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Nwosu GI, Shen W, Zavalin K, Poliquin S, Randhave K, Flamm C, Biven M, Langer K, Kang JQ. GABA A Receptor β3 Subunit Mutation N328D Heterozygous Knock-in Mice Have Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8458. [PMID: 37176165 PMCID: PMC10179596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by multiple seizure types, electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns, and cognitive decline. Its etiology has a prominent genetic component, including variants in GABRB3 that encodes the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) β3 subunit. LGS has an unknown pathophysiology, and few animal models are available for studying LGS. The objective of this study was to evaluate Gabrb3+/N328D knock-in mice as a model for LGS. We generated a heterozygous knock-in mouse expressing Gabrb3 (c.A982G, p.N238D), a de novo mutation identified in a patient with LGS. We investigated Gabrb3+/N328D mice for features of LGS. In 2-4-month-old male and female C57BL/J6 wild-type and Gabrb3+/N328D mice, we investigated seizure severity using video-monitored EEG, cognitive impairment using a suite of behavioral tests, and profiled GABAAR subunit expression by Western blot. Gabrb3+/N328D mice showed spontaneous seizures and signs of cognitive impairment, including deficits in spatial learning, memory, and locomotion. Moreover, Gabrb3+/N328D mice showed reduced β3 subunit expression in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and thalamus. This phenotype of epilepsy and neurological impairment resembles the LGS patient phenotype. We conclude that Gabrb3+/N328D mice provide a good model for investigating the pathophysiology and therapeutic intervention of LGS and DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Ikemefuna Nwosu
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kirill Zavalin
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Karishma Randhave
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Carson Flamm
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Marshall Biven
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Katherine Langer
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Rudolph S, Guo C, Pashkovski SL, Osorno T, Gillis WF, Krauss JM, Nyitrai H, Flaquer I, El-Rifai M, Datta SR, Regehr WG. Cerebellum-Specific Deletion of the GABA A Receptor δ Subunit Leads to Sex-Specific Disruption of Behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108338. [PMID: 33147470 PMCID: PMC7700496 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108338] [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: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Granule cells (GCs) of the cerebellar input layer express high-affinity δ GABAA subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δGABAARs) that respond to ambient GABA levels and context-dependent neuromodulators like steroids. We find that GC-specific deletion of δGABAA (cerebellar [cb] δ knockout [KO]) decreases tonic inhibition, makes GCs hyperexcitable, and in turn, leads to differential activation of cb output regions as well as many cortical and subcortical brain areas involved in cognition, anxiety-like behaviors, and the stress response. Cb δ KO mice display deficits in many behaviors, but motor function is normal. Strikingly, δGABAA deletion alters maternal behavior as well as spontaneous, stress-related, and social behaviors specifically in females. Our findings establish that δGABAARs enable the cerebellum to control diverse behaviors not previously associated with the cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner. These insights may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie behavioral abnormalities in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders that display a gender bias. Rudolph et al. show that deletion of the neuromodulator and hormone-sensitive δGABAA receptor subunit from cerebellar granule cells results in anxiety-like behaviors and female-specific deficits in social behavior and maternal care. δGABAA deletion is associated with hyperexcitability of the cerebellar input layer and altered activation of many stress-related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rudolph
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chong Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stan L Pashkovski
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tomas Osorno
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Winthrop F Gillis
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremy M Krauss
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hajnalka Nyitrai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabella Flaquer
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mahmoud El-Rifai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Wade G Regehr
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Scholze P, Pökl M, Längle S, Steudle F, Fabjan J, Ernst M. Two Distinct Populations of α1α6-Containing GABAA-Receptors in Rat Cerebellum. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:591129. [PMID: 33123001 PMCID: PMC7573486 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.591129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors are pentameric GABA-gated chloride channels. The existence of 19 different subunits (six α, three β, three γ, δ, ε, θ, π, and three ρ) in mammalian systems gives rise to an enormous theoretical diversity of GABAA receptor subtypes with distinct subunit composition and unique pharmacological properties. These receptors are already now the drug targets of several clinically used compounds, such as benzodiazepines, anesthetics, and many more. There is a constant quest to identify novel molecules and possible future drug targets: Currently, α6-containing GABAA receptors are being discussed in the context of treating sensorimotor gating deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as tic disorders and schizophrenia. Therefore, we aim to learn more about α6-containing GABAA receptors. They are mostly expressed in the cerebellar granule cell layer, where they form the following subtypes: α6βxγ2, α1α6βxγ2, α6βxδ, and α1α6βxδ. In former studies, α1α6βxγ2-containing GABAA receptors were considered a single receptor population. In the current study, we investigate the possibility, that this population can consist of two subgroups with alternative arrangements depending if α1 neighbors γ2 (forming a "diazepam-sensitive" receptor), or if α6 neighbors γ2 (forming a "diazepam-insensitive" receptor) and aimed to prove the existence of both subtypes in native tissue. We performed immunoprecipitation experiments on rat cerebellar lysates using α1- or α6 subunit-specific antibodies followed by radioligand binding assays with either 3H-flunitrazepam or 3H-Ro 15-4513. Indeed, we were able to prove the existence of two distinct populations of α1α6-containing GABAA-receptors and could quantify the different receptor populations: α1βxγ2 receptors constitute approximately 60% of all γ2-containing receptors in the rat cerebellum, α6βxγ2 about 20%, and both isoforms of α1α6βxγ2 9-15% each. The simple classification of GABAA-receptors into αx-containing subtypes seems not to reflect the complexity of nature; those receptors are more diverse than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Stefanits H, Milenkovic I, Mahr N, Pataraia E, Baumgartner C, Hainfellner JA, Kovacs GG, Kasprian G, Sieghart W, Yilmazer-Hanke D, Czech T. Alterations in GABAA Receptor Subunit Expression in the Amygdala and Entorhinal Cortex in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:1022-1048. [PMID: 31631219 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The different nuclei of this complex structure are interconnected and share reciprocal connections with the hippocampus and other brain structures, partly via the entorhinal cortex. Expression of GABAA receptor subunits α1, α2, α3, α5, β2, β2/3, and γ2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in amygdala specimens and the entorhinal cortex of 12 TLE patients and 12 autopsy controls. A substantial decrease in the expression of α1, α2, α3, and β2/3 subunits was found in TLE cases, accompanied by an increase of γ2 subunit expression in many nuclei. In the entorhinal cortex, the expression of all GABAA receptor subunits was decreased except for the α1 subunit, which was increased on cellular somata. The overall reduction in α subunit expression may lead to decreased sensitivity to GABA and its ligands and compromise phasic inhibition, whereas upregulation of the γ2 subunit might influence clustering and kinetics of receptors and impair tonic inhibition. The description of these alterations in the human amygdala is important for the understanding of network changes in TLE as well as the development of subunit-specific therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Stefanits
