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Katane M, Homma H. Biosynthesis and Degradation of Free D-Amino Acids and Their Physiological Roles in the Periphery and Endocrine Glands. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:562-579. [PMID: 38432912 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
It was long believed that D-amino acids were either unnatural isomers or laboratory artifacts, and that the important functions of amino acids were exerted only by L-amino acids. However, recent investigations have revealed a variety of D-amino acids in mammals that play important roles in physiological functions, including free D-serine and D-aspartate that are crucial in the central nervous system. The functions of several D-amino acids in the periphery and endocrine glands are also receiving increasing attention. Here, we present an overview of recent advances in elucidating the physiological roles of D-amino acids, especially in the periphery and endocrine glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Katane
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University
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2
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Álvarez-Merz I, Muñoz MD, Hernández-Guijo JM, Solís JM. Identification of Non-excitatory Amino Acids and Transporters Mediating the Irreversible Synaptic Silencing After Hypoxia. Transl Stroke Res 2023:10.1007/s12975-023-01192-y. [PMID: 37755645 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01192-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of excitatory amino acids (AA) to ischemic brain injury has been widely described. In addition, we reported that a mixture of non-excitatory AA at plasmatic concentrations turns irreversible the depression of synaptic transmission caused by hypoxia. Here, we describe that the presence of seven non-excitatory AA (L-alanine, L-glutamine, glycine, L-histidine, L-serine, taurine, and L-threonine) during hypoxia provokes an irreversible neuronal membrane depolarization, after an initial phase of hyperpolarization. The collapse of the membrane potential correlates with a great increase in fiber volley amplitude. Nevertheless, we show that the presence of all seven AA is not necessary to cause the irreversible loss of fEPSP after hypoxia and that the minimal combination of AA able to provoke a solid, replicable effect is the mixture of L-alanine, glycine, L-glutamine, and L-serine. Additionally, L-glutamine seems necessary but insufficient to induce these harmful effects. We also prove that the deleterious effects of the AA mixtures on field potentials during hypoxia depend on both the identity and concentration of the individual AA in the mixture. Furthermore, we find that the accumulation of AA in the whole slice does not determine the outcome caused by the AA mixtures on the synaptic transmission during hypoxia. Finally, results obtained using pharmacological inhibitors and specific substrates of AA transporters suggest that system N and the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) participate in the non-excitatory AA-mediated deleterious effects during hypoxia. Thus, these AA transporters might represent therapeutical targets for the treatment of brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Muñoz
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Hernández-Guijo
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Solís
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Krishnan KS, Billups B. ASC Transporters Mediate D-Serine Transport into Astrocytes Adjacent to Synapses in the Mouse Brain. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050819. [PMID: 37238689 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
D-serine is an important signalling molecule, which activates N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in conjunction with its fellow co-agonist, the neurotransmitter glutamate. Despite its involvement in plasticity and memory related to excitatory synapses, its cellular source and sink remain a question. We hypothesise that astrocytes, a type of glial cell that surrounds synapses, are likely candidates to control the extracellular concentration of D-Serine by removing it from the synaptic space. Using in situ patch clamp recordings and pharmacological manipulation of astrocytes in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampal brain slices, we investigated the transport of D-serine across the plasma membrane. We observed the D-serine-induced transport-associated currents upon puff-application of 10 mM D-serine on astrocytes. Further, O-benzyl-L-serine and trans-4-hydroxy-proline, known substrate inhibitors of the alanine serine cysteine transporters (ASCT), reduced D-serine uptake. These results indicate that ASCT is a central mediator of astrocytic D-serine transport and plays a role in regulating its synaptic concentration by sequestration into astrocytes. Similar results were observed in astrocytes of the somatosensory cortex and Bergmann glia in the cerebellum, indicative of a general mechanism expressed across a range of brain areas. This removal of synaptic D-serine and its subsequent metabolic degradation are expected to reduce its extracellular availability, influencing NMDAR activation and NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Subramanian Krishnan
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Brian Billups
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 131 Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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4
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Gyimesi G, Hediger MA. Transporter-Mediated Drug Delivery. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031151. [PMID: 36770817 PMCID: PMC9919865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane transport of small organic and inorganic molecules is one of the cornerstones of cellular metabolism. Among transmembrane transporters, solute carrier (SLC) proteins form the largest, albeit very diverse, superfamily with over 400 members. It was recognized early on that xenobiotics can directly interact with SLCs and that this interaction can fundamentally determine their efficacy, including bioavailability and intertissue distribution. Apart from the well-established prodrug strategy, the chemical ligation of transporter substrates to nanoparticles of various chemical compositions has recently been used as a means to enhance their targeting and absorption. In this review, we summarize efforts in drug design exploiting interactions with specific SLC transporters to optimize their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we describe current and future challenges as well as new directions for the advanced development of therapeutics that target SLC transporters.
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Pan Y, Kagawa Y, Sun J, Turner BJ, Huang C, Shah AD, Schittenhelm RB, Nicolazzo JA. Altered Blood-Brain Barrier Dynamics in the C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122803. [PMID: 36559296 PMCID: PMC9783795 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For peripherally administered drugs to reach the central nervous system (CNS) and treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), they must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). As mounting evidence suggests that the ultrastructure of the BBB is altered in individuals with ALS and in animal models of ALS (e.g., SOD1G93A mice), we characterized BBB transporter expression and function in transgenic C9orf72 BAC (C9-BAC) mice expressing a hexanucleotide repeat expansion, the most common genetic cause of ALS. Using an in situ transcardiac brain perfusion technique, we identified a 1.4-fold increase in 3H-2-deoxy-D-glucose transport across the BBB in C9-BAC transgenic (C9) mice, relative to wild-type (WT) mice, which was associated with a 1.3-fold increase in brain microvascular glucose transporter 1 expression, while other general BBB permeability processes (passive diffusion, efflux transporter function) remained unaffected. We also performed proteomic analysis on isolated brain microvascular endothelial cells, in which we noted a mild (14.3%) reduction in zonula occludens-1 abundance in C9 relative to WT mice. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted trends in changes to various BBB transporters and cellular metabolism. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate altered BBB function in a C9orf72 repeat expansion model of ALS, which has implications on how therapeutics may access the brain in this mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0872, Miyagi, Japan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (J.A.N.); Tel.: +61-3-8344-4000 (Y.P.); +61-3-9903-9605 (J.A.N.); Fax: +61-3-9903-9583 (J.A.N.)
| | - Yoshiteru Kagawa
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0872, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Jiaqi Sun
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Bradley J. Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anup D. Shah
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (J.A.N.); Tel.: +61-3-8344-4000 (Y.P.); +61-3-9903-9605 (J.A.N.); Fax: +61-3-9903-9583 (J.A.N.)
