-specific pharmaceutical design and to our biophysical understanding of ligand-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Cowgill
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Chen Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Nandan Haloi
- Department of Applied Physics, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Victor Tobiasson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Yuxuan Zhuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Rebecca J Howard
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, 17121 Solna, Sweden; Department of Applied Physics, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17121 Solna, Sweden.
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Mohamad FH, Mohamad Jamali MA, Che Has AT. Structure-function Studies of GABA (A) Receptors and Related computer-aided Studies. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:804-817. [PMID: 37750966 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA (A) receptor) is a membrane protein activated by the neurotransmitter GABA. Structurally, this major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human central nervous system is a pentamer that can be built from a selection of 19 subunits consisting of α(1,2,3,4,5 or 6), β (1,2 or 3), γ (1,2 or 3), ρ (1,2 or 3), and δ, π, θ, and ε. This creates several possible pentameric arrangements, which also influence the pharmacological and physiological properties of the receptor. The complexity and heterogeneity of the receptors are further increased by the addition of short and long splice variants in several subunits and the existence of multiple allosteric binding sites and expansive ligands that can bind to the receptors. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the receptors is required to gain novel insights into the consequences of receptor dysfunction and subsequent drug development studies. Notably, advancements in computational-aided studies have facilitated the elucidation of residual interactions and exploring energy binding, which may otherwise be challenging to investigate. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of the structure and function of GABA (A) receptors obtained from advancements in computational-aided applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin H Mohamad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif Mohamad Jamali
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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9
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Beltrán González AN, López Pazos MI, Del Vas M, Calvo DJ. Negative modulation of the GABA Aρ1 receptor function by histamine. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175880. [PMID: 37406850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175880] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Besides its function as a local mediator of the immune response, histamine can play a role as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Histamine actions are classically mediated through four different G protein-coupled receptor subtypes but non-classical actions were also described, including effects on many ligand-gated ion channels. Previous evidence indicated that histamine acts as a positive modulator on diverse GABAA receptor subtypes, such as GABAAα1β2γ2, GABAAα2β3γ2, GABAAα3β3γ2, GABAAα4β3γ2 and GABAAα5β3γ2. Meanwhile, its effects on GABAAρ1 receptors, known to stand for tonic currents in retinal neurons, had not been examined before. The effects of histamine on the function of human homomeric GABAAρ1 receptors were studied here, using heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by the electrophysiological recording of GABA-evoked Cl- currents. Histamine inhibited GABAAρ1 receptor-mediated responses. Effects were reversible, independent of the membrane potential, and strongly dependent on both histamine and GABA concentration. A rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curve for GABA was observed in the presence of histamine, without substantial change in the maximal response or the Hill coefficient. Results were compatible with a competitive antagonism of histamine on the GABAAρ1 receptors. This is the first report of inhibitory actions exerted by histamine on an ionotropic GABA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Beltrán González
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel I López Pazos
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Del Vas
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABIMO), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel J Calvo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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10
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Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 PMCID: PMC10293235 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
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11
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Bryson A, Reid C, Petrou S. Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: GABA A receptor neurotransmission and epilepsy: Principles, disease mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. J Neurochem 2023; 165:6-28. [PMID: 36681890 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder associated with alterations of excitation-inhibition balance within brain neuronal networks. GABAA receptor neurotransmission is the most prevalent form of inhibitory neurotransmission and is strongly implicated in both the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, serving as a primary target for antiseizure medications for over a century. It is now established that GABA exerts a multifaceted influence through an array of GABAA receptor subtypes that extends far beyond simply negating excitatory activity. As the role of GABAA neurotransmission within inhibitory circuits is elaborated, this will enable the development of precision therapies that correct the network dysfunction underlying epileptic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bryson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Computational simulations and Ca2+ imaging reveal that slow synaptic depolarizations (slow EPSPs) inhibit fast EPSP evoked action potentials for most of their time course in enteric neurons. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009717. [PMID: 35696419 PMCID: PMC9232139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission between neurons in the extensive enteric neural networks of the gut involves synaptic potentials with vastly different time courses and underlying conductances. Most enteric neurons exhibit fast excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) lasting 20–50 ms, but many also exhibit slow EPSPs that last up to 100 s. When large enough, slow EPSPs excite action potentials at the start of the slow depolarization, but how they affect action potentials evoked by fast EPSPs is unknown. Furthermore, two other sources of synaptic depolarization probably occur in enteric circuits, activated via GABAA or GABAC receptors; how these interact with other synaptic depolarizations is also unclear. We built a compartmental model of enteric neurons incorporating realistic voltage-dependent ion channels, then simulated fast EPSPs, slow EPSPs and GABAA or GABAC ligand-gated Cl- channels to explore these interactions. Model predictions were tested by imaging Ca2+ transients in myenteric neurons ex vivo as an indicator of their activity during synaptic interactions. The model could mimic firing of myenteric neurons in mouse colon evoked by depolarizing current during intracellular recording and the fast and slow EPSPs in these neurons. Subthreshold fast EPSPs evoked spikes during the rising phase of a slow EPSP, but suprathreshold fast EPSPs could not evoke spikes later in a slow EPSP. This predicted inhibition was confirmed by Ca2+ imaging in which stimuli that evoke slow EPSPs suppressed activity evoked by fast EPSPs in many myenteric neurons. The model also predicted that synchronous activation of GABAA receptors and fast EPSPs potentiated firing evoked by the latter, while synchronous activation of GABAC receptors with fast EPSPs, potentiated firing and then suppressed it. The results reveal that so-called slow EPSPs have a biphasic effect being likely to suppress fast EPSP evoked firing over very long periods, perhaps accounting for prolonged quiescent periods seen in enteric motor patterns. The gastrointestinal tract is the only organ with an extensive semi-autonomous nervous system that generates complex contraction patterns independently. Communication between neurons in this “enteric” nervous system is via depolarizing synaptic events with dramatically different time courses including fast synaptic potentials lasting around 20–50 ms and slow depolarizing synaptic potentials lasting for 10–120 s. Most neurons have both. We explored how slow synaptic depolarizations affect generation of action potentials by fast synaptic potentials using computational simulation of small networks of neurons implemented as compartmental models with realistic membrane ion channels. We found that slow synaptic depolarizations have biphasic effects; they initially make fast synaptic potentials more likely to trigger action potentials, but then actually prevent action potential generation by fast synaptic potentials with the inhibition lasting several 10s of seconds. We confirmed the inhibitory effects of the slow synaptic depolarizations using live Ca2+ imaging of enteric neurons from mouse colon in isolated tissue. Our results identify a novel form of synaptic inhibition in the enteric nervous system of the gut, which may account for the vastly differing time courses between signalling in individual gut neurons and rhythmic contractile patterns that often repeat at more than 60 s intervals.
