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Namba K, Tominaga T, Ishihara Y. Decreases in the number of microglia and neural circuit dysfunction elicited by developmental exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3944-3955. [PMID: 38581179 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are insecticides widely used in the world. Although neonicotinoids are believed to be toxic only to insects, their developmental neurotoxicity in mammals is a concern. Therefore, we examined the effects of developmental exposure to neonicotinoids on immune system in the brain and post-developmental behaviors in this study. Imidacloprid or clothianidin was orally administered to dams at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day from embryonic day 11 to postnatal day 21. Imidacloprid decreased sociability, and both imidacloprid and clothianidin decreased locomotor activity and induced anxiety, depression and abnormal repetitive behaviors after the developmental period. There was no change in the number of neurons in the hippocampus of mice exposed to imidacloprid. However, the number and activity of microglia during development were significantly decreased by imidacloprid exposure. Imidacloprid also induced neural circuit dysfunction in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus during the early postnatal period. Exposure to imidacloprid suppressed the expression of csf1r during development. Collectively, these results suggest that developmental exposure to imidacloprid decreases the number and activity of microglia, which can cause neural circuit dysfunction and abnormal behaviors after the developmental period. Care must be taken to avoid exposure to neonicotinoids, especially during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaede Namba
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Tominaga
- Institute of Neuroscience, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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2
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Lindroos JLV, Bjørk MH, Gilhus NE. Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis as a Common Complication of a Rare Disease: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1136. [PMID: 38398450 PMCID: PMC10889526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease. Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) is caused by pathogenic maternal autoantibodies that cross the placenta and disrupt signaling at the neuromuscular junction. This is a systematic review of this transient immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated disease. TNMG affects 10-20% of children born to mothers with MG. The severity of symptoms ranges from minor feeding difficulties to life-threatening respiratory weakness. Minor symptoms might go unnoticed but can still interfere with breastfeeding. Acetylcholine-esterase inhibitors and antibody-clearing therapies such as immunoglobulins can be used to treat TNMG, but most children do well with observation only. TNMG is self-limiting within weeks as circulating antibodies are naturally cleared from the blood. In rare cases, TNMG is associated with permanent skeletal malformations or permanent myopathy. The mother's antibodies can also lead to spontaneous abortions. All healthcare professionals meeting pregnant or birthing women with MG or their neonates should be aware of TNMG. TNMG is hard to predict. Reoccurrence is common among siblings. Pre-pregnancy thymectomy and intravenous immunoglobulins during pregnancy reduce the risk. Neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) blocking drugs for MG might reduce TNMG risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Linnea Victoria Lindroos
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marte-Helene Bjørk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (J.L.V.L.); (M.-H.B.)
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
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3
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Patel C, Patel R, Maturkar V, Jain NS. Central cholinergic transmission affects the compulsive-like behavior of mice in marble-burying test. Brain Res 2024; 1825:148713. [PMID: 38097126 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the cholinergic system in the brain areas implicated in the precipitation of obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCB) has been reported but the exact role of the central cholinergic system therein is still unexplored. Therefore, the current study assessed the effect of cholinergic analogs on central administration on the marble-burying behavior (MBB) of mice, a behavior correlated with OCB. The result reveals that the enhancement of central cholinergic transmission in mice achieved by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of acetylcholine (0.01 µg) (Subeffective: 0.1 and 0.5 µg), cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 µg/mouse) and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, nicotine (0.1, 2 µg/mouse) significantly attenuated the number of marbles buried by mice in MBB test without affecting basal locomotor activity. Similarly, central injection of mAChR antagonist, atropine (0.1, 0.5, 5 µg/mouse), nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine (0.1, 0.5, 3 µg/mouse) per se also reduced the MBB in mice, indicative of anti-OCB like effect of all the tested cholinergic mAChR or nAChR agonist and antagonist. Surprisingly, i.c.v. injection of acetylcholine (0.01 µg), and neostigmine (0.1 µg) failed to elicit an anti-OCB-like effect in mice pre-treated (i.c.v.) with atropine (0.1 µg), or mecamylamine (0.1 µg). Thus, the findings of the present investigationdelineate the role of central cholinergic transmission in the compulsive-like behavior of mice probably via mAChR or nAChR stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhatrapal Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Richa Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Vaibhav Maturkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Nishant Sudhir Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India.
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4
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Borkar NA, Thompson MA, Bartman CM, Khalfaoui L, Sine S, Sathish V, Prakash YS, Pabelick CM. Nicotinic receptors in airway disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L149-L163. [PMID: 38084408 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00268.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
With continued smoking of tobacco products and expanded use of nicotine delivery devices worldwide, understanding the impact of smoking and vaping on respiratory health remains a major global unmet need. Although multiple studies have shown a strong association between smoking and asthma, there is a relative paucity of mechanistic understanding of how elements in cigarette smoke impact the airway. Recognizing that nicotine is a major component in both smoking and vaping products, it is critical to understand the mechanisms by which nicotine impacts airways and promotes lung diseases such as asthma. There is now increasing evidence that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) are critical players in nicotine effects on airways, but the mechanisms by which α7nAChR influences different airway cell types have not been widely explored. In this review, we highlight and integrate the current state of knowledge regarding nicotine and α7nAChR in the context of asthma and identify potential approaches to alleviate the impact of smoking and vaping on the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati A Borkar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Michael A Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Colleen M Bartman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Latifa Khalfaoui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Steven Sine
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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5
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Mesripour A, Soltani L, Aliomrani M. Bupropion and varenicline administration reversed depressive behavior induced by acetamiprid exposure in mice: the role of nAChRs in depression. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfad126. [PMID: 38239268 PMCID: PMC10793724 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetamiprid (ACE), is a popular neonicotinoid pesticide, that has a high affinity for mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Therefore, ACE might induce depressive effects by perturbing the cholinergic system in mammalian. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ACE exposure on depressive-like behaviors and grip strength (GS) in mice. Also the possible role of nAChR activation in depression was assessed by varenicline, and bupropion. Male Swiss mice (27 ± 2 g) were daily exposed to ACE by gavage (0.1, 1, 5 mg/kg), behavioral tests took place after 3 h, 7 days and 15 days, the subacute ACE (0.1 mg/kg) exposure was assessed after 30 days. Varenicline (0.5 mg/kg) or bupropion (4 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally 30 min prior exposure to (1 mg/kg) ACE. The locomotor activity, forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference (SP) test were assessed. After a week ACE dose dependently increased the immobility time during FST, and after 15 days' depressive behavior was observed equally for ACE (0.1-5 mg/kg). The subacute exposure (0.1 mg/kg) significantly increased the immobility time, SP also declined that revealed anhedonia. These behavioral changes showed that ACE can initiate depressive effects. The changes in locomotor activity were not significant. GS significantly reduced following a week of exposure to ACE (1-5 mg/kg) that indicated neurotoxicity. These effects were antagonized by bupropion or varenicline, thus ACE effect on nAChRs was essential in initiating the depressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Mesripour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib boulevard, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
- Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib boulevard, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Leila Soltani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib boulevard, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Mehdi Aliomrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib boulevard, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
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6
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Arunrungvichian K, Vajragupta O, Hayakawa Y, Pongrakhananon V. Targeting Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Lung Cancer: Insights, Challenges, and Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:28-41. [PMID: 38230275 PMCID: PMC10789132 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is an ion-gated calcium channel that plays a significant role in various aspects of cancer pathogenesis, particularly in lung cancer. Preclinical studies have elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying α7 nAChR-associated lung cancer proliferation, chemotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Understanding and targeting this mechanism are crucial for developing therapeutic interventions aimed at disrupting α7 nAChR-mediated cancer progression and improving treatment outcomes. Drug research and discovery have determined natural compounds and synthesized chemical antagonists that specifically target α7 nAChR. However, approved α7 nAChR antagonists for clinical use are lacking, primarily due to challenges related to achieving the desired selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles required for effective therapeutic intervention. This comprehensive review provided insights into the molecular mechanisms associated with α7 nAChR and its role in cancer progression, particularly in lung cancer. Furthermore, it presents an update on recent evidence about α7 nAChR antagonists and addresses the challenges encountered in drug research and discovery in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntarat Arunrungvichian
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Unit
of Compounds Library for Drug Discovery, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Opa Vajragupta
- Research
Affairs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Institute
of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Preclinical
Toxicity and Efficacy Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research
Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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7
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Martínez-Sánchez JE, Cárdenas Y, Trujillo X, Ríos-Silva M, Díaz-Reval MI, Bricio-Barrios JA, Muñiz J, Alcaraz-Siqueiros J, Huerta M. Increased Frequency of Giant Miniature End-Plate Potentials at the Neuromuscular Junction in Diabetic Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 12:68. [PMID: 38255175 PMCID: PMC10813272 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a need for research addressing the functional characteristics of the motor end-plate in diabetes to identify mechanisms contributing to neuromuscular dysfunction. Here, we investigated the effect of diabetes on spontaneous acetylcholine release in the rat neuromuscular junction. We studied two randomized groups of male Wistar rats (n = 7 per group, 350 ± 50 g, 12-16 weeks of age): one with streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes, and a healthy control group without diabetes. After 8 weeks of monitoring after diabetes induction, rats in both groups were anesthetized with pentobarbital. Then, the diaphragm muscle was dissected for electrophysiological recordings of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) using a single electrode located at the region of the muscle end-plate. All experiments were conducted at environmental temperature (20-22 °C) in rat Ringer solution with constant bubbling carbogen (95% O2, 5% CO2). Compared to healthy controls, in the diaphragm neuromuscular end-plate derived from diabetic rats, the MEPPs were higher in amplitude and frequency, and the proportion of giant MEPPs was elevated (7.09% vs. 1.4% in controls). Our results showed that diabetes affected the acetylcholine MEPP pattern and increased the number of giant potentials compared to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Elías Martínez-Sánchez
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
| | - Yolitzy Cárdenas
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
| | - Xóchitl Trujillo
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
| | - Mónica Ríos-Silva
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima—CONAHCyT, Av. 25 de Julio 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - M. Irene Díaz-Reval
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
| | - Jaime Alberto Bricio-Barrios
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad #333, Col. Las Víboras, Colima 28040, Colima, Mexico;
| | - Jesús Muñiz
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
| | - Julio Alcaraz-Siqueiros
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Colima, Km 40 Autopista Colima-Manzanillo, Crucero de Tecomán, Tecomán 28930, Colima, Mexico
| | - Miguel Huerta
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de julio # 965, Col. Villas San Sebastián, Colima 28045, Colima, Mexico; (J.E.M.-S.); (X.T.)