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Álvarez-Merz I, Fomitcheva IV, Sword J, Hernández-Guijo JM, Solís JM, Kirov SA. Novel mechanism of hypoxic neuronal injury mediated by non-excitatory amino acids and astroglial swelling. Glia 2022; 70:2108-2130. [PMID: 35802030 PMCID: PMC9474671 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In ischemic stroke and post-traumatic brain injury (TBI), blood-brain barrier disruption leads to leaking plasma amino acids (AA) into cerebral parenchyma. Bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke and TBI also release plasma AA. Although excitotoxic AA were extensively studied, little is known about non-excitatory AA during hypoxic injury. Hypoxia-induced synaptic depression in hippocampal slices becomes irreversible with non-excitatory AA, alongside their intracellular accumulation and increased tissue electrical resistance. Four non-excitatory AA (l-alanine, glycine, l-glutamine, l-serine: AGQS) at plasmatic concentrations were applied to slices from mice expressing EGFP in pyramidal neurons or astrocytes during normoxia or hypoxia. Two-photon imaging, light transmittance (LT) changes, and electrophysiological field recordings followed by electron microscopy in hippocampal CA1 st. radiatum were used to monitor synaptic function concurrently with cellular swelling and injury. During normoxia, AGQS-induced increase in LT was due to astroglial but not neuronal swelling. LT raise during hypoxia and AGQS manifested astroglial and neuronal swelling accompanied by a permanent loss of synaptic transmission and irreversible dendritic beading, signifying acute damage. Neuronal injury was not triggered by spreading depolarization which did not occur in our experiments. Hypoxia without AGQS did not cause cell swelling, leaving dendrites intact. Inhibition of NMDA receptors prevented neuronal damage and irreversible loss of synaptic function. Deleterious effects of AGQS during hypoxia were prevented by alanine-serine-cysteine transporters (ASCT2) and volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC) blockers. Our findings suggest that astroglial swelling induced by accumulation of non-excitatory AA and release of excitotoxins through antiporters and VRAC may exacerbate the hypoxia-induced neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Dept. de Farmacología y Terapéutica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Ioulia V. Fomitcheva
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Jeremy Sword
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo
- Dept. de Farmacología y Terapéutica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Solís
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergei A. Kirov
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
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Involvement of the HERV-derived cell-fusion inhibitor, suppressyn, in the fusion defects characteristic of the trisomy 21 placenta. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10552. [PMID: 35732788 PMCID: PMC9218086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressyn (SUPYN) is the first host-cell encoded mammalian protein shown to inhibit cell–cell fusion. Its expression is restricted to the placenta, where it negatively regulates syncytia formation in villi. Since its chromosomal localization overlaps with the Down syndrome critical region and the TS21 placenta is characterized by delayed maturation of cytotrophoblast cells and reduced syncytialization, we hypothesized a potential link between changes in SUPYN expression and morphologic abnormalities in the TS21 placenta. Here we demonstrate that an increase in chromosomal copy number in the TS21 placenta is associated with: (1) reduced fusion of cytotrophoblast cells into syncytiotrophoblast in vivo, (2) increased SUPYN transcription, translation and secretion in vivo, (3) increased SUPYN/syncytin-1 receptor degradation in vivo, (4) increased SUPYN transcription and secretion ex vivo, (5) decreased cytotrophoblast cell fusion ex vivo, and (6) reciprocal response of changes in SUPYN and CGB in TS21 placental cells ex vivo. These data suggest direct links between immature placentation in Down syndrome and increased SUPYN. Finally, we report a significant increase in secreted SUPYN concentration in maternal serum in women with pregnancies affected by Down syndrome, suggesting that SUPYN may be useful as an alternate or additional diagnostic marker for this disease.
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Huttunen J, Adla SK, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM. Increased/Targeted Brain (Pro)Drug Delivery via Utilization of Solute Carriers (SLCs). Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061234. [PMID: 35745806 PMCID: PMC9228667 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters have a crucial role in compounds’ brain drug delivery. They allow not only the penetration of a wide variety of different compounds to cross the endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but also the accumulation of them into the brain parenchymal cells. Solute carriers (SLCs), with nearly 500 family members, are the largest group of membrane transporters. Unfortunately, not all SLCs are fully characterized and used in rational drug design. However, if the structural features for transporter interactions (binding and translocation) are known, a prodrug approach can be utilized to temporarily change the pharmacokinetics and brain delivery properties of almost any compound. In this review, main transporter subtypes that are participating in brain drug disposition or have been used to improve brain drug delivery across the BBB via the prodrug approach, are introduced. Moreover, the ability of selected transporters to be utilized in intrabrain drug delivery is discussed. Thus, this comprehensive review will give insights into the methods, such as computational drug design, that should be utilized more effectively to understand the detailed transport mechanisms. Moreover, factors, such as transporter expression modulation pathways in diseases that should be taken into account in rational (pro)drug development, are considered to achieve successful clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
| | - Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542/2, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.H.); (S.K.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Zielińska M, Albrecht J, Popek M. Dysregulation of Astrocytic Glutamine Transport in Acute Hyperammonemic Brain Edema. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:874750. [PMID: 35733937 PMCID: PMC9207324 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.874750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) impairs ammonia clearance from blood, which gives rise to acute hyperammonemia and increased ammonia accumulation in the brain. Since in brain glutamine synthesis is the only route of ammonia detoxification, hyperammonemia is as a rule associated with increased brain glutamine content (glutaminosis) which correlates with and contributes along with ammonia itself to hyperammonemic brain edema-associated with ALF. This review focuses on the effects of hyperammonemia on the two glutamine carriers located in the astrocytic membrane: Slc38a3 (SN1, SNAT3) and Slc7a6 (y + LAT2). We emphasize the contribution of the dysfunction of either of the two carriers to glutaminosis- related aspects of brain edema: retention of osmotically obligated water (Slc38a3) and induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress (Slc7a6). The changes in glutamine transport link glutaminosis- evoked mitochondrial dysfunction to oxidative-nitrosative stress as formulated in the “Trojan Horse” hypothesis.
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Riccardi C, Napolitano F, Montesarchio D, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Nanoparticle-Guided Brain Drug Delivery: Expanding the Therapeutic Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1897. [PMID: 34834311 PMCID: PMC8623286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent a heterogeneous group of aging-related disorders featured by progressive impairment of motor and/or cognitive functions, often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. NDs are denoted as 'protein misfolding' diseases or proteinopathies, and are classified according to their known genetic mechanisms and/or the main protein involved in disease onset and progression. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are included under this nosographic umbrella, sharing histopathologically salient features, including deposition of insoluble proteins, activation of glial cells, loss of neuronal cells and synaptic connectivity. To date, there are no effective cures or disease-modifying therapies for these NDs. Several compounds have not shown efficacy in clinical trials, since they generally fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that greatly limits the brain internalization of endogenous substances. By engineering materials of a size usually within 1-100 nm, nanotechnology offers an alternative approach for promising and innovative therapeutic solutions in NDs. Nanoparticles can cross the BBB and release active molecules at target sites in the brain, minimizing side effects. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of nanoengineered delivery systems for brain targeting in the treatment of AD, PD and HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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11
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Stehantsev P, Stetsenko A, Nemchinova M, Aduri NG, Marrink SJ, Gati C, Guskov A. A structural view onto disease-linked mutations in the human neutral amino acid exchanger ASCT1. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5246-5254. [PMID: 34630942 PMCID: PMC8479201 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ASCT1 transporter of the SLC1 family is largely involved in equilibration of neutral amino acids' pools across the plasma membrane and plays a prominent role in the transport of both L- and D-isomers of serine, essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system in mammals. A number of mutations in ASCT1 (E256K, G381R, R457W) have been linked to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, however in the absence of ASCT1 structure it is hard to understand their impact on substrate transport. To ameliorate that we have determined a cryo-EM structure of human ASCT1 at 4.2 Å resolution and performed functional transport assays and molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed that given mutations lead to the diminished transport capability of ASCT1 caused by instability of transporter and impeded transport cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Stehantsev
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Artem Stetsenko
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mariia Nemchinova
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda Gowtham Aduri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siewert J. Marrink
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelius Gati
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Guskov
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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12
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Sherwood MW, Oliet SHR, Panatier A. NMDARs, Coincidence Detectors of Astrocytic and Neuronal Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7258. [PMID: 34298875 PMCID: PMC8307462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is an extensively studied cellular correlate of learning and memory in which NMDARs play a starring role. One of the most interesting features of NMDARs is their ability to act as a co-incident detector. It is unique amongst neurotransmitter receptors in this respect. Co-incident detection is possible because the opening of NMDARs requires membrane depolarisation and the binding of glutamate. Opening of NMDARs also requires a co-agonist. Although the dynamic regulation of glutamate and membrane depolarization have been well studied in coincident detection, the role of the co-agonist site is unexplored. It turns out that non-neuronal glial cells, astrocytes, regulate co-agonist availability, giving them the ability to influence synaptic plasticity. The unique morphology and spatial arrangement of astrocytes at the synaptic level affords them the capacity to sample and integrate information originating from unrelated synapses, regardless of any pre-synaptic and post-synaptic commonality. As astrocytes are classically considered slow responders, their influence at the synapse is widely recognized as modulatory. The aim herein is to reconsider the potential of astrocytes to participate directly in ongoing synaptic NMDAR activity and co-incident detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Sherwood