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ivan Milenkovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nina Mahr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Pataraia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Baumgartner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes A Hainfellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Werner Sieghart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Deniz Yilmazer-Hanke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Czech
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Second Neurological Department, General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria; and Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Moniri NH. Reintroduction of quazepam: an update on comparative hypnotic and adverse effects. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 34:275-285. [PMID: 31274695 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Insomnia is a prevalent disorder that affects over one-third of the U.S. population to varying degrees and is highly disruptive towards quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for insomnia include benzodiazepines (BZs) and the non-BZ 'Z-drugs' (zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, zopiclone), which are amongst the most widely prescribed medications. Yet, these agents can produce adverse effects such as tolerance to the hypnotic effect, rebound insomnia, next-day residual drowsiness, as well as amnesia and complex behaviours such as sleep-walking, sleep-eating and sleep-driving. Quazepam, one of the five BZ approved for treatment of insomnia, was recently relaunched to the U.S. market in 2016 and is distinguished amongst hypnotic BZ by unique pharmacological characteristics including selectivity for sleep-promoting α1-subunit containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA-A) receptors and a significantly lower relative receptor binding affinity. These features likely drive the decreased rate of adverse events seen clinically with quazepam, such as tolerance, rebound insomnia and amnesic behaviours, compared with other BZ. Given the recent reintroduction of quazepam as a pharmacotherapeutic option, and the lack of head-to-head comparative trials against newer agents, the purpose of this review is to provide an update on distinguishing features of quazepam with regard to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, sleep efficacy and potential adverse effects compared to other agents used for insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader H Moniri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kwakowsky A, Calvo-Flores Guzmán B, Pandya M, Turner C, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RL. GABA A receptor subunit expression changes in the human Alzheimer's disease hippocampus, subiculum, entorhinal cortex and superior temporal gyrus. J Neurochem 2019; 145:374-392. [PMID: 29485232 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA type A receptors (GABAA Rs) are severely affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the distribution and subunit composition of GABAA Rs in the AD brain are not well understood. This is the first comprehensive study to show brain region- and cell layer-specific alterations in the expression of the GABAA R subunits α1-3, α5, β1-3 and γ2 in the human AD hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and superior temporal gyrus. In late-stage AD tissue samples using immunohistochemistry we found significant alteration of all investigated GABAA Rs subunits except for α3 and β1 that were well preserved. The most prominent changes include an increase in GABAA R α1 expression associated with AD in all layers of the CA3 region, in the stratum (str.) granulare and hilus of the dentate gyrus. We found a significant increase in GABAA R α2 expression in the str. oriens of the CA1-3, str. radiatum of the CA2,3 and decrease in the str. pyramidale of the CA1 region in AD cases. In AD there was a significant increase in GABAA R α5 subunit expression in str. pyramidale, str. oriens of the CA1 region and decrease in the superior temporal gyrus. We also found a significant decrease in the GABAA R β3 subunit immunoreactivity in the str. oriens of the CA2, str. granulare and str. moleculare of the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the expression of the GABAA R subunits shows brain region- and layer-specific alterations in AD, and these changes could significantly influence and alter GABAA R function in the disease. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14179.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Beatriz Calvo-Flores Guzmán
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Madhavi Pandya
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clinton Turner
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Chua HC, Chebib M. GABA A Receptors and the Diversity in their Structure and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 79:1-34. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Handforth A. Linking Essential Tremor to the Cerebellum—Animal Model Evidence. THE CEREBELLUM 2015; 15:285-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-015-0750-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Zhou C, Ding L, Deel ME, Ferrick EA, Emeson RB, Gallagher MJ. Altered intrathalamic GABAA neurotransmission in a mouse model of a human genetic absence epilepsy syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 73:407-17. [PMID: 25447232 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that heterozygous deletion of Gabra1, the mouse homolog of the human absence epilepsy gene that encodes the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) α1 subunit, causes absence seizures. We showed that cortex partially compensates for this deletion by increasing the cell surface expression of residual α1 subunit and by increasing α3 subunit expression. Absence seizures also involve two thalamic nuclei: the ventrobasal (VB) nucleus, which expresses only the α1 and α4 subtypes of GABAAR α subunits, and the reticular (nRT) nucleus, which expresses only the α3 subunit subtype. Here, we found that, unlike cortex, VB exhibited significantly reduced total and synaptic α1 subunit expression. In addition, heterozygous α1 subunit deletion substantially reduced miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) peak amplitudes and frequency in VB. However, there was no change in the expression of the extrasynaptic α4 or δ subunits in VB and, unlike other models of absence epilepsy, no change in tonic GABAAR currents. Although heterozygous α1 subunit knockout increased α3 subunit expression in medial thalamic nuclei, it did not alter α3 subunit expression in nRT. However, it did enlarge the presynaptic vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter puncta and lengthen the time constant of mIPSC decay in nRT. We conclude that increased tonic GABAA currents are not necessary for absence seizures. In addition, heterozygous loss of α1 subunit disinhibits VB by substantially reducing phasic GABAergic currents and surprisingly, it also increases nRT inhibition by prolonging phasic currents. The increased inhibition in nRT likely represents a partial compensation that helps reduce absence seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - M Elizabeth Deel
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Elizabeth A Ferrick
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ronald B Emeson
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Martin J Gallagher
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA.