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8
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Qi P, He Q, Zhang J, Lian Y, Xie T, Dong J, Zhangsun D, Wu Y, Luo S. Enhancing Stability and Albumin Binding Efficiency of α-Conotoxin GI through Fatty Acid Modification. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3373-3382. [PMID: 37967580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxin GI is a competitive blocker of muscle-type acetylcholine receptors and holds the potential for being developed as a molecular probe or a lead compound for drug discovery. In this study, four fatty acid-modified α-conotoxin GI analogues of different lengths were synthesized by using a fatty acid modification strategy. Then, we performed a series of in vitro stability assays, albumin binding assays, and pharmacological activity assays to evaluate these modified mutants. The experimental results showed that the presence of fatty acids significantly enhanced the in vitro stability and albumin binding ability of α-conotoxin GI and that this effect was proportional to the length of the fatty acids used. Pharmacological activity tests showed that the modified mutants maintained a good acetylcholine receptor antagonistic activity. The present study shows that fatty acid modification can be an effective strategy to significantly improve conotoxin stability and albumin binding efficiency while maintaining the original targeting ion channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Qi
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Quankuo He
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lian
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ting Xie
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jianying Dong
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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9
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Bastos V, Pacheco V, Rodrigues ÉDL, Moraes CNS, Nóbile AL, Fonseca DLM, Souza KBS, do Vale FYN, Filgueiras IS, Schimke LF, Giil LM, Moll G, Cabral-Miranda G, Ochs HD, Vasconcelos PFDC, de Melo GD, Bourhy H, Casseb LMN, Cabral-Marques O. Neuroimmunology of rabies: New insights into an ancient disease. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29042. [PMID: 37885152 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient neuroinvasive viral (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) disease affecting approximately 59,000 people worldwide. The central nervous system (CNS) is targeted, and rabies has a case fatality rate of almost 100% in humans and animals. Rabies is entirely preventable through proper vaccination, and thus, the highest incidence is typically observed in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, there are still cases in European countries and the United States. Recently, demographic, increasing income levels, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused a massive raising in the animal population, enhancing the need for preventive measures (e.g., vaccination, surveillance, and animal control programs), postexposure prophylaxis, and a better understanding of rabies pathophysiology to identify therapeutic targets, since there is no effective treatment after the onset of clinical manifestations. Here, we review the neuroimmune biology and mechanisms of rabies. Its pathogenesis involves a complex and poorly understood modulation of immune and brain functions associated with metabolic, synaptic, and neuronal impairments, resulting in fatal outcomes without significant histopathological lesions in the CNS. In this context, the neuroimmunological and neurochemical aspects of excitatory/inhibitory signaling (e.g., GABA/glutamate crosstalk) are likely related to the clinical manifestations of rabies infection. Uncovering new links between immunopathological mechanisms and neurochemical imbalance will be essential to identify novel potential therapeutic targets to reduce rabies morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Bastos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postgraduate Program of Physiopathology and Toxicology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Pacheco
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Érika D L Rodrigues
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Cássia N S Moraes
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Adriel L Nóbile
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postgraduate Program of Physiopathology and Toxicology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dennyson Leandro M Fonseca
- Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kamilla B S Souza
- Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Y N do Vale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postgraduate Program of Physiopathology and Toxicology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Igor S Filgueiras
- Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lena F Schimke
- Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lasse M Giil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Hans D Ochs
- School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pedro F da Costa Vasconcelos
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, University of the State of Pará, Belem, Brazil
| | - Guilherme D de Melo
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Livia M N Casseb
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, PAHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arboviruses and other Zoonotic Viruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postgraduate Program of Physiopathology and Toxicology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation 29, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Shivakumar AB, Kumari S, Mehak SF, Gangadharan G. Compulsive-like Behaviors in Amyloid-β 1-42-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Mice Are Associated With Hippocampo-cortical Neural Circuit Dysfunction. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:773-784. [PMID: 37881551 PMCID: PMC10593884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to memory deficits, patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience neuropsychiatric disturbances. Recent studies have suggested the association of obsessive-compulsive disorder with the early stages of AD. However, there is a lack of understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of compulsive-like behaviors at the neuronal circuit level and their relationship with AD. Methods We have addressed this issue in an amyloid-β 1-42-induced mouse model of AD by studying compulsive-like behaviors. Next, we compared the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) local field potential pattern and coherence between these regions of control and AD mice. We also assessed the expression pattern of acetylcholine and glutamatergic signaling in these regions, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Our findings show that AD mice exhibit compulsive-like behaviors, as evidenced by enhanced marble burying, nest building, and burrowing. Furthermore, AD mice exhibited hippocampo-cortical circuit dysfunction demonstrated by decreased power of rhythmic oscillations at the theta (4-12 Hz) and gamma (25-50 Hz) frequencies in the hippocampus and mPFC, two functionally interconnected brain regions involved both in AD and compulsive behaviors. Importantly, coherence between the hippocampus and mPFC in the theta band of AD animals was significantly reduced. Furthermore, we found reduced cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus and mPFC of AD mice. Conclusions We conclude that the hippocampo-cortical functional alterations may play a significant role in mediating the compulsive-like behaviors observed in AD mice. These findings may help in understanding the underlying circuit mechanisms of obsessive-compulsive disorder-like phenotypes associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva Bettagere Shivakumar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sparsha Kumari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sonam Fathima Mehak
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Gireesh Gangadharan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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11
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Hernando G, Turani O, Rodriguez Araujo N, Bouzat C. The diverse family of Cys-loop receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans: insights from electrophysiological studies. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:733-750. [PMID: 37681094 PMCID: PMC10480131 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cys-loop receptors integrate a large family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast ionotropic responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. Their vital role in converting neurotransmitter recognition into an electrical impulse makes these receptors essential for a great variety of physiological processes. In vertebrates, the Cys-loop receptor family includes the cation-selective channels, nicotinic acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors, and the anion-selective channels, GABAA and glycine receptors, whereas in invertebrates, the repertoire is significantly larger. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has the largest known Cys-loop receptor family as well as unique receptors that are absent in vertebrates and constitute attractive targets for anthelmintic drugs. Given the large number and variety of Cys-loop receptor subunits and the multiple possible ways of subunit assembly, C. elegans offers a large diversity of receptors although only a limited number of them have been characterized to date. C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model for the study of the nervous system and human diseases as well as a model for antiparasitic drug discovery. This nematode has also shown promise in the pharmaceutical industry search for new therapeutic compounds. C. elegans is therefore a powerful model organism to explore the biology and pharmacology of Cys-loop receptors and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is known about the function of C. elegans Cys-loop receptors from an electrophysiological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Hernando
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ornella Turani
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Noelia Rodriguez Araujo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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12