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-3300 Bordeaux, France;
| | | | - Aude Panatier
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-3300 Bordeaux, France;
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Álvarez-Merz I, Luengo JG, Muñoz MD, Hernández-Guijo JM, Solís JM. Hypoxia-induced depression of synaptic transmission becomes irreversible by intracellular accumulation of non-excitatory amino acids. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108557. [PMID: 33848510 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular accumulation of some amino acids (AAs), mainly glutamine, can contribute to brain edema observed during liver failure. We recently demonstrated that individual applications of high concentrations (10 mM) of some non-excitatory AAs increase the electrical resistance of hippocampal slices, indicating cell swelling. Therefore, we pondered whether an AA mixture's application might cause cell swelling at a physiological concentration range. In rat hippocampal slices, we carried out extra- and intracellular electrophysiological recordings and AAs analysis to address this question. We applied a mixture of 19 AAs at their plasmatic concentrations (Plasma solution: Ala, Gly, Gln, His, Ser, Tau, Thr, Arg, Leu, Met, Pro, Val, Asn, Cys, Phe, Ile, Lys, Tyr, and Trp). This solution was afterward divided into two according to the individual AAs at 10 mM concentration inducing synaptic potentiation (Plasma1, containing the first seven AAs of Plasma) or not (Plasma2, with the remaining AAs). Plasma application increased evoked field potentials requiring extracellular chloride. This effect was mimicked by the Plasma1 but not the Plasma2 solution. Plasma1-induced potentiation was independent of changes in release probability, basic electrophysiological membrane properties, and NMDAR activation. AAs in Plasma1 act cooperatively to accumulate intracellularly and to induce synaptic potentiation. In the presence of Plasma1, the reversible synaptic depression caused by a 40-min hypoxia period turned into an irreversible disappearance of synaptic potentials through an NMDAR-dependent mechanism. The presence of a system A transport inhibitor did not block Plasma1-mediated effects. These results indicate that cell swelling, induced by the accumulation of non-excitotoxic AAs through unidentified transporters, might foster deleterious effects produced by hypoxia-ischemia episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología y Terapeútica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, Avda. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier G Luengo
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología y Terapeútica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, Avda. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Muñoz
- Unidad de Neurología Experimental, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, 28034, Spain
| | - Jesús M Hernández-Guijo
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapeútica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, Avda. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Solís
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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To VPTH, Masagounder K, Loewen ME. Critical transporters of methionine and methionine hydroxyl analogue supplements across the intestine: What we know so far and what can be learned to advance animal nutrition. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 255:110908. [PMID: 33482339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
DL-methionine (DL-Met) and its analogue DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL-methionine hydroxyl analogue or DL-MHA) have been used as nutritional supplements in the diets of farmed raised animals. Knowledge of the intestinal transport mechanisms involved in these products is important for developing dietary strategies. This review provides updated information of the expression, function, and transport kinetics in the intestine of known Met-linked transporters along with putative MHA-linked transporters. As a neutral amino acid (AA), the transport of DL-Met is facilitated by multiple apical sodium-dependent/-independent high-/low-affinity transporters such as ASCT2, B0AT1 and rBAT/b0,+AT. The basolateral transport largely relies on the rate-limiting uniporter LAT4, while the presence of the basolateral antiporter y+LAT1 is probably necessary for exchanging intracellular cationic AAs and Met in the blood. In contrast, the intestinal transport kinetics of DL-MHA have been scarcely studied. DL-MHA transport is generally accepted to be mediated simply by the proton-dependent monocarboxylate transporter MCT1. However, in-depth mechanistic studies have indicated that DL-MHA transport is also achieved through apical sodium monocarboxylate transporters (SMCTs). In any case, reliance on either a proton or sodium gradient would thus require energy input for both Met and MHA transport. This expanding knowledge of the specific transporters involved now allows us to assess the effect of dietary ingredients on the expression and function of these transporters. Potentially, the resulting information could be furthered with selective breeding to reduce overall feed costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Pham Thi Ha To
- Veterinary Biomedical Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Matthew E Loewen
- Veterinary Biomedical Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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15
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Bhat S, El-Kasaby A, Freissmuth M, Sucic S. Functional and Biochemical Consequences of Disease Variants in Neurotransmitter Transporters: A Special Emphasis on Folding and Trafficking Deficits. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107785. [PMID: 33310157 PMCID: PMC7612411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters, such as γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetyl choline, glycine and the monoamines, facilitate the crosstalk within the central nervous system. The designated neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) both release and take up neurotransmitters to and from the synaptic cleft. NTT dysfunction can lead to severe pathophysiological consequences, e.g. epilepsy, intellectual disability, or Parkinson’s disease. Genetic point mutations in NTTs have recently been associated with the onset of various neurological disorders. Some of these mutations trigger folding defects in the NTT proteins. Correct folding is a prerequisite for the export of NTTs from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the subsequent trafficking to their pertinent site of action, typically at the plasma membrane. Recent studies have uncovered some of the key features in the molecular machinery responsible for transporter protein folding, e.g., the role of heat shock proteins in fine-tuning the ER quality control mechanisms in cells. The therapeutic significance of understanding these events is apparent from the rising number of reports, which directly link different pathological conditions to NTT misfolding. For instance, folding-deficient variants of the human transporters for dopamine or GABA lead to infantile parkinsonism/dystonia and epilepsy, respectively. From a therapeutic point of view, some folding-deficient NTTs are amenable to functional rescue by small molecules, known as chemical and pharmacological chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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16
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Zaragozá R. Transport of Amino Acids Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Physiol 2020; 11:973. [PMID: 33071801 PMCID: PMC7538855 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain-barrier (BBB), present in brain capillaries, constitutes an essential barrier mechanism for normal functioning and development of the brain. The presence of tight junctions between adjacent endothelial cells restricts permeability and movement of molecules between extracellular fluid and plasma. The protein complexes that control cell-cell attachment also polarize cellular membrane, so that it can be divided into luminal (blood-facing) and abluminal (brain) sides, and each solute that enters/leaves the brain must cross both membranes. Several amino acid (AA) transport systems with different distributions on both sides of the BBB have been described. In a broad sense, there are at least five different systems of facilitative transporters and all of them are found in the luminal membrane. Some of these transporters are very specific for a small group of substrates and are located exclusively on the luminal side of the BBB. However, the two major facilitative carriers, system L and system y+, are located in both membranes, although asymmetrically. The position of these Na+-independent transporters ensures AA availability in the brain and also its bidirectional transport across the endothelial cells. On the other hand, there are several Na+-dependent transport systems that transport AAs against its concentration gradient together with the movement of Na+ ions. The majority of these active transporters are present exclusively at the abluminal membrane and are responsible for AA efflux from the brain into the endothelial cells. Since they are Na+-coupled, the sodium pump Na+/K+-ATPase is also highly expressed on this abluminal side of the BBB. Once inside the cell, the facilitative transporters located in the luminal membranes mediate export from the endothelial cell to the blood. In summary, the polarized distribution of these transport systems between the luminal and abluminal membranes, and the fact that more than one transporter may carry the same substrate, ensures supply and excretion of AAs in and out of the brain, thereby controlling its homeostasis and proper function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Zaragozá
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embriology, School of Medicine, IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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17
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To VPTH, Masagounder K, Loewen ME. SLC transporters ASCT2, B 0 AT1-like, y + LAT1, and LAT4-like associate with methionine electrogenic and radio-isotope flux kinetics in rainbow trout intestine. Physiol Rep 2020; 7:e14274. [PMID: 31705630 PMCID: PMC6841986 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methionine (Met) is an important building block and metabolite for protein biosynthesis. However, the mechanism behind its absorption in the fish gut has not been elucidated. Here, we describe the fundamental properties of Met transport along trout gut at µmol/L and mmol/L concentration. Both electrogenic and unidirectional DL‐[14C]Met flux were employed to characterize Met transporters in Ussing chambers. Exploiting the differences in gene expression between diploid (2N) and triploid (3N) and intestinal segment as tools, allowed the association between gene and methionine transport. Specifically, three intestinal segments including pyloric caeca (PC), midgut (MG), and hindgut (HG) were assessed. Results at 0–150 µmol/L concentration demonstrated that the DL‐Met was most likely transported by apical transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) and recycled by basolateral transporter y+LAT1 (SLC7A7) due to five lines of observation: (1) lack of Na+‐independent kinetics, (2) low expression of B0AT2‐like gene, (3) Na+‐dependent, high‐affinity (Km, µmol/L ranges) kinetics in DL‐[14C]Met flux, (4) association mRNA expression with the high‐affinity kinetics and (5) electrogenic currents induced by Met. Results at 0.2–20 mmol/L concentration suggested that the DL‐Met transport is likely transported by B0AT1‐like (SLC6A19‐like) based on gene expression, Na+‐dependence and low‐affinity kinetics (Km, mmol/L ranges). Similarly, genomic and gene expression analysis suggest that the basolateral exit of methionine was primarily through LAT4‐like transporter (SLC43A2‐like). Conclusively, DL‐Met uptake in trout gut was most likely governed by Na+‐dependent apical transporters ASCT2 and B0AT1‐like and released through basolateral LAT4‐like, with some recycling through y+LAT1. A comparatively simpler model than that previously described in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van P T H To
