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Stöber TM, Batulin D, Triesch J, Narayanan R, Jedlicka P. Degeneracy in epilepsy: multiple routes to hyperexcitable brain circuits and their repair. Commun Biol 2023; 6:479. [PMID: 37137938 PMCID: PMC10156698 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04823-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its complex and multifaceted nature, developing effective treatments for epilepsy is still a major challenge. To deal with this complexity we introduce the concept of degeneracy to the field of epilepsy research: the ability of disparate elements to cause an analogous function or malfunction. Here, we review examples of epilepsy-related degeneracy at multiple levels of brain organisation, ranging from the cellular to the network and systems level. Based on these insights, we outline new multiscale and population modelling approaches to disentangle the complex web of interactions underlying epilepsy and to design personalised multitarget therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Manfred Stöber
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute for Neural Computation, Faculty of Computer Science, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Danylo Batulin
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- CePTER - Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University, 60486, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jochen Triesch
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rishikesh Narayanan
- Cellular Neurophysiology Laboratory, Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Peter Jedlicka
- ICAR3R - Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Ssempijja F, Dare SS, Bukenya EEM, Kasozi KI, Kenganzi R, Fernandez EM, Vicente-Crespo M. Attenuation of Seizures, Cognitive Deficits, and Brain Histopathology by Phytochemicals of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv (Poaceae) in Acute and Chronic Mutant Drosophila melanogaster Epilepsy Models. J Evid Based Integr Med 2023; 28:2515690X231160191. [PMID: 36866635 PMCID: PMC9989407 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x231160191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Imperata cylindrica is a globally distributed plant known for its antiepileptic attributes, but there is a scarcity of robust evidence for its efficacy. The study investigated neuroprotective attributes of Imperata cylindrica root extract on neuropathological features of epilepsy in a Drosophila melanogaster mutant model of epilepsy. It was conducted on 10-day-old (at the initiation of study) male post-eclosion bang-senseless paralytic Drosophila (parabss1) involved acute (1-3 h) and chronic (6-18 days) experiments; n = 50 flies per group (convulsions tests); n = 100 flies per group (learning/memory tests and histological examination). Administrations were done in 1 g standard fly food, per os. The mutant flies of study (parabss1) showed marked age-dependent progressive brain neurodegeneration and axonal degeneration, significant (P < 0.05) bang sensitivity and convulsions, and cognitive deficits due to up-regulation of the paralytic gene in our mutants. The neuropathological findings were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated in dose and duration-dependent fashions to near normal/normal after acute and chronic treatment with extract similar to sodium valproate. Therefore, para is expressed in neurons of brain tissues in our mutant flies to bring about epilepsy phenotypes and behaviors of the current juvenile and old-adult mutant D. melanogaster models of epilepsy. The herb exerts neuroprotection by anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic mechanisms in mutant D. melanogaster due to plant flavonoids, polyphenols, and chromones (1 and 2) which exert antioxidative and receptor or voltage-gated sodium ion channels' inhibitory properties, and thus causing reduced inflammation and apoptosis, increased tissue repair, and improved cell biology in the brain of mutant flies. The methanol root extract provides anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic medicinal values which protect epileptic D. melanogaster. Therefore, the herb should be advanced for more experimental and clinical studies to confirm its efficacy in treating epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Ssempijja
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Samuel Sunday Dare
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, P.O Box 317, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Edmund E. M. Bukenya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, P.O Box 317, Kabale, Uganda
| | | | - Ritah Kenganzi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, P.O Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Edgar Mario Fernandez
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Kampala International University Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
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Yavuz M, Aydın B, Çarçak N, Onat F. Decreased Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel 2 Activity in a Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy and the Effect of ZD7288, an Ih Inhibitor, on the Spike-and-Wave Discharges. Pharmacology 2022; 107:227-234. [PMID: 35008085 DOI: 10.1159/000520059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel currents of Ih and absence epilepsy seizures are associated, but studies reveal differential results. OBJECTIVE In our study, we aimed to investigate the role of the HCN channels on the expression of spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) using the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) model. METHODS HCN isoform levels from isolated brains of both naïve nonepileptic Wistar and GAERS groups were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ZD7288, an Ih inhibitor as well as an HCN channel antagonist, was administered intracerebroventricularly to the adult GAERS groups, and to evaluate their SWD activities, electroencephalography was recorded. The effect of ZD7288 on the cumulative total duration and number of SWDs and the mean duration of each SWD complex was evaluated. RESULTS The HCN2 levels in the cortex and hippocampus of the GAERS group were lower compared to the naïve nonepileptic Wistar group (p < 0.05). ZD7288 increased the number of SWDs at the 20th and 120th min with the highest administered dose of 7 μg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The Ih inhibitor ZD7288 increased the number of SWDs in a genetic absence epilepsy rat model, although this increase may not be significant due to the inconsistent time-dependent effects. In GAERS, the cortical and hippocampal HCN2 channel levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Further studies are needed with higher doses of ZD7288 to determine if the effects will increase drastically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Yavuz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Aydın
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Epilepsy Research Centre (EPAM), Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ghamkharinejad G, Marashi SH, Foolad F, Javan M, Fathollahi Y. Unconditioned and learned morphine tolerance influence hippocampal-dependent short-term memory and the subjacent expression of GABA-A receptor alpha subunits. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253902. [PMID: 34500453 PMCID: PMC8428970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ɣ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) facilitator valproic acid may be able to curb memory disruption induced by morphine exposure. OBJECTIVE The effects of the GABA facilitator valproic acid on the behavioral tolerance induced by morphine were investigated. Then hippocampal-dependent tasks named spatial-working and short-term memory procedures using the Y-maze apparatus were examined in morphine tolerant rats. Finally, the changes in the expression of hippocampal GABA-A receptors underlying morphine tolerance were also examined. METHODS Rats were treated with daily morphine injections, with or without distinct contextual pairing. To examine the effect of valproic acid on morphine tolerance expression, valproic acid was pretreated an hour before morphine. Spatial-working and short-term memory procedures using the Y-maze apparatus were examined in morphine tolerant rats. Afterwards the changes in the expression of hippocampal GABAα receptors using the quantitative real-time PCR and western blot techniques to detect GABArα subunits mRNAs and protein level were studied. RESULTS Our results showed that both learned and non-associative morphine tolerance influence short-term memory and the subjacent expression of GABArα mRNAs and protein level. Despite its attenuating effects on the development and expression of both learned and non-associative morphine tolerance, only associative morphine tolerance-induced memory dysfunction was ameliorated by valproic acid pretreatment. We also found that the expression of GABArα1, α2, α5 subunits mRNAs and GABAα protein level were affected heavier in associative morphine tolerant rats. CONCLUSION Our data supports the hypothesis that unconditioned and learned morphine tolerance influences short-term memory and the expression of GABArα 1, α2, α5 mRNAs and GABArα protein level differently, and adds to our understanding of the behavioral and molecular aspects of the learned tolerance to morphine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Ghamkharinejad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Marashi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Foolad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Fathollahi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Bleakley LE, McKenzie CE, Soh MS, Forster IC, Pinares-Garcia P, Sedo A, Kathirvel A, Churilov L, Jancovski N, Maljevic S, Berkovic SF, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, Santoro B, Reid CA. Cation leak underlies neuronal excitability in an HCN1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Brain 2021; 144:2060-2073. [PMID: 33822003 PMCID: PMC8370418 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in HCN1 are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. The recurrent de novo HCN1 M305L pathogenic variant is associated with severe developmental impairment and drug-resistant epilepsy. We engineered the homologue Hcn1 M294L heterozygous knock-in (Hcn1M294L) mouse to