1
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Russo ML, Ayala G, Neal D, Rogalsky AE, Ahmad S, Musial TF, Pearlman M, Bean LA, Farooqi AK, Ahmed A, Castaneda A, Patel A, Parduhn Z, Haddad LG, Gabriel A, Disterhoft JF, Nicholson DA. Alzheimer's-linked axonal changes accompany elevated antidromic action potential failure rate in aged mice. Brain Res 2024; 1841:149083. [PMID: 38866308 PMCID: PMC11323114 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149083] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects both grey and white matter (WM), but considerably more is known about the former. Interestingly, WM disruption has been consistently observed and thoroughly described using imaging modalities, particularly MRI which has shown WM functional disconnections between the hippocampus and other brain regions during AD pathogenesis when early neurodegeneration and synapse loss are also evident. Nonetheless, high-resolution structural and functional analyses of WM during AD pathogenesis remain scarce. Given the importance of the myelinated axons in the WM for conveying information across brain regions, such studies will provide valuable information on the cellular drivers and consequences of WM disruption that contribute to the characteristic cognitive decline of AD. Here, we employed a multi-scale approach to investigate hippocampal WM disruption during AD pathogenesis and determine whether hippocampal WM changes accompany the well-documented grey matter losses. Our data indicate that ultrastructural myelin disruption is elevated in the alveus in human AD cases and increases with age in 5xFAD mice. Unreliable action potential propagation and changes to sodium channel expression at the node of Ranvier co-emerged with this deterioration. These findings provide important insight to the neurobiological substrates and functional consequences of decreased WM integrity and are consistent with the notion that hippocampal disconnection contributes to cognitive changes in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Russo
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Gelique Ayala
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Demetria Neal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Annalise E Rogalsky
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Suzan Ahmad
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Timothy F Musial
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Morgan Pearlman
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Linda A Bean
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Anise K Farooqi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Aysha Ahmed
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Adrian Castaneda
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Aneri Patel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zachary Parduhn
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Loreece G Haddad
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ashley Gabriel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - John F Disterhoft
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daniel A Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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2
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Müller P, Draguhn A, Egorov AV. Persistent sodium currents in neurons: potential mechanisms and pharmacological blockers. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:1445-1473. [PMID: 38967655 PMCID: PMC11381486 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02980-7] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Persistent sodium current (INaP) is an important activity-dependent regulator of neuronal excitability. It is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including pacemaking, prolongation of sensory potentials, neuronal injury, chronic pain and diseases such as epilepsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Despite its importance, neither the molecular basis nor the regulation of INaP are sufficiently understood. Of particular significance is a solid knowledge and widely accepted consensus about pharmacological tools for analysing the function of INaP and for developing new therapeutic strategies. However, the literature on INaP is heterogeneous, with varying definitions and methodologies used across studies. To address these issues, we provide a systematic review of the current state of knowledge on INaP, with focus on mechanisms and effects of this current in the central nervous system. We provide an overview of the specificity and efficacy of the most widely used INaP blockers: amiodarone, cannabidiol, carbamazepine, cenobamate, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide, gabapentin, GS967, lacosamide, lamotrigine, lidocaine, NBI-921352, oxcarbazepine, phenytoine, PRAX-562, propofol, ranolazine, riluzole, rufinamide, topiramate, valproaic acid and zonisamide. We conclude that there is strong variance in the pharmacological effects of these drugs, and in the available information. At present, GS967 and riluzole can be regarded bona fide INaP blockers, while phenytoin and lacosamide are blockers that only act on the slowly inactivating component of sodium currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Müller
- Department Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen , Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Draguhn
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexei V Egorov
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Sanchez Trivino CA, Spelat R, Spada F, D'Angelo C, Manini I, Rolle IG, Ius T, Parisse P, Menini A, Cesselli D, Skrap M, Cesca F, Torre V. Exosomal TNF-α mediates voltage-gated Na+ channel 1.6 overexpression and contributes to brain tumor-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e166271. [PMID: 39088270 PMCID: PMC11405049 DOI: 10.1172/jci166271] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by glioma frequently experience epileptic discharges; however, the causes of brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) are still not completely understood. We investigated the mechanisms underlying BTRE by analyzing the effects of exosomes released by U87 glioma cells and by patient-derived glioma cells. Rat hippocampal neurons incubated for 24 hours with these exosomes exhibited increased spontaneous firing, while their resting membrane potential shifted positively by 10-15 mV. Voltage clamp recordings demonstrated that the activation of the Na+ current shifted toward more hyperpolarized voltages by 10-15 mV. To understand the factors inducing hyperexcitability, we focused on exosomal cytokines. Western blot and ELISAs showed that TNF-α was present inside glioma-derived exosomes. Remarkably, incubation with TNF-α fully mimicked the phenotype induced by exosomes, with neurons firing continuously, while their resting membrane potential shifted positively. Real-time PCR revealed that both exosomes and TNF-α induced overexpression of the voltage-gated Na+ channel Nav1.6, a low-threshold Na+ channel responsible for hyperexcitability. When neurons were preincubated with infliximab, a specific TNF-α inhibitor, the hyperexcitability induced by exosomes and TNF-α was drastically reduced. We propose that infliximab, an FDA-approved drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis, could ameliorate the conditions of glioma patients with BTRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renza Spelat
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Spada
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Camilla D'Angelo
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Ivana Manini
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Pathology and
| | | | - Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Menini
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniela Cesselli
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Pathology and
| | - Miran Skrap
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vincent Torre
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- Institute of Materials (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
- BISS GlioGuard Srl, Trieste, Italy
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Barlow BSM, Longtin A, Joós B. Impact on backpropagation of the spatial heterogeneity of sodium channel kinetics in the axon initial segment. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011846. [PMID: 38489374 PMCID: PMC10942053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In a variety of neurons, action potentials (APs) initiate at the proximal axon, within a region called the axon initial segment (AIS), which has a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) on its membrane. In pyramidal neurons, the proximal AIS has been reported to exhibit a higher proportion of NaVs with gating properties that are "right-shifted" to more depolarized voltages, compared to the distal AIS. Further, recent experiments have revealed that as neurons develop, the spatial distribution of NaV subtypes along the AIS can change substantially, suggesting that neurons tune their excitability by modifying said distribution. When neurons are stimulated axonally, computational modelling has shown that this spatial separation of gating properties in the AIS enhances the backpropagation of APs into the dendrites. In contrast, in the more natural scenario of somatic stimulation, our simulations show that the same distribution can impede backpropagation, suggesting that the choice of orthodromic versus antidromic stimulation can bias or even invert experimental findings regarding the role of NaV subtypes in the AIS. We implemented a range of hypothetical NaV distributions in the AIS of three multicompartmental pyramidal cell models and investigated the precise kinetic mechanisms underlying such effects, as the spatial distribution of NaV subtypes is varied. With axonal stimulation, proximal NaV availability dominates, such that concentrating right-shifted NaVs in the proximal AIS promotes backpropagation. However, with somatic stimulation, the models are insensitive to availability kinetics. Instead, the higher activation threshold of right-shifted NaVs in the AIS impedes backpropagation. Therefore, recently observed developmental changes to the spatial separation and relative proportions of NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 in the AIS differentially impact activation and availability. The observed effects on backpropagation, and potentially learning via its putative role in synaptic plasticity (e.g. through spike-timing-dependent plasticity), are opposite for orthodromic versus antidromic stimulation, which should inform hypotheses about the impact of the developmentally regulated subcellular localization of these NaV subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. M. Barlow
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, STEM Complex, 150 Louis-Pasteur Pvt, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - André Longtin
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, STEM Complex, 150 Louis-Pasteur Pvt, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Neural Dynamics and AI, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Béla Joós
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, STEM Complex, 150 Louis-Pasteur Pvt, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Neural Dynamics and AI, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Abbas F, Blömer LA, Millet H, Montnach J, De Waard M, Canepari M. Analysis of the effect of the scorpion toxin AaH-II on action potential generation in the axon initial segment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4967. [PMID: 38424206 PMCID: PMC10904771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55315-y] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The toxin AaH-II, from the scorpion Androctonus australis Hector venom, is a 64 amino acid peptide that targets voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGNCs) and slows their inactivation. While at macroscopic cellular level AaH-II prolongs the action potential (AP), a functional analysis of the effect of the toxin in the axon initial segment (AIS), where VGNCs are highly expressed, was never performed so far. Here, we report an original analysis of the effect of AaH-II on the AP generation in the AIS of neocortical layer-5 pyramidal neurons from mouse brain slices. After determining that AaH-II does not discriminate between Nav1.2 and Nav1.6, i.e. between the two VGNC isoforms expressed in this neuron, we established that 7 nM was the smallest toxin concentration producing a minimal detectable deformation of the somatic AP after local delivery of the toxin. Using membrane potential imaging, we found that, at this minimal concentration, AaH-II substantially widened the AP in the AIS. Using ultrafast Na+ imaging, we found that local application of 7 nM AaH-II caused a large increase in the slower component of the Na+ influx in the AIS. Finally, using ultrafast Ca2+ imaging, we observed that 7 nM AaH-II produces a spurious slow Ca2+ influx via Ca2+-permeable VGNCs. Molecules targeting VGNCs, including peptides, are proposed as potential therapeutic tools. Thus, the present analysis in the AIS can be considered a general proof-of-principle on how high-resolution imaging techniques can disclose drug effects that cannot be observed when tested at the macroscopic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abbas
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Laila Ananda Blömer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Hugo Millet
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Montnach
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marco Canepari
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France.
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France.
- Institut National de la Santé et Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique (UMR 5588), Bat. E45, 140 Avenue de la Physique, Domaine Univ., 38402, St Martin d'Hères Cedex, France.