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Fujie Y, Liu G, Ozoe F, Ozoe Y. Structural insights into the interaction between gabazine (SR-95531) and Laodelphax striatellus GABA receptors. JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE 2022; 47:78-85. [PMID: 35800394 PMCID: PMC9184248 DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.d22-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs) mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission and are targets for insecticides. GABARs are composed of five subunits, the composition of which dictates the pharmacological characteristics of GABARs. Both competitive and noncompetitive GABAR antagonists can be used as insecticides. Gabazine is a potent competitive antagonist of mammalian α1β2γ2 GABARs; however, it is less potent against insect GABARs. To explore how gabazine interacts with GABARs, we examined whether the sensitivity of the small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus) RDL GABAR (LsRDLR) to gabazine is increased when its amino acid residues are substituted with α1β2γ2 GABAR residues. In the results, two of the generated mutants showed enhanced gabazine sensitivity. Docking simulations of gabazine using LsRDLR homology models and an α1β2γ2 GABAR cryo-EM structure revealed that the accommodation of gabazine into the "aromatic box" in the orthosteric site lowered the binding energy. This information may help in designing GABAR-targeting insecticides with novel modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fujie
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690–8504, Japan
| | - Genyan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430205, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fumiyo Ozoe
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Science Research, Organization for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690–8504, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Ozoe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690–8504, Japan
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Science Research, Organization for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690–8504, Japan
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14
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Nawafleh S, Qaswal AB, Suleiman A, Alali O, Zayed FM, Al-Adwan MAO, Bani Ali M. GABA Receptors Can Depolarize the Neuronal Membrane Potential via Quantum Tunneling of Chloride Ions: A Quantum Mathematical Study. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071145. [PMID: 35406709 PMCID: PMC8998136 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors represent the major inhibitory receptors in the nervous system and their inhibitory effects are mediated by the influx of chloride ions that tends to hyperpolarize the resting membrane potential. However, GABA receptors can depolarize the resting membrane potential and thus can also show excitatory effects in neurons. The major mechanism behind this depolarization is mainly attributed to the accumulation of chloride ions in the intracellular compartment. This accumulation leads to increase in the intracellular chloride concentration and depolarize the Nernst potential of chloride ions. When the membrane potential is relatively hyperpolarized, this will result in a chloride efflux instead of influx trying to reach their depolarized equilibrium potential. Here, we propose different mechanism based on a major consequence of quantum mechanics, which is quantum tunneling. The quantum tunneling model of ions is applied on GABA receptors and their corresponding chloride ions to show how chloride ions can depolarize the resting membrane potential. The quantum model states that intracellular chloride ions have higher quantum tunneling probability than extracellular chloride ions. This is attributed to the discrepancy in the kinetic energy between them. At physiological parameters, the quantum tunneling is negligible to the degree that chloride ions cannot depolarize the membrane potential. Under certain conditions such as early neuronal development, gain-of-function mutations, stroke and trauma that can lower the energy barrier of the closed gate of GABA receptors, the quantum tunneling is enhanced so that the chloride ions can depolarize the resting membrane potential. The major unique feature of the quantum tunneling mechanism is that the net efflux of chloride ions is attained without the need for intracellular accumulation of chloride ions as long as the energy barrier of the gate is reduced but still higher than the kinetic energy of the chloride ion as a condition for quantum tunneling to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sager Nawafleh
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (A.B.Q.)
| | - Abdallah Barjas Qaswal
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.M.Z.); (M.A.O.A.-A.); (M.B.A.)
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (A.B.Q.)
| | - Aiman Suleiman
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Obada Alali
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Alabdali Clemenceau Hospital, Amman 11190, Jordan;
| | - Fuad Mohammed Zayed
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.M.Z.); (M.A.O.A.-A.); (M.B.A.)
| | | | - Mo’ath Bani Ali
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.M.Z.); (M.A.O.A.-A.); (M.B.A.)