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Nakamura Y, Matsumoto H, Wu CH, Fukaya D, Uni R, Hirakawa Y, Katagiri M, Yamada S, Ko T, Nomura S, Wada Y, Komuro I, Nangaku M, Inagi R, Inoue T. Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors signaling boosts cell-cell interactions in macrophages effecting anti-inflammatory and organ protection. Commun Biol 2023; 6:666. [PMID: 37353597 PMCID: PMC10290099 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) via vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to improve acute kidney injury in rodent models. While alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) positive macrophages are thought to play a crucial role in this pathway, their in vivo significance has not been fully understood. In this study, we used macrophage-specific α7nAChR-deficient mice to confirm the direct activation of α7nAChRs in macrophages. Our findings indicate that the administration of GTS-21, an α7nAChR-specific agonist, protects injured kidneys in wild-type mice but not in macrophage-specific α7nAChR-deficient mice. To investigate the signal changes or cell reconstructions induced by α7nAChR activation in splenocytes, we conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing of the spleen. Ligand-receptor analysis revealed an increase in macrophage-macrophage interactions. Using macrophage-derived cell lines, we demonstrated that GTS-21 increases cell contact, and that the contact between macrophages receiving α7nAChR signals leads to a reduction in TNF-α. Our results suggest that α7nAChR signaling increases macrophage-macrophage interactions in the spleen and has a protective effect on the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuna Nakamura
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Matsumoto
- School of Information and Data Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chia-Hsien Wu
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daichi Fukaya
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rie Uni
- Division of CKD pathophysiology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Hirakawa
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikako Katagiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yamada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ko
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seitaro Nomura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youichiro Wada
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Inagi
- Division of CKD pathophysiology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
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13
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Souf YM, Lokaj G, Kuruva V, Saed Y, Raviglione D, Brik A, Nicke A, Inguimbert N, Dutertre S. Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel α-Conotoxins Derived from Endemic Polynesian Cone Snails. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:356. [PMID: 37367681 DOI: 10.3390/md21060356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are well-known probes for the characterization of the various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Identifying new α-conotoxins with different pharmacological profiles can provide further insights into the physiological or pathological roles of the numerous nAChR isoforms found at the neuromuscular junction, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and other cells such as immune cells. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of two novel α-conotoxins obtained from two species endemic to the Marquesas Islands, namely Conus gauguini and Conus adamsonii. Both species prey on fish, and their venom is considered a rich source of bioactive peptides that can target a wide range of pharmacological receptors in vertebrates. Here, we demonstrate the versatile use of a one-pot disulfide bond synthesis to achieve the α-conotoxin fold [Cys 1-3; 2-4] for GaIA and AdIA, using the 2-nitrobenzyl (NBzl) protecting group of cysteines for effective regioselective oxidation. The potency and selectivity of GaIA and AdIA against rat nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were investigated electrophysiologically and revealed potent inhibitory activities. GaIA was most active at the muscle nAChR (IC50 = 38 nM), whereas AdIA was most potent at the neuronal α6/3 β2β3 subtype (IC50 = 177 nM). Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships of α-conotoxins, which may help in the design of more selective tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazid Mohamed Souf
- CRIOBE, UAR CNRS-EPHE-UPVD 3278, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Gonxhe Lokaj
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Veeresh Kuruva
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Yakop Saed
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Delphine Raviglione
- CRIOBE, UAR CNRS-EPHE-UPVD 3278, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Annette Nicke
- Faculty of Medicine, Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Inguimbert
- CRIOBE, UAR CNRS-EPHE-UPVD 3278, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
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14
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Yang J, Cao J, Min S, Li P, Lv F, Ren L. Recombinant human neuregulin-1 alleviates immobilization-induced neuromuscular dysfunction via neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling pathway in rat. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023:109631. [PMID: 37276924 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Immobilization-induced Neuromuscular Dysfunction (NMD) increases morbidity and mortality of patients in Intensive Care Units. However, the underlying mechanism of NMD remain poorly elucidated which limited the development of therapeutic method for NMD. Here we developed an immobilization rat model and tested the hypothesis that decreased expression of NRG-1, abnormal expression and distribution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in skeletal muscle caused by immobilization can lead to NMD. To investigate the role of NRG-1/ErbB pathway on immobilization-induced NMD, exogenous recombinant human neuregulin-1 (rhNRG-1) was used to increase the expression of NRG-1 in skeletal muscle during immobilization. It was observed rhNRG-1 significantly alleviated the muscle loss and enhanced the expression of ε-nAChR, while diminished the expression of γ- and α7-nAChR and NMD. Interestingly, ErbB inhibitor PD158780 blocked the protective effects of rhNRG-1. Collectively, the results of present study suggested that rhNRG-1 attenuated immobilization-induced muscle loss and NMD, suppressed γ- and α7-nAChR production, enhanced ε-nAChR synthesis via activating NRG-1/ErbB pathway. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights into NMD contribution, suggesting that the rhNRG-1 is a promising therapy to protect against immobilization-induced myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Su Min
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Feng Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Li Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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15
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Pechlivanidou M, Ninou E, Karagiorgou K, Tsantila A, Mantegazza R, Francesca A, Furlan R, Dudeck L, Steiner J, Tzartos J, Tzartos S. Autoimmunity to Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106790. [PMID: 37164280 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in many and diverse cell types, participating in various functions of cells, tissues and systems. In this review, we focus on the autoimmunity against neuronal nAChRs, the specific autoantibodies and their mechanisms of pathological action in selected autoimmune diseases. We summarize the current relevant knowledge from human diseases as well as from experimental models of autoimmune neurological disorders related to antibodies against neuronal nAChR subunits. Despite the well-studied high immunogenicity of the muscle nAChRs where autoantibodies are the main pathogen of myasthenia gravis, autoimmunity to neuronal nAChRs seems infrequent, except for the autoantibodies to the ganglionic receptor, the α3 subunit containing nAChR (α3-nAChR), which are detected and are likely pathogenic in Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG). We describe the detection, presence and function of these antibodies and especially the recent development of a cell-based assay (CBA) which, contrary to until recently available assays, is highly specific for AAG. Rare reports of autoantibodies to the other neuronal nAChR subtypes include a few cases of antibodies to α7 and/or α4β2 nAChRs in Rasmussen encephalitis, schizophrenia, autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis, and in some myasthenia gravis patients with concurrent CNS symptoms. Neuronal-type nAChRs are also present in several non-excitable tissues, however the presence and possible role of antibodies against them needs further verification. It is likely that the future development of more sensitive and disease-specific assays would reveal that neuronal nAChR autoantibodies are much more frequent and may explain the mechanisms of some seronegative autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katerina Karagiorgou
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreetta Francesca
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Leon Dudeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health DZPG, Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health C-I-R-C, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - John Tzartos
- 2(nd) Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece; Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece; Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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16
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Bye LJ, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Key targets for attenuating neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 157:106387. [PMID: 36754161 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are master regulators of immune functions via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and are expressed in microglia, the brain's resident immune cells. There is an extensive dialogue between the neurons and the glial cells around them from which microglia are tasked with monitoring, nurturing, and defending their microenvironment. Dysregulation of any of these processes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences involving microglia-mediated neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, amongst others. Disease-associated microglia acquire a distinguishing phenotype that emphasizes scavenging and defence functions while nurturing and repairing functions become muted. Attempts to resolve this critical imbalance remain a key focus of research. Furthermore, cholinergic modulation of neuroinflammation represents a promising avenue for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia J Bye
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia.