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6
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Yuan T, Wang Y, Jin Y, Yang H, Xu S, Zhang H, Chen Q, Li N, Ma X, Song H, Peng C, Geng Z, Dong J, Duan G, Sun Q, Yang Y, Yang F, Huang Z. Coupling of Slack and Na V1.6 sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade and guides anti-seizure strategy development. eLife 2024; 12:RP87559. [PMID: 38289338 PMCID: PMC10942592 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87559] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Quinidine has been used as an anticonvulsant to treat patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy by targeting gain-of-function KCNT1 pathogenic mutant variants. However, the detailed mechanism underlying quinidine's blockade against KCNT1 (Slack) remains elusive. Here, we report a functional and physical coupling of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.6 and Slack. NaV1.6 binds to and highly sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade. Homozygous knockout of NaV1.6 reduces the sensitivity of native sodium-activated potassium currents to quinidine blockade. NaV1.6-mediated sensitization requires the involvement of NaV1.6's N- and C-termini binding to Slack's C-terminus and is enhanced by transient sodium influx through NaV1.6. Moreover, disrupting the Slack-NaV1.6 interaction by viral expression of Slack's C-terminus can protect against SlackG269S-induced seizures in mice. These insights about a Slack-NaV1.6 complex challenge the traditional view of 'Slack as an isolated target' for anti-epileptic drug discovery efforts and can guide the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for KCNT1-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yuchen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shuai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Heng Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xinyue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Huifang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Chao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Ze Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Guifang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Qi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
- Department of Biophysics, Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
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7
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Thompson AC, Aizenman CD. Characterization of Na + currents regulating intrinsic excitability of optic tectal neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302232. [PMID: 37918964 PMCID: PMC10622587 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing neurons adapt their intrinsic excitability to maintain stable output despite changing synaptic input. The mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. In this study, we examined Xenopus optic tectal neurons and found that the expressions of Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 voltage-gated Na+ channels are regulated during changes in intrinsic excitability, both during development and becsuse of changes in visual experience. Using whole-cell electrophysiology, we demonstrate the existence of distinct, fast, persistent, and resurgent Na+ currents in the tectum, and show that these Na+ currents are co-regulated with changes in Nav channel expression. Using antisense RNA to suppress the expression of specific Nav subunits, we found that up-regulation of Nav1.6 expression, but not Nav1.1, was necessary for experience-dependent increases in Na+ currents and intrinsic excitability. Furthermore, this regulation was also necessary for normal development of sensory guided behaviors. These data suggest that the regulation of Na+ currents through the modulation of Nav1.6 expression, and to a lesser extent Nav1.1, plays a crucial role in controlling the intrinsic excitability of tectal neurons and guiding normal development of the tectal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Thompson
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carlos D Aizenman
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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8
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Li M, Eltabbal M, Tran HD, Kuhn B. Scn2a insufficiency alters spontaneous neuronal Ca 2+ activity in somatosensory cortex during wakefulness. iScience 2023; 26:108138. [PMID: 37876801 PMCID: PMC10590963 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108138] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SCN2A protein-truncating variants (PTV) can result in neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, but they are less likely to cause epilepsy in comparison to missense variants. While in vitro studies showed PTV reduce action potential firing, consequences at in vivo network level remain elusive. Here, we generated a mouse model of Scn2a insufficiency using antisense oligonucleotides (Scn2a ASO mice), which recapitulated key clinical feature of SCN2A PTV disorders. Simultaneous two-photon Ca2+ imaging and electrocorticography (ECoG) in awake mice showed that spontaneous Ca2+ transients in somatosensory cortical neurons, as well as their pairwise co-activities were generally decreased in Scn2a ASO mice during spontaneous awake state and induced seizure state. The reduction of neuronal activities and paired co-activity are mechanisms associated with motor, social and cognitive deficits observed in our mouse model of severe Scn2a insufficiency, indicating these are likely mechanisms driving SCN2A PTV pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Mohamed Eltabbal
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hoang-Dai Tran
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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9
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Drouillas B, Brocard C, Zanella S, Bos R, Brocard F. Persistent Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 currents drive spinal locomotor functions through nonlinear dynamics. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113085. [PMID: 37665666 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113085] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent sodium current (INaP) in the spinal locomotor network promotes two distinct nonlinear firing patterns: a self-sustained spiking triggered by a brief excitation in bistable motoneurons and bursting oscillations in interneurons of the central pattern generator (CPG). Here, we identify the NaV channels responsible for INaP and their role in motor behaviors. We report the axonal Nav1.6 as the main molecular player for INaP in lumbar motoneurons. The inhibition of Nav1.6, but not of Nav1.1, in motoneurons impairs INaP, bistability, postural tone, and locomotor performance. In interneurons of the rhythmogenic CPG region, both Nav1.6 and Nav1.1 equally mediate INaP. Inhibition of both channels is required to abolish oscillatory bursting activities and the locomotor rhythm. Overall, Nav1.6 plays a significant role both in posture and locomotion by governing INaP-dependent bistability in motoneurons and working in tandem with Nav1.1 to provide INaP-dependent rhythmogenic properties of the CPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Drouillas
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Cécile Brocard
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Zanella
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Rémi Bos
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Frédéric Brocard
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix-Marseille Université and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France.
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10
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Hatch RJ, Berecki G, Jancovski N, Li M, Rollo B, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Kaila K, Reid CA, Petrou S. Carbogen-Induced Respiratory Acidosis Blocks Experimental Seizures by a Direct and Specific Inhibition of Na V1.2 Channels in the Axon Initial Segment of Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1658-1667. [PMID: 36732074 PMCID: PMC10010452 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1387-22.2022] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain pH is a critical factor for determining neuronal activity, with alkalosis increasing and acidosis reducing excitability. Acid shifts in brain pH through the breathing of carbogen (5% CO2/95% O2) reduces seizure susceptibility in animal models and patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying this seizure protection remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that male and female mice exposed to carbogen are fully protected from thermogenic-triggered seizures. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that acid shifts in extracellular pH (pHo) significantly reduce action potential firing in CA1 pyramidal neurons but did not alter firing in hippocampal inhibitory interneurons. In real-time dynamic clamp experiments, acidification reduced simulated action potential firing generated in hybrid model neurons expressing the excitatory neuron predominant NaV1.2 channel. Conversely, acidification had no effect on action potential firing in hybrid model neurons expressing the interneuron predominant NaV1.1 channel. Furthermore, knockdown of Scn2a mRNA in vivo using antisense oligonucleotides reduced the protective effects of carbogen on seizure susceptibility. Both carbogen-mediated seizure protection and the reduction in CA1 pyramidal neuron action potential firing by low pHo were maintained in an Asic1a knock-out mouse ruling out this acid-sensing channel as the underlying molecular target. These data indicate that the acid-mediated reduction in excitatory neuron firing is mediated, at least in part, through the inhibition of NaV1.2 channels, whereas inhibitory neuron firing is unaffected. This reduction in pyramidal neuron excitability is the likely basis of seizure suppression caused by carbogen-mediated acidification.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain pH has long been known to modulate neuronal excitability. Here, we confirm that brain acidification reduces seizure susceptibility in a mouse model of thermogenic seizures. Extracellular acidification reduced excitatory pyramidal neuron firing while having no effect on interneuron firing. Acidification also reduced dynamic clamp firing in cells expressing the NaV1.2 channel but not in cells expressing NaV1.1 channels. In vivo knockdown of Scn2a mRNA reduced seizure protection of acidification. In contrast, acid-mediated seizure protection was maintained in the Asic1a knock-out mouse. These data suggest NaV1.2 channel as an important target for acid-mediated seizure protection. Our results have implications on how natural variations in pH can modulate neuronal excitability and highlight potential antiseizure drug development strategies based on the NaV1.2 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hatch
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Géza Berecki
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Melody Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ben Rollo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California 92008
| | - Kai Kaila
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
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11
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Structure of human Na V1.6 channel reveals Na + selectivity and pore blockade by 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1030. [PMID: 36823201 PMCID: PMC9950489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The sodium channel NaV1.6 is widely expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, which plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability. Dysfunction of NaV1.6 has been linked to epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability and movement disorders. Here we present cryo-EM structures of human NaV1.6/β1/β2 alone and complexed with a guanidinium neurotoxin 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin (4,9-ah-TTX), revealing molecular mechanism of NaV1.6 inhibition by the blocker. The apo-form structure reveals two potential Na+ binding sites within the selectivity filter, suggesting a possible mechanism for Na+ selectivity and conductance. In the 4,9-ah-TTX bound structure, 4,9-ah-TTX binds to a pocket similar to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) binding site, which occupies the Na+ binding sites and completely blocks the channel. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that subtle conformational differences in the selectivity filter affect the affinity of TTX analogues. Taken together, our results provide important insights into NaV1.6 structure, ion conductance, and inhibition.