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15
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Naffaa MM, Hibbs DE, Chebib M, Hanrahan JR. Pharmacological Effect of GABA Analogues on GABA-ϱ2 Receptors and Their Subtype Selectivity. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12010127. [PMID: 35054520 PMCID: PMC8780768 DOI: 10.3390/life12010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAρ receptors are distinctive GABAergic receptors from other ionotropic GABAA and metabotropic GABAB receptors in their pharmacological, biochemical, and electrophysiological properties. Although GABA-ρ1 receptors are the most studied in this subfamily, GABA-ρ2 receptors are widely distributed in the brain and are considered a potential target for treating neurological disorders such as stroke. The structure of GABA-ρ2 receptors and their pharmacological features are poorly studied. We generated the first homology model of GABA-ρ2 channel, which predicts similar major interactions of GABA with the binding-site residues in GABA-ρ1 and GABA-ρ2 channels. We also investigated the pharmacological properties of several GABA analogues on the activity of GABA-ρ2 receptors. In comparison to their pharmacological effect on GABA-ρ1 receptors, the activation effect of these ligands and their potentiation/inhibition impact on GABA response have interestingly shown inter-selectivity between the two GABA-ρ receptors. Our results suggest that several GABA analogues can be used as research tools to study the distinctive physiology of GABA-ρ1 and GABA-ρ2 receptors. Furthermore, their partial agonist effect may hold promise for the future discovery of selective modulatory agents on GABAA receptors.
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16
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Naffaa MM, Hibbs DE, Chebib M, Hanrahan JR. Roles of hydrophilic residues in GABA binding site of GABA-ρ1 receptor explain the addition/inhibition effects of competitive ligands. Neurochem Int 2021; 153:105258. [PMID: 34933011 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The orthosteric binding site of GABA-gated ion channels has been widely explored. Many residues in the binding site of GABA were studied. The interactions due to the binding of GABA into the binding site drive channel activation and determine the potency and efficacy of GABA response. The combined effect of a competitive ligand and GABA on GABA-ρ1 receptors has been poorly studied. Here, we used point mutations, molecular modeling, and electrophysiological studies to explore the role of two hydrophilic residues (Serine 168 and Serine 243) of the GABA-ρ1 receptors in response to the binding of GABA and other studied ligands. Our results suggested that Ser168 residue stabilizes either closed state or open conformation depending on the other determinant interactions of each state. On the other hand, Ser243 residue is predicted to form different inter-subunit interactions with residues in the adjacent subunit at different states of the channel. Our current findings enlighten us to reasonably explain the additive/inhibitive effects of applying a competitive ligand with GABA simultaneously. Understanding the mixed effect of potentiation and inhibition would facilitate the discovery of new drugs to work as a direct GABA's activity modulators with more selectivity at various subunits forming GABA-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah M Naffaa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - David E Hibbs
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane R Hanrahan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Australia.
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Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Promotes Growth in Zebrafish Larvae by Inducing IGF-1 Expression via GABA A and GABA B Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011254. [PMID: 34681914 PMCID: PMC8537617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) primarily increases the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in neurons; moreover, it is responsible for the promotion of longitudinal growth in children and adolescents. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether exogenous GABA supplementation activates IGF-mediated growth performance. Zebrafish larvae treated with GABA at three days post fertilization (dpf) showed a significant increase in the total body length from 6 to 12 dpf through upregulation of growth-stimulating genes, including IGF-1, growth hormone-1 (GH-1), growth hormone receptor-1 (GHR-1), and cholecystokinin A (CCKA). In particular, at 9 dpf, GABA increased total body length from 3.60 ± 0.02 to 3.79 ± 0.03, 3.89 ± 0.02, and 3.92 ± 0.04 mm at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mM, and the effect of GABA at 25 mM was comparable to 4 mM β-glycerophosphate (GP)-treated larvae (3.98 ± 0.02 mm). Additionally, the highest concentration of GABA (50 mM) -induced death in 50% zebrafish larvae at 12 dpf. GABA also enhanced IGF-1 expression and secretion in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells, concomitant with high levels of the IGF-1 receptor gene (IGF-1R). In zebrafish larvae, the GABA-induced growth rate was remarkably decreased in the presence of an IGF-1R inhibitor, picropodophyllin (PPP), which indicates that GABA-induced IGF-1 enhances growth rate via IGF-1R. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of GABA receptors on growth performance along with IGF-1 activation. Inhibitors of GABAA and GABAB receptors, namely bicuculline and CGP 46381, respectively, considerably inhibited GABA-induced growth rate in zebrafish larvae accompanied by a marked decrease in the expression of growth-stimulating genes, including IGF-1, GH-1, GHR-1, and CCKA, but not with an inhibitor of GABAC receptor, TPMPA. Additionally, IGF-1 and IGF-1R expression was impaired in bicuculline and CGP 46381-treated MC3T3-E1 cells, but not in the cells treated with TPMPA. Furthermore, treatment with bicuculline and CGP 46381 significantly downregulated GABA-induced IGF-1 release in MC3T3-E1 cells. These data indicate that GABA stimulates IGF-1 release via GABAA and GABAB receptors and leads to growth promotion performance via IGF-1R.