explore the disease mechanism underlying an HCN1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The Hcn1M294L mouse recapitulated the phenotypic features of patients with the HCN1 M305L variant, including spontaneous seizures and a learning deficit. Active epileptiform spiking on the electrocorticogram and morphological markers typical of rodent seizure models were observed in the Hcn1M294L mouse. Lamotrigine exacerbated seizures and increased spiking, whereas sodium valproate reduced spiking, mirroring drug responses reported in a patient with this variant. Functional analysis in Xenopus laevis oocytes and layer V somatosensory cortical pyramidal neurons in ex vivo tissue revealed a loss of voltage dependence for the disease variant resulting in a constitutively open channel that allowed for cation 'leak' at depolarized membrane potentials. Consequently, Hcn1M294L layer V somatosensory cortical pyramidal neurons were significantly depolarized at rest. These neurons adapted through a depolarizing shift in action potential threshold. Despite this compensation, layer V somatosensory cortical pyramidal neurons fired action potentials more readily from rest. A similar depolarized resting potential and left-shift in rheobase was observed for CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons. The Hcn1M294L mouse provides insight into the pathological mechanisms underlying hyperexcitability in HCN1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, as well as being a preclinical model with strong construct and face validity, on which potential treatments can be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Bleakley
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Chaseley E McKenzie
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ming S Soh
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ian C Forster
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Paulo Pinares-Garcia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Alicia Sedo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anirudh Kathirvel
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Leonid Churilov
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Bina Santoro
- Department of Neuroscience, The Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
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6
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Testing broad-spectrum and isoform-preferring HCN channel blockers for anticonvulsant properties in mice. Epilepsy Res 2020; 168:106484. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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7
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Hsieh LS, Wen JH, Nguyen LH, Zhang L, Getz S, Torres-Reveron J, Wang Y, Spencer DD, Bordey A. Ectopic HCN4 expression drives mTOR-dependent epilepsy in mice. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:12/570/eabc1492. [PMID: 33208499 PMCID: PMC9888000 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The causative link between focal cortical malformations (FCMs) and epilepsy is well accepted, especially among patients with focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, the mechanisms underlying seizures remain unclear. Using a mouse model of TSC- and FCDII-associated FCM, we showed that FCM neurons were responsible for seizure activity via their unexpected abnormal expression of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel isoform 4 (HCN4), which is normally not present in cortical pyramidal neurons after birth. Increasing intracellular cAMP concentrations, which preferentially affects HCN4 gating relative to the other isoforms, drove repetitive firing of FCM neurons but not control pyramidal neurons. Ectopic HCN4 expression was dependent on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), preceded the onset of seizures, and was also found in diseased neurons in tissue resected from patients with TSC and FCDII. Last, blocking HCN4 channel activity in FCM neurons prevented epilepsy in the mouse model. These findings suggest that HCN4 play a main role in seizure and identify a cAMP-dependent seizure mechanism in TSC and FCDII. Furthermore, the unique expression of HCN4 exclusively in FCM neurons suggests that gene therapy targeting HCN4 might be effective in reducing seizures in FCDII or TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence S. Hsieh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - John H. Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Lena H. Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stephanie Getz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Juan Torres-Reveron
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Emergency Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Dennis D. Spencer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Angélique Bordey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Angélique Bordey, Ph.D., Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, FMB 422, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, Phone: 203-737-2515, Fax: 203-737-2159,
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8
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Hughes DI, Todd AJ. Central Nervous System Targets: Inhibitory Interneurons in the Spinal Cord. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:874-885. [PMID: 33029722 PMCID: PMC7641291 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00936-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a percept of critical importance to our daily survival. In most cases, it serves both an adaptive function by helping us respond appropriately in a potentially hostile environment and also a protective role by alerting us to tissue damage. Normally, it is evoked by the activation of peripheral nociceptive nerve endings and the subsequent relay of information to distinct cortical and sub-cortical regions, but under pathological conditions that result in chronic pain, it can become spontaneous. Given that one in three chronic pain patients do not respond to the treatments currently available, the need for more effective analgesics is evident. Two principal obstacles to the development of novel analgesic therapies are our limited understanding of how neuronal circuits that comprise these pain pathways transmit and modulate sensory information under normal circumstances and how these circuits change under pathological conditions leading to chronic pain states. In this review, we focus on the role of inhibitory interneurons in setting pain thresholds and, in particular, how disinhibition in the spinal dorsal horn can lead to aberrant sensory processing associated with chronic pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Hughes
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.
| | - Andrew J Todd
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Kharouf Q, Phillips AM, Bleakley LE, Morrisroe E, Oyrer J, Jia L, Ludwig A, Jin L, Nicolazzo JA, Cerbai E, Romanelli MN, Petrou S, Reid CA. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated 4 channel as a potential anti-seizure drug target. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3712-3729. [PMID: 32364262 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are encoded by four genes (HCN1-4) with distinct biophysical properties and functions within the brain. HCN4 channels activate slowly at robust hyperpolarizing potentials, making them more likely to be engaged during hyperexcitable neuronal network activity seen during seizures. HCN4 channels are also highly expressed in thalamic nuclei, a brain region implicated in seizure generalization. Here, we assessed the utility of targeting the HCN4 channel as an anti-seizure strategy using pharmacological and genetic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The impact of reducing HCN4 channel function on seizure susceptibility and neuronal network excitability was studied using an HCN4 channel preferring blocker (EC18) and a conditional brain specific HCN4 knockout mouse model. KEY RESULTS EC18 (10 mg·kg-1 ) and brain-specific HCN4 channel knockout reduced seizure susceptibility and proconvulsant-mediated cortical spiking recorded using electrocorticography, with minimal effects on other mouse behaviours. EC18 (10 μM) decreased neuronal network bursting in mouse cortical cultures. Importantly, EC18 was not protective against proconvulsant-mediated seizures in the conditional HCN4 channel knockout mouse and did not reduce bursting behaviour in AAV-HCN4 shRNA infected mouse cortical cultures. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data suggest the HCN4 channel as a potential pharmacologically relevant target for anti-seizure drugs that is likely to have a low side-effect liability in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qays Kharouf
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Marie Phillips
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren E Bleakley
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Morrisroe
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Oyrer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linghan Jia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institut für Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Liang Jin
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Novella Romanelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Oyrer J, Bleakley LE, Richards KL, Maljevic S, Phillips AM, Petrou S, Nowell CJ, Reid CA. Using a Multiplex Nucleic Acid in situ Hybridization Technique to Determine HCN4 mRNA Expression in the Adult Rodent Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:211. [PMID: 31555092 PMCID: PMC6724756 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels carry a non-selective cationic conductance, Ih, which is important for modulating neuron excitability. Four genes (HCN1-4) encode HCN channels, with each gene having distinct expression and biophysical profiles. Here we use multiplex nucleic acid in situ hybridization to determine HCN4 mRNA expression within the adult mouse brain. We take advantage of this approach to detect HCN4 mRNA simultaneously with either HCN1 or HCN2 mRNA and markers of excitatory (VGlut-positive) and inhibitory (VGat-positive) neurons, which was not previously reported. We have developed a Fiji-based analysis code that enables quantification of mRNA expression within identified cell bodies. The highest HCN4 mRNA expression was found in the habenula (medial and lateral) and the thalamus. HCN4 mRNA was particularly high in the medial habenula with essentially no co-expression of HCN1 or HCN2 mRNA. An absence of Ih-mediated “sag” in neurons recorded from the medial habenula of knockout mice confirmed that HCN4 channels are the predominant subtype in this region. Analysis in the thalamus revealed HCN4 mRNA in VGlut2-positive excitatory neurons that was always co-expressed with HCN2 mRNA. In contrast, HCN4 mRNA was undetectable in the nucleus reticularis. HCN4 mRNA expression was high in a subset of VGat-positive cells in the globus pallidus external. The majority of these neurons co-expressed HCN2 mRNA while a smaller subset also co-expressed HCN1 mRNA. In the striatum, a small subset of large cells which are likely to be giant cholinergic interneurons co-expressed high levels of HCN4 and HCN2 mRNA. The amygdala, cortex and hippocampus expressed low levels of HCN4 mRNA. This study highlights the heterogeneity of HCN4 mRNA expression in the brain and provides a morphological framework on which to better investigate the functional roles of HCN4 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oyrer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren E Bleakley