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Kattner S, Müller J, Glanz K, Manoochehri M, Sylvester C, Vainshtein Y, Berger MM, Brenner T, Sohn K. Identification of two early blood biomarkers ACHE and CLEC12A for improved risk stratification of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4388. [PMID: 36928077 PMCID: PMC10019437 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30158-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to identify biomarkers for earlier prediction of COVID-19 outcome, we collected blood samples from patients with fatal outcomes (non-survivors) and with positive clinical outcomes (survivors) at ICU admission and after seven days. COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors showed significantly different transcript levels for 93 genes in whole blood already at ICU admission as revealed by RNA-Seq. These differences became even more pronounced at day 7, resulting in 290 differentially expressed genes. Many identified genes play a role in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. For validation, we designed an RT-qPCR assay for C-type lectin domain family 12 member A (CLEC12A) and acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), two transcripts that showed highest potential to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors at both time points. Using our combined RT-qPCR assay we examined 33 samples to accurately predict patient survival with an AUROC curve of 0.931 (95% CI = 0.814-1.000) already at ICU admission. CLEC12A and ACHE showed improved prediction of patient outcomes compared to standard clinical biomarkers including CRP and PCT in combination (AUROC = 0.403, 95% CI = 0.108-0.697) or SOFA score (AUROC = 0.701 95% CI = 0.451-0.951) at day 0. Therefore, analyzing CLEC12A and ACHE gene expression from blood may provide a promising approach for early risk stratification of severely ill COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kattner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Müller
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karolina Glanz
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mehdi Manoochehri
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Caroline Sylvester
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Yevhen Vainshtein
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marc Moritz Berger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Brenner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Kai Sohn
- Innovation Field In-Vitro Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Stereoselective Synthesis of 1-Substituted Homotropanones, including Natural Alkaloid (-)-Adaline. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052414. [PMID: 36903657 PMCID: PMC10005508 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The stereocontrolled synthesis of 1-substituted homotropanones, using chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines as reaction intermediates, is described. The reaction of organolithium and Grignard reagents with hydroxy Weinreb amides, chemoselective N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimine formation from keto aldehydes, decarboxylative Mannich reaction with β-keto acids of these aldimines, and organocatalyzed L-proline intramolecular Mannich cyclization are key steps of this methodology. The utility of the method was demonstrated with a synthesis of the natural product (-)-adaline, and its enantiomer, (+)-adaline.
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CHRNA1 and its correlated-myogenesis/cell cycle genes are prognosis-related markers of metastatic melanoma. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 33:101425. [PMID: 36654921 PMCID: PMC9841360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (CHRNs) expression and their critical role in various types of cancer have been reported. However, it is still unclear which CHRNs and their associated genes play essential roles in metastasis in melanoma patients. Here, we performed bioinformatics analyses on publicly available bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of patients with melanoma to identify the CHRNs highly expressed in metastatic melanoma. We found that CHRNA1 was highly expressed in metastatic melanoma samples compared to primary melanoma samples and was strongly associated with CHRNB1 and CHRNG. These muscle-type CHRNs (CHRNA1, CHRNB1, and CHRNG) were correlated with the ZEB1 and Rho/ROCK pathway-related genes in metastatic melanoma samples. Pairwise correlations and enrichment analyses revealed that CHRNA1 was significantly associated with myogenesis/muscle contraction and cell cycle genes. Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated the involvement of CHRNA1, four of its correlated genes (DES, FLNC, CDK1, and CDC20), and the myogenesis gene signature in the prognosis of melanoma patients. Following the bulk RNA-seq analysis, single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis showed that the CHRNA1-expressing melanoma cells are primarily metastatic and had high expression levels of CHRNB1, CHRNG, and myogenesis/cell cycle-related genes. Our bioinformatics analyses of the bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data of patients with melanoma revealed that CHRNA1 and its correlated myogenesis/cell-related cycle genes are critical prognosis-related markers of metastatic melanoma.
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Martyn JAJ, Sparling JL, Bittner EA. Molecular mechanisms of muscular and non-muscular actions of neuromuscular blocking agents in critical illness: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:39-50. [PMID: 36175185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite frequent use of neuromuscular blocking agents in critical illness, changes in neuromuscular transmission with critical illness are not well appreciated. Recent studies have provided greater insights into the molecular mechanisms for beneficial muscular effects and non-muscular anti-inflammatory properties of neuromuscular blocking agents. This narrative review summarises the normal structure and function of the neuromuscular junction and its transformation to a 'denervation-like' state in critical illness, the underlying cause of aberrant neuromuscular blocking agent pharmacology. We also address the important favourable and adverse consequences and molecular bases for these consequences during neuromuscular blocking agent use in critical illness. This review, therefore, provides an enhanced understanding of clinical therapeutic effects and novel pathways for the salutary and aberrant effects of neuromuscular blocking agents when used during acquired pathologic states of critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Jeevendra Martyn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie L Sparling
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Edward A Bittner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Zhao M, Ma Y, Xin J, Cao C, Wang J. Detection of differential selection pressure and functional-specific sites in subunits of vertebrate neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:13161-13170. [PMID: 34596010 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1982772] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are made of subunits evolved from a common ancestor. Despite the similarity in their sequences and structures, the properties of these subunits vary significantly. Thus, identifying the evolution features and function-related sites specific to each subunit is essential for understanding the characteristics of the subunits and the receptors assembled by them. In this study, we examined the sequence features of the nine neuronal nAChRs subunits from representative vertebrate species. Analysis revealed that all the subunits were subject to strong purifying selection in evolution, and each was under a unique pattern of selection pressures. At the same time, the functional constraints were not uniform within each subunit, with different domains in the molecule being subject to different selection pressures. We also detected potential positive selection events in the subunits or subunit clusters, and identified the sites might be associated with the function specificity of each subunit. Furthermore, positive selection at some domains might contribute to the diversity of subunit function; for example, the β9 strand might be related to the agonist specificity of α subunit in heteromeric receptor and β4-β5 linker could be involved in Ca2+ permeability. Subunits α7, α4 and β2 subunits possess a strong adaptability in vertebrates. Our results highlighted the importance of tracking functional differentiation in protein sequence underlying functional properties of nAChRs. In summary, our work may provide clues on understanding the diversity and the function specificity of the nAChR subunits, as well as the receptors co-assembled by them.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuequn Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Juncai Xin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Changying Cao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ju Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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22
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Hadiatullah H, Zhang Y, Samurkas A, Xie Y, Sundarraj R, Zuilhof H, Qiao J, Yuchi Z. Recent progress in the structural study of ion channels as insecticide targets. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1522-1551. [PMID: 35575601 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels, many expressed in insect neural and muscular systems, have drawn huge attention as primary targets of insecticides. With the recent technical breakthroughs in structural biology, especially in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), many new high-resolution structures of ion channel targets, apo or in complex with insecticides, have been solved, shedding light on the molecular mechanism of action of the insecticides and resistance mutations. These structures also provide accurate templates for structure-based insecticide screening and rational design. This review summarizes the recent progress in the structural studies of 5 ion channel families: the ryanodine receptor (RyR), the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, and the ligand-gated chloride channel (LGCC). We address the selectivity of the channel-targeting insecticides by examining the conservation of key coordinating residues revealed by the structures. The possible resistance mechanisms are proposed based on the locations of the identified resistance mutations on the 3D structures of the target channels and their impacts on the binding of insecticides. Finally, we discuss how to develop "green" insecticides with a novel mode of action based on these high-resolution structures to overcome the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadiatullah Hadiatullah
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Arthur Samurkas
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yunxuan Xie
- Department of Environmental Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rajamanikandan Sundarraj
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Zuilhof
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiguang Yuchi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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23
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Cetin A, Oguz E, Türkan F. In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Acetylcholinesteraseand Glutathione S-Transferase Enzymes of Substituted Pyrazoles. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363222110263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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24
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(−)-Adaline from the Adalia Genus of Ladybirds Is a Potent Antagonist of Insect and Specific Mammalian Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27207074. [PMID: 36296666 PMCID: PMC9611057 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) possess strong chemical defences that are secreted in response to stress and are also found on the coating of eggs, which are rich in alkaloids that are responsible for their toxicity to other species. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids from several species of ladybird beetle can target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) acting as receptor antagonists. Here, we have explored the actions of (−)-adaline, found in the 2-spot (Adalia bipunctata) and 10-spot (Adalia decempunctata) ladybirds, on both mammalian (α1β1γδ, α7, α4β2, α3β4) and insect nAChRs using patch-clamp of TE671 cells and locust brain neurons natively expressing nAChRs, as well as two-electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus laevis oocytes recombinantly expressing nAChRs. All nAChR subtypes were antagonised by (−)-adaline in a time-dependent, voltage-dependent and non-competitive manner with the lowest IC50s at rat α3β4 (0.10 μM) and locust neuron (1.28 μM) nAChRs, at a holding potential of −75 mV. The data imply that (−)-adaline acts as an open channel blocker of nAChRs.