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Matthew E Loewen
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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18
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Maugard M, Vigneron PA, Bolaños JP, Bonvento G. l-Serine links metabolism with neurotransmission. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 197:101896. [PMID: 32798642 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain energy metabolism is often considered as a succession of biochemical steps that metabolize the fuel (glucose and oxygen) for the unique purpose of providing sufficient ATP to maintain the huge information processing power of the brain. However, a significant fraction (10-15 %) of glucose is shunted away from the ATP-producing pathway (oxidative phosphorylation) and may be used to support other functions. Recent studies have pointed to the marked compartmentation of energy metabolic pathways between neurons and glial cells. Here, we focused our attention on the biosynthesis of l-serine, a non-essential amino acid that is formed exclusively in glial cells (mostly astrocytes) by re-routing the metabolic fate of the glycolytic intermediate, 3-phosphoglycerate (3PG). This metabolic pathway is called the phosphorylated pathway and transforms 3PG into l-serine via three enzymatic reactions. We first compiled the available data on the mechanisms that regulate the flux through this metabolic pathway. We then reviewed the current evidence that is beginning to unravel the roles of l-serine both in the healthy and diseased brain, leading to the notion that this specific metabolic pathway connects glial metabolism with synaptic activity and plasticity. We finally suggest that restoring astrocyte-mediated l-serine homeostasis may provide new therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Maugard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre-Antoine Vigneron
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Juan P Bolaños
- Institute of Functional Biology and Genomics (IBFG), Universidad de Salamanca, CSIC, Salamanca, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Gilles Bonvento
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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19
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Characterization of a Cell Line Model for d-Serine Uptake. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 187:113360. [PMID: 32447235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
d-Serine is an important co-agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain and its altered activity was identified in various pathological conditions. Modification of the extracellular d-serine level is suggested to be able to modulate the receptor function. Its transporters may thus serve as potential drug targets. The aim of this work was to find an easily available human cell line model appropriate for screening molecules affecting d-serine transporters. Characteristics of d-serine transport into SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line were studied and compared to those in cultured primary astrocytes. Uptake was followed by measuring intracellular d-serine concentration by capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection method. We found that SH-SY5Y cells express functional ASCT-1 and ASCT-2 neutral amino acid transporters and show similar d-serine uptake kinetics to cultured astrocytes. Neutral amino acids inhibited d-serine uptake similarly in both cell types. Complete inhibition was achieved by l-alanine and l-threonine alike, while the two-step inhibition curve of trans-hydroxy-l-proline, a selective inhibitor of ASCT-1 supported the presence of functioning ASCT-1 and ASCT-2 transporters. Its higher affinity step corresponding to inhibition of ASCT-1 was responsible for about 30% of the total d-serine uptake. Based on our results human SH-SY5Y cell line shows similar uptake characteristics to primary astrocytes and thus can serve as a suitable model system for testing of compounds for influencing d-serine uptake into astrocytes.
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20
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Qureshi T, Bjørkmo M, Nordengen K, Gundersen V, Utheim TP, Watne LO, Storm-Mathisen J, Hassel B, Chaudhry FA. Slc38a1 Conveys Astroglia-Derived Glutamine into GABAergic Interneurons for Neurotransmitter GABA Synthesis. Cells 2020; 9:E1686. [PMID: 32668809 PMCID: PMC7407890 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA signaling is involved in a wide range of neuronal functions, such as synchronization of action potential firing, synaptic plasticity and neuronal development. Sustained GABA signaling requires efficient mechanisms for the replenishment of the neurotransmitter pool of GABA. The prevailing theory is that exocytotically released GABA may be transported into perisynaptic astroglia and converted to glutamine, which is then shuttled back to the neurons for resynthesis of GABA-i.e., the glutamate/GABA-glutamine (GGG) cycle. However, an unequivocal demonstration of astroglia-to-nerve terminal transport of glutamine and the contribution of astroglia-derived glutamine to neurotransmitter GABA synthesis is lacking. By genetic inactivation of the amino acid transporter Solute carrier 38 member a1 (Slc38a1)-which is enriched on parvalbumin+ GABAergic neurons-and by intraperitoneal injection of radiolabeled acetate (which is metabolized to glutamine in astroglial cells), we show that Slc38a1 mediates import of astroglia-derived glutamine into GABAergic neurons for synthesis of GABA. In brain slices, we demonstrate the role of Slc38a1 for the uptake of glutamine specifically into GABAergic nerve terminals for the synthesis of GABA depending on demand and glutamine supply. Thus, while leaving room for other pathways, our study demonstrates a key role of Slc38a1 for newly formed GABA, in harmony with the existence of a GGG cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Qureshi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Mona Bjørkmo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Kaja Nordengen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Vidar Gundersen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Leiv Otto Watne
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Jon Storm-Mathisen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Bjørnar Hassel
- Department of Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Farrukh Abbas Chaudhry
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway; (T.Q.); (M.B.); (K.N.); (V.G.); (J.S.-M.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
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21
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Deletion of P2X7 Receptor Decreases Basal Glutathione Level by Changing Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle and Neutral Amino Acid Transporters. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040995. [PMID: 32316268 PMCID: PMC7226967 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide antioxidant that consists of glutamate-cysteine-glycine. GSH content is limited by the availability of glutamate and cysteine. Furthermore, glutamine is involved in the regulation of GSH synthesis via the glutamate–glutamine cycle. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is one of the cation-permeable ATP ligand-gated ion channels, which is involved in neuronal excitability, neuroinflammation and astroglial functions. In addition, P2X7R activation decreases glutamate uptake and glutamine synthase (GS) expression/activity. In the present study, we found that P2X7R deletion decreased the basal GSH level without altering GSH synthetic enzyme expressions in the mouse hippocampus. P2X7R deletion also increased expressions of GS and ASCT2 (a glutamine:cysteine exchanger), but diminished the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a GSH precursor) in the GSH level. SIN-1 (500 μM, a generator nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite), which facilitates the cystine–cysteine shuttle mediated by xCT (a glutamate/cystein:cystine/NAC antiporter), did not affect basal GSH concentration in WT and P2X7R knockout (KO) mice. However, SIN-1 effectively reduced the efficacy of NAC in GSH synthesis in WT mice, but not in P2X7R KO mice. Therefore, our findings indicate that P2X7R may be involved in the maintenance of basal GSH levels by regulating the glutamate–glutamine cycle and neutral amino acid transports under physiological conditions, which may be the defense mechanism against oxidative stress during P2X7R activation.
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Scalise M, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Console L, Indiveri C. Glutamine transporters as pharmacological targets: From function to drug design. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 15:207-219. [PMID: 32373200 PMCID: PMC7193454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different targets of administered drugs, there are membrane transporters that play also a role in drug delivery and disposition. Moreover, drug-transporter interactions are responsible for off-target effects of drugs underlying their toxicity. The improvement of the drug design process is subjected to the identification of those membrane transporters mostly relevant for drug absorption, delivery and side effect production. A peculiar group of proteins with great relevance to pharmacology is constituted by the membrane transporters responsible for managing glutamine traffic in different body districts. The interest around glutamine metabolism lies in its physio-pathological role; glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid because highly proliferative cells have an increased request of glutamine that cannot be satisfied only by endogenous synthesis. Then, glutamine transporters provide cells with this special nutrient. Among the glutamine transporters, SLC1A5, SLC6A14, SLC6A19, SLC7A5, SLC7A8 and some members of SLC38 family are the best characterized, so far, in both physiological and pathological conditions. Few 3D structures have been solved by CryoEM; other structural data on these transporters have been obtained by computational analysis. Interactions with drugs have been described for several transporters of this group. For some of them, the studies are at an advanced stage, for others, the studies are still in nuce and novel biochemical findings open intriguing perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
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Amino Acid Transporters and Exchangers from the SLC1A Family: Structure, Mechanism and Roles in Physiology and Cancer. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1268-1286. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02934-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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24
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The solute carrier transporters and the brain: Physiological and pharmacological implications. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 15:131-144. [PMID: 32373195 PMCID: PMC7193445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Solute carriers (SLCs) are the largest family of transmembrane transporters that determine the exchange of various substances, including nutrients, ions, metabolites, and drugs across biological membranes. To date, the presence of about 287 SLC genes have been identified in the brain, among which mutations or the resultant dysfunctions of 71 SLC genes have been reported to be correlated with human brain disorders. Although increasing interest in SLCs have focused on drug development, SLCs are currently still under-explored as drug targets, especially in the brain. We summarize the main substrates and functions of SLCs that are expressed in the brain, with an emphasis on selected SLCs that are important physiologically, pathologically, and pharmacologically in the blood-brain barrier, astrocytes, and neurons. Evidence suggests that a fraction of SLCs are regulated along with the occurrences of brain disorders, among which epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and autism are representative. Given the review of SLCs involved in the onset and procession of brain disorders, we hope these SLCs will be screened as promising drug targets to improve drug delivery to the brain.