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kay L Richards
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - A Marie Phillips
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Çarçak N, Ali I, Powell K, Zheng T, Onat F, O'Brien TJ. Ca
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3.2 T‐type calcium channel mutation influences kindling‐induced thalamic neuronal firing patterns in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg. Epilepsia 2019; 60:1378-1386. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Pharmacy Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Idrish Ali
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Kim Powell
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Thomas Zheng
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
- Marmara University Epilepsy Research Center Istanbul Turkey
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology Central Clinical School Alfred Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
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12
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Insights on the Role of Thalamocortical HCN Channels in Absence Epilepsy. J Neurosci 2019; 39:578-580. [PMID: 30674612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2063-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Cavalcante TMB, De Melo JDMA, Lopes LB, Bessa MC, Santos JG, Vasconcelos LC, Vieira Neto AE, Borges LTN, Fonteles MMF, Chaves Filho AJM, Macêdo D, Campos AR, Aguiar CCT, Vasconcelos SMM. Ivabradine possesses anticonvulsant and neuroprotective action in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 109:2499-2512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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14
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Campostrini G, DiFrancesco JC, Castellotti B, Milanesi R, Gnecchi-Ruscone T, Bonzanni M, Bucchi A, Baruscotti M, Ferrarese C, Franceschetti S, Canafoglia L, Ragona F, Freri E, Labate A, Gambardella A, Costa C, Gellera C, Granata T, Barbuti A, DiFrancesco D. A Loss-of-Function HCN4 Mutation Associated With Familial Benign Myoclonic Epilepsy in Infancy Causes Increased Neuronal Excitability. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:269. [PMID: 30127718 PMCID: PMC6089338 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
HCN channels are highly expressed and functionally relevant in neurons and increasing evidence demonstrates their involvement in the etiology of human epilepsies. Among HCN isoforms, HCN4 is important in cardiac tissue, where it underlies pacemaker activity. Despite being expressed also in deep structures of the brain, mutations of this channel functionally shown to be associated with epilepsy have not been reported yet. Using Next Generation Sequencing for the screening of patients with idiopathic epilepsy, we identified the p.Arg550Cys (c.1648C>T) heterozygous mutation on HCN4 in two brothers affected by benign myoclonic epilepsy of infancy. Functional characterization in heterologous expression system and in neurons showed that the mutation determines a loss of function of HCN4 contribution to activity and an increase of neuronal discharge, potentially predisposing to epilepsy. Expressed in cardiomyocytes, mutant channels activate at slightly more negative voltages than wild-type (WT), in accordance with borderline bradycardia. While HCN4 variants have been frequently associated with cardiac arrhythmias, these data represent the first experimental evidence that functional alteration of HCN4 can also be involved in human epilepsy through a loss-of-function effect and associated increased neuronal excitability. Since HCN4 appears to be highly expressed in deep brain structures only early during development, our data provide a potential explanation for a link between dysfunctional HCN4 and infantile epilepsy. These findings suggest that it may be useful to include HCN4 screening to extend the knowledge of the genetic causes of infantile epilepsies, potentially paving the way for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Campostrini
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo C DiFrancesco
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Milan Center for Neuroscience, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Barbara Castellotti
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Milanesi
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Bonzanni
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bucchi
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Milan Center for Neuroscience, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvana Franceschetti
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Canafoglia
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Labate
- Institute of Neurology, Università degli Studi Magna Græcia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, Università degli Studi Magna Græcia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario DiFrancesco
- Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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15
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David F, Çarçak N, Furdan S, Onat F, Gould T, Mészáros Á, Di Giovanni G, Hernández VM, Chan CS, Lőrincz ML, Crunelli V. Suppression of Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel Function in Thalamocortical Neurons Prevents Genetically Determined and Pharmacologically Induced Absence Seizures. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6615-6627. [PMID: 29925625 PMCID: PMC6067077 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0896-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and the Ih current they generate contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms of absence seizures (ASs), but their precise role in neocortical and thalamic neuronal populations, the main components of the network underlying AS generation, remains controversial. In diverse genetic AS models, Ih amplitude is smaller in neocortical neurons and either larger or unchanged in thalamocortical (TC) neurons compared with nonepileptic strains. A lower expression of neocortical HCN subtype 1 channels is present in genetic AS-prone rats, and HCN subtype 2 knock-out mice exhibit ASs. Furthermore, whereas many studies have characterized Ih contribution to "absence-like" paroxysmal activity in vitro, no data are available on the specific role of cortical and thalamic HCN channels in behavioral seizures. Here, we show that the pharmacological block of HCN channels with the antagonist ZD7288 applied via reverse microdialysis in the ventrobasal thalamus (VB) of freely moving male Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg decreases TC neuron firing and abolishes spontaneous ASs. A similar effect is observed on γ-hydroxybutyric acid-elicited ASs in normal male Wistar rats. Moreover, thalamic knockdown of HCN channels via virally delivered shRNA into the VB of male Stargazer mice, another genetic AS model, decreases spontaneous ASs and Ih-dependent electrophysiological properties of VB TC neurons. These findings provide the first evidence that block of TC neuron HCN channels prevents ASs and suggest that any potential anti-absence therapy that targets HCN channels should carefully consider the opposite role for cortical and thalamic Ih in the modulation of absence seizures.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels play critical roles in the fine-tuning of cellular and network excitability and have been suggested to be a key element of the pathophysiological mechanism underlying absence seizures. However, the precise contribution of HCN channels in neocortical and thalamic neuronal populations to these nonconvulsive seizures is still controversial. In the present study, pharmacological block and genetic suppression of HCN channels in thalamocortical neurons in the ventrobasal thalamic nucleus leads to a marked reduction in absence seizures in one pharmacological and two genetic rodent models of absence seizures. These results provide the first evidence that block of TC neuron HCN channels prevents absence seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- François David
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom,
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292-INSERM U1028-Université Claude Bernard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Nihan Çarçak
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Szabina Furdan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical 34452 Pharmacology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul 81326, Turkey
| | - Timothy Gould
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Ádám Mészáros
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta, and
| | - Vivian M Hernández
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - C Savio Chan
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Magor L Lőrincz
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom,
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta, and
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16