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25
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Synthesis, biological evaluation, and bioinformatics analysis of indole analogs on AChE and GST activities. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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26
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Aronowitz AL, Ali SR, Glaun MDE, Amit M. Acetylcholine in Carcinogenesis and Targeting Cholinergic Receptors in Oncology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200053. [PMID: 35858206 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells modulate and are modulated by their microenvironments, which include the nervous system. Accumulating evidence links the overexpression and activity of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes to tumorigenesis in breast, ovarian, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have downstream factors are associated with angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration, antiapoptotic signaling, and survival. Clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of various therapies targeting cholinergic signaling or downstream pathways of acetylcholine have shed promising light on novel cancer therapeutics. Although the evidence for cholinergic signaling involvement in tumor development is substantial, a more detailed understanding of the acetylcholine-induced mechanisms of tumorigenesis remains to be unlocked. Such an understanding would enable the development of clinical applications ranging from the identification of novel biomarkers to the utilization of existing drugs to modulate cholinergic signaling to the development of novel cancer therapies, as discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Aronowitz
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shahrukh R Ali
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mica D E Glaun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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27
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Single-Disulfide Conopeptide Czon1107, an Allosteric Antagonist of the Human α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080497. [PMID: 36005500 PMCID: PMC9409646 DOI: 10.3390/md20080497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are peptides in the venom of marine cone snails that are used for capturing prey or as a defense against predators. A new cysteine-poor conopeptide, Czon1107, has exhibited non-competitive inhibition with an undefined allosteric mechanism in the human (h) α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In this study, the binding mode of Czon1107 to hα3β4 nAChR was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations coupled with mutagenesis studies of the peptide and electrophysiology studies on heterologous hα3β4 nAChRs. Overall, this study clarifies the structure–activity relationship of Czon1107 and hα3β4 nAChR and provides an important experimental and theoretical basis for the development of new peptide drugs.
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28
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Reed M, Jonz MG. Neurochemical Signalling Associated With Gill Oxygen Sensing and Ventilation: A Receptor Focused Mini-Review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:940020. [PMID: 35910553 PMCID: PMC9325958 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.940020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the large body of work describing vertebrate ventilatory responses to hypoxia, remarkably little is known about the receptors and afferent pathways mediating these responses in fishes. In this review, we aim to summarize all receptor types to date implicated in the neurotransmission or neuromodulation associated with O2 sensing in the gills of fish. This includes serotonergic, cholinergic, purinergic, and dopaminergic receptor subtypes. Recent transcriptomic analysis of the gills of zebrafish using single-cell RNA sequencing has begun to elucidate specific receptor targets in the gill; however, the absence of receptor characterization at the cellular level in the gill remains a major limitation in understanding the neurochemical control of hypoxia signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddison Reed
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Jonz
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, ON, Ottawa, Canada
- *Correspondence: Michael G. Jonz,
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29
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Nakata Y, Miura K, Yamasaki N, Ogata S, Miura S, Hosomi N, Kaminuma O. Expression and Function of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Induced Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031779. [PMID: 35163704 PMCID: PMC8836781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A contribution of the cholinergic system to immune cell function has been suggested, though the role of nicotine and its receptors in T cells, especially regulatory T (Treg) cells, is unclear. We herein investigated the expression and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in murine-induced Treg (iTreg) cells. Upon differentiation of naive BALB/c T cells into iTreg cells and other T-cell subsets, the effect of nicotine on cytokine production and proliferation of iTreg cells was examined. The expression of nAChRs and its regulatory mechanisms were comparatively analyzed among T-cell subsets. Stimulation-induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production of iTreg cells was suppressed by nicotine, whereas interleukin (IL)-10 production and proliferation was not affected. α2-, α5-, α9-, and β2-nAChRs were differentially expressed in naive, Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, and iTreg cells. Among these cell types, the α9-nAChR was particularly upregulated in iTreg cells via its gene promoter, but not through tri-methylation at the 4th lysine residue of the histone H3-dependent mechanisms. We conclude that the immunoregulatory role of Treg cells is modified by the cholinergic system, probably through the characteristic expression of nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Nakata
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Kento Miura
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
| | - Norimasa Yamasaki
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
| | - Sawako Ogata
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
| | - Shuka Miura
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
| | - Naohisa Hosomi
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
| | - Osamu Kaminuma
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (K.M.); (N.Y.); (S.O.); (S.M.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-82-257-5819
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30
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Wei N, Chu Y, Liu H, Xu Q, Jiang T, Yu R. Antagonistic Mechanism of α-Conotoxin BuIA toward the Human α3β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4535-4545. [PMID: 34738810 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that are abundantly expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, playing an important role in mediating neurotransmitter release and inter-synaptic signaling. Dysfunctional nAChRs are associated with neurological disorders, and studying the structure and function of nAChRs is essential for development of drugs or strategies for treatment of related diseases. α-Conotoxins are selective antagonists of the nAChR and are an important class of drug leads. So far, the antagonistic mechanism of α-conotoxins toward the nAChRs is still unclear. In this study, we built an α3β2 nAChR homology model and investigated its conformational transition mechanism upon binding with a highly potent inhibitor, α-conotoxin BuIA, through μs molecular dynamic simulations and site-directed mutagenesis studies. The results suggested that the α3β2 nAChR underwent global conformational transitions and was stabilized into a closed state with three hydrophobic gates present in the transmembrane domain by BuIA. Finally, the probable antagonistic mechanism of BuIA was proposed. Overall, the closed-state model of the α3β2 nAChR bound with BuIA is not only essential for understanding the antagonistic mechanism of α-conotoxins but also particularly valuable for development of therapeutic inhibitors in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266200, China
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Huijie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Qingliang Xu
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266200, China
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Rilei Yu
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266200, China
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
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31
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Mirian A, Nicolle MW, Edmond P, Budhram A. Comparison of fixed cell-based assay to radioimmunoprecipitation assay for acetylcholine receptor antibody detection in myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2021; 432:120084. [PMID: 34906880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare specificity and sensitivity of a commercially available fixed cell-based assay (F-CBA) to radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) for acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-AChR) detection in myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS In this retrospective diagnostic cohort study we reviewed the clinical information of suspected MG patients evaluated at the London Health Sciences Centre MG clinic who had anti-AChR RIPA and then F-CBA performed, in order to classify them as MG or non-MG. Classification of each patient as anti-AChR F-CBA-negative/positive, RIPA-negative/positive, and MG/non-MG permitted specificity and sensitivity calculations for each assay. RESULTS Six-hundred-eighteen patients were included in study analysis. The median patient age at time of sample collection was 45.8 years (range: 7.5-87.5 years) and 312/618 (50.5%) were female. Of 618 patients, 395 (63.9%) were classified as MG. Specificity of both F-CBA and RIPA was excellent (99.6% vs. 100%, P > 0.99). One F-CBA-positive patient was classified as non-MG, although in retrospect ocular MG with functional overlay was challenging to exclude. Sensitivity of F-CBA was significantly higher than RIPA (76.7% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.002). Overall, 20/97 (21%) otherwise seronegative MG (SNMG) patients after RIPA evaluation had anti-AChR detected by F-CBA. CONCLUSIONS In our study anti-AChR F-CBA and RIPA both had excellent specificity, while F-CBA had 4% higher sensitivity for MG and detected anti-AChR in 21% of SNMG patients. Our findings indicate that F-CBA is a viable alternative to RIPA for anti-AChR detection. Prospective studies comparing F-CBA, RIPA and L-CBA are needed to determine optimal anti-AChR testing algorithms in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ario Mirian
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W Nicolle
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela Edmond
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Budhram
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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32
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Rosenthal JS, Yuan Q. Constructing and Tuning Excitatory Cholinergic Synapses: The Multifaceted Functions of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Drosophila Neural Development and Physiology. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:720560. [PMID: 34650404 PMCID: PMC8505678 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.720560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are widely distributed within the nervous system across most animal species. Besides their well-established roles in mammalian neuromuscular junctions, studies using invertebrate models have also proven fruitful in revealing the function of nAchRs in the central nervous system. During the earlier years, both in vitro and animal studies had helped clarify the basic molecular features of the members of the Drosophila nAchR gene family and illustrated their utility as targets for insecticides. Later, increasingly sophisticated techniques have illuminated how nAchRs mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the Drosophila brain and play an integral part in neural development and synaptic plasticity, as well as cognitive processes such as learning and memory. This review is intended to provide an updated survey of Drosophila nAchR subunits, focusing on their molecular diversity and unique contributions to physiology and plasticity of the fly neural circuitry. We will also highlight promising new avenues for nAchR research that will likely contribute to better understanding of central cholinergic neurotransmission in both Drosophila and other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Rosenthal
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Quan Yuan
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Havermans A, Zwart EP, Cremers HWJM, van Schijndel MDM, Constant RS, Mešković M, Worutowicz LX, Pennings JLA, Talhout R, van der Ven LTM, Heusinkveld HJ. Exploring Neurobehaviour in Zebrafish Embryos as a Screening Model for Addictiveness of Substances. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9100250. [PMID: 34678946 PMCID: PMC8539716 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is highly addictive. Nicotine is the main addictive compound in tobacco, but less is known about other components and additives that may contribute to tobacco addiction. The zebrafish embryo (ZFE) has been shown to be a good model to study the toxic effects of chemicals on the neurological system and thus may be a promising model to study behavioral markers of nicotine effects, which may be predictive for addictiveness. We aimed to develop a testing protocol to study nicotine tolerance in ZFE using a locomotion test with light-dark transitions as behavioral trigger. Behavioral experiments were conducted using three exposure paradigms: (1) Acute exposure to determine nicotine’s effect and potency. (2) Pre-treatment with nicotine dose range followed by a single dose of nicotine, to determine which pre-treatment dose is sufficient to affect the potency of acute nicotine. (3) Pre-treatment with a single dose combined with acute exposure to a dose range to confirm the hypothesized decreased potency of the acute nicotine exposure. These exposure paradigms showed that (1) acute nicotine exposure decreased ZFE activity in response to dark conditions in a dose-dependent fashion; (2) pre-treatment with increasing concentrations dose-dependently reversed the effect of acute nicotine exposure; and (3) a fixed pre-treatment dose of nicotine induced a decreased potency of the acute nicotine exposure. This effect supported the induction of tolerance to nicotine by the pre-treatment, likely through neuroadaptation. The interpretation of these effects, particularly in view of prediction of dependence and addictiveness, and suitability of the ZFE model to test for such effects of other compounds than nicotine, are discussed.