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12
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Kotler O, Khrapunsky Y, Shvartsman A, Dai H, Plant LD, Goldstein SAN, Fleidervish I. SUMOylation of Na V1.2 channels regulates the velocity of backpropagating action potentials in cortical pyramidal neurons. eLife 2023; 12:e81463. [PMID: 36794908 PMCID: PMC10014073 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81463] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels located in axon initial segments (AIS) trigger action potentials (AP) and play pivotal roles in the excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons. The differential electrophysiological properties and distributions of NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 channels lead to distinct contributions to AP initiation and propagation. While NaV1.6 at the distal AIS promotes AP initiation and forward propagation, NaV1.2 at the proximal AIS promotes the backpropagation of APs to the soma. Here, we show the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) pathway modulates Na+ channels at the AIS to increase neuronal gain and the speed of backpropagation. Since SUMO does not affect NaV1.6, these effects were attributed to SUMOylation of NaV1.2. Moreover, SUMO effects were absent in a mouse engineered to express NaV1.2-Lys38Gln channels that lack the site for SUMO linkage. Thus, SUMOylation of NaV1.2 exclusively controls INaP generation and AP backpropagation, thereby playing a prominent role in synaptic integration and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oron Kotler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the NegevBeer ShevaIsrael
| | - Yana Khrapunsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the NegevBeer ShevaIsrael
| | - Arik Shvartsman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the NegevBeer ShevaIsrael
| | - Hui Dai
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Leigh D Plant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Steven AN Goldstein
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Ilya Fleidervish
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the NegevBeer ShevaIsrael
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13
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Bigiani A, Tirindelli R, Bigiani L, Mapelli J. Changes of the biophysical properties of voltage-gated Na + currents during maturation of the sodium-taste cells in rat fungiform papillae. J Physiol 2022; 600:5119-5144. [PMID: 36250254 DOI: 10.1113/jp283636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste cells are a heterogeneous population of sensory receptors that undergo continuous turnover. Different chemo-sensitive cell lines rely on action potentials to release the neurotransmitter onto nerve endings. The electrical excitability is due to the presence of a tetrodotoxin-sensitive, voltage-gated sodium current (INa ) similar to that found in neurons. Since the biophysical properties of neuronal INa change during development, we wondered whether the same also occurred in taste cells. Here, we used the patch-clamp recording technique to study INa in salt-sensing cells (sodium cells) of rat fungiform papillae. We identified these cells by exploiting the known blocking effect of amiloride on ENaC, the sodium (salt) receptor. Based on the amplitude of INa , which is known to increase during development, we subdivided sodium cells into two groups: cells with small sodium current (SSC cells; INa < 1 nA) and cells with large sodium current (LSC cells; INa > 1 nA). We found that: the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation significantly differed between these subsets; a slowly inactivating sodium current was more prominent in LSC cells; membrane capacitance in SSC cells was larger than in LSC cells. mRNA expression analysis of the α-subunits of voltage-gated sodium channels in fungiform taste buds supported the functional data. Lucifer Yellow labelling of recorded cells revealed that our electrophysiological criterion for distinguishing two broad groups of taste cells was in good agreement with morphological observations for cell maturity. Thus, all these findings are consistent with developmental changes in the voltage-dependent properties of sodium-taste cells. KEY POINTS: Taste cells are sensory receptors that undergo continuous turnover while they detect food chemicals and communicate with afferent nerve fibres. The voltage-gated sodium current (INa ) is a key ion current for generating action potentials in fully differentiated and chemo-sensitive taste cells, which use electrical signalling to release neurotransmitters. Here we show that, during the maturation of rat taste cells involved in salt detection (sodium cells), the biophysical properties of INa , such as voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, change significantly. Our results help reveal how taste cells gain electrical excitability during turnover, a property critical to their operation as chemical detectors that relay sensory information to nerve fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albertino Bigiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Tirindelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, SMart Laboratory, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Jonathan Mapelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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14
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McGrady NR, Holden JM, Ribeiro M, Boal AM, Risner ML, Calkins DJ. Axon hyperexcitability in the contralateral projection following unilateral optic nerve crush in mice. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac251. [PMID: 36267329 PMCID: PMC9576152 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac251] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are characterized by degeneration of retinal ganglion cell axonal projections to the brain, including acute conditions like optic nerve trauma and progressive conditions such as glaucoma. Despite different aetiologies, retinal ganglion cell axon degeneration in traumatic optic neuropathy and glaucoma share common pathological signatures. We compared how early pathogenesis of optic nerve trauma and glaucoma influence axon function in the mouse optic projection. We assessed pathology by measuring anterograde axonal transport from retina to superior colliculus, current-evoked optic nerve compound action potential and retinal ganglion cell density 1 week following unilateral optic nerve crush or intraocular pressure elevation. Nerve crush reduced axon transport, compound axon potential and retinal ganglion cell density, which were unaffected by intraocular pressure elevation. Surprisingly, optic nerves contralateral to crush demonstrated 5-fold enhanced excitability in compound action potential compared with naïve nerves. Enhanced excitability in contralateral sham nerves is not due to increased accumulation of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6, or ectopic voltage-gated sodium channel 1.2 expression within nodes of Ranvier. Our results indicate hyperexcitability is driven by intrinsic responses of αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells. We found αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells in contralateral, sham and eyes demonstrated increased responses to depolarizing currents compared with those from naïve eyes, while light-driven responses remained intact. Dendritic arbours of αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells of the sham eye were like naïve, but soma area and non-phosphorylated neurofilament H increased. Current- and light-evoked responses of sham αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells remained stable along with somato-dendritic morphologies. In retinas directly affected by crush, light responses of αON- and αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells diminished compared with naïve cells along with decreased dendritic field area or branch points. Like light responses, αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cell current-evoked responses diminished, but surprisingly, αON-sustained retinal ganglion cell responses were similar to those from naïve retinas. Optic nerve crush reduced dendritic length and area in αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells in eyes ipsilateral to injury, while crush significantly reduced dendritic branching in αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells. Interestingly, 1 week of intraocular pressure elevation only affected αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cell physiology, depolarizing resting membrane potential in cells of affected eyes and blunting current-evoked responses in cells of saline-injected eyes. Collectively, our results suggest that neither saline nor sham surgery provide a true control, chronic versus acute optic neuropathies differentially affect retinal ganglion cells composing the ON and OFF pathways, and acute stress can have near-term effects on the contralateral projection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joseph M Holden
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew M Boal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Correspondence to: David J. Calkins, PhD AA7103 MCN/VUIIS 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA E-mail:
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15
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Modulating effects of FGF12 variants on Na V1.2 and Na V1.6 being associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and Autism spectrum disorder: A case series. EBioMedicine 2022; 83:104234. [PMID: 36029553 PMCID: PMC9429545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast Growth Factor 12 (FGF12) may represent an important modulator of neuronal network activity and has been associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). We sought to identify the underlying pathomechanism of FGF12-related disorders. METHODS Patients with pathogenic variants in FGF12 were identified through published case reports, GeneMatcher and whole exome sequencing of own case collections. The functional consequences of two missense and two copy number variants (CNVs) were studied by co-expression of wildtype and mutant FGF12 in neuronal-like cells (ND7/23) with the sodium channels NaV1.2 or NaV1.6, including their beta-1 and beta-2 sodium channel subunits (SCN1B and SCN2B). RESULTS Four variants in FGF12 were identified for functional analysis: one novel FGF12 variant in a patient with autism spectrum disorder and three variants from previously published patients affected by DEE. We demonstrate the differential regulating effects of wildtype and mutant FGF12 on NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 channels. Here, FGF12 variants lead to a complex kinetic influence on NaV1.2 and NaV1.6, including loss- as well as gain-of function changes in fast and slow inactivation. INTERPRETATION We could demonstrate the detailed regulating effect of FGF12 on NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 and confirmed the complex effect of FGF12 on neuronal network activity. Our findings expand the phenotypic spectrum related to FGF12 variants and elucidate the underlying pathomechanism. Specific variants in FGF12-associated disorders may be amenable to precision treatment with sodium channel blockers. FUNDING DFG, BMBF, Hartwell Foundation, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, IDDRC, ENGIN, NIH, ITMAT, ILAE, RES and GRIN.
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16
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Liu H, Wang HG, Pitt G, Liu Z. Direct Observation of Compartment-Specific Localization and Dynamics of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5482-5498. [PMID: 35672149 PMCID: PMC9295844 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0086-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain enriched voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 are critical for electrical signaling in the CNS. Previous studies have extensively characterized cell-type-specific expression and electrophysiological properties of these two VGSCs and how their differences contribute to fine-tuning of neuronal excitability. However, because of a lack of reliable labeling and imaging methods, the subcellular localization and dynamics of these homologous Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 channels remain understudied. To overcome this challenge, we combined genome editing, super-resolution, and live-cell single-molecule imaging to probe subcellular composition, relative abundances, and trafficking dynamics of Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 in cultured mouse and rat neurons and in male and female mouse brain. We discovered a previously uncharacterized trafficking pathway that targets Nav1.2 to the distal axon of unmyelinated neurons. This pathway uses distinct signals residing in the intracellular loop 1 between transmembrane domain I and II to suppress the retention of Nav1.2 in the axon initial segment and facilitate its membrane loading at the distal axon. As mouse pyramidal neurons undergo myelination, Nav1.2 is gradually excluded from the distal axon as Nav1.6 becomes the dominant VGSC in the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier. In addition, we revealed exquisite developmental regulation of Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 localizations in the axon initial segment and dendrites, clarifying the molecular identity of sodium channels in these subcellular compartments. Together, these results unveiled compartment-specific localizations and trafficking mechanisms for VGSCs, which could be regulated separately to modulate membrane excitability in the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Direct observation of endogenous voltage-gated sodium channels reveals a previously uncharacterized distal axon targeting mechanism and the molecular identity of sodium channels in distinct subcellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York, New York 10021
| | - Geoffrey Pitt
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New York, New York 10021
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
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17
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Wienbar S, Schwartz GW. Differences in spike generation instead of synaptic inputs determine the feature selectivity of two retinal cell types. Neuron 2022; 110:2110-2123.e4. [PMID: 35508174 PMCID: PMC9262831 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the spiking projection neurons of the eye that encode different features of the visual environment. The circuits providing synaptic input to different RGC types to drive feature selectivity have been studied extensively, but there has been less research aimed at understanding the intrinsic properties and how they impact feature selectivity. We introduce an RGC type in the mouse, the Bursty Suppressed-by-Contrast (bSbC) RGC, and compared it to the OFF sustained alpha (OFFsA). Differences in their contrast response functions arose from differences not in synaptic inputs but in their intrinsic properties. Spike generation was the key intrinsic property behind this functional difference; the bSbC RGC undergoes depolarization block while the OFFsA RGC maintains a high spike rate. Our results demonstrate that differences in intrinsic properties allow these two RGC types to detect and relay distinct features of an identical visual stimulus to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Wienbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Gregory William Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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18
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Bülow P, Segal M, Bassell GJ. Mechanisms Driving the Emergence of Neuronal Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116315. [PMID: 35682993 PMCID: PMC9181819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperexcitability is a shared neurophysiological phenotype across various genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, including Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Several patient symptoms are associated with hyperexcitability, but a puzzling feature is that their onset is often delayed until their second and third year of life. It remains unclear how and why hyperexcitability emerges in neurodevelopmental disorders. FXS is caused by the loss of FMRP, an RNA-binding protein which has many critical roles including protein synthesis-dependent and independent regulation of ion channels and receptors, as well as global regulation of protein synthesis. Here, we discussed recent literature uncovering novel mechanisms that may drive the progressive onset of hyperexcitability in the FXS brain. We discussed in detail how recent publications have highlighted defects in homeostatic plasticity, providing new insight on the FXS brain and suggest pharmacotherapeutic strategies in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Bülow
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (G.J.B.)