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Peng J, Pang N, Wang Y, Wang XL, Chen J, Xiong J, Peng P, Zhu CH, Kessi MB, He F, Yin F. Next-generation sequencing improves treatment efficacy and reduces hospitalization in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 25:14-20. [PMID: 29933521 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purposes of this study were three-fold: (i) to determine the contribution of known genes to the causation of a broad-spectrum of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), (ii) to compare the diagnostic yield and cost among different next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, and especially (iii) to assess how NGS approaches can benefit patients by improving diagnosis and treatment efficiency. METHODS This study enrolled 273 pediatric DRE patients with no obvious acquired etiology. Seventy-four patients underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES), 141 patients had epilepsy-related gene panel testing, and another 58 patients had clinical WES gene panel testing. We obtained these patients' seizure and hospitalization frequency by periodic follow-up phone calls and outpatient visits. RESULTS Genetic diagnosis was achieved in 86 patients (31.5%) and involved 93 likely disease-causing mutations in 33 genes. In this study, the detection rates of the epilepsy-related gene panel, the clinical WES gene panel, and WES were 32.6% (46/141), 44.8% (26/58), and 17.3% (13/74), respectively. Moreover, 34 patients accepted corrective therapy according to their mutant genes, after which 52.9% (18/34) became seizure-free and 38.2% (13/34) achieved seizure reduction. In the end, patients with either positive or negative genetic results had significantly fewer hospitalization incidents (times/half year) than before (positive genetic results group 0.58 ± 1.14 vs 0.10 ± 0.26; negative genetic results group 0.72 ± 1.65 vs 0.12 ± 0.33). CONCLUSIONS These results offer further proof that NGS approaches represent powerful tools for establishing a definitive diagnosis. Moreover, this study indicated how NGS can improve treatment efficacy and reduce hospitalization in children with DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Peng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can-Hui Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Miriam Barakael Kessi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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17
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Zhao Z, Li L, Gu H. Dynamical Mechanism of Hyperpolarization-Activated Non-specific Cation Current Induced Resonance and Spike-Timing Precision in a Neuronal Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:62. [PMID: 29568262 PMCID: PMC5852126 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation current (Ih) plays important roles in the achievement of many physiological/pathological functions in the nervous system by modulating the electrophysiological activities, such as the rebound (spike) to hyperpolarization stimulations, subthreshold membrane resonance to sinusoidal currents, and spike-timing precision to stochastic factors. In the present paper, with increasing gh (conductance of Ih), the rebound (spike) and subthreshold resonance appear and become stronger, and the variability of the interspike intervals (ISIs) becomes lower, i.e., the enhancement of spike-timing precision, which are simulated in a conductance-based theoretical model and well explained by the nonlinear concept of bifurcation. With increasing gh, the stable node to stable focus, to coexistence behavior, and to firing via the codimension-1 bifurcations (Hopf bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcations on an invariant circle, and saddle homoclinic orbit) and codimension-2 bifurcations such as Bogdanov-Takens (BT) point related to the transition between saddle-node and Hopf bifurcations, are acquired with 1- and 2-parameter bifurcation analysis. The decrease of variability of ISIs with increasing gh is induced by the fast decrease of the standard deviation of ISIs, which is related to the increase of the capacity of resisting noisy disturbance due to the firing becomes far away from the bifurcation point. The enhancement of the rebound (spike) with increasing gh builds up a relationship to the decrease of the capacity of resisting disturbance like the hyperpolarization stimulus as the resting state approaches the bifurcation point. The “typical”-resonance and non-resonance appear in the parameter region of the stable focus and node far away from the bifurcation points, respectively. The complex or “strange” dynamics, such as the “weak”-resonance for the stable node near the transition point between the stable node and focus and the non-resonance for the stable focus close to the codimension-1 and −2 bifurcation points, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Zhao
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Science, Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaguang Gu
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Bohannon AS, Hablitz JJ. Developmental Changes in HCN Channel Modulation of Neocortical Layer 1 Interneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:20. [PMID: 29440994 PMCID: PMC5797556 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Layer 1 (L1) interneurons (INs) play a key role in modulating the integration of inputs to pyramidal neurons (PNs) and controlling cortical network activity. Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated, non-specific cation (HCN) channels are known to alter the intrinsic and synaptic excitability of principal components (PCs) as well as select populations of GABAergic INs. However, the developmental profile and functional role of HCN channels in diverse L1 IN populations is not completely understood. In the present study, we used electrophysiological characterization, in conjunction with unbiased hierarchical cluster analysis, to examine developmental modulation of L1 INs by HCN channels in the rat medial agranular cortex (AGm). We identified three physiologically discrete IN populations which were classified as regular spiking (RS), burst accommodating (BA) and non-accommodating (NA). A distinct developmental pattern of excitability modulation by HCN channels was observed for each group. RS and NA cells displayed distinct morphologies with modulation of EPSPs increasing in RS cells and decreasing in NA cells across development. The results indicate a possible role of HCN channels in the formation and maintenance of cortical circuits through alteration of the excitability of distinct AGm L1 INs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Bohannon
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - John J Hablitz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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19
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Stieglitz MS, Fenske S, Hammelmann V, Becirovic E, Schöttle V, Delorme JE, Schöll-Weidinger M, Mader R, Deussing J, Wolfer DP, Seeliger MW, Albrecht U, Wotjak CT, Biel M, Michalakis S, Wahl-Schott C. Disturbed Processing of Contextual Information in HCN3 Channel Deficient Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:436. [PMID: 29375299 PMCID: PMC5767300 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCNs) in the nervous system are implicated in a variety of neuronal functions including learning and memory, regulation of vigilance states and pain. Dysfunctions or genetic loss of these channels have been shown to cause human diseases such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. The physiological functions of HCN1 and HCN2 channels in the nervous system have been analyzed using genetic knockout mouse models. By contrast, there are no such genetic studies for HCN3 channels so far. Here, we use a HCN3-deficient (HCN3−/−) mouse line, which has been previously generated in our group to examine the expression and function of this channel in the CNS. Specifically, we investigate the role of HCN3 channels for the regulation of circadian rhythm and for the determination of behavior. Contrary to previous suggestions we find that HCN3−/− mice show normal visual, photic, and non-photic circadian function. In addition, HCN3−/− mice are impaired in processing contextual information, which is characterized by attenuated long-term extinction of contextual fear and increased fear to a neutral context upon repeated exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Stieglitz
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Hammelmann
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Schöttle
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - James E Delorme
- Neurobiochemistry of Circadian Rhythms, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Martha Schöll-Weidinger
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Mader
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Urs Albrecht
- Neurobiochemistry of Circadian Rhythms, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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20
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Oyrer J, Maljevic S, Scheffer IE, Berkovic SF, Petrou S, Reid CA. Ion Channels in Genetic Epilepsy: From Genes and Mechanisms to Disease-Targeted Therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:142-173. [PMID: 29263209 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and serious neurologic disease with a strong genetic component. Genetic studies have identified an increasing collection of disease-causing genes. The impact of these genetic discoveries is wide reaching-from precise diagnosis and classification of syndromes to the discovery and validation of new drug targets and the development of disease-targeted therapeutic strategies. About 25% of genes identified in epilepsy encode ion channels. Much of our understanding of disease mechanisms comes from work focused on this class of protein. In this study, we review the genetic, molecular, and physiologic evidence supporting the pathogenic role of a number of different voltage- and ligand-activated ion channels in genetic epilepsy. We also review proposed disease mechanisms for each ion channel and highlight targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oyrer
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
| | - Christopher A Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (J.O., S.M., I.E.S., S.P., C.A.R.); Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S., S.F.B.); and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (I.E.S.)