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SidAhmed-Mezi M, Kurcewicz I, Rose C, Louvel J, Sokoloff P, Pumain R, Laschet JJ. Mass spectrometric detection and characterization of atypical membrane-bound zinc-sensitive phosphatases modulating GABAA receptors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100612. [PMID: 24967814 PMCID: PMC4072668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GABAA receptor (GABAAR) function is maintained by an endogenous phosphorylation mechanism for which the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is the kinase. This phosphorylation is specific to the long intracellular loop I2 of the α1 subunit at two identified serine and threonine residues. The phosphorylation state is opposed by an unknown membrane-bound phosphatase, which inhibition favors the phosphorylated state of the receptor and contributes to the maintenance of its function. In cortical nervous tissue from epileptogenic areas in patients with drug-resistant epilepsies, both the endogenous phosphorylation and the functional state of the GABAAR are deficient. Methodology/Principal Findings The aim of this study is to characterize the membrane-bound phosphatases counteracting the endogenous phosphorylation of GABAAR. We have developed a new analytical tool for in vitro detection of the phosphatase activities in cortical washed membranes by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The substrates are two synthetic phosphopeptides, each including one of the identified endogenous phosphorylation sites of the I2 loop of GABAAR α1 subunit. We have shown the presence of multiple and atypical phosphatases sensitive to zinc ions. Patch-clamp studies of the rundown of the GABAAR currents on acutely isolated rat pyramidal cells using the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid revealed a clear heterogeneity of the phosphatases counteracting the function of the GABAAR. Conclusion/Significance Our results provide new insights on the regulation of GABAAR endogenous phosphorylation and function by several and atypical membrane-bound phosphatases specific to the α1 subunit of the receptor. By identifying specific inhibitors of these enzymes, novel development of antiepileptic drugs in patients with drug-resistant epilepsies may be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia SidAhmed-Mezi
- Inserm, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity U1129, Paris, France
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France
- * E-mail: (MS); (JJL)
| | - Irène Kurcewicz
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Inserm, Centre de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences U894, Paris, France
| | - Christiane Rose
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Inserm, Centre de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences U894, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Louvel
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Inserm, Centre de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences U894, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Sokoloff
- Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Neurologie & Psychiatrie, Castres, France
| | - René Pumain
- Inserm, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity U1129, Paris, France
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Jacques J. Laschet
- Inserm, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity U1129, Paris, France
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France
- * E-mail: (MS); (JJL)
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Fritschy JM, Panzanelli P. GABAAreceptors and plasticity of inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:1845-65. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Fritschy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich; University of Zurich and ETH; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Panzanelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini; University of Turin; Turin Italy
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Kayakabe M, Kakizaki T, Kaneko R, Sasaki A, Nakazato Y, Shibasaki K, Ishizaki Y, Saito H, Suzuki N, Furuya N, Yanagawa Y. Motor dysfunction in cerebellar Purkinje cell-specific vesicular GABA transporter knockout mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 7:286. [PMID: 24474904 PMCID: PMC3893617 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian central nervous system and plays modulatory roles in neural development. The vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) is an essential molecule for GABAergic neurotransmission due to its role in vesicular GABA release. Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are GABAergic projection neurons that are indispensable for cerebellar function. To elucidate the significance of VGAT in cerebellar PCs, we generated and characterized PC-specific VGAT knockout (L7-VGAT) mice. VGAT mRNAs and proteins were specifically absent in the 40-week-old L7-VGAT PCs. The morphological characteristics, such as lamination and foliation of the cerebellar cortex, of the L7-VGAT mice were similar to those of the control littermate mice. Moreover, the protein expression levels and patterns of pre- (calbindin and parvalbumin) and postsynaptic (GABA-A receptor α1 subunit and gephyrin) molecules between the L7-VGAT and control mice were similar in the deep cerebellar nuclei that receive PC projections. However, the L7-VGAT mice performed poorly in the accelerating rotarod test and displayed ataxic gait in the footprint test. The L7-VGAT mice also exhibited severer ataxia as VGAT deficits progressed. These results suggest that VGAT in cerebellar PCs is not essential for the rough maintenance of cerebellar structure, but does play an important role in motor coordination. The L7-VGAT mice are a novel model of ataxia without PC degeneration, and would also be useful for studying the role of PCs in cognition and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Kayakabe
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency CREST, Tokyo, Japan ; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Kakizaki
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency CREST, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kaneko
- Japan Science and Technology Agency CREST, Tokyo, Japan ; Institute of Experimental Animal Research, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University Moroyama, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nakazato
- Department of Human Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Koji Shibasaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yasuki Ishizaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Saito
- Department of Animal Genomics, Functional Genomics Institute, Mie University Life Science Research Center Tsu, Japan
| | - Noboru Suzuki
- Department of Animal Genomics, Functional Genomics Institute, Mie University Life Science Research Center Tsu, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Furuya
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi, Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency CREST, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Zhou C, Huang Z, Ding L, Deel ME, Arain FM, Murray CR, Patel RS, Flanagan CD, Gallagher MJ. Altered cortical GABAA receptor composition, physiology, and endocytosis in a mouse model of a human genetic absence epilepsy syndrome. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:21458-21472. [PMID: 23744069 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.444372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with generalized epilepsy exhibit cerebral cortical disinhibition. Likewise, mutations in the inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels, GABAA receptors (GABAARs), cause generalized epilepsy syndromes in humans. Recently, we demonstrated that heterozygous knock-out (Hetα1KO) of the human epilepsy gene, the GABAAR α1 subunit, produced absence epilepsy in mice. Here, we determined the effects of Hetα1KO on the expression and physiology of GABAARs in the mouse cortex. We found that Hetα1KO caused modest reductions in the total and surface expression of the β2 subunit but did not alter β1 or β3 subunit expression, results consistent with a small reduction of GABAARs. Cortices partially compensated for Hetα1KO by increasing the fraction of residual α1 subunit on the cell surface and by increasing total and surface expression of α3, but not α2, subunits. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Hetα1KO increased the fraction of α1 subunits, and decreased the fraction of α3 subunits, that associated in hybrid α1α3βγ receptors. Patch clamp electrophysiology studies showed that Hetα1KO layer VI cortical neurons exhibited reduced inhibitory postsynaptic current peak amplitudes, prolonged current rise and decay times, and altered responses to benzodiazepine agonists. Finally, application of inhibitors of dynamin-mediated endocytosis revealed that Hetα1KO reduced base-line GABAAR endocytosis, an effect that probably contributes to the observed changes in GABAAR expression. These findings demonstrate that Hetα1KO exerts two principle disinhibitory effects on cortical GABAAR-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission: 1) a modest reduction of GABAAR number and 2) a partial compensation with GABAAR isoforms that possess physiological properties different from those of the otherwise predominant α1βγ GABAARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zhou
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Zhiling Huang
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Li Ding
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - M Elizabeth Deel
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Fazal M Arain
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Clark R Murray
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Ronak S Patel
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | | | - Martin J Gallagher
- From the Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232.