| | - Menahem Segal
- Department of Brain Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Gary J. Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (G.J.B.)
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Li T, Ginkel M, Yee AX, Foster L, Chen J, Heyse S, Steigele S. An efficient and scalable data analysis solution for automated electrophysiology platforms. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:278-285. [PMID: 35058183 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are drug targets for neurologic, cardiac, and immunologic diseases. Many disease-associated mutations and drugs modulate voltage-gated ion channel activation and inactivation, suggesting that characterizing state-dependent effects of test compounds at an early stage of drug development can be of great benefit. Historically, the effects of compounds on ion channel biophysical properties and voltage-dependent activation/inactivation could only be assessed by using low-throughput, manual patch clamp recording techniques. In recent years, automated patch clamp (APC) platforms have drastically increased in throughput. In contrast to their broad utilization in compound screening, APC platforms have rarely been used for mechanism of action studies, in large part due to the lack of sophisticated, scalable analysis methods for processing the large amount of data generated by APC platforms. In the current study, we developed a highly efficient and scalable software workflow to overcome this challenge. This method, to our knowledge the first of its kind, enables automated curve fitting and complex analysis of compound effects. Using voltage-gated sodium channels as an example, we were able to immediately assess the effects of test compounds on a spectrum of biophysical properties, including peak current, voltage-dependent steady state activation/inactivation, and time constants of activation and fast inactivation. Overall, this automated data analysis method provides a novel solution for in-depth analysis of large-scale APC data, and thus will significantly impact ion channel research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbo Li
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Jun Chen
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Kahlig KM, Scott L, Hatch RJ, Griffin A, Martinez Botella G, Hughes ZA, Wittmann M. The novel persistent sodium current inhibitor PRAX-562 has potent anticonvulsant activity with improved protective index relative to standard of care sodium channel blockers. Epilepsia 2022; 63:697-708. [PMID: 35037706 PMCID: PMC9304232 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17149] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of PRAX-562 on sodium current (INa ), intrinsic neuronal excitability, and protection from evoked seizures to determine whether a preferential persistent INa inhibitor would exhibit improved preclinical efficacy and tolerability compared to two standard voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV ) blockers. METHODS Inhibition of INa was characterized using patch clamp analysis. The effect on intrinsic excitability was measured using evoked action potentials recorded from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in mouse brain slices. Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated using the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model, and tolerability was assessed by measuring spontaneous locomotor activity (sLMA). RESULTS PRAX-562 potently and preferentially inhibited persistent INa induced by ATX-II or the SCN8A mutation N1768D (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50 ] = 141 and 75 nmol·L-1 , respectively) relative to peak INa tonic/resting block (60× preference). PRAX-562 also exhibited potent use-dependent block (31× preference to tonic block). This profile is considerably different from standard NaV blockers, including carbamazepine (CBZ; persistent INa IC50 = 77 500 nmol·L-1 , preference ratios of 30× [tonic block], less use-dependent block observed at various frequencies). In contrast to CBZ, PRAX-562 reduced neuronal intrinsic excitability with only a minor reduction in action potential amplitude. PRAX-562 (10 mg/kg po) completely prevented evoked seizures without affecting sLMA (MES unbound brain half-maximal efficacious concentration = 4.3 nmol·L-1 , sLMA half-maximal tolerated concentration = 69.7 nmol·L-1 , protective index [PI] = 16×). In contrast, CBZ and lamotrigine (LTG) had PIs of approximately 5.5×, with significant overlap between doses that were anticonvulsant and that reduced locomotor activity. SIGNIFICANCE PRAX-562 demonstrated robust preclinical anticonvulsant activity similar to CBZ but improved compared to LTG. PRAX-562 exhibited significantly improved preclinical tolerability compared with standard NaV blockers (CBZ and LTG), potentially due to the preference for persistent INa . Preferential targeting of persistent INa may represent a differentiated therapeutic option for diseases of hyperexcitability, where standard NaV blockers have demonstrated efficacy but poor tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liam Scott
- Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert J Hatch
- Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Zoë A Hughes
- Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Mirabelli E, Elkabes S. Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Animal Models: Focus on Mechanisms, Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions. Front Neurol 2022; 12:793745. [PMID: 34975739 PMCID: PMC8716468 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.793745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted, complex and chronic neurological disease that leads to motor, sensory and cognitive deficits. MS symptoms are unpredictable and exceedingly variable. Pain is a frequent symptom of MS and manifests as nociceptive or neuropathic pain, even at early disease stages. Neuropathic pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms that reduces quality of life and interferes with daily activities, particularly because conventional pharmacotherapies do not adequately alleviate neuropathic pain. Despite advances, the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in MS remain elusive. The majority of the studies investigating the pathophysiology of MS-associated neuropathic pain have been performed in animal models that replicate some of the clinical and neuropathological features of MS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is one of the best-characterized and most commonly used animal models of MS. As in the case of individuals with MS, rodents affected by EAE manifest increased sensitivity to pain which can be assessed by well-established assays. Investigations on EAE provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, additional investigations are warranted to better understand the events that lead to the onset and maintenance of neuropathic pain in order to identify targets that can facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic interventions. The goal of the present review is to provide an overview of several mechanisms implicated in neuropathic pain in EAE by summarizing published reports. We discuss current knowledge gaps and future research directions, especially based on information obtained by use of other animal models of neuropathic pain such as nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia Mirabelli
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States.,Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, United States
| | - Stella Elkabes
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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22
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Bagheri S, Haddadi R, Saki S, Kourosh-Arami M, Komaki A. The effect of sodium channels on neurological/neuronal disorders: A systematic review. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:669-685. [PMID: 34687079 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10153] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neuronal disorders are associated with structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the nervous system. Many neurological diseases have not yet been discovered. Interventions used for the treatment of these disorders include avoidance measures, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, neurorehabilitation, pain management, medication, and surgery. In the sodium channelopathies, alterations in the structure, expression, and function of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are considered as the causes of neurological and neuronal diseases. Online databases, including Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed were assessed for studies published between 1977 and 2020 using the keywords of review, sodium channels blocker, neurological diseases, and neuronal diseases. VGSCs consist of one α subunit and two β subunits. These subunits are known to regulate the gating kinetics, functional characteristics, and localization of the ion channel. These channels are involved in cell migration, cellular connections, neuronal pathfinding, and neurite outgrowth. Through the VGSC, the action potential is triggered and propagated in the neurons. Action potentials are physiological functions and passage of impermeable ions. The electrophysiological properties of these channels and their relationship with neurological and neuronal disorders have been identified. Subunit mutations are involved in the development of diseases, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, we conducted a review of the link between VGSCs and neurological and neuronal diseases. Also, novel therapeutic targets were introduced for future drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokufeh Bagheri
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rasool Haddadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sahar Saki
- Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Kourosh-Arami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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23
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Risner ML, Pasini S, Chamling X, McGrady NR, Goldberg JL, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Intrinsic Morphologic and Physiologic Development of Human Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vitro. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:1. [PMID: 34383881 PMCID: PMC8362626 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human retinal ganglion cells (hRGC) derived from human pluripotent stem cells are promising candidates to model, protect, and replace degenerating RGCs. Here, we examined intrinsic morphologic and physiologic development of hRGCs. Methods We used CRISPR-Cas9 to selectively express tdTomato under the RGC-specific promoter, BRN3B. Human pluripotent stem cells were chemically differentiated into hRGCs and cultured up to 7 weeks. We measured soma area, neurite complexity, synaptic protein, axon-related messenger RNA and protein, and voltage-dependent responses. Results Soma area, neurite complexity, and postsynaptic density protein 95 increased over time. Soma area and neurite complexity increased proportionally week to week, and this relationship was dynamic, strengthening between 2 and 3 weeks and diminishing by 4 weeks. Postsynaptic density 95 localization was dependent on culture duration. After 1 to 2 weeks, postsynaptic density 95 localized within somas but redistributed along neurites after 3 to 4 weeks. Axon initial segment scaffolding protein, Ankyrin G, expression also increased over time, and by 7 weeks, Ankyrin G often localized within putative axons. Voltage-gated inward currents progressively developed, but outward currents matured by 4 weeks. Current-induced spike generation increased over time but limited by depolarization block. Conclusions Human RGCs develop up to 7 weeks after culture. Thus, the state of hRGC maturation should be accounted for in designing models and treatments for optic neuropathies. Translational Relevance We characterized hRGC morphologic and physiologic development towards identifying key time points when hRGCs express mechanisms that may be harnessed to enhance the efficacy of neuroprotective and cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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24
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Zhang J, Chen X, Eaton M, Wu J, Ma Z, Lai S, Park A, Ahmad TS, Que Z, Lee JH, Xiao T, Li Y, Wang Y, Olivero-Acosta MI, Schaber JA, Jayant K, Yuan C, Huang Z, Lanman NA, Skarnes WC, Yang Y. Severe deficiency of the voltage-gated sodium channel Na V1.2 elevates neuronal excitability in adult mice. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109495. [PMID: 34348148 PMCID: PMC8382316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scn2a encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.2, a main mediator of neuronal action potential firing. The current paradigm suggests that NaV1.2 gain-of-function variants enhance neuronal excitability, resulting in epilepsy, whereas NaV1.2 deficiency impairs neuronal excitability, contributing to autism. However, this paradigm does not explain why ∼20%-30% of individuals with NaV1.2 deficiency still develop seizures. Here, we report the counterintuitive finding that severe NaV1.2 deficiency results in increased neuronal excitability. Using a NaV1.2-deficient mouse model, we show enhanced intrinsic excitability of principal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, brain regions known to be involved in Scn2a-related seizures. This increased excitability is autonomous and reversible by genetic restoration of Scn2a expression in adult mice. RNA sequencing reveals downregulation of multiple potassium channels, including KV1.1. Correspondingly, KV channel openers alleviate the hyperexcitability of NaV1.2-deficient neurons. This unexpected neuronal hyperexcitability may serve as a cellular basis underlying NaV1.2 deficiency-related seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Muriel Eaton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhixiong Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shirong Lai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Anthony Park
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Talha S Ahmad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhefu Que