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Winek K, Soreq H, Meisel A. Regulators of cholinergic signaling in disorders of the central nervous system. J Neurochem 2021; 158:1425-1438. [PMID: 33638173 PMCID: PMC8518971 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic signaling is crucial in cognitive processes, and degenerating cholinergic projections are a pathological hallmark in dementia. Use of cholinesterase inhibitors is currently the main treatment option to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and has been postulated as a therapeutic strategy in acute brain damage (stroke and traumatic brain injury). However, the benefits of this treatment are still not clear. Importantly, cholinergic receptors are expressed both by neurons and by astrocytes and microglia, and binding of acetylcholine to the α7 nicotinic receptor in glial cells results in anti-inflammatory response. Similarly, the brain fine-tunes the peripheral immune response over the cholinergic anti-inflammatory axis. All of these processes are of importance for the outcome of acute and chronic neurological disease. Here, we summarize the main findings about the role of cholinergic signaling in brain disorders and provide insights into the complexity of molecular regulators of cholinergic responses, such as microRNAs and transfer RNA fragments, both of which may fine-tune the orchestra of cholinergic mRNAs. The available data suggest that these small noncoding RNA regulators may include promising biomarkers for predicting disease course and assessing treatment responses and might also serve as drug targets to attenuate signaling cascades during overwhelming inflammation and to ameliorate regenerative capacities of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Winek
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyCenter for Stroke Research BerlinNeuroCure Clinical Research CenterCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
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35
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Hill M, Třískala Z, Honců P, Krejčí M, Kajzar J, Bičíková M, Ondřejíková L, Jandová D, Sterzl I. Aging, hormones and receptors. Physiol Res 2021; 69:S255-S272. [PMID: 33094624 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is accompanied by deterioration in physical condition and a number of physiological processes and thus a higher risk of a range of diseases and disorders. In particular, we focused on the changes associated with aging, especially the role of small molecules, their role in physiological and pathophysiological processes and potential treatment options. Our previously published results and data from other authors lead to the conclusion that these unwanted changes are mainly linked to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can be slowed down, stopped, or in some cases even reversed by an appropriate treatment, but especially by a life-management adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteohormones, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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36
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Tong G, Baker MA, Shenvi RA. Change the channel: CysLoop receptor antagonists from nature. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3650-3662. [PMID: 33135373 PMCID: PMC8087819 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate and invertebrate ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) exhibit significant structural homology and often share ligands. As a result, ligands with activity against one class can be brought to bear against another, including for development as insecticides. Receptor selectivity, metabolism and distribution must then be optimized using chemical synthesis. Here we review natural products (NPs) that ligate and inhibit the Cys-loop family of LGICs, which benefit from the unique physicochemical properties of natural product space but often present a high synthetic burden. Recent advances in chemical synthesis, however, have opened practical entries into these complex structures, several of which are highlighted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghu Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meghan A Baker
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan A Shenvi
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
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37
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Tae HS, Gao B, Jin AH, Alewood PF, Adams DJ. Globular and ribbon isomers of Conus geographus α-conotoxins antagonize human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114638. [PMID: 34062129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The short disulfide-rich α-conotoxins derived from the venom of Conus snails comprise a conserved CICII(m)CIII(n)CIV cysteine framework (m and n, number of amino acids) and the majority antagonize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Depending on disulfide connectivity, α-conotoxins can exist as either globular (CI-CIII, CII-CIV), ribbon (CI-CIV, CII-CIII) or bead (CI-CII, CIII-CIV) isomers. In the present study, C. geographus α-conotoxins GI, GIB, G1.5 and G1.9 were chemically synthesized as globular and ribbon isomers and their activity investigated at human nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode voltage clamp recording technique. Both the globular and ribbon isomers of the 3/5 (m/n) α-conotoxins GI and GIB selectively inhibit heterologous human muscle-type α1β1δε nAChRs, whereas G1.5, a 4/7 α-conotoxin, selectively antagonizes neuronal (non-muscle) nAChR subtypes particularly human α3β2, α7 and α9α10 nAChRs. In contrast, globular and ribbon isomers of G1.9, a novel C-terminal elongated 4/8 α-conotoxin exhibited no activity at the human nAChR subtypes studied. This study reinforces earlier observations that 3/5 α-conotoxins selectively target the muscle nAChR subtypes, although interestingly, GIB is also active at α7 and α9 α10 nAChRs. The 4/7 α-conotoxins target human neuronal nAChR subtypes whereas the pharmacology of the 4/8 α-conotoxin remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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38
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Novel Pharmacotherapies in Parkinson's Disease. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1381-1390. [PMID: 34003454 PMCID: PMC8129607 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), an age-related progressive neurodegenerative condition, is associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which results in motor deficits characterized by the following: akinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, as well as nonmotor symptoms such as emotional changes, particularly depression, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal, and autonomic dysfunction. The most common treatment for PD is focused on dopamine (DA) replacement (e.g., levodopa = L-Dopa), which unfortunately losses its efficacy over months or years and can induce severe dyskinesia. Hence, more efficacious interventions without such adverse effects are urgently needed. In this review, following a general description of PD, potential novel therapeutic interventions for this devastating disease are examined. Specifically, the focus is on nicotine and nicotinic cholinergic system, as well as butyrate, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA), and fatty acid receptors.