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25
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Exchange-mode glutamine transport across CNS cell membranes. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107560. [PMID: 30853601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CNS cell membranes possess four transporters capable of exchanging Lglutamine (Gln) for other amino acids: the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transporters LAT1 and LAT2, the hybrid basic amino acid (L-arginine (Arg), L-leucine (Leu)/LNAA transporter y+LAT2, and the L-alanine/L-serine/L-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). LAT1/LAT2 and y+LAT2 are present in astrocytes, neurons and the blood brain barrier (BBB) - forming cerebral vascular endothelial cells (CVEC), while the location of ASCT2 in the individual cell types is a matter of debate. In the healthy brain, contribution of the exchangers to Gln shuttling from astrocytes to neurons and thus their role in controlling the conversion of Gln to the amino acid neurotransmitters l-glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Gln flux across the BBB appears negligible as compared to the system A and system N uniporters. Insofar, except for the contribution of LAT1 to the maintenance of Gln homeostasis in the interstitial fluid (ISF), no well-defined CNS-specific function has been established for either of the three transporters in the healthy brain. The Gln-accepting amino acid exchangers appear to gain significance under conditions of excessive brain Gln load (glutaminosis). Excess Gln efflux across the BBB enhances influx into the brain of L-tryptophan (Trp). Excess of Trp is responsible for overloading the brain with neuroactive compounds: serotonin, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid and/or oxindole, which contribute to neurotransmission imbalance accompanying hyperammonemia. In turn, alterations of y+LAT2-mediated Gln/Arg exchange and Arg uptake in astrocyte, modulate astrocytic nitric oxide synthesis and oxidative/nitrosative stress in ammonia-overexposed brain. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Billard JM, Freret T. Asc-1 transporter activation: an alternative to rescue age-related alterations in functional plasticity at rat hippocampal CA3/CA1 synapses. J Neurochem 2018; 147:514-525. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie Billard
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences; Université Paris Descartes; Sorbonne Paris Cité; UMR 894; Paris France
- Normandie Univ.; UNICAEN; INSERM; COMETE; Caen France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Univ.; UNICAEN; INSERM; COMETE; Caen France
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D'Aquila P, Crocco P, De Rango F, Indiveri C, Bellizzi D, Rose G, Passarino G. A Genetic Variant of ASCT2 Hampers In Vitro RNA Splicing and Correlates with Human Longevity. Rejuvenation Res 2018; 21:193-199. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2017.1948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia D'Aquila
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Paolina Crocco
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco De Rango
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Dina Bellizzi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Taslimifar M, Buoso S, Verrey F, Kurtcuoglu V. Functional Polarity of Microvascular Brain Endothelial Cells Supported by Neurovascular Unit Computational Model of Large Neutral Amino Acid Homeostasis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:171. [PMID: 29593549 PMCID: PMC5859092 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeostatic regulation of large neutral amino acid (LNAA) concentration in the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) is essential for proper brain function. LNAA passage into the brain is primarily mediated by the complex and dynamic interactions between various solute carrier (SLC) transporters expressed in the neurovascular unit (NVU), among which SLC7A5/LAT1 is considered to be the major contributor in microvascular brain endothelial cells (MBEC). The LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs, however, could not be characterized precisely by available in vitro and in vivo standard methods so far. To circumvent these limitations, we have incorporated published in vivo data of rat brain into a robust computational model of NVU-LNAA homeostasis, allowing us to evaluate hypotheses concerning LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs across the blood brain barrier (BBB). We show that accounting for functional polarity of MBECs with either asymmetric LAT1 distribution between membranes and/or intrinsic LAT1 asymmetry with low intraendothelial binding affinity is required to reproduce the experimentally measured brain ISF response to intraperitoneal (IP) L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine injection. On the basis of these findings, we have also investigated the effect of IP administrated L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine on the dynamics of LNAAs in MBECs, astrocytes and neurons. Finally, the computational model was shown to explain the trans-stimulation of LNAA uptake across the BBB observed upon ISF perfusion with a competitive LAT1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Taslimifar
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Epithelial Transport Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Buoso
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francois Verrey
- Epithelial Transport Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,National Center of Competence in Research, Kidney.CH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vartan Kurtcuoglu
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,National Center of Competence in Research, Kidney.CH, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Mutter J, Aaseth J. The toxicology of mercury: Current research and emerging trends. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:545-554. [PMID: 28889024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a persistent bio-accumulative toxic metal with unique physicochemical properties of public health concern since their natural and anthropogenic diffusions still induce high risk to human and environmental health. The goal of this review was to analyze scientific literature evaluating the role of global concerns over Hg exposure due to human exposure to ingestion of contaminated seafood (methyl-Hg) as well as elemental Hg levels of dental amalgam fillings (metallic Hg), vaccines (ethyl-Hg) and contaminated water and air (Hg chloride). Mercury has been recognized as a neurotoxicant as well as immunotoxic and designated by the World Health Organization as one of the ten most dangerous chemicals to public health. It has been shown that the half-life of inorganic Hg in human brains is several years to several decades. Mercury occurs in the environment under different chemical forms as elemental Hg (metallic), inorganic and organic Hg. Despite the raising understanding of the Hg toxicokinetics, there is still fully justified to further explore the emerging theories about its bioavailability and adverse effects in humans. In this review, we describe current research and emerging trends in Hg toxicity with the purpose of providing up-to-date information for a better understanding of the kinetics of this metal, presenting comprehensive knowledge on published data analyzing its metabolism, interaction with other metals, distribution, internal doses and targets, and reservoir organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24, 8610 Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Jan Aaseth
- Innlandet Hospital Trust and Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Wang J, Zhang K, Chen X, Liu X, Teng H, Zhao M, Sun Z. Epigenetic Activation of ASCT2 in the Hippocampus Contributes to Depression-Like Behavior by Regulating D-Serine in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:139. [PMID: 28536503 PMCID: PMC5422558 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of D-serine in depression are raised concerned recently as an intrinsic co-agonist for the NMDA receptor. However, the mechanisms underlying its regulation are not fully elucidated. ASCT2 is a Na+-dependent D-serine transporter. We found that decreased D-serine and increased hippocampal ASCT2 levels correlated with chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in mice. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA-mediated knockdown of ASCT2 and the administration of exogenous D-serine in the hippocampus alleviated CSDS-induced social avoidance and immobility. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that upregulation of ASCT2 expression in CSDS was regulated through histone hyper-acetylation, not DNA methylation in its promoter region. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the co-localization of ASCT2 and D-serine. Uptake of D-serine by ASCT2 was demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Our results indicate that CSDS induces ASCT2 expression through epigenetic activation and decreases hippocampal D-serine levels, leading to social avoidance, and immobility. Thus, targeting D-serine transport represents an attractive new strategy for treating depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiesi Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Huajing Teng
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Zhongsheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical CollegeWenzhou, China
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31
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Andersson M, Ersson L, Brandt I, Bergström U. Potential transfer of neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-alanine (BMAA) from mother to infant during breast-feeding: Predictions from human cell lines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 320:40-50. [PMID: 28174119 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-alanine (BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid produced by cyanobacteria, diatoms and dinoflagellates. BMAA has potential to biomagnify in a terrestrial food chain, and to bioaccumulate in fish and shellfish. We have reported that administration of [14C]l-BMAA to lactating mice and rats results in a mother to off-spring transfer via the milk. A preferential enantiomer-specific uptake of [14C]l-BMAA has also been demonstrated in differentiated murine mammary epithelium HC11 cells. These findings, together with neurotoxic effects of BMAA demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, highlight the need to determine whether such transfer could also occur in humans. Here, we used four cell lines of human origin to examine and compare the transport of the two BMAA enantiomers in vitro. The uptake patterns of [14C]l- and [14C]d-BMAA in the human mammary MCF7 cell line were in agreement with the results in murine HC11 cells, suggesting a potential secretion of BMAA into human breast milk. The permeability coefficients for both [14C]l- and [14C]d-BMAA over monolayers of human intestinal Caco2 cells supported an efficient absorption from the human intestine. As a final step, transport experiments confirmed that [14C]l-and [14C]d-BMAA can be taken up by human SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells and even more efficiently by human U343 glioblastoma cells. In competition experiments with various amino acids, the ASCT2 specific inhibitor benzylserine was the most effective inhibitor of [14C]l-BMAA uptake tested here. Altogether, our results suggest that BMAA can be transferred from an exposed mother, via the milk, to the brain of the nursed infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Andersson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Ersson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingvar Brandt
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulrika Bergström
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, SE-164 90 Stockholm, Sweden
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Rodríguez A, Ortega A. Glutamine/Glutamate Transporters in Glial Cells: Much More Than Participants of a Metabolic Shuttle. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 16:169-183. [PMID: 28828610 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55769-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Glial glutamine and glutamate transporters play an important role in glial/neuronal interactions. An excellent model to establish the role of these membrane proteins is the cerebellum. The most abundant glutamatergic synapse in the central nervous system is present in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex, and it is entirely wrapped by Bergmann glial cells. The recycling of glutamate involves glutamate and glutamine transporters enriched in these radial glial processes. The functional properties of amino acid glial transporters allow, in an activity-dependent manner, the conformation of protein complexes important for the adequate support of glutamatergic neurotransmission. A detailed description of the most important features of glial glutamate and glutamine transporters follows, and a working model of the molecular mechanisms by which these glutamate and glutamine binding proteins interact, and by these means might modulate cerebellar glutamatergic transactions, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Querétaro, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, México, DF, 07360, México.