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ji Hea Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Tiange Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yuansong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yujia Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Maria I Olivero-Acosta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - James A Schaber
- Bioscience Imaging Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Krishna Jayant
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - William C Skarnes
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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25
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Shvartsman A, Kotler O, Stoler O, Khrapunsky Y, Melamed I, Fleidervish IA. Subcellular Distribution of Persistent Sodium Conductance in Cortical Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6190-6201. [PMID: 34099506 PMCID: PMC8287986 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2989-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical pyramidal neurons possess a persistent Na+ current (I NaP), which, in contrast to the larger transient current, does not undergo rapid inactivation. Although relatively quite small, I NaP is active at subthreshold voltages and therefore plays an important role in neuronal input-output processing. The subcellular distribution of channels responsible for I NaP and the mechanisms that render them persistent are not known. Using high-speed fluorescence Na+ imaging and whole-cell recordings in brain slices obtained from mice of either sex, we reconstructed the I NaP elicited by slow voltage ramps in soma and processes of cortical pyramidal neurons. We found that in all neuronal compartments, the relationship between persistent Na+ conductance and membrane voltage has the shape of a Boltzmann function. Although the density of channels underlying I NaP was about twofold lower in the axon initial segment (AIS) than in the soma, the axonal channels were activated by ∼10 mV less depolarization than were somatic channels. This difference in voltage dependence explains why, at functionally critical subthreshold voltages, most I NaP originates in the AIS. Finally, we show that endogenous polyamines constrain I NaP availability in both somatodendritic and axonal compartments of nondialyzed cortical neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The most salient characteristic of neuronal sodium channels is fast inactivation. However, a fraction of the sodium current does not inactivate. In cortical neurons, persistent current (I NaP) plays a prominent role in many important functions. Its subcellular distribution and generation mechanisms are, however, elusive. Using high-speed fluorescence Na+ imaging and electrical recordings, we reconstructed the I NaP in soma and processes of cortical pyramidal neurons. We found that at near-threshold voltages I NaP originates predominately from the axon, because of the distinctive voltage dependence of the underlying channels and not because of their high density. Finally, we show that the presence of endogenous polyamines significantly constrains I NaP availability in all compartments of nondialyzed cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik Shvartsman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Oron Kotler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ohad Stoler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Yana Khrapunsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Israel Melamed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ilya A Fleidervish
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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26
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Zybura A, Hudmon A, Cummins TR. Distinctive Properties and Powerful Neuromodulation of Na v1.6 Sodium Channels Regulates Neuronal Excitability. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071595. [PMID: 34202119 PMCID: PMC8307729 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) are critical determinants of cellular excitability. These ion channels exist as large heteromultimeric structures and their activity is tightly controlled. In neurons, the isoform Nav1.6 is highly enriched at the axon initial segment and nodes, making it critical for the initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Changes in Nav1.6 expression and function profoundly impact the input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. While mutations in Nav1.6 may cause channel dysfunction, aberrant changes may also be the result of complex modes of regulation, including various protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which can alter membrane excitability and neuronal firing properties. Despite decades of research, the complexities of Nav1.6 modulation in health and disease are still being determined. While some modulatory mechanisms have similar effects on other Nav isoforms, others are isoform-specific. Additionally, considerable progress has been made toward understanding how individual protein interactions and/or modifications affect Nav1.6 function. However, there is still more to be learned about how these different modes of modulation interact. Here, we examine the role of Nav1.6 in neuronal function and provide a thorough review of this channel’s complex regulatory mechanisms and how they may contribute to neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Zybura
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Praticò A, Gulizia C, Gangi G, Oliva C, Romano C, Marino S, Polizzi A, Ruggieri M, Falsaperla R. SCN8A and Its Related Epileptic Phenotypes. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSodium channelopathies are among the most common single-gene causes of epilepsy and have been considered model disorders for the study of genetic epilepsies. Epilepsies due to SCN8A pathogenic variants can present with a broad range of phenotypes varying from a severe epileptic encephalopathy with multiple types of drug-resistant seizure to neurodevelopmental delay, mental retardation, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings of multifocal spike and waves (mostly in the temporal/parietal/occipital areas). In rare cases, benign familial infantile seizures and developmental delay with/without ataxia have been reported. A first-level, specific SCN8A Sanger's sequencing, although available, is rarely performed because the clinical phenotype is not strictly characteristic and several overlaps with other genetic epilepsies may occur. Given its indistinctive phenotype, diagnosis is usually performed through a specific gene panel for epileptic encephalopathies, early epilepsies, or genetic epilepsy in general, or through whole exome sequencing (WES) and more rarely through whole genome sequencing (WGS). Mutations in SCN8A occur as an autosomal dominant trait. The great majority of individuals diagnosed with SCN8A epilepsy do not have an affected parent, because usually SCN8A patients do not reproduce, and mutations are inherited as a “de novo” trait. In rare cases, SCN8A mutations may be inherited in the setting of parental germline mosaicism. SCN8A-related epilepsies have not shown a clear genotype–phenotype correlation, the same variants have been described with different clinical expressivity and this could be due to other genetic factors or to interacting environmental factors. There is no standardized treatment for SCN8A-related epilepsy because of the rarity of the disease and the unavailability of specific, targeted drugs. Treatment is based mainly on antiepileptic drugs which include classic wide-spectrum drugs such as valproic acid, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine. Sodium-channel blockers (phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lamotrigine) have shown appreciable results in terms of seizure reduction, in particular, in patients presenting gain-of-function mutations. Nowadays, new potentially transformative gene therapy treatment approaches are currently being explored, allowing in the next future, a precision-based treatment directed against the gene defect and protein alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Praticò
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Gulizia
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gloria Gangi
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Oliva
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Simona Marino
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Polizzi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neonatal Intensive Care and Neonatology, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
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28
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Fletcher JL, Makowiecki K, Cullen CL, Young KM. Oligodendrogenesis and myelination regulate cortical development, plasticity and circuit function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 118:14-23. [PMID: 33863642 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During cortical development and throughout adulthood, oligodendrocytes add myelin internodes to glutamatergic projection neurons and GABAergic inhibitory neurons. In addition to directing node of Ranvier formation, to enable saltatory conduction and influence action potential transit time, oligodendrocytes support axon health by communicating with axons via the periaxonal space and providing metabolic support that is particularly critical for healthy ageing. In this review we outline the timing of oligodendrogenesis in the developing mouse and human cortex and describe the important role that oligodendrocytes play in sustaining and modulating neuronal function. We also provide insight into the known and speculative impact that myelination has on cortical axons and their associated circuits during the developmental critical periods and throughout life, particularly highlighting their life-long role in learning and remembering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Fletcher
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Kalina Makowiecki
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Carlie L Cullen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Kaylene M Young
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
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29
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Eaton M, Zhang J, Ma Z, Park AC, Lietzke E, Romero CM, Liu Y, Coleman ER, Chen X, Xiao T, Que Z, Lai S, Wu J, Lee JH, Palant S, Nguyen HP, Huang Z, Skarnes WC, Koss WA, Yang Y. Generation and basic characterization of a gene-trap knockout mouse model of Scn2a with a substantial reduction of voltage-gated sodium channel Na v 1.2 expression. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12725. [PMID: 33369088 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic studies revealed SCN2A as one of the most frequently mutated genes in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. SCN2A encodes for the voltage-gated sodium channel isoform 1.2 (Nav 1.2) expressed in the neurons of the central nervous system. Homozygous knockout (null) of Scn2a in mice is perinatal lethal, whereas heterozygous knockout of Scn2a (Scn2a+/- ) results in mild behavior abnormalities. The Nav 1.2 expression level in Scn2a+/- mice is reported to be around 50-60% of the wild-type (WT) level, which indicates that a close to 50% reduction of Nav 1.2 expression may not be sufficient to lead to major behavioral phenotypes in mice. To overcome this barrier, we characterized a novel mouse model of severe Scn2a deficiency using a targeted gene-trap knockout (gtKO) strategy. This approach produces viable homozygous mice (Scn2agtKO/gtKO ) that can survive to adulthood, with about a quarter of Nav 1.2 expression compared to WT mice. Innate behaviors like nesting and mating were profoundly disrupted in Scn2agtKO/gtKO mice. Notably, Scn2agtKO/gtKO mice have a significantly decreased center duration compared to WT in the open field test, suggesting anxiety-like behaviors in a novel, open space. These mice also have decreased thermal and cold tolerance. Additionally, Scn2agtKO/gtKO mice have increased fix-pattern exploration in the novel object exploration test and a slight increase in grooming, indicating a detectable level of repetitive behaviors. They bury little to no marbles and have decreased interaction with novel objects. These Scn2a gene-trap knockout mice thus provide a unique model to study pathophysiology associated with severe Scn2a deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Eaton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhixiong Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Anthony C Park
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Emma Lietzke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chloé M Romero
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Yushuang Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Emily R Coleman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Tiange Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhefu Que
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Shirong Lai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ji Hea Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sophia Palant
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Huynhvi P Nguyen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - William C Skarnes
- Department of Cellular Engineering, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit genes comprise a highly conserved gene family. Mutations of three of these genes, SCN1A, SCN2A and SCN8A, are responsible for a significant burden of neurological disease. Recent progress in identification and functional characterization of patient variants is generating new insights and novel approaches to therapy for these devastating disorders. Here we review the basic elements of sodium channel function that are used to characterize patient variants. We summarize a large body of work using global and conditional mouse mutants to characterize the in vivo roles of these channels. We provide an overview of the neurological disorders associated with mutations of the human genes and examples of the effects of patient mutations on channel function. Finally, we highlight therapeutic interventions that are emerging from new insights into mechanisms of sodium channelopathies.