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18
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Gros M, Gros B, Mesonero JE, Latorre E. Neurotransmitter Dysfunction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Emerging Approaches for Management. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153429. [PMID: 34362210 PMCID: PMC8347293 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder whose aetiology is still unknown. Most hypotheses point out the gut-brain axis as a key factor for IBS. The axis is composed of different anatomic and functional structures intercommunicated through neurotransmitters. However, the implications of key neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA or acetylcholine in IBS are poorly studied. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence about neurotransmitter dysfunction in IBS and explore the potential therapeutic approaches. IBS patients with altered colorectal motility show augmented norepinephrine and acetylcholine levels in plasma and an increased sensitivity of central serotonin receptors. A decrease of colonic mucosal serotonin transporter and a downregulation of α2 adrenoceptors are also correlated with visceral hypersensitivity and an increase of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid levels, enhanced expression of high affinity choline transporter and lower levels of GABA. Given these neurotransmitter dysfunctions, novel pharmacological approaches such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and 5-HT4 receptor agonists are being explored for IBS management, for their antiemetic and prokinetic effects. GABA-analogous medications are being considered to reduce visceral pain. Moreover, agonists and antagonists of muscarinic receptors are under clinical trials. Targeting neurotransmitter dysfunction could provide promising new approaches for IBS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gros
- Centro de Salud Univérsitas, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Belén Gros
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.); (J.E.M.)
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Emilio Mesonero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.); (J.E.M.)
- Departamento de Farmacología, Fisiología y Medicina Legal y Forense, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2—(Universidad de Zaragoza—CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva Latorre
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.); (J.E.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2—(Universidad de Zaragoza—CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
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19
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Thomas JT, Spady BL, Munday PL, Watson SA. The role of ligand-gated chloride channels in behavioural alterations at elevated CO2 in a cephalopod. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269059. [PMID: 34100547 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Projected future carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the ocean can alter marine animal behaviours. Disrupted functioning of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors (ligand-gated chloride channels) is suggested to underlie CO2-induced behavioural changes in fish. However, the mechanisms underlying behavioural changes in marine invertebrates are poorly understood. We pharmacologically tested the role of GABA-, glutamate-, acetylcholine- and dopamine-gated chloride channels in CO2-induced behavioural changes in a cephalopod, the two-toned pygmy squid (Idiosepius pygmaeus). We exposed squid to ambient (∼450 µatm) or elevated (∼1000 µatm) CO2 for 7 days. Squid were treated with sham, the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine or the non-specific GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin, before measurement of conspecific-directed behaviours and activity levels upon mirror exposure. Elevated CO2 increased conspecific-directed attraction and aggression, as well as activity levels. For some CO2-affected behaviours, both gabazine and picrotoxin had a different effect at elevated compared with ambient CO2, providing robust support for the GABA hypothesis within cephalopods. In another behavioural trait, picrotoxin but not gabazine had a different effect in elevated compared with ambient CO2, providing the first pharmacological evidence, in fish and marine invertebrates, for altered functioning of ligand-gated chloride channels, other than the GABAAR, underlying CO2-induced behavioural changes. For some other behaviours, both gabazine and picrotoxin had a similar effect in elevated and ambient CO2, suggesting altered function of ligand-gated chloride channels was not responsible for these CO2-induced changes. Multiple mechanisms may be involved, which could explain the variability in the CO2 and drug treatment effects across behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi T Thomas
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Blake L Spady
- Coral Reef Watch, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, College Park, MD 20740, USA.,ReefSense Pty Ltd., Cranbrook, QLD 4814, Australia
| | - Philip L Munday
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Sue-Ann Watson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.,Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland Museum Network, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
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20
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GABA B Receptor Chemistry and Pharmacology: Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 52:81-118. [PMID: 34036555 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The GABAB receptors are metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the actions of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In the CNS, GABA plays an important role in behavior, learning and memory, cognition, and stress. GABA is also located throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is involved in the autonomic control of the intestine and esophageal reflex. Consequently, dysregulated GABAB receptor signaling is associated with neurological, mental health, and gastrointestinal disorders; hence, these receptors have been identified as key therapeutic targets and are the focus of multiple drug discovery efforts for indications such as muscle spasticity disorders, schizophrenia, pain, addiction, and gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD). Numerous agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor have been described; however, Lioresal® (Baclofen; β-(4-chlorophenyl)-γ-aminobutyric acid) is the only FDA-approved drug that selectively targets GABAB receptors in clinical use; undesirable side effects, such as sedation, muscle weakness, fatigue, cognitive deficits, seizures, tolerance and potential for abuse, limit their therapeutic use. Here, we review GABAB receptor chemistry and pharmacology, presenting orthosteric agonists, antagonists, and positive and negative allosteric modulators, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting GABAB receptor modulation for the treatment of various CNS and peripheral disorders.