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14
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Loria CJ, Stevens AM, Crummy E, Casadesus G, Jacono FJ, Dick TE, Siegel RE. Respiratory and behavioral dysfunction following loss of the GABAA receptor α4 subunit. Brain Behav 2013; 3:104-13. [PMID: 23533098 PMCID: PMC3607152 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor plasticity participates in mediating adaptation to environmental change. Previous studies in rats demonstrated that extrasynaptic GABAA receptor subunits and receptors in the pons, a brainstem region involved in respiratory control, are upregulated by exposure to sustained hypobaric hypoxia. In these animals, expression of the mRNA encoding the extrasynaptic α4 subunit rose after 3 days in sustained hypoxia, while those encoding the α6 and δ subunits increased dramatically by 2 weeks. However, the participation of extrasynaptic subunits in maintaining respiration in normoxic conditions remains unknown. To examine the importance of α4 in a normal environment, respiratory function, motor and anxiety-like behaviors, and expression of other GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs were compared in wild-type (WT) and α4 subunit-deficient mice. Loss of the α4 subunit did not impact frequency, but did lead to reduced ventilatory pattern variability. In addition, mice lacking the subunit exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior. Finally, α4 subunit loss resulted in reduced expression of other extrasynaptic (α6 and δ) subunit mRNAs in the pons without altering those encoding the most prominent synaptic subunits. These findings on subunit-deficient mice maintained in normoxia, in conjunction with earlier findings on animals maintained in chronic hypoxia, suggest that the expression and regulation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptor subunits in the pons is interdependent and that their levels influence respiratory control as well as adaptation to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jean Loria
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
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15
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Vedovelli L, Rothermel JT, Finberg KE, Wagner CA, Azroyan A, Hill E, Breton S, Brown D, Paunescu TG. Altered V-ATPase expression in renal intercalated cells isolated from B1 subunit-deficient mice by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2012; 304:F522-32. [PMID: 23269648 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00394.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike human patients with mutations in the 56-kDa B1 subunit isoform of the vacuolar proton-pumping ATPase (V-ATPase), B1-deficient mice (Atp6v1b1(-/-)) do not develop metabolic acidosis under baseline conditions. This is due to the insertion of V-ATPases containing the alternative B2 subunit isoform into the apical membrane of renal medullary collecting duct intercalated cells (ICs). We previously reported that quantitative Western blots (WBs) from whole kidneys showed similar B2 protein levels in Atp6v1b1(-/-) and wild-type mice (Păunescu TG, Russo LM, Da Silva N, Kovacikova J, Mohebbi N, Van Hoek AN, McKee M, Wagner CA, Breton S, Brown D. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 293: F1915-F1926, 2007). However, WBs from renal medulla (including outer and inner medulla) membrane and cytosol fractions reveal a decrease in the levels of the ubiquitous V-ATPase E1 subunit. To compare V-ATPase expression specifically in ICs from wild-type and Atp6v1b1(-/-) mice, we crossed mice in which EGFP expression is driven by the B1 subunit promoter (EGFP-B1(+/+) mice) with Atp6v1b1(-/-) mice to generate novel EGFP-B1(-/-) mice. We isolated pure IC populations by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting from EGFP-B1(+/+) and EGFP-B1(-/-) mice to compare their V-ATPase subunit protein levels. We report that V-ATPase A, E1, and H subunits are all significantly downregulated in EGFP-B1(-/-) mice, while the B2 protein level is considerably increased in these animals. We conclude that under baseline conditions B2 upregulation compensates for the lack of B1 and is sufficient to maintain basal acid-base homeostasis, even when other V-ATPase subunits are downregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vedovelli
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospitaland Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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16
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Pae EK, Yoon AJ, Ahuja B, Lau GW, Nguyen DD, Kim Y, Harper RM. Perinatal intermittent hypoxia alters γ-aminobutyric acid: a receptor levels in rat cerebellum. Int J Dev Neurosci 2011; 29:819-26. [PMID: 21964325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxia commonly causes brain injury in infants, but the time course and mechanisms underlying the preferential male injury are unclear. Intermittent hypoxia disturbs cerebellar γ-aminobutyric (GABA)-A receptor profiles during the perinatal period, possibly responding to transient excitatory processes associated with GABA(A) receptors. We examined whether hypoxic insults were particularly damaging to the male rodent cerebellum during a specific developmental time window. We evaluated cerebellar injury and GABA(A) receptor profiles following 5-h intermittent hypoxia (IH: 20.8% and 10.3% ambient oxygen, switched every 240s) or room-air control in groups of male and female rat pups on postnatal d 1-2, wk 1, or wk 3. The cerebella were harvested and compared between groups. The mRNA levels of GABA(A) receptors α6, normalized to a house-keeping gene GAPDH, and assessed using real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR assays were up-regulated by IH at wk 1, more extensively in male rats, with sex influencing the regulatory time-course. In contrast, GABA(A) α6 receptor protein expression levels, assessed using Western blot assays, reached a nadir at wk 1 in both male and female rats, possibly indicating involvement of a post-transcriptional mechanism. The extent of cerebellar damage and level of apoptosis, assessed by DNA fragmentation, were greatest in the wk 3 IH-exposed group. The findings suggest partial protection for female rats against early hypoxic insult in the cerebellum, and that down-regulation of GABA(A) receptors, rather than direct neural injury assessed by DNA fragmentation may modify cerebellar function, with potential later motor and other deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eung-Kwon Pae
- UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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17
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Lack of CaV3.1 channels causes severe motor coordination defects and an age-dependent cerebellar atrophy in a genetic model of essential tremor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 410:19-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Kasugai Y, Swinny JD, Roberts JDB, Dalezios Y, Fukazawa Y, Sieghart W, Shigemoto R, Somogyi P. Quantitative localisation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptor subunits on hippocampal pyramidal cells by freeze-fracture replica immunolabelling. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 32:1868-88. [PMID: 21073549 PMCID: PMC4487817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07473.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, which receive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic input from at least 18 types of presynaptic neuron, express 14 subunits of the pentameric GABA(A) receptor. The relative contribution of any subunit to synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors influences the dynamics of GABA and drug actions. Synaptic receptors mediate phasic GABA-evoked conductance and extrasynaptic receptors contribute to a tonic conductance. We used freeze-fracture replica-immunogold labelling, a sensitive quantitative immunocytochemical method, to detect synaptic and extrasynaptic pools of the alpha1, alpha2 and beta3 subunits. Antibodies to the cytoplasmic loop of the subunits showed immunogold particles concentrated on distinct clusters of intramembrane particles (IMPs) on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane on the somata, dendrites and axon initial segments, with an abrupt decrease in labelling at the edge of the IMP cluster. Neuroligin-2, a GABAergic synapse-specific adhesion molecule, co-labels all beta3 subunit-rich IMP clusters, therefore we considered them synapses. Double-labelling for two subunits showed that virtually all somatic synapses contain the alpha1, alpha2 and beta3 subunits. The extrasynaptic plasma membrane of the somata, dendrites and dendritic spines showed low-density immunolabelling. Synaptic labelling densities on somata for the alpha1, alpha2 and beta3 subunits were 78-132, 94 and 79 times higher than on the extrasynaptic membranes, respectively. As GABAergic synapses occupy 0.72% of the soma surface, the fraction of synaptic labelling was 33-48 (alpha1), 40 (alpha2) and 36 (beta3)% of the total somatic surface immunolabelling. Assuming similar antibody access to all receptors, about 60% of these subunits are in extrasynaptic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kasugai
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.
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19
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Amygdala-specific reduction of alpha1-GABAA receptors disrupts the anticonvulsant, locomotor, and sedative, but not anxiolytic, effects of benzodiazepines in mice. J Neurosci 2010; 30:7139-51. [PMID: 20505082 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0693-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity and distribution of GABA(A) receptor subunits mediates differential roles in behavior. It is thought that particular behavioral responses to benzodiazepine (BZ) ligands might be associated with an action at a regionally defined receptor subtype. However, the role of specific GABA(A) receptor subtypes in particular brain regions is less clear. Such detailed knowledge of regional alpha1-GABA(A) receptor function will advance our understanding of the neural circuitry underlying the role of GABA(A) receptors and the effects of GABA(A)-modulating drugs on behavior. By combining inducible, site-specific alpha1 subunit deletion, using a lentivirus expressing Cre-recombinase in mice with the alpha1 subunit gene flanked by loxP sites, we examine baseline and pharmacological effects of deletion of amygdala alpha1-GABA(A) receptors. We find that amygdala-specific reduction of alpha1 receptor subunits does not affect mRNA or protein levels of amygdala alpha2 or alpha3 subunit receptors. Nor does this inducible reduction affect baseline locomotion or measures of anxiety. However, we also find that this inducible, site-specific deletion does disrupt the normal sedative-locomotor inhibition as well as the anticonvulsive effects, of two distinct BZ-site ligands, diazepam and zolpidem, which is relatively alpha1-subunit selective. These data, using inducible, region and subunit-specific deletion, combined with pharmacogenetic approaches, demonstrate that amygdala expression of the alpha1-GABA(A) receptor subunit is required for normal BZ effects on sedation, locomotion, and seizure inhibition, but not for anxiolysis.