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21
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Toloza EHS, Negahbani E, Fröhlich F. I h interacts with somato-dendritic structure to determine frequency response to weak alternating electric field stimulation. J Neurophysiol 2017; 119:1029-1036. [PMID: 29187553 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00541.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial current stimulation (tCS) modulates brain dynamics using weak electric fields. Given the pathological changes in brain network oscillations in neurological and psychiatric illnesses, using alternating electric field waveforms that engage rhythmic activity has been proposed as a targeted, network-level treatment approach. Previous studies have investigated the effects of electric fields at the neuronal level. However, the biophysical basis of the cellular response to electric fields has remained limited. Here, we characterized the frequency-dependent response of different compartments in a layer V pyramidal neuron to exogenous electric fields to dissect the relative contributions of voltage-gated ion channels and neuronal morphology. Hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in the distal dendrites was the primary ionic mechanism shaping the model's response to electric field stimulation and caused subthreshold resonance in the tuft at 20 ± 4 Hz. In contrast, subthreshold Ih-mediated resonance in response to local sinusoidal current injection was present in all model compartments at 11 ± 2 Hz. The frequencies of both resonance responses were modulated by Ih conductance density. We found that the difference in resonance frequency between the two stimulation types can be explained by the fact that exogenous electric fields simultaneously polarize the membrane potentials at the distal ends of the neuron (relative to field direction) in opposite directions. Our results highlight the role of Ih in shaping the cellular response to electric field stimulation and suggest that the common model of tCS as a weak somatic current injection fails to capture the cellular effects of electric field stimulation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Modulation of cortical oscillation by brain stimulation serves as a tool to understand the causal role of network oscillations in behavior and is a potential treatment modality that engages impaired network oscillations in disorders of the central nervous system. To develop targeted stimulation paradigms, cellular-level effects must be understood. We demonstrate that hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) and cell morphology cooperatively shape the response to applied alternating electric fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique H S Toloza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ehsan Negahbani
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Flavio Fröhlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill North, Carolina.,Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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22
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Li M, Maljevic S, Phillips AM, Petrovski S, Hildebrand MS, Burgess R, Mount T, Zara F, Striano P, Schubert J, Thiele H, Nürnberg P, Wong M, Weisenberg JL, Thio LL, Lerche H, Scheffer IE, Berkovic SF, Petrou S, Reid CA. Gain-of-functionHCN2variants in genetic epilepsy. Hum Mutat 2017; 39:202-209. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - A. Marie Phillips
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
- School of Biosciences; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Slave Petrovski
- Epilepsy Research Centre; Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Michael S. Hildebrand
- Epilepsy Research Centre; Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Rosemary Burgess
- Epilepsy Research Centre; Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Therese Mount
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Federico Zara
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics; Department of Neuroscience; Institute “G. Gaslini”; Genoa Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit; Department of Neurosciences; Institute “G. Gaslini”; Genoa Italy
| | - Julian Schubert
- University of Tübingen, Department of Neurology and Epileptology; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research; Tübingen Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Centre for Genomics; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Centre for Genomics; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Neurology; Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital; St Louis Missouri
| | - Judith L. Weisenberg
- Department of Neurology; Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital; St Louis Missouri
| | - Liu Lin Thio
- Department of Neurology; Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital; St Louis Missouri
| | - Holger Lerche
- University of Tübingen, Department of Neurology and Epileptology; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research; Tübingen Germany
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre; Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Samuel F. Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre; Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Christopher A. Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
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23
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Everybody's Got the Fever…Be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Epilepsy Curr 2017; 17:303-305. [DOI: 10.5698/1535-7597.17.5.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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24
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Tae HS, Smith KM, Phillips AM, Boyle KA, Li M, Forster IC, Hatch RJ, Richardson R, Hughes DI, Graham BA, Petrou S, Reid CA. Gabapentin Modulates HCN4 Channel Voltage-Dependence. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:554. [PMID: 28871229 PMCID: PMC5566583 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gabapentin (GBP) is widely used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. There is evidence that GBP can act on hyperpolarization-activated cation (HCN) channel-mediated Ih in brain slice experiments. However, evidence showing that GBP directly modulates HCN channels is lacking. The effect of GBP was tested using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings from human HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Whole-cell recordings were also made from mouse spinal cord slices targeting either parvalbumin positive (PV+) or calretinin positive (CR+) inhibitory neurons. The effect of GBP on Ih was measured in each inhibitory neuron population. HCN4 expression was assessed in the spinal cord using immunohistochemistry. When applied to HCN4 channels, GBP (100 μM) caused a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage of half activation (V1/2) thereby reducing the currents. Gabapentin had no impact on the V1/2 of HCN1 or HCN2 channels. There was a robust increase in the time to half activation for HCN4 channels with only a small increase noted for HCN1 channels. Gabapentin also caused a hyperpolarizing shift in the V1/2 of Ih measured from HCN4-expressing PV+ inhibitory neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Gabapentin had minimal effect on Ih recorded from CR+ neurons. Consistent with this, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the majority of CR+ inhibitory neurons do not express somatic HCN4 channels. In conclusion, GBP reduces HCN4 channel-mediated currents through a hyperpolarized shift in the V1/2. The HCN channel subtype selectivity of GBP provides a unique tool for investigating HCN4 channel function in the central nervous system. The HCN4 channel is a candidate molecular target for the acute analgesic and anticonvulsant actions of GBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Shen Tae
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Kelly M Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, CallaghanNSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton HeightsNSW, Australia
| | - A Marie Phillips
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia.,School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Kieran A Boyle
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of GlasgowGlasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Melody Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Ian C Forster
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Robert J Hatch
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Robert Richardson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - David I Hughes
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of GlasgowGlasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Brett A Graham
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, CallaghanNSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton HeightsNSW, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVIC, Australia
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25