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21
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Bai X, Kirchhoff F, Scheller A. Oligodendroglial GABAergic Signaling: More Than Inhibition! Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1039-1050. [PMID: 33928492 PMCID: PMC8275815 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00693-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS acting at two distinct types of receptor: ligand-gated ionotropic GABAA receptors and G protein-coupled metabotropic GABAB receptors, thus mediating fast and slow inhibition of excitability at central synapses. GABAergic signal transmission has been intensively studied in neurons in contrast to oligodendrocytes and their precursors (OPCs), although the latter express both types of GABA receptor. Recent studies focusing on interneuron myelination and interneuron-OPC synapses have shed light on the importance of GABA signaling in the oligodendrocyte lineage. In this review, we start with a short summary on GABA itself and neuronal GABAergic signaling. Then, we elaborate on the physiological role of GABA receptors within the oligodendrocyte lineage and conclude with a description of these receptors as putative targets in treatments of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
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22
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Sadamitsu K, Shigemitsu L, Suzuki M, Ito D, Kashima M, Hirata H. Characterization of zebrafish GABA A receptor subunits. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6242. [PMID: 33737538 PMCID: PMC7973766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, exerts its effect through the activation of GABA receptors. GABAA receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels composed of five subunit proteins. Mammals have 19 different GABAA receptor subunits (α1–6, β1–3, γ1–3, δ, ε, π, θ, and ρ1–3), the physiological properties of which have been assayed by electrophysiology. However, the evolutionary conservation of the physiological characteristics of diverged GABAA receptor subunits remains unclear. Zebrafish have 23 subunits (α1, α2a, α2b, α3–5, α6a, α6b, β1–4, γ1–3, δ, π, ζ, ρ1, ρ2a, ρ2b, ρ3a, and ρ3b), but the electrophysiological properties of these subunits have not been explored. In this study, we cloned the coding sequences for zebrafish GABAA receptor subunits and investigated their expression patterns in larval zebrafish by whole-mount in situ hybridization. We also performed electrophysiological recordings of GABA-evoked currents from Xenopus oocytes injected with one or multiple zebrafish GABAA receptor subunit cRNAs and calculated the half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50s) for each. Our results revealed the spatial expressions and electrophysiological GABA sensitivities of zebrafish GABAA receptors, suggesting that the properties of GABAA receptor subunits are conserved among vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Sadamitsu
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan
| | - Leona Shigemitsu
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan
| | - Marina Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan
| | - Daishi Ito
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan
| | - Makoto Kashima
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan
| | - Hiromi Hirata
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, 252-5258, Japan.
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23
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Bruni O, Ferini-Strambi L, Giacomoni E, Pellegrino P. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Nutrients 2021; 13:530. [PMID: 33561990 PMCID: PMC7914492 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is an essential component of physical and emotional well-being, and lack, or disruption, of sleep due to insomnia is a highly prevalent problem. The interest in complementary and alternative medicines for treating or preventing insomnia has increased recently. Centuries-old herbal treatments, popular for their safety and effectiveness, include valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender, and Californian poppy. These herbal medicines have been shown to reduce sleep latency and increase subjective and objective measures of sleep quality. Research into their molecular components revealed that their sedative and sleep-promoting properties rely on interactions with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in controlling different vigilance states. GABA receptors are the targets of many pharmacological treatments for insomnia, such as benzodiazepines. Here, we perform a systematic analysis of studies assessing the mechanisms of action of various herbal medicines on different subtypes of GABA receptors in the context of sleep control. Currently available evidence suggests that herbal extracts may exert some of their hypnotic and anxiolytic activity through interacting with GABA receptors and modulating GABAergic signaling in the brain, but their mechanism of action in the treatment of insomnia is not completely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Raffaele Turro, 20127 Milan, Italy;
- Sleep Disorders Center, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Giacomoni
- Department of Medical Affairs, Sanofi Consumer HealthCare, 20158 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Paolo Pellegrino
- Department of Medical Affairs, Sanofi Consumer HealthCare, 20158 Milan, Italy; (E.G.); (P.P.)
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Eliasen JN, Krall J, Frølund B, Kohlmeier KA. Sex-specific alterations in GABA receptor-mediated responses in laterodorsal tegmentum are associated with prenatal exposure to nicotine. Dev Neurobiol 2020; 80:178-199. [PMID: 32628361 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Smoking during pregnancy is associated with deleterious physiological and cognitive effects on the offspring, which are likely due to nicotine-induced alteration in the development of neurotransmitter systems. Prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) in rodents is associated with changes in behaviors controlled in part by the pontine laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT), and LDT excitatory signaling is altered in a sex and age-dependent manner by PNE. As effects on GABAergic LDT signaling are unknown, we used calcium imaging to evaluate GABAA receptor- (GABAA R as well as GABAA -ρ R) and GABAB receptor (GABAB R)-mediated calcium responses in LDT brain slices from female and male PNE mice in two different age groups. Overall, in older PNE females, changes in calcium induced by stimulation of GABAA R and GABAB R, including GABAA -ρ R were shifted toward calcium rises. In both young and old males, PNE was associated with alterations in calcium mediated by all three receptors; however, the GABAA R was the most affected. These results show for the first time that PNE is associated with alterations in GABAergic transmission in the LDT in a sex- and age-dependent manner, and these data are the first to show PNE-associated alterations in functionality of GABA receptors in any nucleus. PNE-associated alterations in LDT GABAergic transmission within the LDT would be expected to alter output to target regions and could play a role in LDT-implicated, negative behavioral outcomes following gestational exposure to smoking. Accordingly, our data provide further supportive evidence of the importance of eliminating the consumption of nicotine during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Nicklas Eliasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Krall