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20
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Ding L, Feng HJ, Macdonald RL, Botzolakis EJ, Hu N, Gallagher MJ. GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit mutation A322D associated with autosomal dominant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy reduces the expression and alters the composition of wild type GABA(A) receptors. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:26390-405. [PMID: 20551311 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.142299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) alpha1 subunit mutation, A322D (AD), causes an autosomal dominant form of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (ADJME). Previous studies demonstrated that the mutation caused alpha1(AD) subunit misfolding and rapid degradation, reducing its total and surface expression substantially. Here, we determined the effects of the residual alpha1(AD) subunit expression on wild type GABA(A)R expression to determine whether the AD mutation conferred a dominant negative effect. We found that although the alpha1(AD) subunit did not substitute for wild type alpha1 subunits on the cell surface, it reduced the surface expression of alpha1beta2gamma2 and alpha3beta2gamma2 receptors by associating with the wild type subunits within the endoplasmic reticulum and preventing them from trafficking to the cell surface. The alpha1(AD) subunit reduced surface expression of alpha3beta2gamma2 receptors by a greater amount than alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors, thus altering cell surface GABA(A)R composition. When transfected into cultured cortical neurons, the alpha1(AD) subunit altered the time course of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current kinetics and reduced miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current amplitudes. These findings demonstrated that, in addition to causing a heterozygous loss of function of alpha1(AD) subunits, this epilepsy mutation also elicited a modest dominant negative effect that likely shapes the epilepsy phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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21
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Lappe-Siefke C, Loebrich S, Hevers W, Waidmann OB, Schweizer M, Fehr S, Fritschy JM, Dikic I, Eilers J, Wilson SM, Kneussel M. The ataxia (axJ) mutation causes abnormal GABAA receptor turnover in mice. PLoS Genet 2009; 5:e1000631. [PMID: 19759851 PMCID: PMC2744266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia represents a pathological coordination failure that often involves functional disturbances in cerebellar circuits. Purkinje cells (PCs) characterize the only output neurons of the cerebellar cortex and critically participate in regulating motor coordination. Although different genetic mutations are known that cause ataxia, little is known about the underlying cellular mechanisms. Here we show that a mutated axJ gene locus, encoding the ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (Usp14), negatively influences synaptic receptor turnover. AxJ mouse mutants, characterized by cerebellar ataxia, display both increased GABAA receptor (GABAAR) levels at PC surface membranes accompanied by enlarged IPSCs. Accordingly, we identify physical interaction of Usp14 and the GABAAR α1 subunit. Although other currently unknown changes might be involved, our data show that ubiquitin-dependent GABAAR turnover at cerebellar synapses contributes to axJ-mediated behavioural impairment. Cerebellar ataxia describes a combination of motor symptoms and uncoordinated movements that originates from various hereditary and non-hereditary diseases. Although functional disturbances of cerebellar inhibitory output signals are thought to cause ataxia, the underlying molecular mechanisms are barely understood and medical treatment therefore remains difficult. We analysed a behavioural abnormality up to the molecular level in a mouse mutant (axJ) representing a model for ataxia. The axJ mutation reduces the expression level of a ubiquitin protease (Usp14) leading to an abnormal turnover of neurotransmitter receptors. Despite other yet unknown changes in axJ mutants, our data show that intracellular protein turnover contributes to a motor behavioural syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Lappe-Siefke
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Loebrich
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wulf Hevers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institut für Physiologie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oliver B. Waidmann
- Institut für Biochemie II, Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Klinik für Innere Medizin 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michaela Schweizer
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Fehr
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Fritschy
- Institute of Pharmacology und Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institut für Biochemie II, Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institut für Physiologie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Scott M. Wilson
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Matthias Kneussel
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Kang JQ, Macdonald RL. Making sense of nonsense GABA(A) receptor mutations associated with genetic epilepsies. Trends Mol Med 2009; 15:430-8. [PMID: 19717338 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations that generate premature translation-termination codons (PTCs) are responsible for approximately one- third of human genetic diseases. PTCs in both voltage- and ligand-gated ion channel genes, including those for sodium, potassium, nicotinic cholinergic receptor and GABA(A) receptor channels, have been associated with genetic epilepsies but the epilepsy syndromes they cause are variable. It was recently proposed that two well-established molecular pathways, nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), determine the effects of PTCs in GABA(A) receptor subunit genes associated with genetic epilepsies on the cellular fates of mutant subunit mRNAs and proteins. Activation of these different molecular mechanisms might contribute in part to different clinical phenotypes in patients with GABA(A) receptor subunit gene PTCs and thus different approaches for treatment of their genetic epilepsies might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8552, USA.
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23
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Olsen RW, Sieghart W. GABA A receptors: subtypes provide diversity of function and pharmacology. Neuropharmacology 2009; 56:141-8. [PMID: 18760291 PMCID: PMC3525320 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 703] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2008] [Revised: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This mini-review attempts to update experimental evidence on the existence of GABA(A) receptor pharmacological subtypes and to produce a list of those native receptors that exist. GABA(A) receptors are chloride channels that mediate inhibitory neurotransmission. They are members of the Cys-loop pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) superfamily and share structural and functional homology with other members of that family. They are assembled from a family of 19 homologous subunit gene products and form numerous receptor subtypes with properties that depend upon subunit composition, mostly hetero-oligomeric. These vary in their regulation and developmental expression, and importantly, in brain regional, cellular, and subcellular localization, and thus their role in brain circuits and behaviors. We propose several criteria for including a receptor hetero-oligomeric subtype candidate on a list of native subtypes, and a working GABA(A) receptor list. These criteria can be applied to all the members of the LGIC superfamily. The list is divided into three categories of native receptor subtypes: "Identified", "Existence with High Probability", and "Tentative", and currently includes 26 members, but will undoubtedly grow, with future information. This list was first presented by Olsen & Sieghart (in press).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1735, USA.
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24
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Olsen RW, Sieghart W. International Union of Pharmacology. LXX. Subtypes of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors: classification on the basis of subunit composition, pharmacology, and function. Update. Pharmacol Rev 2008; 60:243-60. [PMID: 18790874 DOI: 10.1124/pr.108.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 788] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we attempt to summarize experimental evidence on the existence of defined native GABA(A) receptor subtypes and to produce a list of receptors that actually seem to exist according to current knowledge. This will serve to update the most recent classification of GABA(A) receptors (Pharmacol Rev 50:291-313, 1998) approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Pharmacology. GABA(A) receptors are chloride channels that mediate the major form of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. They are members of the Cys-loop pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) superfamily and share structural and functional homology with other members of that family. GABA(A) receptors are assembled from a family of 19 homologous subunit gene products and form numerous, mostly hetero-oligomeric, pentamers. Such receptor subtypes with properties that depend on subunit composition vary in topography and ontogeny, in cellular and subcellular localization, in their role in brain circuits and behaviors, in their mechanisms of regulation, and in their pharmacology. We propose several criteria, which can be applied to all the members of the LGIC superfamily, for including a receptor subtype on a list of native hetero-oligomeric subtypes. With these criteria, we develop a working GABA(A) receptor list, which currently includes 26 members, but will undoubtedly be modified and grow as information expands. The list is divided into three categories of native receptor subtypes: "identified," "existence with high probability," and "tentative."