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39
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Sharp L, Brannigan G. Spontaneous lipid binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a native membrane. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:185102. [PMID: 34241006 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and other pentameric ligand-gated ion channels are native to neuronal membranes with an unusual lipid composition. While it is well-established that these receptors can be significantly modulated by lipids, the underlying mechanisms have been primarily studied in model membranes with few lipid species. Here, we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation to probe specific binding of lipids in a complex quasi-neuronal membrane. We ran a total of 50 μs of simulations of a single nAChR in a membrane composed of 36 species of lipids. Competition between multiple lipid species produces a complex distribution. We find that overall, cholesterol selects for concave inter-subunit sites and polyunsaturated fatty acids select for convex M4 sites, while monounsaturated and saturated lipids are unenriched in the nAChR boundary. We propose the "density-threshold affinity" as a metric calculated from continuous density distributions, which reduces to a standard affinity in two-state binding. We find that the density-threshold affinity for M4 weakens with chain rigidity, which suggests that flexible chains may help relax packing defects caused by the conical protein shape. For any site, PE headgroups have the strongest affinity of all phospholipid headgroups, but anionic lipids still yield moderately high affinities for the M4 sites as expected. We observe cooperative effects between anionic headgroups and saturated chains at the M4 site in the inner leaflet. We also analyze affinities for individual anionic headgroups. When combined, these insights may reconcile several apparently contradictory experiments on the role of anionic phospholipids in modulating nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Sharp
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University-Camden, Camden, New Jersey 08102, USA
| | - Grace Brannigan
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University-Camden, Camden, New Jersey 08102, USA
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40
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Bregestovski PD, Ponomareva DN. Photochromic Modulation of Cys-loop
Ligand-gated Ion Channels. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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41
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Hamouda AK, Bautista MR, Akinola LS, Alkhlaif Y, Jackson A, Carper M, Toma WB, Garai S, Chen YC, Thakur GA, Fowler CD, Damaj MI. Potentiation of (α4)2(β2)3, but not (α4)3(β2)2, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors reduces nicotine self-administration and withdrawal symptoms. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108568. [PMID: 33878302 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The low sensitivity (α4)3(β2)2 (LS) and high sensitivity (α4)2(β2)3 (HS) nAChR isoforms may contribute to a variety of brain functions, pathophysiological processes, and pharmacological effects associated with nicotine use. In this study, we examined the contributions of the LS and HS α4β2 nAChR isoforms in nicotine self-administration, withdrawal symptoms, antinociceptive and hypothermic effects. We utilized two nAChR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs): desformylflustrabromine (dFBr), a PAM of both the LS and HS α4β2 nAChRs, and CMPI, a PAM selective for the LS nAChR. We found that dFBr, but not CMPI, decreased intravenous nicotine self-administration in male mice in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike dFBr, which fully reverses somatic and affective symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, CMPI at doses up to 15 mg/kg in male mice only partially reduced nicotine withdrawal-induced somatic signs, anxiety-like behavior and sucrose preference, but had no effects on nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia. These results indicate that potentiation of HS α4β2 nAChRs is necessary to modulate nicotine's reinforcing properties that underlie nicotine intake and to reverse nicotine withdrawal symptoms that influence nicotine abstinence. In contrast, both dFBr and CMPI enhanced nicotine's hypothermic effect and reduced nicotine's antinociceptive effects in male mice. Therefore, these results indicate a more prevalent role of HS α4β2 nAChR isoforms in mediating various behavioral effects associated with nicotine, whereas the LS α4β2 nAChR isoform has a limited role in mediating body temperature and nociceptive responses. These findings will facilitate the development of more selective, efficacious, and safe nAChR-based therapeutics for nicotine addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman K Hamouda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA.
| | - Malia R Bautista
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lois S Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Yasmin Alkhlaif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Asti Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Moriah Carper
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Wisam B Toma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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42
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Marcovich I, Moglie MJ, Carpaneto Freixas AE, Trigila AP, Franchini LF, Plazas PV, Lipovsek M, Elgoyhen AB. Distinct Evolutionary Trajectories of Neuronal and Hair Cell Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 37:1070-1089. [PMID: 31821508 PMCID: PMC7086180 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion and pruning of ion channel families has played a crucial role in the evolution of nervous systems. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels with distinct roles in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, the central and peripheral nervous system, and the inner ear. Remarkably, the complement of nAChR subunits has been highly conserved along vertebrate phylogeny. To ask whether the different subtypes of receptors underwent different evolutionary trajectories, we performed a comprehensive analysis of vertebrate nAChRs coding sequences, mouse single-cell expression patterns, and comparative functional properties of receptors from three representative tetrapod species. We found significant differences between hair cell and neuronal receptors that were most likely shaped by the differences in coexpression patterns and coassembly rules of component subunits. Thus, neuronal nAChRs showed high degree of coding sequence conservation, coupled to greater coexpression variance and conservation of functional properties across tetrapod clades. In contrast, hair cell α9α10 nAChRs exhibited greater sequence divergence, narrow coexpression pattern, and great variability of functional properties across species. These results point to differential substrates for random change within the family of gene paralogs that relate to the segregated roles of nAChRs in synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Marcovich
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo J Moglie
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín E Carpaneto Freixas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anabella P Trigila
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucia F Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola V Plazas
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Lipovsek
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Guy's Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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43
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Lagoumintzis G, Chasapis CT, Alexandris N, Kouretas D, Tzartos S, Eliopoulos E, Farsalinos K, Poulas K. Nicotinic cholinergic system and COVID-19: In silico identification of interactions between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the cryptic epitopes of SARS-Co-V and SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoproteins. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 149:112009. [PMID: 33503469 PMCID: PMC7830272 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan in December 2019 and has spread globally. Studies have shown that smokers are less likely to be diagnosed with or be hospitalized for COVID-19 but, once hospitalized, have higher odds for an adverse outcome. We have previously presented the potential interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), due to a "toxin-like" epitope on the Spike glycoprotein, with homology to a sequence of a snake venom toxin. This epitope coincides with the well-described cryptic epitope for the human anti-SARS-CoV antibody CR3022. In this study, we present the molecular complexes of both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoproteins, at their open or closed conformations, with the model of the human α7 nAChR. We found that all studied protein complexes' interface involves a large part of the "toxin-like" sequences of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoproteins and toxin binding site of human α7 nAChR. Our findings provide further support to the hypothesis about the protective role of nicotine and other cholinergic agonists. The potential therapeutic role of CR3022 and other similar monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity for SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein against the clinical effects originating from the dysregulated cholinergic pathway should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Lagoumintzis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Alexandris
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Physiology -Toxicology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece; Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, 3, Eslin Street, Athens, 115 23, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Farsalinos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Rio-Patras, Greece.