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33
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Lee NY, Kim Y, Ryu H, Kang YS. The alteration of serine transporter activity in a cell line model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:135-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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34
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Dolgodilina E, Imobersteg S, Laczko E, Welt T, Verrey F, Makrides V. Brain interstitial fluid glutamine homeostasis is controlled by blood-brain barrier SLC7A5/LAT1 amino acid transporter. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2016; 36:1929-1941. [PMID: 26661195 PMCID: PMC5094305 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x15609331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
L-glutamine (Gln) is the most abundant amino acid in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and a precursor for the main central nervous system excitatory (L-glutamate) and inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) neurotransmitters. Concentrations of Gln and 13 other brain interstitial fluid amino acids were measured in awake, freely moving mice by hippocampal microdialysis using an extrapolation to zero flow rate method. Interstitial fluid levels for all amino acids including Gln were ∼5-10 times lower than in cerebrospinal fluid. Although the large increase in plasma Gln by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 15N2-labeled Gln (hGln) did not increase total interstitial fluid Gln, low levels of hGln were detected in microdialysis samples. Competitive inhibition of system A (SLC38A1&2; SNAT1&2) or system L (SLC7A5&8; LAT1&2) transporters in brain by perfusion with α-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid (MeAIB) or 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) respectively, was tested. The data showed a significantly greater increase in interstitial fluid Gln upon BCH than MeAIB treatment. Furthermore, brain BCH perfusion also strongly increased the influx of hGln into interstitial fluid following IP injection consistent with transstimulation of LAT1-mediated transendothelial transport. Taken together, the data support the independent homeostatic regulation of amino acids in interstitial fluid vs. cerebrospinal fluid and the role of the blood-brain barrier expressed SLC7A5/LAT1 as a key interstitial fluid gatekeeper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dolgodilina
- Institute of Physiology, Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP) and NCCR Kidney. CH, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Imobersteg
- Division of Psychiatry Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Endre Laczko
- Functional Genomic Center Zurich (FGCZ), ETH and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Welt
- Division of Psychiatry Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Francois Verrey
- Institute of Physiology, Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP) and NCCR Kidney. CH, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Makrides
- Institute of Physiology, Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP) and NCCR Kidney. CH, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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35
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Physical and functional interactions between the serotonin transporter and the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2. Biochem J 2016; 473:1953-65. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The activity of serotonergic systems depends on the reuptake of extracellular serotonin via its plasma membrane serotonin [5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine)] transporter (SERT), a member of the Na+/Cl−-dependent solute carrier 6 family. SERT is finely regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms including its physical interaction with intracellular proteins. The majority of previously identified SERT partners that control its functional activity are soluble proteins, which bind to its intracellular domains. SERT also interacts with transmembrane proteins, but its association with other plasma membrane transporters remains to be established. Using a proteomics strategy, we show that SERT associates with ASCT2 (alanine–serine–cysteine–threonine 2), a member of the solute carrier 1 family co-expressed with SERT in serotonergic neurons and involved in the transport of small neutral amino acids across the plasma membrane. Co-expression of ASCT2 with SERT in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells affects glycosylation and cell-surface localization of SERT with a concomitant reduction in its 5-HT uptake activity. Conversely, depletion of cellular ASCT2 by RNAi enhances 5-HT uptake in both HEK-293 cells and primary cultured mesencephalon neurons. Mimicking the effect of ASCT2 down-regulation, treatment of HEK-293 cells and neurons with the ASCT2 inhibitor D-threonine also increases 5-HT uptake. Moreover, D-threonine does not enhance further the maximal velocity of 5-HT uptake in cells depleted of ASCT2. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for a complex assembly involving SERT and a member of another solute carrier family, which strongly influences the subcellular distribution of SERT and the reuptake of 5-HT.
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36
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Foster AC, Farnsworth J, Lind GE, Li YX, Yang JY, Dang V, Penjwini M, Viswanath V, Staubli U, Kavanaugh MP. D-Serine Is a Substrate for Neutral Amino Acid Transporters ASCT1/SLC1A4 and ASCT2/SLC1A5, and Is Transported by Both Subtypes in Rat Hippocampal Astrocyte Cultures. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156551. [PMID: 27272177 PMCID: PMC4896441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Activation of NMDA receptors by synaptically released L-glutamate also requires occupancy of co-agonist binding sites in the tetrameric receptor by either glycine or D-serine. Although D-serine appears to be the predominant co-agonist at synaptic NMDA receptors, the transport mechanisms involved in D-serine homeostasis in brain are poorly understood. In this work we show that the SLC1 amino acid transporter family members SLC1A4 (ASCT1) and SLC1A5 (ASCT2) mediate homo- and hetero-exchange of D-serine with physiologically relevant kinetic parameters. In addition, the selectivity profile of D-serine uptake in cultured rat hippocampal astrocytes is consistent with uptake mediated by both ASCT1 and ASCT2. Together these data suggest that SLC1A4 (ASCT1) may represent an important route of Na-dependent D-serine flux in the brain that has the ability to regulate extracellular D-serine and thereby NMDA receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C. Foster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YXL); (ACF); (MPK)
| | - Jill Farnsworth
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States of America
| | - Genevieve E. Lind
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States of America
| | - Yong-Xin Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YXL); (ACF); (MPK)
| | - Jia-Ying Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
| | - Van Dang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
| | - Mahmud Penjwini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
| | - Veena Viswanath
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
| | - Ursula Staubli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Kavanaugh
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YXL); (ACF); (MPK)
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The Glutamine Transporters and Their Role in the Glutamate/GABA-Glutamine Cycle. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 13:223-257. [PMID: 27885631 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45096-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine is a key amino acid in the CNS, playing an important role in the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle (GGC). In the GGC, glutamine is transferred from astrocytes to neurons, where it will replenish the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter pools. Different transporters participate in this neural communication, i.e., the transporters responsible for glutamine efflux from astrocytes and influx into the neurons, such as the members of the SNAT, LAT, y+LAT, and ASC families of transporters. The SNAT family consists of the transporter isoforms SNAT3 and SNAT5 that are related to efflux from the astrocytic compartment, and SNAT1 and SNAT2 that are associated with glutamine uptake into the neuronal compartment. The isoforms SNAT7 and SNAT8 do not have their role completely understood, but they likely also participate in the GGC. The isoforms LAT2 and y+LAT2 facilitate the exchange of neutral amino acids and cationic amino acids (y+LAT2 isoform) and have been associated with glutamine efflux from astrocytes. ASCT2 is a Na+-dependent antiporter, the participation of which in the GGC also remains to be better characterized. All these isoforms are tightly regulated by transcriptional and translational mechanisms, which are induced by several determinants such as amino acid deprivation, hormones, pH, and the activity of different signaling pathways. Dysfunctional glutamine transporter activity has been associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms of certain neurologic diseases, such as Hepatic Encephalopathy and Manganism. However, there might also be other neuropathological conditions associated with an altered GGC, in which glutamine transporters are dysfunctional. Hence, it appears to be of critical importance that the physiological and pathological aspects of glutamine transporters are thoroughly investigated.
