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Rivas S, Hanif K, Chakouri N, Ben-Johny M. Probing ion channel macromolecular interactions using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Methods Enzymol 2021; 653:319-347. [PMID: 34099178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are macromolecular complexes whose functions are exquisitely tuned by interacting proteins. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful methodology that is adept at quantifying ion channel protein-protein interactions in living cells. For FRET experiments, the interacting partners are tagged with appropriate donor and acceptor fluorescent proteins. If the fluorescently-labeled molecules are in close proximity, then photoexcitation of the donor results in non-radiative energy transfer to the acceptor, and subsequent fluorescence emission of the acceptor. The stoichiometry of ion channel interactions and their relative binding affinities can be deduced by quantifying both the FRET efficiency and the total number of donors and acceptors in a given cell. In this chapter, we discuss general considerations for FRET analysis of biological interactions, various strategies for estimating FRET efficiencies, and detailed protocols for construction of binding curves and determination of stoichiometry. We focus on implementation of FRET assays using a flow cytometer given its amenability for high-throughput data acquisition, enhanced accessibility, and robust analysis. This versatile methodology permits mechanistic dissection of dynamic changes in ion channel interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharen Rivas
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Nourdine Chakouri
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Manu Ben-Johny
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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Yakubovich D, Berlin S, Kahanovitch U, Rubinstein M, Farhy-Tselnicker I, Styr B, Keren-Raifman T, Dessauer CW, Dascal N. A Quantitative Model of the GIRK1/2 Channel Reveals That Its Basal and Evoked Activities Are Controlled by Unequal Stoichiometry of Gα and Gβγ. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004598. [PMID: 26544551 PMCID: PMC4636287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-gated K+ channels (GIRK; Kir3), activated by Gβγ subunits derived from Gi/o proteins, regulate heartbeat and neuronal excitability and plasticity. Both neurotransmitter-evoked (Ievoked) and neurotransmitter-independent basal (Ibasal) GIRK activities are physiologically important, but mechanisms of Ibasal and its relation to Ievoked are unclear. We have previously shown for heterologously expressed neuronal GIRK1/2, and now show for native GIRK in hippocampal neurons, that Ibasal and Ievoked are interrelated: the extent of activation by neurotransmitter (activation index, Ra) is inversely related to Ibasal. To unveil the underlying mechanisms, we have developed a quantitative model of GIRK1/2 function. We characterized single-channel and macroscopic GIRK1/2 currents, and surface densities of GIRK1/2 and Gβγ expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Based on experimental results, we constructed a mathematical model of GIRK1/2 activity under steady-state conditions before and after activation by neurotransmitter. Our model accurately recapitulates Ibasal and Ievoked in Xenopus oocytes, HEK293 cells and hippocampal neurons; correctly predicts the dose-dependent activation of GIRK1/2 by coexpressed Gβγ and fully accounts for the inverse Ibasal-Ra correlation. Modeling indicates that, under all conditions and at different channel expression levels, between 3 and 4 Gβγ dimers are available for each GIRK1/2 channel. In contrast, available Gαi/o decreases from ~2 to less than one Gα per channel as GIRK1/2's density increases. The persistent Gβγ/channel (but not Gα/channel) ratio support a strong association of GIRK1/2 with Gβγ, consistent with recruitment to the cell surface of Gβγ, but not Gα, by GIRK1/2. Our analysis suggests a maximal stoichiometry of 4 Gβγ but only 2 Gαi/o per one GIRK1/2 channel. The unique, unequal association of GIRK1/2 with G protein subunits, and the cooperative nature of GIRK gating by Gβγ, underlie the complex pattern of basal and agonist-evoked activities and allow GIRK1/2 to act as a sensitive bidirectional detector of both Gβγ and Gα. Many neurotransmitters and hormones inhibit the electric activity of excitable cells (such as cardiac cells and neurons) by activating a K+ channel, GIRK (G protein-gated Inwardly Rectifying K+ channel). GIRK channels also possess constitutive “basal” activity which contributes to regulation of neuronal and cardiac excitability and certain disorders, but the mechanism of this activity and its interrelation with the neurotransmitter-evoked activity are poorly understood. In this work we show that key features of basal and neurotransmitter-evoked activities are similar in cultured hippocampal neurons and in two model systems (mammalian HEK293 cells and Xenopus oocytes). Using experimental data of the neuronal GIRK1/2 channel function upon changes in GIRK and G protein concentrations, we constructed a mathematical model that quantitatively accounts for basal and evoked activity, and for the inverse correlation between the two. Our analysis suggests a novel and unexpected mechanism of interaction of GIRK1/2 with the G protein subunits, where the tetrameric GIRK channel can assemble with 4 molecules of the Gβγ subunits but only 2 molecules of Gα. GIRK is a prototypical effector of Gβγ, and the unequal stoichiometry of interaction with G protein subunits may have general implications for G protein signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yakubovich