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Room CHS 23-120, 650 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1735, USA.
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25
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Chou AH, Yeh TH, Ouyang P, Chen YL, Chen SY, Wang HL. Polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3 causes cerebellar dysfunction of SCA3 transgenic mice by inducing transcriptional dysregulation. Neurobiol Dis 2008; 31:89-101. [PMID: 18502140 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Revised: 02/18/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we prepared a SCA3 animal model by generating transgenic mice expressing polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3-Q79. Ataxin-3-Q79 was expressed in brain areas implicated in SCA3 neurodegeneration, including cerebellum, pontine nucleus and substantia nigra. Ataxin-3-Q79 transgenic mice displayed motor dysfunction with an onset age of 5-6 months, and neurological symptoms deteriorated in the following months. A prominent neuronal loss was not found in the cerebellum of 10 to 11-month-old ataxin-3-Q79 mice displaying pronounced ataxic symptoms, suggesting that instead of neuronal demise, ataxin-3-Q79 causes neuronal dysfunction of the cerebellum and resulting ataxia. To test the involvement of transcriptional dysregulation in ataxin-3-Q79-induced cerebellar malfunction, microarray analysis and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to identify altered cerebellar mRNA expressions of ataxin-3-Q79 mice. Compared to non-transgenic mice or mice expressing wild-type ataxin-3-Q22, 10 to 11-month-old ataxin-3-Q79 mice exhibited downregulated mRNA expressions of proteins involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission, intracellular calcium signaling/mobilization or MAP kinase pathways, GABA(A/B) receptor subunits, heat shock proteins and transcription factor regulating neuronal survival and differentiation. Upregulated expressions of Bax, cyclin D1 and CDK5-p39, which may mediate neuronal death, were also observed in ataxin-3-Q79 transgenic mice. The involvement of transcriptional abnormality in initiating the pathological process of SCA3 was indicated by the finding that 4 to 5-month-old ataxin-3-Q79 mice, which did not display neurological phenotype, exhibited downregulated mRNA levels of genes involved in glutamatergic signaling and signal transduction. Our study suggests that polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3 causes cerebellar dysfunction and ataxia by disrupting the normal pattern of gene transcriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Hsun Chou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kwei-San, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
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Chandra D, Werner DF, Liang J, Suryanarayanan A, Harrison NL, Spigelman I, Olsen RW, Homanics GE. Normal acute behavioral responses to moderate/high dose ethanol in GABAA receptor alpha 4 subunit knockout mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 32:10-8. [PMID: 18076749 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2007.00563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND gamma-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA(A)-Rs) have been implicated in mediating some of the behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH), but the contribution of specific GABA(A)-R subunits is not yet fully understood. The GABA(A)-R alpha 4 subunit often partners with beta2/3 and delta subunits to form extrasynaptic GABA(A)-Rs that mediate tonic inhibition. Several in vitro studies have suggested that these extrasynaptic GABA(A)-Rs may be particularly relevant to the intoxicating effects of low doses of EtOH. In alpha 4 subunit knockout mice, tonic inhibition was greatly reduced, as were the potentiating effects of EtOH. We therefore hypothesized that those behavioral responses to EtOH that are mediated by alpha 4-containing GABA(A)-Rs would be diminished in alpha 4 knockout mice. METHODS We investigated behavioral responses to acute administration of moderate/high dose EtOH or pentylenetetrazol in alpha 4 subunit knockout mice. We compared behavioral responses to EtOH in alpha 4 knockout and wild-type littermates in the elevated plus maze (0.0, 1.0 g/kg EtOH), screen test (1.5, 2.0 g/kg), hypothermia (1.5, 2.0 g/kg), fixed speed rotarod (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 g/kg), open field (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg), radiant tail flick (2.0 g/kg), loss of righting reflex (3.5 g/kg), and EtOH metabolism and clearance assays. Sensitivity to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures was also analyzed. RESULTS No differences were observed between alpha 4 knockout mice and wild-type controls in terms of the baseline behavior in the absence of EtOH treatment or in the behavioral effects of EtOH in the assays tested. In contrast, alpha 4 knockout mice were significantly more sensitive to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that GABA(A)-Rs containing the alpha 4 subunit are not absolutely required for the acute behavioral responses to moderate/high dose EtOH that were assessed with the elevated plus maze, screen test, hypothermia, fixed speed rotarod, open field, radiant tail flick, and loss of right reflex assays. We further suggest that these findings are complicated by the demonstrated compensatory alterations in synaptic GABA(A)-R EtOH sensitivity and function in alpha 4 knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dev Chandra
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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Schneider Gasser EM, Duveau V, Prenosil GA, Fritschy JM. Reorganization of GABAergic circuits maintains GABAA receptor-mediated transmission onto CA1 interneurons in alpha1-subunit-null mice. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:3287-304. [PMID: 17552997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05558.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The majority of hippocampal interneurons strongly express GABA(A) receptors containing the alpha1 subunit, suggesting that inhibitory control of interneurons is important for proper function of hippocampal circuits. Here, we investigated with immunohistochemical and electrophysiological techniques how these GABA(A) receptors are replaced in mice carrying a targeted deletion of the alpha1-subunit gene (alpha1(0/0) mice). Using markers of five major populations of CA1 interneurons (parvalbumin, calretinin, calbindin, neuropeptide Y and somatostatin), we show that these interneurons remain unaffected in alpha1(0/0) mice. In triple immunofluorescence staining experiments combining these markers with the GABA(A) receptor alpha1, alpha2 or alpha3 subunit and gephyrin, we demonstrate a strong increase in alpha3- and alpha2-GABA(A) receptors clustered at postsynaptic sites along with gephyrin in most CA1 interneurons in alpha1(0/0) mice. The changes were cell type-specific and resulted in an increased number of GABAergic synapses on interneurons. These adjustments were mirrored functionally by retention of spontaneous IPSCs with prolonged decay kinetics, as shown by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of CA1 interneurons. However, a significant decrease in frequency and amplitude of miniature IPSCs was evident, suggesting reduced affinity of postsynaptic receptors and/or impaired vesicular GABA release. Finally, to assess whether these compensatory changes are sufficient to protect against a pathological challenge, we tested the susceptibility of alpha1(0/0) mice against kainic acid-induced excitotoxicity. No genotype difference was observed in the effects of kainic acid, indicating that the absence of a major GABA(A) receptor subtype is functionally compensated for in hippocampal interneurons by a reorganization of inhibitory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith M Schneider Gasser