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31
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Calkins DJ. Adaptive responses to neurodegenerative stress in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100953. [PMID: 33640464 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma causes loss of vision through degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain. The disease is characterized by sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) conveyed at the optic nerve head, through which RGC axons pass unmyelinated to form the optic nerve. From this point, a pathogenic triumvirate comprising inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic stress influence both proximal structures in the retina and distal structures in the optic projection. This review focuses on metabolic stress and how the optic projection may compensate through novel adaptive mechanisms to protect excitatory signaling to the brain. In the retina and proximal nerve head, the unmyelinated RGC axon segment is energy-inefficient, which leads to increased demand for adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) at the risk of vulnerability to Ca2+-related metabolic and oxidative pressure. This vulnerability may underlie the bidirectional nature of progression. However, recent evidence highlights that the optic projection in glaucoma is not passive but rather demonstrates adaptive processes that may push back against neurodegeneration. In the retina, even as synaptic and dendritic pruning ensues, early progression involves enhanced excitability of RGCs. Enhancement involves depolarization of the resting membrane potential and increased response to light, independent of RGC morphological type. This response is axogenic, arising from increased levels and translocation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) in the unmyelinated segment. During this same early period, large-scale networks of gap-junction coupled astrocytes redistribute metabolic resources to the optic projection stressed by elevated IOP to slow loss of axon function. This redistribution may reflect more local remodeling, as astrocyte processes respond to focal metabolic duress by boosting glycogen turnover in response to axonal activity in an effort to promote survival of the healthiest axons. Both enhanced excitability and metabolic redistribution are transient, indicating that the same adaptive mechanisms that apparently serve to slow progression ultimately may be too expensive for the system to sustain over longer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Calkins
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, AA7100 Medical Center North Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, USA.
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32
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Risner ML, McGrady NR, Boal AM, Pasini S, Calkins DJ. TRPV1 Supports Axogenic Enhanced Excitability in Response to Neurodegenerative Stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:603419. [PMID: 33505248 PMCID: PMC7829306 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.603419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Early progression in neurodegenerative disease involves challenges to homeostatic processes, including those controlling axonal excitability and dendritic organization. In glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, stress from intraocular pressure (IOP) causes degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons which comprise the optic nerve. Previously, we discovered that early progression induces axogenic, voltage-gated enhanced excitability of RGCs, even as dendritic complexity in the retina reduces. Here, we investigate a possible contribution of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel to enhanced excitability, given its role in modulating excitation in other neural systems. We find that genetic deletion of Trpv1 (Trpv1−/−) influences excitability differently for RGCs firing continuously to light onset (αON-Sustained) vs. light offset (αOFF-Sustained). Deletion drives excitability in opposing directions so that Trpv1−/− RGC responses with elevated IOP equalize to that of wild-type (WT) RGCs without elevated IOP. Depolarizing current injections in the absence of light-driven presynaptic excitation to directly modulate voltage-gated channels mirrored these changes, while inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels and isolating retinal excitatory postsynaptic currents abolished both the differences in light-driven activity between WT and Trpv1−/− RGCs and changes in response due to IOP elevation. Together, these results support a voltage-dependent, axogenic influence of Trpv1−/− with elevated IOP. Finally, Trpv1−/− slowed the loss of dendritic complexity with elevated IOP, opposite its effect on axon degeneration, supporting the idea that axonal and dendritic degeneration follows distinctive programs even at the level of membrane excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Andrew M Boal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Filipis L, Canepari M. Optical measurement of physiological sodium currents in the axon initial segment. J Physiol 2020; 599:49-66. [PMID: 33094478 DOI: 10.1113/jp280554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Τhe axonal Na+ fluorescence underlying an action potential in the axon initial segment was optically measured at unprecedented temporal resolution. The measurement allowed resolution of the kinetics of the Na+ current at different axonal locations. The distinct components of the Na+ current were correlated with the kinetics of the action potential. NEURON simulations from a modified published model qualitatively predicted the experimentally measured Na+ current. The present method permits the direct investigation of the kinetic behaviour of native Na+ channels under physiological and pathological conditions. ABSTRACT In most neurons of the mammalian central nervous system, the action potential (AP) is generated in the axon initial segment (AIS) by a fast Na+ current mediated by voltage-gated Na+ channels. While the axonal Na+ signal associated with the AP has been measured using fluorescent Na+ indicators, the insufficient resolution of these recordings has not allowed tracking the Na+ current kinetics underlying this fundamental event. In this article, we report the first optical measurement of Na+ currents in the AIS of pyramidal neurons of layer 5 of the somatosensory cortex from brain slices of the mouse. This measurement was obtained by achieving a temporal resolution of 100 μs in the Na+ imaging technique, with a pixel resolution of 0.5 μm, and by calculating the time-derivative of the Na+ change corrected for longitudinal diffusion. We identified a subthreshold current before the AP, a fast-inactivating current peaking during the rise of the AP and a non-inactivating current during the AP repolarization. We established a correlation between the kinetics of the non-inactivating current at different distances from the soma and the kinetics of the somatic AP. We quantitatively compared the experimentally measured Na+ current with the current obtained by computer simulation of published NEURON models, demonstrating how the present approach can lead to the correct estimate of the native behaviour of Na+ channels. Finally, we discuss how the present approach can be used to investigate the physiological or pathological function of different channel types during AP initiation and propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Filipis
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, Grenoble, F38000, France.,Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, France
| | - Marco Canepari
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, Grenoble, F38000, France.,Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, France.,Institut National de la Santé et Recherche Médicale, France
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Solé L, Wagnon JL, Tamkun MM. Functional analysis of three Na v1.6 mutations causing early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165959. [PMID: 32916281 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 is associated with more than 300 cases of epileptic encephalopathy. Nav1.6 epilepsy-causing mutations are spread over the entire channel's structure and only 10% of mutations have been characterized at the molecular level, with most of them being gain of function mutations. In this study, we analyzed three previously uncharacterized Nav1.6 epilepsy-causing mutations: G214D, N215D and V216D, located within a mutation hot-spot at the S3-S4 extracellular loop of Domain1. Voltage clamp experiments showed a 6-16 mV hyperpolarizing shift in the activation mid-point for all three mutants. V216D presented the largest shift along with decreased current amplitude, enhanced inactivation and a lack of persistent current. Recordings at hyperpolarized potentials indicated that all three mutants presented gating pore currents. Furthermore, trafficking experiments performed in cultured hippocampal neurons demonstrated that the mutants trafficked properly to the cell surface, with no significant differences regarding surface expression within the axon initial segment or soma compared to wild-type. These trafficking data suggest that the disease-causing consequences are due to only changes in the biophysical properties of the channel. Interestingly, the patient carrying the V216D mutation, which is the mutant with the greatest electrophysiological changes as compared to wild-type, exhibited the most severe phenotype. These results emphasize that these mutations will mandate unique treatment approaches, for normal sodium channel blockers may not work given that the studied mutations present gating pore currents. This study emphasizes the importance of molecular characterization of disease-causing mutations in order to improve the pharmacological treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Solé
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael M Tamkun
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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35
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Werginz P, Raghuram V, Fried SI. Tailoring of the axon initial segment shapes the conversion of synaptic inputs into spiking output in OFF-α T retinal ganglion cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/37/eabb6642. [PMID: 32917708 PMCID: PMC7486099 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb6642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, mouse OFF-α transient (OFF-α T) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were shown to display a gradient of light responses as a function of position along the dorsal-ventral axis; response differences were correlated to differences in the level of excitatory presynaptic input. Here, we show that postsynaptic differences between cells also make a strong contribution to response differences. Cells in the dorsal retina had longer axon initial segments (AISs)-the greater number of Nav1.6 channels in longer AISs directly mediates higher rates of spiking and helps avoid depolarization block that terminates spiking in ventral cells with shorter AISs. The pre- and postsynaptic specializations that shape the output of OFF-α T RGCs interact in different ways: In dorsal cells, strong inputs and the long AISs are both necessary to generate their strong, sustained spiking outputs, while in ventral cells, weak inputs or the short AISs are both sufficient to limit the spiking signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Werginz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vineeth Raghuram
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Boston VA Healthcare System, Rehabilitation, Research and Development, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Shelley I Fried
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Boston VA Healthcare System, Rehabilitation, Research and Development, Boston, MA 02130, USA
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36
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Werginz P, Raghuram V, Fried SI. The relationship between morphological properties and thresholds to extracellular electric stimulation in α RGCs. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:045015. [PMID: 32736374 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abab47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retinal prostheses strive to restore vison to patients that are blind from retinal degeneration by electrically stimulating surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The quality of elicited percepts remains limited however and it is desirable to develop improved stimulation strategies. Here, we examine how the anatomical and biophysical properties of RGCs influence activation thresholds, including the effects of variations found naturally. APPROACH Detailed reconstructions were made of a large number of mouse α RGCs and were used to create an array of model cells; the models were used to study the effects of individual anatomical features on activation threshold to electric stimulation. Stimulation was delivered epiretinally from a point-source or disk electrode and consisted of monophasic or biphasic rectangular pulses. MAIN RESULTS Modeling results show that the region of minimum threshold always is within the axon initial segment (AIS). The properties of this region as well as the absolute value of the minimum threshold are dependent on the length of the AIS as well as on the relative composition of sodium channels within the AIS. Other morphological features, including cell size, dendritic field size and the distance between the AIS and the soma had only a minimal influence on thresholds. Introducing even a small number of low-threshold Nav1.6 channels into the AIS was sufficient to lower minimum thresholds substantially although further increases in Nav1.6 had diminishing effects. The distance between the AIS and the electrode affects threshold levels while alignment of the electrode with the axon or dendritic parts of the RGC can result in lower thresholds, even if the distance to the cell remains the same. SIGNIFICANCE Intrinsic morphological features can influence activation thresholds with the AIS having the strongest influence. However, the combined influence remains limited and may not be large enough to allow for selective activation between different RGC types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Werginz
- Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria. Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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37
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Muralidharan M, Guo T, Shivdasani MN, Tsai D, Fried S, Li L, Dokos S, Morley JW, Lovell NH. Neural activity of functionally different retinal ganglion cells can be robustly modulated by high-rate electrical pulse trains. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:045013. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab9a97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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38
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Lindroos R, Hellgren Kotaleski J. Predicting complex spikes in striatal projection neurons of the direct pathway following neuromodulation by acetylcholine and dopamine. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:2117-2134. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lindroos
- Department of Neuroscience Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Jeanette Hellgren Kotaleski
- Department of Neuroscience Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory Department of Computational Science and Technology The Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm Sweden
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39
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The effects of temperature on the biophysical properties of optic nerve F-fibres. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12755. [PMID: 32728166 PMCID: PMC7391707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis, exacerbation of symptoms with rising body temperature is associated with impulse conduction failure. The mechanism is not fully understood. Remarkably, normal optic nerve axons also show temperature dependent effects, with a fall in excitability with warming. Here we show two properties of optic nerve axons, accommodation and inward rectification (Ih), respond to temperature changes in a manner consistent with a temperature dependent membrane potential. As we could find no evidence for the functional expression of KV7.2 in the axons, using the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium ions, we suggest this may explain the membrane potential lability. In order to understand how the axonal membrane potential may show temperature dependence, we have developed a hypothesis involving the electroneutral movement of Na+ ions across the axon membrane, that increases with increasing temperature with an appropriate Q10. Part, but probably not all, of the electroneutral Na+ movement is eliminated by removing extracellular Cl− or exposure to bumetanide, consistent with the involvement of the transporter NKCC1. Numerical simulation suggests a change in membrane potential of − 15–20 mV mimics altering temperature between room and physiological in the largest axons.
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Structural and Functional Refinement of the Axon Initial Segment in Avian Cochlear Nucleus during Development. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6709-6721. [PMID: 32719016 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3068-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is involved in action potential initiation. Structural and biophysical characteristics of the AIS differ among cell types and/or brain regions, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Using immunofluorescence and electrophysiological methods, combined with super-resolution imaging, we show in the developing nucleus magnocellularis of the chicken in both sexes that the AIS is refined in a tonotopic region-dependent manner. This process of AIS refinement differs among cells tuned to different frequencies. At hearing onset, the AIS was ∼50 µm long with few voltage-gated sodium channels regardless of tonotopic region. However, after hatching, the AIS matured and displayed an ∼20-µm-long structure with a significant enrichment of sodium channels responsible for an increase in sodium current and a decrease in spike threshold. Moreover, the shortening was more pronounced, while the accumulation of channels was not, in neurons tuned to higher frequency, creating tonotopic differences in the AIS. We conclude that AIS shortening is mediated by disassembly of the cytoskeleton at the distal end of the AIS, despite intact periodicity of the submembranous cytoskeleton across the AIS. Importantly, deprivation of afferent input diminished the shortening in neurons tuned to a higher frequency to a larger extent in posthatch animals, with little effect on the accumulation of sodium channels. Thus, cytoskeletal reorganization and sodium channel enrichment at the AIS are differentially regulated depending on tonotopic region, but work synergistically to optimize neuronal output in the auditory nucleus.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The axon initial segment (AIS) plays fundamental roles in determining neuronal output. The AIS varies structurally and molecularly across tonotopic regions in avian cochlear nucleus. However, the mechanism underlying these variations remains unclear. The AIS is immature around hearing onset, but becomes shorter and accumulates more sodium channels during maturation, with a pronounced shortening and a moderate channel accumulation at higher tonotopic regions. Afferent input adjusts sodium conductance at the AIS by augmenting AIS shortening (via disassembly of cytoskeletons at its distal end) specifically at higher-frequency regions. However, this had little effect on channel accumulation. Thus, cytoskeletal structure and sodium channel accumulation at the AIS are regulated differentially but work synergistically to optimize the neuronal output.
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41
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Sánchez-Aguilera A, Monedero G, Colino A, Vicente-Torres MÁ. Development of Action Potential Waveform in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons. Neuroscience 2020; 442:151-167. [PMID: 32634531 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CA1 pyramidal neurons undergo intense morphological and electrophysiological changes from the second to third postnatal weeks in rats throughout a critical period associated with the emergence of exploratory behavior. Using whole cell current-clamp recordings in vitro and neurochemical methods, we studied the development of the somatic action potential (AP) waveform and some of the underlying channels in this critical period. At the third postnatal week, APs showed a more hyperpolarized threshold, higher duration and amplitude. Subthreshold depolarization broadened APs and depolarized their peak overshoots more pronouncedly in immature neurons (2 weeks old). These features were mimicked by pharmacologically blocking the fast-inactivating A-type potassium current (IA) and matched well with the higher concentrations of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 and the lower concentrations of BK and Kv1.2 channels detected by Western blotting. Repetitive stimulation with high frequency trains (50 Hz) reproduced AP broadening associated to inactivation of the A-type current in immature cells. Moreover, repetitive firing showed changes in AP amplitude consistent with the inactivation of both sodium and potassium subthreshold currents, which resulted in higher AP amplitudes in the more immature neurons. We propose that maturation of AP waveform and excitability in this critical developmental period could be related to the onset of exploratory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sánchez-Aguilera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avda Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Monedero
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunción Colino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Vicente-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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In Vitro Differentiated Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Reproduce Synaptic Synchronicity Arising during Neurodevelopment. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:22-37. [PMID: 32559460 PMCID: PMC7363884 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) typically show regular spiking and synaptic activity but lack more complex network activity critical for brain development, such as periodic depolarizations including simultaneous involvement of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. We generated human iPSC-derived neurons exhibiting spontaneous oscillatory activity after cultivation of up to 6 months, which resembles early oscillations observed in rodent neurons. This behavior was found in neurons generated using a more “native” embryoid body protocol, in contrast to a “fast” protocol based on NGN2 overexpression. A comparison with published data indicates that EB-derived neurons reach the maturity of neurons of the third trimester and NGN2-derived neurons of the second trimester of human gestation. Co-culturing NGN2-derived neurons with astrocytes only led to a partial compensation and did not reliably induce complex network activity. Our data will help selection of the appropriate iPSC differentiation assay to address specific questions related to neurodevelopmental disorders. Spontaneous oscillatory activity in iPSC-derived neurons after 4–6 months in culture The activity resembled early oscillations seen in rodent neurons during development Cell growth affects developmental changes of neuronal excitability Biological age of neurons is determined based on electrophysiological activity
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Correale J, Marrodan M, Benarroch EE. What is the role of axonal ion channels in multiple sclerosis? Neurology 2020; 95:120-123. [PMID: 32482838 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Correale
- From the Department of Neurology (J.C., M.M.), Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Department of Neurology (E.E.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Mariano Marrodan
- From the Department of Neurology (J.C., M.M.), Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Department of Neurology (E.E.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Eduardo E Benarroch
- From the Department of Neurology (J.C., M.M.), Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Department of Neurology (E.E.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Miao P, Tang S, Ye J, Wang J, Lou Y, Zhang B, Xu X, Chen X, Li Y, Feng J. Electrophysiological features: The next precise step for SCN2A developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1250. [PMID: 32400968 PMCID: PMC7336724 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the relationships among phenotypes, genotypes, and funotypes of SCN2A‐related developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Methods We enrolled five DEE patients with five de novo variants of the SCN2A. Functional analysis and pharmacological features of Nav1.2 channel protein expressed in HEK293T cells were characterized by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording. Results The phenotypes of c.4712T>C(p. I1571T), c.2995G>A(p.E999K), and c.4015A>G(p. N1339D) variants showed similar characteristics, including early seizure onset with severe to profound intellectual disability. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of the activation curve and smaller recovery time constants of fast‐inactivation than in wild type, indicating a prominent gain of function (GOF). Moreover, pharmacological electrophysiology showed that phenytoin inhibited over a 70% peak current and was more effective than oxcarbazepine and carbamazepine. In contrast, c.4972C>T (p.P1658S) and c.5317G>A (p.A1773T) led to loss of function (LOF) changes, showing reduced current density and enhanced fast inactivation. Both showed seizure onset after 3 months of age with moderate development delay. Interestingly, we discovered that choreoathetosis was a specific phenotype feature. Conclusion These findings provided the insights into the phenotype–genotype–funotype relationships of SCN2A‐related DEE. The preliminary evaluation using the distinct hints of GOF and LOF helped plan the treatment, and the next precise step should be electrophysiological study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Miao