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shai Berlin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Kahanovitch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Isabella Farhy-Tselnicker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Styr
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Keren-Raifman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Carmen W. Dessauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathan Dascal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Dascal N, Kahanovitch U. The Roles of Gβγ and Gα in Gating and Regulation of GIRK Channels. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 123:27-85. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Kahanovitch U, Tsemakhovich V, Berlin S, Rubinstein M, Styr B, Castel R, Peleg S, Tabak G, Dessauer CW, Ivanina T, Dascal N. Recruitment of Gβγ controls the basal activity of G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels: crucial role of distal C terminus of GIRK1. J Physiol 2014; 592:5373-90. [PMID: 25384780 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.283218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK, or Kir3) channels are important mediators of inhibitory neurotransmission via activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GIRK channels are tetramers comprising combinations of subunits (GIRK1-4), activated by direct binding of the Gβγ subunit of Gi/o proteins. Heterologously expressed GIRK1/2 exhibit high, Gβγ-dependent basal currents (Ibasal) and a modest activation by GPCR or coexpressed Gβγ. Inversely, the GIRK2 homotetramers exhibit low Ibasal and strong activation by Gβγ. The high Ibasal of GIRK1 seems to be associated with its unique distal C terminus (G1-dCT), which is not present in the other subunits. We investigated the role of G1-dCT using electrophysiological and fluorescence assays in Xenopus laevis oocytes and protein interaction assays. We show that expression of GIRK1/2 increases the plasma membrane level of coexpressed Gβγ (a phenomenon we term 'Gβγ recruitment') but not of coexpressed Gαi3. All GIRK1-containing channels, but not GIRK2 homomers, recruited Gβγ to the plasma membrane. In biochemical assays, truncation of G1-dCT reduces the binding between the cytosolic parts of GIRK1 and Gβγ, but not Gαi3. Nevertheless, the truncation of G1-dCT does not impair activation by Gβγ. In fluorescently labelled homotetrameric GIRK1 channels and in the heterotetrameric GIRK1/2 channel, the truncation of G1-dCT abolishes Gβγ recruitment and decreases Ibasal. Thus, we conclude that G1-dCT carries an essential role in Gβγ recruitment by GIRK1 and, consequently, in determining its high basal activity. Our results indicate that G1-dCT is a crucial part of a Gβγ anchoring site of GIRK1-containing channels, spatially and functionally distinct from the site of channel activation by Gβγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Kahanovitch
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Vladimir Tsemakhovich
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shai Berlin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Boaz Styr
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ruth Castel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Sagit Peleg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Galit Tabak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Carmen W Dessauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tatiana Ivanina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nathan Dascal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Nagi K, Pineyro G. Kir3 channel signaling complexes: focus on opioid receptor signaling. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:186. [PMID: 25071446 PMCID: PMC4085882 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective drugs to treat severe pain. They produce their analgesic actions by specifically activating opioid receptors located along the pain perception pathway where they inhibit the flow of nociceptive information. This inhibition is partly accomplished by activation of hyperpolarizing G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium (GIRK or Kir3) channels. Kir3 channels control cellular excitability in the central nervous system and in the heart and, because of their ubiquitous distribution, they mediate the effects of a large range of hormones and neurotransmitters which, upon activation of corresponding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to channel opening. Here we analyze GPCR signaling via these effectors in reference to precoupling and collision models. Existing knowledge on signaling bias is discussed in relation to these models as a means of developing strategies to produce novel opioid analgesics with an improved side effects profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Nagi
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada ; Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Graciela Pineyro
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada ; Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine Montréal, QC, Canada ; Département de Psychiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