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Zheng M, Ruan S, Liu S, Sun T, Qu D, Zhao H, Xie Z, Gao H, Jing X, Sun Z. Self-Targeting Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Diagnosis of Brain Cancer Cells. ACS NANO 2015; 9:11455-61. [PMID: 26458137 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b05575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A new type of carbon dots (CD-Asp) with targeting function toward brain cancer glioma was synthesized via a straightforward pyrolysis route by using D-glucose and L-aspartic acid as starting materials. The as-prepared CD-Asp exhibits not only excellent biocompatibility and tunable full-color emission, but also significant capability of targeting C6 glioma cells without the aid of any extra targeting molecules. In vivo fluorescence images showed high-contrast biodistribution of CD-Asp 15 min after tail vein injection. A much stronger fluorescent signal was detected in the glioma site than that in normal brain, indicating their ability to freely penetrate the blood-brain barrier and precisely targeting glioma tissue. However, its counterparts, the CDs synthesized from D-glucose (CD-G), L-asparic acid (CD-A), or D-glucose and L-glutamic acid (CD-Glu) have no or low selectivity for glioma. Therefore, CD-Asp could act as a fluorescence imaging and targeting agent for noninvasive glioma diagnosis. This work highlights the potential application of CDs for constructing an intelligent nanomedicine with integration of diagnostic, targeting, and therapeutic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- Chemistry and Life Science School, Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology , 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun, Jilin 130012, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 3888 East Nanhu Road, Changchun, Jilin 130033, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaobo Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17 Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 3888 East Nanhu Road, Changchun, Jilin 130033, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 3888 East Nanhu Road, Changchun, Jilin 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17 Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiabin Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaicheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 3888 East Nanhu Road, Changchun, Jilin 130033, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology , Beijing 100124, People's Republic of China
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Zhou J, Fan S, Cao Y, Zhu M, Han Y, Cao X, Li Y. Tumor necrosis factor-α suppresses the protein fractional synthesis rate of the small intestine stimulated by glutamine in rats. Exp Ther Med 2014; 9:547-552. [PMID: 25574232 PMCID: PMC4280961 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine whether and how TNF-α affects glutamine-enhanced protein synthesis and the expression of the amino acid transporter ASCT2 in the small intestine at the mRNA and protein levels. A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups, namely the total parenteral nutrition (TPN; control), glutamine-treated (Gln), and glutamine- and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-treated (TNF-α) groups. At 30 min prior to examination, all rats were mainlined with [L-15N]leucine. The concentration of TNF-α in plasma and of glutamine in plasma and the small intestine was measured. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of protein and the mRNA and protein expression levels of ASCT2 in the small intestine were assessed. The level of TNF-α was highest in the TNF-α group and the glutamine concentration was elevated to a greater extent in the TNF-α group than in the other two groups. However, the FSR of protein in the small intestine was significantly higher in the Gln group compared with that in the TNF-α group. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ASCT2 in the experimental groups were significantly higher that those in the control group, but did not differ significantly between the Gln and TNF-α groups. These results indicate that TNF-α may attenuate glutamine-stimulated protein synthesis in the small intestine in the early stage of sepsis in rats. The mechanism may be that TNF-α inhibits the function of the glutamine transporter in the uptake the glutamine into target cells for protein synthesis. This inhibition may occur at or following protein translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Zhou
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Shengxian Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yacheng Cao
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Mingfang Zhu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yong Han
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Cao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yousheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-5-(4-[18F]fluorophenyl)pent-4-ynoic acid ([18F]FPhPA): A novel 18F-labeled amino acid for oncologic PET imaging. Nucl Med Biol 2014; 41:660-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2014.05.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Pochini L, Scalise M, Galluccio M, Indiveri C. Membrane transporters for the special amino acid glutamine: structure/function relationships and relevance to human health. Front Chem 2014; 2:61. [PMID: 25157349 PMCID: PMC4127817 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine together with glucose is essential for body's homeostasis. It is the most abundant amino acid and is involved in many biosynthetic, regulatory and energy production processes. Several membrane transporters which differ in transport modes, ensure glutamine homeostasis by coordinating its absorption, reabsorption and delivery to tissues. These transporters belong to different protein families, are redundant and ubiquitous. Their classification, originally based on functional properties, has recently been associated with the SLC nomenclature. Function of glutamine transporters is studied in cells over-expressing the transporters or, more recently in proteoliposomes harboring the proteins extracted from animal tissues or over-expressed in microorganisms. The role of the glutamine transporters is linked to their transport modes and coupling with Na+ and H+. Most transporters share specificity for other neutral or cationic amino acids. Na+-dependent co-transporters efficiently accumulate glutamine while antiporters regulate the pools of glutamine and other amino acids. The most acknowledged glutamine transporters belong to the SLC1, 6, 7, and 38 families. The members involved in the homeostasis are the co-transporters B0AT1 and the SNAT members 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7; the antiporters ASCT2, LAT1 and 2. The last two are associated to the ancillary CD98 protein. Some information on regulation of the glutamine transporters exist, which, however, need to be deepened. No information at all is available on structures, besides some homology models obtained using similar bacterial transporters as templates. Some models of rat and human glutamine transporters highlight very similar structures between the orthologs. Moreover the presence of glycosylation and/or phosphorylation sites located at the extracellular or intracellular faces has been predicted. ASCT2 and LAT1 are over-expressed in several cancers, thus representing potential targets for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Martineau M, Parpura V, Mothet JP. Cell-type specific mechanisms of D-serine uptake and release in the brain. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2014; 6:12. [PMID: 24910611 PMCID: PMC4039169 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2014.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence during the last decade established that D-serine is a key signaling molecule utilized by neurons and astroglia in the mammalian central nervous system. D-serine is increasingly appreciated as the main physiological endogenous coagonist for synaptic NMDA receptors at central excitatory synapses; it is mandatory for long-term changes in synaptic strength, memory, learning, and social interactions. Alterations in the extracellular levels of D-serine leading to disrupted cell-cell signaling are a trademark of many chronic or acute neurological (i.e., Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, stroke) and psychiatric (i.e., schizophrenia) disorders, and are associated with addictive behavior (i.e., cocaine addiction). Indeed, fine tuning of the extracellular levels of D-serine, achieved by various molecular machineries and signaling pathways, is necessary for maintenance of accurate NMDA receptor functions. Here, we review the experimental data supporting the notion that astroglia and neurons use different pathways to regulate levels of extracellular D-serine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Martineau
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Muenster Muenster, Germany
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA ; Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
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Brown JM, Hunihan L, Prack MM, Harden DG, Bronson J, Dzierba CD, Gentles RG, Hendricson A, Krause R, Macor JE, Westphal RS. In vitro
Characterization of a small molecule inhibitor of the alanine serine cysteine transporter -1 (SLC7A10). J Neurochem 2013; 129:275-83. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Kanai Y, Clémençon B, Simonin A, Leuenberger M, Lochner M, Weisstanner M, Hediger MA. The SLC1 high-affinity glutamate and neutral amino acid transporter family. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:108-20. [PMID: 23506861 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate transporters play important roles in the termination of excitatory neurotransmission and in providing cells throughout the body with glutamate for metabolic purposes. The high-affinity glutamate transporters EAAC1 (SLC1A1), GLT1 (SLC1A2), GLAST (SLC1A3), EAAT4 (SLC1A6), and EAAT5 (SLC1A7) mediate the cellular uptake of glutamate by the co-transport of three sodium ions (Na(+)) and one proton (H(+)), with the counter-transport of one potassium ion (K(+)). Thereby, they protect the CNS from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Loss of function of glutamate transporters has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, glutamate transporters play a role in glutamate excitotoxicity following an ischemic stroke, due to reversed glutamate transport. Besides glutamate transporters, the SLC1 family encompasses two transporters of neutral amino acids, ASCT1 (SLC1A4) and ASCT2 (SLC1A5). Both transporters facilitate electroneutral exchange of amino acids in neurons and/or cells of the peripheral tissues. Some years ago, a high resolution structure of an archaeal homologue of the SLC1 family was determined, followed by the elucidation of its structure in the presence of the substrate aspartate and the inhibitor d,l-threo-benzyloxy aspartate (d,l-TBOA). Historically, the first few known inhibitors of SLC1 transporters were based on constrained glutamate analogs which were active in the high micromolar range but often also showed off-target activity at glutamate receptors. Further development led to the discovery of l-threo-β-hydroxyaspartate derivatives, some of which effectively inhibited SLC1 transporters at nanomolar concentrations. More recently, small molecule inhibitors have been identified whose structures are not based on amino acids. Activators of SLC1 family members have also been discovered but there are only a few examples known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Division of Biosystem Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan