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyang Tang
- Children's Hospital and Department of Biophysics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Ye
- Children's Hospital and Department of Biophysics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianda Wang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Lou
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bijun Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoquan Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuezhou Li
- Children's Hospital and Department of Biophysics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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45
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Mason ER, Cummins TR. Differential Inhibition of Human Nav1.2 Resurgent and Persistent Sodium Currents by Cannabidiol and GS967. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072454. [PMID: 32244818 PMCID: PMC7177867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many epilepsy patients are refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Resurgent and persistent currents can be enhanced by epilepsy mutations in the Nav1.2 channel, but conventional antiepileptic drugs inhibit normal transient currents through these channels, along with aberrant resurgent and persistent currents that are enhanced by Nav1.2 epilepsy mutations. Pharmacotherapies that specifically target aberrant resurgent and/or persistent currents would likely have fewer unwanted side effects and be effective in many patients with refractory epilepsy. This study investigated the effects of cannbidiol (CBD) and GS967 (each at 1 μM) on transient, resurgent, and persistent currents in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing wild-type hNav1.2 channels. We found that CBD preferentially inhibits resurgent currents over transient currents in this paradigm; and that GS967 preferentially inhibits persistent currents over transient currents. Therefore, CBD and GS967 may represent a new class of more targeted and effective antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Mason
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, IUPUI campus, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, Purdue School of Science, IUPUI campus, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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46
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Goethals S, Brette R. Theoretical relation between axon initial segment geometry and excitability. eLife 2020; 9:53432. [PMID: 32223890 PMCID: PMC7170651 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53432] [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: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In most vertebrate neurons, action potentials are triggered at the distal end of the axon initial segment (AIS). Both position and length of the AIS vary across and within neuron types, with activity, development and pathology. What is the impact of AIS geometry on excitability? Direct empirical assessment has proven difficult because of the many potential confounding factors. Here, we carried a principled theoretical analysis to answer this question. We provide a simple formula relating AIS geometry and sodium conductance density to the somatic voltage threshold. A distal shift of the AIS normally produces a (modest) increase in excitability, but we explain how this pattern can reverse if a hyperpolarizing current is present at the AIS, due to resistive coupling with the soma. This work provides a theoretical tool to assess the significance of structural AIS plasticity for electrical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Goethals
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Romain Brette
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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47
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Steele PR, Cavarsan CF, Dowaliby L, Westefeld M, Katenka N, Drobyshevsky A, Gorassini MA, Quinlan KA. Altered Motoneuron Properties Contribute to Motor Deficits in a Rabbit Hypoxia-Ischemia Model of Cerebral Palsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:69. [PMID: 32269513 PMCID: PMC7109297 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by a variety of factors attributed to early brain damage, resulting in permanently impaired motor control, marked by weakness and muscle stiffness. To find out if altered physiology of spinal motoneurons (MNs) could contribute to movement deficits, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp in neonatal rabbit spinal cord slices after developmental injury at 79% gestation. After preterm hypoxia-ischemia (HI), rabbits are born with motor deficits consistent with a spastic phenotype including hypertonia and hyperreflexia. There is a range in severity, thus kits are classified as severely affected, mildly affected, or unaffected based on modified Ashworth scores and other behavioral tests. At postnatal day (P)0-5, we recorded electrophysiological parameters of 40 MNs in transverse spinal cord slices using whole-cell patch-clamp. We found significant differences between groups (severe, mild, unaffected and sham control MNs). Severe HI MNs showed more sustained firing patterns, depolarized resting membrane potential, and fired action potentials at a higher frequency. These properties could contribute to muscle stiffness, a hallmark of spastic CP. Interestingly altered persistent inward currents (PICs) and morphology in severe HI MNs would dampen excitability (depolarized PIC onset and increased dendritic length). In summary, changes we observed in spinal MN physiology likely contribute to the severity of the phenotype, and therapeutic strategies for CP could target the excitability of spinal MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preston R. Steele
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Clarissa Fantin Cavarsan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Lisa Dowaliby
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Megan Westefeld
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - N. Katenka
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | | | - Monica A. Gorassini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katharina A. Quinlan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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48
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Goaillard JM, Moubarak E, Tapia M, Tell F. Diversity of Axonal and Dendritic Contributions to Neuronal Output. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:570. [PMID: 32038171 PMCID: PMC6987044 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our general understanding of neuronal function is that dendrites receive information that is transmitted to the axon, where action potentials (APs) are initiated and propagated to eventually trigger neurotransmitter release at synaptic terminals. Even though this canonical division of labor is true for a number of neuronal types in the mammalian brain (including neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons or cerebellar Purkinje neurons), many neuronal types do not comply with this classical polarity scheme. In fact, dendrites can be the site of AP initiation and propagation, and even neurotransmitter release. In several interneuron types, all functions are carried out by dendrites as these neurons are devoid of a canonical axon. In this article, we present a few examples of "misbehaving" neurons (with a non-canonical polarity scheme) to highlight the diversity of solutions that are used by mammalian neurons to transmit information. Moreover, we discuss how the contribution of dendrites and axons to neuronal excitability may impose constraints on the morphology of these compartments in specific functional contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Goaillard
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Estelle Moubarak
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Mónica Tapia
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Fabien Tell
- UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
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49
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Risner ML, McGrady NR, Pasini S, Lambert WS, Calkins DJ. Elevated ocular pressure reduces voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.2 protein expression in retinal ganglion cell axons. Exp Eye Res 2020; 190:107873. [PMID: 31734278 PMCID: PMC6957720 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that is commonly associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure. The disease selectively targets retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and constituent axons. RGC axons are rich in voltage-gated sodium channels, which are essential for action potential initiation and regeneration. Here, we identified voltage-dependent sodium channel, NaV1.2, in the retina, examined how this channel contributes to RGC light responses, and monitored NaV1.2 mRNA and protein expression in the retina during progression of modeled glaucoma. We found NaV1.2 is predominately localized in ganglion cell intraretinal axons with dispersed expression in the outer and inner plexiform layers. We showed Phrixotoxin-3, a potent NaV1.2 channel blocker, significantly decreased RGC electrical activity in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 40 nM. Finally, we found four weeks of raised intraocular pressure (30% above baseline) significantly increased NaV1.2 mRNA expression but reduced NaV1.2 protein level in the retina up to 57% (p < 0.001). Following prolonged intraocular pressure elevation, NaV1.2 protein expression particularly diminished at distal sections of ganglion cell intraretinal axons (p ≤ 0.01). Our results suggest NaV1.2 might be a therapeutic target during disease progression to maintain RGC excitability, preserving presynaptic connections through action potential backpropagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11435 Medical Research Building IV, 2215B Garland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0654, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11435 Medical Research Building IV, 2215B Garland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0654, USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11435 Medical Research Building IV, 2215B Garland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0654, USA
| | - Wendi S Lambert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11435 Medical Research Building IV, 2215B Garland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0654, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11435 Medical Research Building IV, 2215B Garland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0654, USA.
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50
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Pan Y, Cummins TR. Distinct functional alterations in SCN8A epilepsy mutant channels. J Physiol 2020; 598:381-401. [PMID: 31715021 PMCID: PMC7216308 DOI: 10.1113/jp278952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mutations in the SCN8A gene cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in the human SCN8A channel and present gain-of-function properties of the mutant channel. Systematic comparison of R850Q with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T761I, R1617Q and R1872Q, identifies one common dysfunction in resurgent current, although these mutations alter distinct properties of the channel. Computational simulations in two different neuron models predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations, which explains the over-excitation that underlies seizure activities in patients. These data provide further insight into the mechanism of SCN8A-related epilepsy and reveal subtle but potentially important distinction of functional characterization performed in the human vs. rodent channels. ABSTRACT SCN8A is a novel causal gene for early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. It is well accepted that gain-of-function mutations in SCN8A underlie the disorder, although the remarkable heterogeneity of its clinical presentation and poor treatment response demand a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in human Nav1.6. We show that it is a gain-of-function mutation, with a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, a two-fold increase of persistent current and a slowed decay of resurgent current. We systematically compare its biophysics with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T767I, R1617Q and R1872Q, in the human Nav1.6 channel. Although all of these mutations are gain-of-function, the mutations affect different aspects of channel properties. One commonality that we discovered is an alteration of resurgent current kinetics, although the mechanisms by which resurgent currents are augmented remain unclear for all of the mutations. Computational simulations predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations with differential enhancement by open channel blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Pan
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Science, IUPUI, IN, USA
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