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44
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Frykman H, Kumar P, Oger J. Immunopathology of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis: Implications for Improved Testing Algorithms and Treatment Strategies. Front Neurol 2020; 11:596621. [PMID: 33362698 PMCID: PMC7755715 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.596621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a heterogeneous condition, characterized by autoantibodies (Abs) that target functionally important structures within neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), thus affecting nerve-to-muscle transmission. MG patients are more often now subgrouped based on the profile of serum autoantibodies, which segregate with clinical presentation, immunopathology, and their response to therapies. The serological testing plays an essential role in confirming MG diagnosis and guiding disease management, although a small percentage of MG patients remain negative for antibodies. With the advancements in new highly effective pathophysiologically-specific immunotherapeutic options, it has become increasingly important to identify the specific Abs responsible for the pathogenicity in individual MG patients. There are several new assays and protocols being developed for the improved detection of Abs in MG patients. This review focuses on the divergent immunopathological mechanisms in MG, and discusses their relevance to improved diagnostic and treatment. We propose a comprehensive "reflex testing," algorithm for the presence of MG autoantibodies, and foresee that in the near future, the convenience and specificity of novel assays will permit the clinicians to consider them into routine systematic testing, thus stimulating laboratories to make these tests available. Moreover, adopting treatment driven testing algorithms will be crucial to identify subgroups of patients potentially benefiting from novel immunotherapies for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Frykman
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Neuroimmunology Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- BC Neuroimmunology Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel Oger
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Neuroimmunology Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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45
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Xie H, Yepuri N, Meng Q, Dhawan R, Leech CA, Chepurny OG, Holz GG, Cooney RN. Therapeutic potential of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists to combat obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:431-447. [PMID: 32851581 PMCID: PMC7572644 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex (CAIR) represents an important homeostatic regulatory mechanism for sensing and controlling the body's response to inflammatory stimuli. Vagovagal reflexes are an integral component of CAIR whose anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) acting at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) located on cells of the immune system. Recently, it is appreciated that CAIR and α7nAChR also participate in the control of metabolic homeostasis. This has led to the understanding that defective vagovagal reflex circuitry underlying CAIR might explain the coexistence of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation in the metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is renewed interest in the α7nAChR that mediates CAIR, particularly from the standpoint of therapeutics. Of special note is the recent finding that α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 acts at L-cells of the distal intestine to stimulate the release of two glucoregulatory and anorexigenic hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). Furthermore, α7nAChR agonist PNU 282987 exerts trophic factor-like actions to support pancreatic β-cell survival under conditions of stress resembling diabetes. This review provides an overview of α7nAChR function as it pertains to CAIR, vagovagal reflexes, and metabolic homeostasis. We also consider the possible usefulness of α7nAChR agonists for treatment of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xie
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Natesh Yepuri
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Qinghe Meng
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Ravi Dhawan
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Colin A Leech
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - George G Holz
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Robert N Cooney
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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46
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Lazaridis K, Tzartos SJ. Myasthenia Gravis: Autoantibody Specificities and Their Role in MG Management. Front Neurol 2020; 11:596981. [PMID: 33329350 PMCID: PMC7734299 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.596981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. It is caused by autoantibodies targeting proteins of the neuromuscular junction; ~85% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR-MG), whereas about 5% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle specific kinase (MuSK-MG). In the remaining about 10% of patients no autoantibodies can be found with the classical diagnostics for AChR and MuSK antibodies (seronegative MG, SN-MG). Since serological tests are relatively easy and non-invasive for disease diagnosis, the improvement of methods for the detection of known autoantibodies or the discovery of novel autoantibody specificities to diminish SN-MG and to facilitate differential diagnosis of similar diseases, is crucial. Radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIPA) are the staple for MG antibody detection, but over the past years, using cell-based assays (CBAs) or improved highly sensitive RIPAs, it has been possible to detect autoantibodies in previously SN-MG patients. This led to the identification of more patients with antibodies to the classical antigens AChR and MuSK and to the third MG autoantigen, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), while antibodies against other extracellular or intracellular targets, such as agrin, Kv1.4 potassium channels, collagen Q, titin, the ryanodine receptor and cortactin have been found in some MG patients. Since the autoantigen targeted determines in part the clinical manifestations, prognosis and response to treatment, serological tests are not only indispensable for initial diagnosis, but also for monitoring treatment efficacy. Importantly, knowing the autoantibody profile of MG patients could allow for more efficient personalized therapeutic approaches. Significant progress has been made over the past years toward the development of antigen-specific therapies, targeting only the specific immune cells or autoantibodies involved in the autoimmune response. In this review, we will present the progress made toward the development of novel sensitive autoantibody detection assays, the identification of new MG autoantigens, and the implications for improved antigen-specific therapeutics. These advancements increase our understanding of MG pathology and improve patient quality of life by providing faster, more accurate diagnosis and better disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Socrates J Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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Booz GW, Altara R, Eid AH, Wehbe Z, Fares S, Zaraket H, Habeichi NJ, Zouein FA. Macrophage responses associated with COVID-19: A pharmacological perspective. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173547. [PMID: 32919938 PMCID: PMC7483085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused worldwide death and economic destruction. The pandemic is the result of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has demonstrated high rates of infectivity leading to great morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. At present, scientists are exploring various approaches to curb this pandemic and alleviate its health consequences, while racing to develop a vaccine. A particularly insidious aspect of COVID-19 is the delayed overactivation of the body's immune system that is manifested as the cytokine storm. This unbridled production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines can directly or indirectly cause massive organ damage and failure. Systemic vascular endothelial inflammation and thrombocytopenia are potential consequences as well. In the case of COVID-19, the cytokine storm often fits the pattern of the macrophage activation syndrome with lymphocytopenia. The basis for the imbalance between the innate and adaptive immune systems is not clearly defined, but highlights the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on macrophages. Here we discuss the potential underlying basis for the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on macrophages, both direct and indirect, and potential therapeutic targets. These include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferons, and CXCL10 (IP-10). Various biopharmaceuticals are being repurposed to target the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. In addition, we discuss the rationale for activating the macrophage alpha 7 nicotinic receptors as a therapeutic target. A better understanding of the molecular consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection of macrophages could lead to novel and more effective treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaele Altara
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA; Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zena Wehbe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut Lebanon
| | - Souha Fares
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada J Habeichi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; INSERM Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology-UMR-S1180, University Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Lennon RJ, Shore RF, Pereira MG, Peach WJ, Dunn JC, Arnold KE, Brown CD. High prevalence of the neonicotinoid clothianidin in liver and plasma samples collected from gamebirds during autumn sowing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140493. [PMID: 32629254 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since neonicotinoid insecticides were introduced to the agricultural market, evidence of the negative impacts of these systemic compounds on non-target species has accumulated. Birds are one of the largest groups of species to inhabit farmland, but the extent of neonicotinoid exposure in avian communities is poorly understood and very little is known about how any exposure may affect wild birds. Here, free-living gamebirds were used as a model group to measure the extent of avian exposure to the neonicotinoid clothianidin via seed treatment. During a typical sowing period of winter cereals treated with clothianidin, blood and liver samples were collected simultaneously from individual hunted gamebird carcasses, both pre- (n = 18) and post-sowing (n = 57) and were analysed for clothianidin via LC/MS-MS. Body weight, fat score and faecal parasite load were also quantified in the birds to ascertain whether any of these health parameters were associated with clothianidin exposure under field conditions. Clothianidin was detected in 6% of individuals sampled pre-sowing and 89% of individuals sampled post-sowing. The frequency of clothianidin detection in plasma samples and the concentration of clothianidin in liver and plasma samples decreased significantly between the first week and 2-4 weeks post-sowing. Faecal parasite load was positively associated with concentrations of clothianidin in the liver (but not plasma) of partridge species, but there was no association between clothianidin concentration and fat score or body weight, for either sample type. This study provides clear evidence that treated seed is a source of pesticide exposure for gamebirds following autumn sowing. These findings have implications for gamebirds worldwide where seed treatments are in use, and will aid the design of any future avian biomonitoring studies for agrochemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie J Lennon
- Department of Environment and Geography, The University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard F Shore
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - M Glória Pereira
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Will J Peach
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny C Dunn
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, The University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn E Arnold
- Department of Environment and Geography, The University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Colin D Brown
- Department of Environment and Geography, The University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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Smoking and COVID-19: Adding Fuel to the Flame. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186581. [PMID: 32916821 PMCID: PMC7555793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has led to more than 771,000 deaths worldwide. Tobacco smoking is a major known risk factor for severe illness and even death from many respiratory infections. The effects of smoking on COVID-19 are currently controversial. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of smoking on the clinical manifestations, disease progression, inflammatory responses, immunopathogenesis, racial ethnic disparities, and incidence of COVID-19. This review also documents future directions of smoking related research in COVID-19. The current epidemiological finding suggests that active smoking is associated with an increased severity of disease and death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Smoking can upregulate the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor utilized by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cell and activate a ‘cytokine storm’ which can lead to worsen outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This receptor can also act as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on a legacy of inequalities regarding gender, racial, and ethnic health disparities associated with active smoking, thus, smoking cessation may help in improving outcomes. In addition, to flatten the COVID-19 curve, staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary social contact, and bolstering the immune defense system by maintaining a healthy diet/living are highly desirable.
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Tizabi Y, Getachew B, Copeland RL, Aschner M. Nicotine and the nicotinic cholinergic system in COVID-19. FEBS J 2020; 287:3656-3663. [PMID: 32790936 PMCID: PMC7436654 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to address the devastating pandemic, COVID‐19, caused by SARS‐CoV‐2. The efforts to understand the details of this disease in hope of providing effective treatments are commendable. It is clear now that the virus can cause far more damage in patients with comorbid conditions—particularly in those with respiratory, cardiovascular, or immune‐compromised system—than in patients without such comorbidities. Drug use can further exacerbate the condition. In this regard, the ill effects of smoking are amply documented, and no doubt can be a confounding factor in COVID‐19 progression. Although conflicting hypotheses on the potential role of nicotine in COVID‐19 pathology have recently been offered, we believe that nicotine itself, through its interaction with the nicotinic cholinergic system, as well as ACE2, may not only be of use in a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, but may also be of potential use in COVID‐19. Thus, on one hand, while we strongly support smoking cessation as a means of harm reduction associated with COVID‐19, on the other hand, we support a potential therapeutic role for nicotine, nicotinic agonists, or positive allosteric modulators of nicotinic cholinergic receptors in COVID‐19, owing to their varied effects including mood regulation, anti‐inflammatory, and purported interference with SARS‐CoV‐2 entry and/or replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert L Copeland
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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