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Maucler C, Pernot P, Vasylieva N, Pollegioni L, Marinesco S. In vivo D-serine hetero-exchange through alanine-serine-cysteine (ASC) transporters detected by microelectrode biosensors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2013; 4:772-81. [PMID: 23581544 DOI: 10.1021/cn4000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
D-serine, a co-agonist of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, has been implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as cerebral ischemia, lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, or schizophrenia. D-serine signaling represents an important pharmacological target for treating these diseases; however, the biochemical mechanisms controlling extracellular D-serine levels in vivo are still unclear. D-serine heteroexchange through small neutral amino acid transporters has been shown in cell cultures and brain slices and could provide a biochemical mechanism for the control of D-serine extracellular concentration in vivo. Alternatively, exocytotic D-serine release has also been proposed. In this study, the dynamics of D-serine release and clearance were explored in vivo on a second-by-second time scale using microelectrode biosensors. The rate of D-serine clearance in the rat frontal cortex after a microionophoretic injection revealed a transporter-mediated uptake mechanism. D-serine uptake was blocked by small neutral l-amino acids, implicating alanine-serine-cysteine (ASC) transporters, in particular high affinity Asc-1 and low affinity ASCT2 transporters. Interestingly, changes in alanine, serine, or threonine levels resulted in D-serine release through ASC transporters. Asc-1, but not ASCT2, appeared to release D-serine in response to changes in amino acid concentrations. Finally, neuronal silencing by tetrodotoxin increased D-serine extracellular concentration by an ASC-transporter-dependent mechanism. Together, these results indicate that D-serine heteroexchange through ASC transporters is present in vivo and may constitute a key component in the regulation of D-serine extracellular concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maucler
- INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292 Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, AniRA-Neurochem technological platform, team WAKING, Lyon F-69000, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Pierre Pernot
- INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292 Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, AniRA-Neurochem technological platform, team WAKING, Lyon F-69000, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
| | - Natalia Vasylieva
- INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292 Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, AniRA-Neurochem technological platform, team WAKING, Lyon F-69000, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
- Institut de nanotechnologie de Lyon, CNRS UMR-5270, INSA de Lyon, France
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell’Insubria, Varese, Italy
- “The Protein Factory”, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Biotecnologie Proteiche ICRM-CNR Milano, Politecnico di Milano and Università degli studi dell’Insubria, Italy
| | - Stéphane Marinesco
- INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292 Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, AniRA-Neurochem technological platform, team WAKING, Lyon F-69000, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon F-69000, France
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Neuronal D-serine and glycine release via the Asc-1 transporter regulates NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic activity. J Neurosci 2013; 33:3533-44. [PMID: 23426681 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3836-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
D-Serine and glycine are coagonists of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), but their relative contributions for several NMDAR-dependent processes are unclear. We now report that the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter-1 (Asc-1) mediates release of both D-serine and glycine from neurons, and, in turn, this modulates NMDAR synaptic activity. Asc-1 antiporter activity is enhanced by D-isoleucine (D-Ile), which releases D-serine and glycine from Asc-1-transfected cells, primary neuronal cultures, and hippocampal slices. D-Ile has no effect on astrocytes, which do not express Asc-1. We show that D-Ile enhances the long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat and mouse hippocampal CA1 by stimulating Asc-1-mediated endogenous D-serine release. D-Ile effects on synaptic plasticity are abolished by enzymatically depleting D-serine or by using serine racemase knock-out (SR-KO) mice, confirming its specificity and supporting the notion that LTP depends mostly on D-serine release. Conversely, our data also disclose a role of glycine in activating synaptic NMDARs. Although acute enzymatic depletion of D-serine also drastically decreases the isolated NMDAR synaptic potentials, these responses are still enhanced by D-Ile. Furthermore, NMDAR synaptic potentials are preserved in SR-KO mice and are also enhanced by D-Ile, indicating that glycine overlaps with D-serine binding at synaptic NMDARs. Altogether, our results disclose a novel role of Asc-1 in regulating NMDAR-dependent synaptic activity by mediating concurrent non-vesicular release of D-serine and glycine. Our data also highlight an important role of neuron-derived D-serine and glycine, indicating that astrocytic D-serine is not solely responsible for activating synaptic NMDARs.
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Takarada T, Takarada-Iemata M, Takahata Y, Yamada D, Yamamoto T, Nakamura Y, Hinoi E, Yoneda Y. Osteoclastogenesis is negatively regulated by D-serine produced by osteoblasts. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3477-87. [PMID: 22252936 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have shown the functional expression by chondrocytes of serine racemase (SR) which is responsible for the synthesis of D-serine (Ser) from L-Ser in cartilage. In this study, we evaluated the possible functional expression of SR by bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Expression of SR mRNA was seen in osteoblasts localized at the cancellous bone surface in neonatal rat tibial sections and in cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts endowed to release D-Ser into extracellular medium, but not in cultured osteoclasts differentiated from murine bone marrow progenitor cells. Sustained exposure to D-Ser failed to significantly affect alkaline phosphatase activity and Ca(2+) accumulation in cultured osteoblasts, but significantly inhibited differentiation and maturation in a concentration-dependent manner at a concentration range of 0.1-1 mM without affecting cellular survival in cultured osteoclasts. By contrast, L-Ser promoted osteoclastic differentiation in a manner sensitive to the inhibition by D-Ser. Matured osteoclasts expressed mRNA for the amino acid transporter B(0,+) (ATB(0,+) ) and the system alanine, serine, and cysteine amino acid transporter-2 (ASCT2), which are individually capable of similarly incorporating extracellular L- and D-Ser. Knockdown of these transporters by siRNA prevented both the promotion by L-Ser and the inhibition by D-Ser of osteoclastic differentiation in pre-osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that D-Ser may play a pivotal role in osteoclastogenesis through a mechanism related to the incorporation mediated by both ATB(0,+) and ASCT2 of serine enantiomers in osteoclasts after the synthesis and subsequent release from adjacent osteoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Takarada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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Syversen T, Kaur P. The toxicology of mercury and its compounds. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2012; 26:215-26. [PMID: 22658719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A concentrated review on the toxicology of inorganic mercury together with an extensive review on the neurotoxicology of methylmercury is presented. The challenges of using inorganic mercury in dental amalgam are reviewed both regarding the occupational exposure and the possible health problems for the dental patients. The two remaining "mysteries" of methylmercury neurotoxicology are also being reviewed; the cellular selectivity and the delayed onset of symptoms. The relevant literature on these aspects has been discussed and some suggestions towards explaining these observations have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Syversen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Neuroscience, Trondheim, Norway.
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Albers T, Marsiglia W, Thomas T, Gameiro A, Grewer C. Defining substrate and blocker activity of alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) Ligands with Novel Serine Analogs. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 81:356-65. [PMID: 22113081 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.075648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neutral amino acid transporter alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) belongs to the solute carrier 1 (SLC1) family of solute transporters and transports small, neutral amino acids across the membrane, including the physiologically important and ubiquitous amino acid glutamine. Our understanding of the involvement of ASCT2 in the physiological processes involving glutamine is hampered by a lack of understanding of its pharmacology and the absence of high-affinity inhibitors. In this study, we combined an in silico docking approach with experimental investigation of binding parameters to develop new ASCT2 inhibitors and substrates, a series of serine esters, and to determine structural parameters that govern their functional effects. The series of compounds was synthesized using standard methods and exhibited a range of properties, from inhibitors to partial substrates and full substrates. Our results suggest that amino acid derivatives with small side-chain volume and low side-chain hydrophobicity interact strongly with the closed-loop form of the binding site, in which re-entrant loop 2, the presumed extracellular gate for the substrate binding site, is closed off. However, these derivatives bind weakly to the open-loop form (external gate open to the extracellular side), acting as transported substrates. In contrast, inhibitors bind preferentially to the open-loop form. An aromatic residue in the side chain is required for high-affinity interaction. One of the compounds, the l-serine ester serine biphenyl-4-carboxylate reversibly inhibits ASCT2 function with an apparent affinity of 30 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Albers
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
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Nishikawa T. Analysis of free d-serine in mammals and its biological relevance. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2011; 879:3169-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2011.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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