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Wenzel HJ, Vacher H, Clark E, Trimmer JS, Lee AL, Sapolsky RM, Tempel BL, Schwartzkroin PA. Structural consequences of Kcna1 gene deletion and transfer in the mouse hippocampus. Epilepsia 2007; 48:2023-46. [PMID: 17651419 PMCID: PMC2752664 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mice lacking the Kv1.1 potassium channel alpha subunit encoded by the Kcna1 gene develop recurrent behavioral seizures early in life. We examined the neuropathological consequences of seizure activity in the Kv1.1(-/-) (knock-out) mouse, and explored the effects of injecting a viral vector carrying the deleted Kcna1 gene into hippocampal neurons. METHODS Morphological techniques were used to assess neuropathological patterns in hippocampus of Kv1.1(-/-) animals. Immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques were used to monitor ion channel expression in Kv1.1(-/-) brain. Both wild-type and knockout mice were injected (bilaterally into hippocampus) with an HSV1 amplicon vector that contained the rat Kcna1 subunit gene and/or the E. coli lacZ reporter gene. Vector-injected mice were examined to determine the extent of neuronal infection. RESULTS Video/EEG monitoring confirmed interictal abnormalities and seizure occurrence in Kv1.1(-/-) mice. Neuropathological assessment suggested that hippocampal damage (silver stain) and reorganization (Timm stain) occurred only after animals had exhibited severe prolonged seizures (status epilepticus). Ablation of Kcna1 did not result in compensatory changes in expression levels of other related ion channel subunits. Vector injection resulted in infection primarily of granule cells in hippocampus, but the number of infected neurons was quite variable across subjects. Kcna1 immunocytochemistry showed "ectopic" Kv1.1 alpha channel subunit expression. CONCLUSIONS Kcna1 deletion in mice results in a seizure disorder that resembles--electrographically and neuropathologically--the patterns seen in rodent models of temporal lobe epilepsy. HSV1 vector-mediated gene transfer into hippocampus yielded variable neuronal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Jürgen Wenzel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Helene Vacher
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Eliana Clark
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - James S. Trimmer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Angela L. Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Bruce L Tempel
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Pytel M, Wójtowicz T, Mercik K, Sarto-Jackson I, Sieghart W, Ikonomidou C, Mozrzymas JW. 17 β-estradiol modulates GABAergic synaptic transmission and tonic currents during development in vitro. Neuropharmacology 2007; 52:1342-53. [PMID: 17418284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2007.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens exert a variety of modulatory effects on the structure and function of the nervous system. In particular, 17 beta-estradiol was found to affect GABAergic inhibition in adult animals but its action on GABAergic currents during development has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 17 beta-estradiol on hippocampal neurons developing in vitro. In this model, mIPSC kinetics showed acceleration with age along with increased alpha1 subunit expression, similarly as in vivo. Long-term treatment with 17 beta-estradiol increased mIPSC amplitudes in neurons cultured for 6-8 and 9-11DIV and prolonged the mIPSC decaying phase only in the 9-11DIV group. The time needed for the onset of 17 beta-estradiol effect on mIPSC amplitude was approximately 48 h. In the period of 9-11DIV, treatment with 17 beta-estradiol strongly reduced the tonic conductance activated by low GABA concentrations. The effects of 17 beta-estradiol on mIPSCs and tonic conductance were not correlated with any change in expression of considered GABAAR subunits (alpha1-3, alpha5-6, gamma2) while alpha4 and delta subunits were at the detection limit. In conclusion, we provide evidence that 17 beta-estradiol differentially affects the phasic and tonic components of GABAergic currents in neurons developing in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pytel
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
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Fritschy JM, Panzanelli P. Molecular and synaptic organization of GABAA receptors in the cerebellum: Effects of targeted subunit gene deletions. THE CEREBELLUM 2007; 5:275-85. [PMID: 17134990 DOI: 10.1080/14734220600962805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors form heteromeric GABA-gated chloride channels assembled from a large family of subunit genes. In cerebellum, distinct GABAA receptor subtypes, differing in subunit composition, are segregated between cell types and synaptic circuits. The cerebellum therefore represents a useful system to investigate the significance of GABAA receptor heterogeneity. For instance, studies of mice carrying targeted deletion of major GABAA receptor subunit genes revealed the role of alpha subunit variants for receptor assembly, synaptic targeting, and functional properties. In addition, these studies unraveled mandatory association between certain subunits and demonstrated distinct pharmacology of receptors mediating phasic and tonic inhibition. Although some of these mutants have a profound loss of GABAA receptors, they exhibit only minor impairment of motor function, suggesting activation of compensatory mechanisms to preserve inhibitory networks in the cerebellum. These adaptations include an altered balance between phasic and tonic inhibition, activation of voltage-independent K+ conductances, and upregulation of GABAA receptors in interneurons that are not affected directly by the mutation. Deletion of the alpha1 subunit gene leads to complete loss of GABAA receptors in Purkinje cells. A striking alteration occurs in these mice, whereby presynaptic GABAergic terminals are preserved in the molecular layer but make heterologous synapses with spines, characterized by a glutamatergic-like postsynaptic density. During development of alpha1(0/0) mice, GABAergic synapses are initially formed but are replaced upon spine maturation. These findings suggest that functional GABAA receptors are required for long-term maintenance of GABAergic synapses in Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Fritschy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Glykys J, Peng Z, Chandra D, Homanics GE, Houser CR, Mody I. A new naturally occurring GABA(A) receptor subunit partnership with high sensitivity to ethanol. Nat Neurosci 2006; 10:40-8. [PMID: 17159992 DOI: 10.1038/nn1813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
According to the rules of GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) subunit assembly, alpha4 and alpha6 subunits are considered to be the natural partners of delta subunits. These GABA(A)Rs are a preferred target of low, sobriety-impairing concentrations of ethanol. Here we demonstrate a new naturally occurring GABA(A)R subunit partnership: delta subunits of hippocampal interneurons are coexpressed and colocalized with alpha1 subunits, but not with alpha4, alpha6 or any other alpha subunits. Ethanol potentiates the tonic inhibition mediated by such native alpha1/delta GABA(A)Rs in wild-type and in alpha4 subunit-deficient (Gabra4(-/-)) mice, but not in delta subunit-deficient (Gabrd(-/-)) mice. We also ruled out any compensatory upregulation of alpha6 subunits that might have accounted for the ethanol effect in Gabra4(-/-) mice. Thus, alpha1/delta subunit assemblies represent a new neuronal GABA(A)R subunit partnership present in hippocampal interneurons, mediate tonic inhibitory currents and are highly sensitive to low concentrations of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Glykys
- Interdepartmental PhD Program for Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Ortinski PI, Turner JR, Barberis A, Motamedi G, Yasuda RP, Wolfe BB, Kellar KJ, Vicini S. Deletion of the GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit increases tonic GABA(A) receptor current: a role for GABA uptake transporters. J Neurosci 2006; 26:9323-31. [PMID: 16957088 PMCID: PMC6674491 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2610-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of more than half the number of GABA(A) receptors yet lack of pronounced phenotype in mice lacking the gene for the GABA(A) alpha1 subunit is somewhat paradoxical. We explored the role of tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated current as a target of compensatory regulation in the alpha1 knock-out (-/-) mice. A 62% increase of tonic current was observed in the cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) of alpha1-/- compared with wild-type (+/+) mice along with a 67% increase of baseline current variance. Examination of whole-cell currents evoked by low concentrations of GABA and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol suggested no upregulation of alpha6 and delta subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors in the alpha1-/-, confirming previous biochemical studies. Single-channel current openings were on average 32% shorter in the alpha1-/- neurons. Single-channel conductance and frequency of opening were not different between genotypes. Tonic current induced by application of the GABA transporter GAT-1 blocker NO711 (1-[2([(diphenylmethylene)imino]oxy)ethyl]-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride) was significantly larger in the alpha1-/-, suggesting an increase of ambient GABA concentration. Experiments done with a known concentration of extracellular GABA complemented by a series of biochemical experiments revealed a reduction of GAT activity in alpha1-/- without an identifiable reduction of GAT-1 or GAT-3 protein. We report increased tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated current in the alpha1-/- CGCs as a novel compensatory mechanism. Our data establish a role for GABA transporters as regulators of neuronal excitability in this and relevant models and examine other tonic conductance-regulating mechanisms responsible for the adaptive response of the cerebellar network to a deletion of a major synaptic GABA(A) receptor subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel I. Ortinski