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Becker F, Reid CA, Hallmann K, Tae HS, Phillips AM, Teodorescu G, Weber YG, Kleefuss-Lie A, Elger C, Perez-Reyes E, Petrou S, Kunz WS, Lerche H, Maljevic S. Functional variants in HCN4 and CACNA1H may contribute to genetic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:334-342. [PMID: 29588962 PMCID: PMC5862120 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) encompasses seizure disorders characterized by spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWD) originating within thalamo‐cortical circuits. Hyperpolarization‐activated (HCN) and T‐type Ca2+ channels are key modulators of rhythmic activity in these brain regions. Here, we screened HCN4 and CACNA1H genes for potentially contributory variants and provide their functional analysis. Methods Targeted gene sequencing was performed in 20 unrelated familial cases with different subtypes of GGE, and the results confirmed in 230 ethnically matching controls. Selected variants in CACNA1H and HCN4 were functionally assessed in tsA201 cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes, respectively. Results We discovered a novel CACNA1H (p.G1158S) variant in two affected members of a single family. One of them also carried an HCN4 (p.P1117L) variant inherited from the unaffected mother. In a separate family, an HCN4 variant (p.E153G) was identified in one of several affected members. Voltage‐clamp analysis of CACNA1H (p.G1158S) revealed a small but significant gain‐of‐function, including increased current density and a depolarizing shift of steady‐state inactivation. HCN4 p.P1117L and p.G153E both caused a hyperpolarizing shift in activation and reduced current amplitudes, resulting in a loss‐of‐function. Significance Our results are consistent with a model suggesting cumulative contributions of subtle functional variations in ion channels to seizure susceptibility and GGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Becker
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain-Research University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany.,RKU-University Neurology Clinic of Ulm Ulm Germany
| | - Christopher A Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kerstin Hallmann
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology University of Bonn Medical Center Bonn Germany
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne Victoria Australia.,Present address: Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia
| | - A Marie Phillips
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne Victoria Australia.,School of Biosciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Georgeta Teodorescu
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain-Research University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain-Research University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Ailing Kleefuss-Lie
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology University of Bonn Medical Center Bonn Germany
| | - Christian Elger
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology University of Bonn Medical Center Bonn Germany
| | - Edward Perez-Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia U.S.A
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Wolfram S Kunz
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology University of Bonn Medical Center Bonn Germany
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain-Research University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain-Research University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
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26
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Smith MD, Woodhead JH, Handy LJ, Pruess TH, Vanegas F, Grussendorf E, Grussendorf J, White K, Bulaj KK, Krumin RK, Hunt M, Wilcox KS. Preclinical Comparison of Mechanistically Different Antiseizure, Antinociceptive, and/or Antidepressant Drugs in a Battery of Rodent Models of Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1995-2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2286-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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27
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HCN2 ion channels: basic science opens up possibilities for therapeutic intervention in neuropathic pain. Biochem J 2016; 473:2717-36. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Nociception — the ability to detect painful stimuli — is an invaluable sense that warns against present or imminent damage. In patients with chronic pain, however, this warning signal persists in the absence of any genuine threat and affects all aspects of everyday life. Neuropathic pain, a form of chronic pain caused by damage to sensory nerves themselves, is dishearteningly refractory to drugs that may work in other types of pain and is a major unmet medical need begging for novel analgesics. Hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-modulated ion channels are best known for their fundamental pacemaker role in the heart; here, we review data demonstrating that the HCN2 isoform acts in an analogous way as a ‘pacemaker for pain’, in that its activity in nociceptive neurons is critical for the maintenance of electrical activity and for the sensation of chronic pain in pathological pain states. Pharmacological block or genetic deletion of HCN2 in sensory neurons provides robust pain relief in a variety of animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, without any effect on normal sensation of acute pain. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of neuropathic pain pathogenesis, and we outline possible future opportunities for the development of efficacious and safe pharmacotherapies in a range of chronic pain syndromes.
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28
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Ponsuksili S, Zebunke M, Murani E, Trakooljul N, Krieter J, Puppe B, Schwerin M, Wimmers K. Integrated Genome-wide association and hypothalamus eQTL studies indicate a link between the circadian rhythm-related gene PER1 and coping behavior. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16264. [PMID: 26537429 PMCID: PMC4633681 DOI: 10.1038/srep16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal personality and coping styles are basic concepts for evaluating animal welfare. Struggling response of piglets in so-called backtests early in life reflects their coping strategy. Behavioral reactions of piglets in backtests have a moderate heritability, but their genetic basis largely remains unknown. Here, latency, duration and frequency of struggling attempts during one-minute backtests were repeatedly recorded of piglets at days 5, 12, 19, and 26. A genome-wide association study for backtest traits revealed 465 significant SNPs (FDR ≤ 0.05) mostly located in QTL (quantitative trait locus) regions on chromosome 3, 5, 12 and 16. In order to capture genes in these regions, 37 transcripts with significant SNPs were selected for expressionQTL analysis in the hypothalamus. Eight genes (ASGR1, CPAMD8, CTC1, FBXO39, IL19, LOC100511790, RAD51B, UBOX5) had cis- and five (RANGRF, PER1, PDZRN3, SH2D4B, LONP2) had trans-expressionQTL. In particular, for PER1, with known physiological implications for maintenance of circadian rhythms, a role in coping behavior was evidenced by confirmed association in an independent population. For CTC1 a cis-expression QTL and the consistent relationship of gene polymorphism, mRNA expression level and backtest traits promoted its link to coping style. GWAS and eQTL analyses uncovered positional and functional gene candidates for coping behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Manuela Zebunke
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Behavioral Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Eduard Murani
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Nares Trakooljul
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Behavioral Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Manfred Schwerin
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
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29
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Sucher NJ, Carles MC. A pharmacological basis of herbal medicines for epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 52:308-18. [PMID: 26074183 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting about 1% of the world's population during their lifetime. Most people with epilepsy can attain a seizure-free life upon treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Unfortunately, seizures in up to 30% do not respond to treatment. It is estimated that 90% of people with epilepsy live in developing countries, and most of them receive no drug treatment for the disease. This treatment gap has motivated investigations into the effects of plants that have been used by traditional healers all over the world to treat seizures. Extracts of hundreds of plants have been shown to exhibit anticonvulsant activity in phenotypic screens performed in experimental animals. Some of those extracts appear to exhibit anticonvulsant efficacy similar to that of synthetic AEDs. Dozens of plant-derived chemical compounds have similarly been shown to act as anticonvulsants in various in vivo and in vitro assays. To a significant degree, anticonvulsant effects of plant extracts can be attributed to widely distributed flavonoids, (furano)coumarins, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. Flavonoids and coumarins have been shown to interact with the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and various voltage-gated ion channels, which are targets of synthetic AEDs. Modulation of the activity of ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels provides an explanatory basis of the anticonvulsant effects of plant secondary metabolites. Many complex extracts and single plant-derived compounds exhibit antiinflammatory, neuroprotective, and cognition-enhancing activities that may be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. Thus, botanicals provide a base for target-oriented antiepileptic drug discovery and development. In the future, preclinical work should focus on the characterization of the effects of plant extracts and plant-derived compounds on well-defined targets rather than on phenotypic screening using in vivo animal models of acute seizures. At the same time, available data provide ample justification for clinical studies with selected standardized botanical extracts and plant-derived compounds. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Botanicals for Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus J Sucher
- Science Department, Roxbury Community College, MA, USA; FLAS, Northern Essex Community College, MA, USA; Biology Department, Salem State University, MA, USA.