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Frølund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Germann AL, Reichert DE, Burbridge AB, Pierce SR, Evers AS, Steinbach JH, Akk G. Analysis of Modulation of the ρ1 GABA A Receptor by Combinations of Inhibitory and Potentiating Neurosteroids Reveals Shared and Distinct Binding Sites. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:280-291. [PMID: 32675382 DOI: 10.1124/mol.120.119842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ρ1 GABAA receptor is prominently expressed in the retina and is present at lower levels in several brain regions and other tissues. Although the ρ1 receptor is insensitive to many anesthetic drugs that modulate the heteromeric GABAA receptor, it maintains a rich and multifaceted steroid pharmacology. The receptor is negatively modulated by 5β-reduced steroids, sulfated or carboxylated steroids, and β-estradiol, whereas many 5α-reduced steroids potentiate the receptor. In this study, we analyzed modulation of the human ρ1 GABAA receptor by several neurosteroids, individually and in combination, in the framework of the coagonist concerted transition model. Experiments involving coapplication of two or more steroids revealed that the receptor contains at least three classes of distinct, nonoverlapping sites for steroids, one each for the inhibitory steroids pregnanolone (3α5βP), 3α5βP sulfate, and β-estradiol. The site for 3α5βP can accommodate the potentiating steroid 5αTHDOC. The findings are discussed with respect to receptor modulation by combinations of endogenous neurosteroids. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The study describes modulation of the ρ1 GABAA receptor by neurosteroids. The coagonist concerted transition model was used to determine overlap of binding sites for several inhibitory and potentiating steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Germann
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David E Reichert
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ariel B Burbridge
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Spencer R Pierce
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alex S Evers
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joe Henry Steinbach
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gustav Akk
- Departments of Anesthesiology (A.L.G., A.B.B., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.) and Radiology (D.E.R.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (D.E.R., A.S.E., J.H.S., G.A.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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26
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Garcia DCG, Longden TA. Ion channels in capillary endothelium. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 85:261-300. [PMID: 32402642 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vascular beds are anatomically and functionally compartmentalized into arteries, capillaries, and veins. The bulk of the vasculature consists of the dense, anastomosing capillary network, composed of capillary endothelial cells (cECs) that are intimately associated with the parenchyma. Despite their abundance, the ion channel expression and function and Ca2+ signaling behaviors of capillaries have only recently begun to be explored in detail. Here, we discuss the established and emerging roles of ion channels and Ca2+ signaling in cECs. By mining a publicly available RNA-seq dataset, we outline the wide variety of ion channel genes that are expressed in these cells, which potentially imbue capillaries with a broad range of sensing and signal transduction capabilities. We also underscore subtle but critical differences between cEC and arteriolar EC ion channel expression that likely underlie key functional differences in ECs at these different levels of the vascular tree. We focus our discussion on the cerebral vasculature, but the findings and principles being elucidated in this area likely generalize to other vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C G Garcia
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thomas A Longden
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Maramai S, Benchekroun M, Ward SE, Atack JR. Subtype Selective γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor (GABAAR) Modulators Acting at the Benzodiazepine Binding Site: An Update. J Med Chem 2019; 63:3425-3446. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Maramai
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Mohamed Benchekroun
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
- Équipe de Chimie Moléculaire, Laboratoire de Génomique Bioinformatique et Chimie Moléculaire, GBCM, EA7528, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, 2 rue Conté, 75003 Paris, France
| | - Simon E. Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - John R. Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
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Malomouzh A, Ilyin V, Nikolsky E. Components of the GABAergic signaling in the peripheral cholinergic synapses of vertebrates: a review. Amino Acids 2019; 51:1093-1102. [PMID: 31236726 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Since the 1970s, many studies have focused on the role of GABA in the mammalian peripheral nervous system, and particularly in the cholinergic synapses. In this review, we present current findings for the cholinergic neurons of vegetative ganglia as well as for the neurons innervating smooth and striated muscles. Synaptic contacts formed by these neurons contain GABA and the enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase, which catalyzes the synthesis of GABA from glutamate. Newly formed GABA is released in the cholinergic synapses and mostly all the peripheral cholinergic synaptic contacts contain iono- and metabotropic GABA receptors. Although the underlying molecular mechanism of the release is not well understood, still, it is speculated that GABA is released by a vesicular and/or non-vesicular way via reversal of the GABA transporter. We also review the signaling role of GABA in the peripheral cholinergic synapses by modulating acetylcholine release, but its exact physiological function remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Malomouzh
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, P.O. box 30, Kazan, 420111, Russia.