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience and
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Jill R. Turner
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience and
- Pharmacology, and
| | | | - Gholam Motamedi
- Neurology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007
| | | | - Barry B. Wolfe
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience and
- Pharmacology, and
| | | | - Stefano Vicini
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience and
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics
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Thöny B, Gibson KM. Murine models of inherited monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter disorders. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.2217/14796708.1.5.665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters perform diverse biological functions in mammals, including the regulation of inhibitory/excitatory neurotransmission in the brain and spinal cord, movement and sleep, autonomic function, mood and reward, and numerous other processes. The primary transmitters involved include dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). With the exception of the amino acid transmitter GABA, the cofactor integrating these systems is tetrahydrobiopterin, an oxidizable intermediate found in high concentrations in dopaminergic neurons. With growing awareness of the clinical phenotypes, expanding numbers of patients with monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter disorders are being identified. For some people, therapeutic intervention demonstrates remarkably positive benefits; conversely, for most other disorders therapy offers limited efficacy. Decoding of the complete mouse genome, coupled with methodology capable of ablating specific genes, has revolutionized how geneticists understand and treat human genetic disease. This is well-exemplified in the disorders covered in this review, which focuses predominantly on monoaminergic (tetrahydrobiopterin-dependent) and GABAergic signaling neurotransmitter disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Thöny
- Division of Clinical Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Michael Gibson
- Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Rangos Research Center, Room 2111, 3460 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Ponomarev I, Maiya R, Harnett MT, Schafer GL, Ryabinin AE, Blednov YA, Morikawa H, Boehm SL, Homanics GE, Berman AE, Berman A, Lodowski KH, Bergeson SE, Harris RA. Transcriptional signatures of cellular plasticity in mice lacking the alpha1 subunit of GABAA receptors. J Neurosci 2006; 26:5673-83. [PMID: 16723524 PMCID: PMC1894896 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0860-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors mediate the majority of inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. Genetic deletion of the alpha1 subunit of GABAA receptors results in a loss of alpha1-mediated fast inhibitory currents and a marked reduction in density of GABAA receptors. A grossly normal phenotype of alpha1-deficient mice suggests the presence of neuronal adaptation to these drastic changes at the GABA synapse. We used cDNA microarrays to identify transcriptional fingerprints of cellular plasticity in response to altered GABAergic inhibition in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of alpha1 mutants. In silico analysis of 982 mutation-regulated transcripts highlighted genes and functional groups involved in regulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, suggesting an adaptive response of the brain to an altered inhibitory tone. Public gene expression databases permitted identification of subsets of transcripts enriched in excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as some glial cells, providing evidence for cellular plasticity in individual cell types. Additional analysis linked some transcriptional changes to cellular phenotypes observed in the knock-out mice and suggested several genes, such as the early growth response 1 (Egr1), small GTP binding protein Rac1 (Rac1), neurogranin (Nrgn), sodium channel beta4 subunit (Scn4b), and potassium voltage-gated Kv4.2 channel (Kcnd2) as cell type-specific markers of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, transcriptional activation of genes enriched in Bergman glia suggests an active role of these astrocytes in synaptic plasticity. Overall, our results suggest that the loss of alpha1-mediated fast inhibition produces diverse transcriptional responses that act to regulate neuronal excitability of individual neurons and stabilize neuronal networks, which may account for the lack of severe abnormalities in alpha1 null mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Ponomarev
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
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Kralic JE, Sidler C, Parpan F, Homanics GE, Morrow AL, Fritschy JM. Compensatory alteration of inhibitory synaptic circuits in cerebellum and thalamus of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha1 subunit knockout mice. J Comp Neurol 2006; 495:408-21. [PMID: 16485284 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Targeted deletion of the alpha1 subunit gene results in a profound loss of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors in adult mouse brain but has only moderate behavioral consequences. Mutant mice exhibit several adaptations in GABA(A) receptor subunit expression, as measured by Western blotting. By using immunohistochemistry, we investigated here whether these adaptations serve to replace the missing alpha1 subunit or represent compensatory changes in neurons that normally express these subunits. We focused on cerebellum and thalamus and distinguished postsynaptic GABA(A) receptor clusters by their colocalization with gephyrin. In the molecular layer of the cerebellum, alpha1 subunit clusters colocalized with gephyrin disappeared from Purkinje cell dendrites of mutant mice, whereas alpha3 subunit/gephyrin clusters, presumably located on dendrites of Golgi interneurons, increased sevenfold, suggesting profound network reorganization in the absence of the alpha1 subunit. In thalamus, a prominent increase in alpha3 and alpha4 subunit immunoreactivity was evident, but without change in regional distribution. In the ventrobasal complex, which contains primarily postsynaptic alpha1- and extrasynaptic alpha4-GABA(A) receptors, the loss of alpha1 subunit was accompanied by disruption of gamma2 subunit and gephyrin clustering, in spite of the increased alpha4 subunit expression. However, in the reticular nucleus, which lacks alpha1-GABA(A) receptors in wild-type mice, postsynaptic alpha3/gamma2/gephyrin clusters were unaffected. These results demonstrate that adaptive responses in the brain of alpha1(0/0) mice involve reorganization of GABAergic circuits and not merely replacement of the missing alpha1 subunit by another receptor subtype. In addition, clustering of gephyrin at synaptic sites in cerebellum and thalamus appears to be dependent on expression of a GABA(A) receptor subtype localized postsynaptically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Kralic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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