| | - Maria C Carles
- Science Department, Roxbury Community College, MA, USA; FLAS, Northern Essex Community College, MA, USA; Biology Department, Salem State University, MA, USA
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30
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Osaki Y, Nodera H, Banzrai C, Endo S, Takayasu H, Mori A, Shimatani Y, Kaji R. Effects of anesthetic agents on in vivo axonal HCN current in normal mice. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:2033-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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DeBerg HA, Bankston JR, Rosenbaum JC, Brzovic PS, Zagotta WN, Stoll S. Structural mechanism for the regulation of HCN ion channels by the accessory protein TRIP8b. Structure 2015; 23:734-44. [PMID: 25800552 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels underlie the cationic Ih current present in many neurons. The direct binding of cyclic AMP to HCN channels increases the rate and extent of channel opening and results in a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. TRIP8b is an accessory protein that regulates the cell surface expression and dendritic localization of HCN channels and reduces the cyclic nucleotide dependence of these channels. Here, we use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to show that TRIP8b binds to the apo state of the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) of HCN2 channels without changing the overall domain structure. With EPR and nuclear magnetic resonance, we locate TRIP8b relative to the HCN channel and identify the binding interface on the CNBD. These data provide a structural framework for understanding how TRIP8b regulates the cyclic nucleotide dependence of HCN channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A DeBerg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John R Bankston
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joel C Rosenbaum
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Peter S Brzovic
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William N Zagotta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stefan Stoll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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32
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DiFrancesco JC, DiFrancesco D. Dysfunctional HCN ion channels in neurological diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 6:174. [PMID: 25805968 PMCID: PMC4354400 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are expressed as four different isoforms (HCN1-4) in the heart and in the central and peripheral nervous systems. HCN channels are activated by membrane hyperpolarization at voltages close to resting membrane potentials and carry the hyperpolarization-activated current, dubbed If (funny current) in heart and Ih in neurons. HCN channels contribute in several ways to neuronal activity and are responsible for many important cellular functions, including cellular excitability, generation, and modulation of rhythmic activity, dendritic integration, transmission of synaptic potentials, and plasticity phenomena. Because of their role, defective HCN channels are natural candidates in the search for potential causes of neurological disorders in humans. Several data, including growing evidence that some forms of epilepsy are associated with HCN mutations, support the notion of an involvement of dysfunctional HCN channels in different experimental models of the disease. Additionally, some anti-epileptic drugs are known to modify the activity of the Ih current. HCN channels are widely expressed in the peripheral nervous system and recent evidence has highlighted the importance of the HCN2 isoform in the transmission of pain. HCN channels are also present in the midbrain system, where they finely regulate the activity of dopaminergic neurons, and a potential role of these channels in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease has recently emerged. The function of HCN channels is regulated by specific accessory proteins, which control the correct expression and modulation of the neuronal Ih current. Alteration of these proteins can severely interfere with the physiological channel function, potentially predisposing to pathological conditions. In this review we address the present knowledge of the association between HCN dysfunctions and neurological diseases, including clinical, genetic, and physiopathological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo C DiFrancesco
- Department of Neurophysiology, Foundation Neurological Institute C. Besta Milano, Italy ; Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital and Laboratory of Neurobiology, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca Monza, Italy
| | - Dario DiFrancesco
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano Milano, Italy
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34
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Nadler JV, Spencer DD. What is a seizure focus? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 813:55-62. [PMID: 25012366 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-8914-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The seizure focus is the site in the brain from which the seizure originated and is most likely equivalent to the epileptogenic zone, defined as the area of cerebral cortex indispensable for the generation of clinical seizures. The boundaries of this region cannot be defined at present by any diagnostic test. Imaging and EEG recording can define regions of functional deficit during the interictal period, regions that generate interictal spikes, regions responsible for the ictal symptoms, regions from which the seizure is triggered, and regions of structural damage. However, these regions define the epileptogenic zone only when they are spatially concordant. The frequent discrepancies suggest the essential involvement of synaptically connected regions, that is a distributive focus, in the origination of most seizures. Here we review supporting evidence from animal studies and studies of persons undergoing surgical resection for medically-intractable epilepsy. We conclude that very few of the common seizures are truly local, but rather depend on nodal interactions that permit spontaneous network excitability and behavioral expression. Recognition of the distributive focus underlying most seizures has motivated many surgical programs to upgrade their intracranial studies to capture activity in as much of the network as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Victor Nadler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, 3813, Durham, NC, 27710, USA,
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Are alterations in transmitter receptor and ion channel expression responsible for epilepsies? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 813:211-29. [PMID: 25012379 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-8914-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal voltage-gated ion channels and ligand-gated synaptic receptors play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition within neuronal networks in the brain. Changes in expression of voltage-gated ion channels, in particular sodium, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) and calcium channels, and ligand-gated synaptic receptors, in particular GABA and glutamate receptors, have been reported in many types of both genetic and acquired epilepsies, in animal models and in humans. In this chapter we review these and discuss the potential pathogenic role they may play in the epilepsies.
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Phillips AM, Kim T, Vargas E, Petrou S, Reid CA. Spike-and-wave discharge mediated reduction in hippocampal HCN1 channel function associates with learning deficits in a genetic mouse model of epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 64:30-5. [PMID: 24368169 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABAAγ2(R43Q) mouse is an established model of absence epilepsy displaying spontaneous spike-and-wave discharges (SWD) and associated behavioral arrest. Absence epilepsy typically results from cortico-thalamic networks. Nevertheless, there is increasing evidence for changes in hippocampal metabolism and electrical behavior, consistent with a link between absence seizures and hippocampus-related co-morbidities. Hyperpolarization-activated-cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are known to be transcriptionally regulated in a number of seizure models. Here we investigate the expression and function of these channels in the hippocampus of the genetic epilepsy model. A reduction in HCN1, but not HCN2 transcript, was observed in GABAAγ2(R43Q) mice relative to their littermate controls. In contrast, no change in HCN1 transcript was noted at an age prior to seizure expression or in a SWD-free model in which the R43Q mutation has been crossed into a seizure-resistant genetic background. Whole-cell recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons confirm a reduction in Ih in the GABAAγ2(R43Q) mouse. Further, a left-shift in half-activation of the Ih conductance-voltage relationship is consistent with a reduction in HCN1 with no change in HCN2 channel expression. Behavioral analysis using the Morris water maze indicates that GABAAγ2(R43Q) mice are unable to learn as effectively as their wildtype littermates suggesting a deficit in hippocampal-based learning. SWD-free mice harboring the R43Q mutation had no learning deficit. We conclude that SWDs reduce hippocampal HCN1 expression and function, and that the reduction associates with a spatial learning deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marie Phillips
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia; Department of Genetics, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia.
| | - Taehwan Kim
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Ernesto Vargas
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia.
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia.