| | - Victor Ilyin
- Neuropharmacology Lab, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya St, Kazan, 420008, Russia
| | - Evgeny Nikolsky
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, P.O. box 30, Kazan, 420111, Russia.,Neuropharmacology Lab, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya St, Kazan, 420008, Russia
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Fischer AU, Müller NIC, Deller T, Del Turco D, Fisch JO, Griesemer D, Kattler K, Maraslioglu A, Roemer V, Xu‐Friedman MA, Walter J, Friauf E. GABA is a modulator, rather than a classical transmitter, in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body-lateral superior olive sound localization circuit. J Physiol 2019; 597:2269-2295. [PMID: 30776090 PMCID: PMC6462465 DOI: 10.1113/jp277566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The lateral superior olive (LSO), a brainstem hub involved in sound localization, integrates excitatory and inhibitory inputs from the ipsilateral and the contralateral ear, respectively. In gerbils and rats, inhibition to the LSO reportedly shifts from GABAergic to glycinergic within the first three postnatal weeks. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for synaptic GABA signalling during this time window in mouse LSO principal neurons. However, we found that presynaptic GABAB Rs modulate Ca2+ influx into medial nucleus of the trapezoid body axon terminals, resulting in reduced synaptic strength. Moreover, GABA elicited strong responses in LSO neurons that were mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA Rs. RNA sequencing revealed highly abundant δ subunits, which are characteristic of extrasynaptic receptors. Whereas GABA increased the excitability of neonatal LSO neurons, it reduced the excitability around hearing onset. Collectively, GABA appears to control the excitability of mouse LSO neurons via extrasynaptic and presynaptic signalling. Thus, GABA acts as a modulator, rather than as a classical transmitter. ABSTRACT GABA and glycine mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission and are coreleased at several synapse types. Here we assessed the contribution of GABA and glycine in synaptic transmission between the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the lateral superior olive (LSO), two nuclei involved in sound localization. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in acute mouse brainstem slices at postnatal days (P) 4 and 11 during pharmacological blockade of GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs) and/or glycine receptors demonstrated no GABAergic synaptic component on LSO principal neurons. A GABAergic component was absent in evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents and miniature events. Coimmunofluorescence experiments revealed no codistribution of the presynaptic GABAergic marker GAD65/67 with gephyrin, a postsynaptic marker for GABAA Rs, corroborating the conclusion that GABA does not act synaptically in the mouse LSO. Imaging experiments revealed reduced Ca2+ influx into MNTB axon terminals following activation of presynaptic GABAB Rs. GABAB R activation reduced the synaptic strength at P4 and P11. GABA appears to act on extrasynaptic GABAA Rs as demonstrated by application of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol, a δ-subunit-specific GABAA R agonist. RNA sequencing showed high mRNA levels for the δ-subunit in the LSO. Moreover, GABA transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3 appear to control extracellular GABA. Finally, we show an age-dependent effect of GABA on the excitability of LSO neurons. Whereas tonic GABA increased the excitability at P4, leading to spike facilitation, it decreased the excitability at P11 via shunting inhibition through extrasynaptic GABAA Rs. Taken together, we demonstrate a modulatory role of GABA in the murine LSO, rather than a function as a classical synaptic transmitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander U. Fischer
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Nicolas I. C. Müller
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Thomas Deller
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience CenterGoethe‐University Frankfurt, Theodor‐Stern‐Kai 7D‐60590Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Domenico Del Turco
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience CenterGoethe‐University Frankfurt, Theodor‐Stern‐Kai 7D‐60590Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Jonas O. Fisch
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Désirée Griesemer
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Kathrin Kattler
- Genetics/Epigenetic Group, Department of Biological SciencesSaarland UniversityD‐66123Saarbrücken
| | - Ayse Maraslioglu
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Vera Roemer
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Matthew A. Xu‐Friedman
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Jörn Walter
- Genetics/Epigenetic Group, Department of Biological SciencesSaarland UniversityD‐66123Saarbrücken
| | - Eckhard Friauf
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of KaiserslauternD‐67663KaiserslauternGermany
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Cheng C, Zhu Z, Li S, Ren G, Zhang J, Cong H, Peng Y, Han J, Chang C, Zhao H. Broadband terahertz recognizing conformational characteristics of a significant neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid. RSC Adv 2019; 9:20240-20247. [PMID: 35514707 PMCID: PMC9065752 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02971k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, its conformational behavior is critical for selective biological functions and the process of signal transmission. Although this neuroactive molecule has been extensively studied, its vibrational properties related to the conformation and intermolecular interactions in the terahertz (THz) band have not been identified experimentally yet. In this study, we applied a broadband THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system from 0.5 to 18 THz to characterize a unique THz fingerprint of GABA. The density functional theory calculation results agree well with the THz experimental spectrum. The study shows that the vibrational modes of GABA at 1.15 and 1.39 THz originate from distinct collective vibrations. The absorptions at the higher THz frequencies also carry part of collective vibrations, but more reflect the specific and local vibrational information, including the skeleton deformation and the rocking of the functional groups, which are closely associated with the conformation and flexibility of GABA. This study may help to understand the conformational transitions of neurotransmitter molecules and the resonant response to THz waves. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, its conformational behavior is critical for selective biological functions and the process of signal transmission.![]()
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Tian J, Dang H, Wallner M, Olsen R, Kaufman DL. Homotaurine, a safe blood-brain barrier permeable GABA A-R-specific agonist, ameliorates disease in mouse models of multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16555. [PMID: 30410049 PMCID: PMC6224391 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for treatments that can safely promote regulatory lymphocyte responses. T cells express GABA receptors (GABAA-Rs) and GABA administration can inhibit Th1-mediated processes such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis in mouse models. Whether GABAA-R agonists can also inhibit Th17-driven processes such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis (MS), is an open question. GABA does not pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) making it ill-suited to inhibit the spreading of autoreactivity within the CNS. Homotaurine is a BBB-permeable amino acid that antagonizes amyloid fibril formation and was found to be safe but ineffective in long-term Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Homotaurine also acts as GABAA-R agonist with better pharmacokinetics than that of GABA. Working with both monophasic and relapsing-remitting mouse models of EAE, we show that oral administration of homotaurine can (1) enhance CD8+CD122+PD-1+ and CD4+Foxp3+ Treg, but not Breg, responses, (2) inhibit autoreactive Th17 and Th1 responses, and (3) effectively ameliorate ongoing disease. These observations demonstrate the potential of BBB-permeable GABAA-R agonists as a new class of treatment to enhance CD8+ and CD4+ Treg responses and limit Th17 and Th1-medaited inflammation in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Hoa Dang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Martin Wallner