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Tejada J, Costa KM, Bertti P, Garcia-Cairasco N. The epilepsies: complex challenges needing complex solutions. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 26:212-28. [PMID: 23146364 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that epilepsies are complex syndromes due to their multi-factorial origins and manifestations. Different mathematical and computational descriptions use appropriate methods to address nonlinear relationships, chaotic behaviors and emergent properties. These theoretical approaches can be divided into two major categories: descriptive, such as flowcharts, graphs and other statistical analyses, and explicative, which include both realistic and abstract models. Although these modeling tools have brought great advances, a common framework to guide their design, implementation and evaluation, with the goal of future integration, is still needed. In the current review, we discuss two examples of complexity analysis that can be performed with epilepsy data: behavioral sequences of temporal lobe seizures and alterations in an experimental cellular model. We also highlight the importance of the creation of model repositories for the epileptology field and encourage the development of mathematical descriptions of complex systems, together with more accurate simulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Tejada
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Hughes DI, Boyle KA, Kinnon CM, Bilsland C, Quayle JA, Callister RJ, Graham BA. HCN4 subunit expression in fast-spiking interneurons of the rat spinal cord and hippocampus. Neuroscience 2013; 237:7-18. [PMID: 23357121 PMCID: PMC3620460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarisation-activated (Ih) currents are considered important for dendritic integration, synaptic transmission, setting membrane potential and rhythmic action potential (AP) discharge in neurons of the central nervous system. Hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels underlie these currents and are composed of homo- and hetero-tetramers of HCN channel subunits (HCN1–4), which confer distinct biophysical properties on the channel. Despite understanding the structure–function relationships of HCN channels with different subunit stoichiometry, our knowledge of their expression in defined neuronal populations remains limited. Recently, we have shown that HCN subunit expression is a feature of a specific population of dorsal horn interneurons that exhibit high-frequency AP discharge. Here we expand on this observation and use neuroanatomical markers to first identify well-characterised neuronal populations in the lumbar spinal cord and hippocampus and subsequently determine whether HCN4 expression correlates with high-frequency AP discharge in these populations. In the spinal cord, HCN4 is expressed in several putative inhibitory interneuron populations including parvalbumin (PV)-expressing islet cells (84.1%; SD: ±2.87), in addition to all putative Renshaw cells and Ia inhibitory interneurons. Similarly, virtually all PV-expressing cells in the hippocampal CA1 subfield (93.5%; ±3.40) and the dentate gyrus (90.9%; ±6.38) also express HCN4. This HCN4 expression profile in inhibitory interneurons mirrors both the prevalence of Ih sub-threshold currents and high-frequency AP discharge. Our findings indicate that HCN4 subunits are expressed in several populations of spinal and hippocampal interneurons, which are known to express both Ih sub-threshold currents and exhibit high-frequency AP discharge. As HCN channel function plays a critical role in pain perception, learning and memory, and sleep as well as the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases, these findings provide important insights into the identity and neurochemical status of cells that could underlie such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D I Hughes
- Spinal Cord Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
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Riccioni G. Ivabradine: an intelligent drug for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Molecules 2012; 17:13592-604. [PMID: 23159921 PMCID: PMC6268242 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171113592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart rate (HR) is a precisely regulated variable, which plays a critical role in health and disease. Elevated resting HR is a significant predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population and patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). β-blocking drugs exert negative effects on regional myocardial blood flow and function when HR reduction is eliminated by atrial pacing; calcium channel antagonists (CCAs) functionally antagonize coronary vasoconstriction mediated through α-adreno-receptors and are thus devoid of this undesired effect, but the compounds are nevertheless negative inotropes. From these observations derives the necessity to find alternative, more selective drugs to reduce HR through inhibition of specific electrical current (I(f)). Ivabradine (IVA) is a novel specific HR-lowering agent that acts in sinus atrial node (SAN) cells by selectively inhibiting the pacemaker I(f) current in a dose-dependent manner by slowing the diastolic depolarization slope of SAN cells, and by reducing HR at rest during exercise in humans. Coronary artery diseases (CAD) represent the most common cause of death in middle-aged and older adults in European Countries. Most ischemic episodes are triggered by an increase in HR, that induces an imbalance between myocardial oxygen delivery and consumption. IVA, a selective and specific inhibitor of the I(f) current which reduced HR without adverse hemodynamic effects, has clearly and unequivocally demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) and myocardial ischemia with optimal tolerability profile due to selective interaction with I(f) channels. The aim of this review is to point out the usefulness of IVA in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Riccioni
- Intensive Cardiology Care Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Manfredonia, via Isonzo, 71043 Foggia, Italy.
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Paz JT, Davidson TJ, Frechette ES, Delord B, Parada I, Peng K, Deisseroth K, Huguenard JR. Closed-loop optogenetic control of thalamus as a tool for interrupting seizures after cortical injury. Nat Neurosci 2012. [PMID: 23143518 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3269).] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrocortical injuries such as stroke are a major source of disability. Maladaptive consequences can result from post-injury local reorganization of cortical circuits. For example, epilepsy is a common sequela of cortical stroke, but the mechanisms responsible for seizures following cortical injuries remain unknown. In addition to local reorganization, long-range, extra-cortical connections might be critical for seizure maintenance. In rats, we found that the thalamus, a structure that is remote from, but connected to, the injured cortex, was required to maintain cortical seizures. Thalamocortical neurons connected to the injured epileptic cortex underwent changes in HCN channel expression and became hyperexcitable. Targeting these neurons with a closed-loop optogenetic strategy revealed that reducing their activity in real-time was sufficient to immediately interrupt electrographic and behavioral seizures. This approach is of therapeutic interest for intractable epilepsy, as it spares cortical function between seizures, in contrast with existing treatments, such as surgical lesioning or drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne T Paz
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Paz JT, Davidson TJ, Frechette ES, Delord B, Parada I, Peng K, Deisseroth K, Huguenard JR. Closed-loop optogenetic control of thalamus as a tool for interrupting seizures after cortical injury. Nat Neurosci 2012; 16:64-70. [PMID: 23143518 PMCID: PMC3700812 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrocortical injuries, such as stroke, are a major source of disability. Maladaptive consequences can result from post-injury local reorganization of cortical circuits. For example, epilepsy is a common sequela of cortical stroke, yet mechanisms responsible for seizures following cortical injuries remain unknown. In addition to local reorganization, long-range, extra-cortical connections might be critical for seizure maintenance. Here we report in rats the first evidence that the thalamus – a structure remote from but connected to the injured cortex – is required to maintain cortical seizures. Thalamocortical neurons connected to the injured epileptic cortex undergo changes in HCN channel expression and become hyperexcitable. Targeting these neurons with a closed-loop optogenetic strategy demonstrates that reducing their activity in real-time is sufficient to immediately interrupt electrographic and behavioral seizures. This approach is of therapeutic interest for intractable epilepsy, since it spares cortical function between seizures, in contrast to existing treatments such as surgical lesioning or drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne T Paz
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Impaired maturation of serotonergic function in the dentate gyrus associated with epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 50:86-95. [PMID: 23072977 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is believed to develop after an initial precipitating injury, usually suffered in childhood or adolescence, and aspects include impaired maturation of the hippocampus, and specifically the dentate gyrus. The dentate gyrus receives a major serotonergic input from the brainstem raphe nuclei, and the serotonergic system may regulate neurogenesis in the developing and mature hippocampus. The aim of this work was to investigate changes which may be associated with abnormal functioning of the serotonergic system in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy, where spontaneous seizures are induced by administration of pilocarpine at 6 weeks of age. Application of serotonin (100 μM) led to a transient hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential and decrease of the input resistance mediated by the 5-HT(1A) receptor that was similar between control and pilocarpine-treated animals and unaffected by the age of the animal. In the younger, but not in older control animals, serotonin led to a 5-HT(2) receptor-mediated long-term depression of evoked postsynaptic currents, a normal functional shift in the early adulthood of the Wistar rat. In pilocarpine-treated animals, this long-term depression persisted in older animals, indicating impaired maturation of the dentate gyrus. These data may indicate 5-HT(2) receptor function to be affected by the pathology of temporal lobe epilepsy.
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The Role of HCN Channels on Membrane Excitability in the Nervous System. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2012; 2012:619747. [PMID: 22934165 PMCID: PMC3425855 DOI: 10.1155/2012/619747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels were first reported in heart cells and are recently known to be involved in a variety of neural functions in healthy and diseased brains. HCN channels generate inward currents when the membrane potential is hyperpolarized. Voltage dependence of HCN channels is regulated by intracellular signaling cascades, which contain cyclic AMP, PIP(2), and TRIP8b. In addition, voltage-gated potassium channels have a strong influence on HCN channel activity. Because of these funny features, HCN channel currents, previously called funny currents, can have a wide range of functions that are determined by a delicate balance of modulatory factors. These multifaceted features also make it difficult to predict and elucidate the functional role of HCN channels in actual neurons. In this paper, we focus on the impacts of HCN channels on neural activity. The functions of HCN channels reported previously will be summarized, and their mechanisms will be explained by using numerical simulation of simplified model neurons.
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