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Richard Olsen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel L Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Sieghart W, Savić MM. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVI: GABAA Receptor Subtype- and Function-selective Ligands: Key Issues in Translation to Humans. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:836-878. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Szodorai E, Bampali K, Romanov RA, Kasper S, Hökfelt T, Ernst M, Lubec G, Harkany T. Diversity matters: combinatorial information coding by GABA A receptor subunits during spatial learning and its allosteric modulation. Cell Signal 2018; 50:142-159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Beltrán González AN, Vicentini F, Calvo DJ. Negative modulation of the GABA A ρ1 receptor function by l-cysteine. J Neurochem 2017; 144:50-57. [PMID: 29023772 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
l-Cysteine is an endogenous sulfur-containing amino acid with multiple and varied roles in the central nervous system, including neuroprotection and the maintenance of the redox balance. However, it was also suggested as an excitotoxic agent implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. l-Cysteine can modulate the activity of ionic channels, including voltage-gated calcium channels and glutamatergic NMDA receptors, whereas its effects on GABAergic neurotransmission had not been studied before. In the present work, we analyzed the effects of l-cysteine on responses mediated by homomeric GABAA ρ1 receptors, which are known for mediating tonic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses in retinal neurons. GABAA ρ1 receptors were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and GABA-evoked chloride currents recorded by two-electrode voltage-clamp in the presence or absence of l-cysteine. l-Cysteine antagonized GABAA ρ1 receptor-mediated responses; inhibition was dose-dependent, reversible, voltage independent, and susceptible to GABA concentration. Concentration-response curves for GABA were shifted to the right in the presence of l-cysteine without a substantial change in the maximal response. l-Cysteine inhibition was insensitive to chemical protection of the sulfhydryl groups of the ρ1 subunits by the irreversible alkylating agent N-ethyl maleimide. Our results suggest that redox modulation is not involved during l-cysteine actions and that l-cysteine might be acting as a competitive antagonist of the GABAA ρ1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Beltrán González
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Vicentini
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel J Calvo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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35
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Blednov YA, Borghese CM, Ruiz CI, Cullins MA, Da Costa A, Osterndorff-Kahanek EA, Homanics GE, Harris RA. Mutation of the inhibitory ethanol site in GABA A ρ1 receptors promotes tolerance to ethanol-induced motor incoordination. Neuropharmacology 2017. [PMID: 28623169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genes encoding the ρ1/2 subunits of GABAA receptors have been associated with alcohol (ethanol) dependence in humans, and ρ1 was also shown to regulate some of the behavioral effects of ethanol in animal models. Ethanol inhibits GABA-mediated responses in wild-type (WT) ρ1, but not ρ1(T6'Y) mutant receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, indicating the presence of an inhibitory site for ethanol in the second transmembrane helix. In this study, we found that ρ1(T6'Y) receptors expressed in oocytes display overall normal responses to GABA, the endogenous GABA modulator (zinc), and partial agonists (β-alanine and taurine). We generated ρ1 (T6'Y) knockin (KI) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 to test the behavioral importance of the inhibitory actions of ethanol on this receptor. Both ρ1 KI and knockout (KO) mice showed faster recovery from acute ethanol-induced motor incoordination compared to WT mice. Both KI and KO mutant strains also showed increased tolerance to motor impairment produced by ethanol. The KI mice did not differ from WT mice in other behavioral actions, including ethanol intake and preference, conditioned taste aversion to ethanol, and duration of ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. WT and KI mice did not differ in levels of ρ1 or ρ2 mRNA in cerebellum or in ethanol clearance. Our findings indicate that the inhibitory site for ethanol in GABAA ρ1 receptors regulates acute functional tolerance to moderate ethanol intoxication. We note that low sensitivity to alcohol intoxication has been linked to risk for development of alcohol dependence in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Blednov
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Cecilia M Borghese
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Carlos I Ruiz
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Madeline A Cullins
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Adriana Da Costa
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | | | - Gregg E Homanics
- University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurobiology, and Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - R Adron Harris
- The University of Texas at Austin, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
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36
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Naffaa MM, Hung S, Chebib M, Johnston GAR, Hanrahan JR. GABA-ρ receptors: distinctive functions and molecular pharmacology. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1881-1894. [PMID: 28258627 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The homomeric GABA-ρ ligand-gated ion channels (also known as GABAC or GABAA -ρ receptors) are similar to heteromeric GABAA receptors in structure, function and mechanism of action. However, their distinctive pharmacological properties and distribution make them of special interest. This review focuses on GABA-ρ ion channel structure, ligand selectivity toward ρ receptors over heteromeric GABAA receptor sub-types and selectivity between different homomeric ρ sub-type receptors. Several GABA analogues show selectivity at homomeric GABA-ρ receptors over heteromeric GABAA receptors. More recently, some synthetic ligands have been found to show selectivity at receptors formed from one ρ subtype over others. The unique pharmacological profiles of these agents are discussed in this review. The classical binding site of GABA within the orthosteric site of GABA-ρ homomeric receptors is discussed in detail regarding the loops and residues that constitute the binding site. The ligand-residue interactions in this classical binding and those of mutant receptors are discussed. The structure and conformations of GABA are discussed in regard to its flexibility and molecular properties. Although the binding mode of GABA is difficult to predict, several interactions between GABA and the receptor assist in predicting its potential conformation and mode of action. The structure-activity relationships of GABA and structurally key ligands at ρ receptors are described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah M Naffaa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandy Hung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary Chebib
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jane R Hanrahan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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