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Hille B, Dickson E, Kruse M, Falkenburger B. Dynamic metabolic control of an ion channel. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 123:219-47. [PMID: 24560147 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397897-4.00008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors mediate responses to external stimuli in various cell types. We are interested in the modulation of KCNQ2/3 potassium channels by the Gq-coupled M1 muscarinic (acetylcholine) receptor (M1R). Here, we describe development of a mathematical model that incorporates all known steps along the M1R signaling cascade and accurately reproduces the macroscopic behavior we observe when KCNQ2/3 currents are inhibited following M1R activation. Gq protein-coupled receptors of the plasma membrane activate phospholipase C (PLC) which cleaves the minor plasma membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) into the second messengers diacylgycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, leading to calcium release, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, and PI(4,5)P2 depletion. Combining optical and electrical techniques with knowledge of relative abundance of each signaling component has allowed us to develop a kinetic model and determine that (i) M1R activation and M1R/Gβ interaction are fast; (ii) Gαq/Gβ separation and Gαq/PLC interaction have intermediate time constants; (iii) the amount of activated PLC limits the rate of KCNQ2/3 suppression; (iv) weak PLC activation can elicit robust calcium signals without net PI(4,5)P2 depletion or KCNQ2/3 channel inhibition; and (v) depletion of PI(4,5)P2, and not calcium/CaM or PKC-mediated phosphorylation, closes KCNQ2/3 potassium channels, thereby increasing neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertil Hille
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eamonn Dickson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martin Kruse
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Luján R, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Aguado C, Wickman K. New insights into the therapeutic potential of Girk channels. Trends Neurosci 2013; 37:20-9. [PMID: 24268819 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
G protein-dependent signaling pathways control the activity of excitable cells of the nervous system and heart, and are the targets of neurotransmitters, clinically relevant drugs, and drugs of abuse. G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (K(+)) (Girk/Kir3) channels are a key effector in inhibitory signaling pathways. Girk-dependent signaling contributes to nociception and analgesia, reward-related behavior, mood, cognition, and heart-rate regulation, and has been linked to epilepsy, Down syndrome, addiction, and arrhythmias. We discuss recent advances in our understanding of Girk channel structure, organization in signaling complexes, and plasticity, as well as progress on the development of subunit-selective Girk modulators. These findings offer new hope for the selective manipulation of Girk channels to treat a variety of debilitating afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Luján
- Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain.
| | | | - Carolina Aguado
- Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Biosanitario, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Nenasheva TA, Neary M, Mashanov GI, Birdsall NJ, Breckenridge RA, Molloy JE. Abundance, distribution, mobility and oligomeric state of M₂ muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in live cardiac muscle. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 57:129-36. [PMID: 23357106 PMCID: PMC3605596 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors modulate cardiac rhythm via regulation of the inward potassium current. To increase our understanding of M2 receptor physiology we used Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy to visualize individual receptors at the plasma membrane of transformed CHO(M2) cells, a cardiac cell line (HL-1), primary cardiomyocytes and tissue slices from pre- and post-natal mice. Receptor expression levels between individual cells in dissociated cardiomyocytes and heart slices were highly variable and only 10% of murine cardiomyocytes expressed muscarinic receptors. M2 receptors were evenly distributed across individual cells and their density in freshly isolated embryonic cardiomyocytes was ~1μm(-2), increasing at birth (to ~3μm(-2)) and decreasing back to ~1μm(-2) after birth. M2 receptors were primarily monomeric but formed reversible dimers. They diffused freely at the plasma membrane, moving approximately 4-times faster in heart slices than in cultured cardiomyocytes. Knowledge of receptor density and mobility has allowed receptor collision rate to be modeled by Monte Carlo simulations. Our estimated encounter rate of 5-10 collisions per second, may explain the latency between acetylcholine application and GIRK channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Nenasheva
- Division of Physical Biochemistry, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Marianne Neary
- Division of Developmental Biology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Gregory I. Mashanov
- Division of Physical Biochemistry, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Nigel J.M. Birdsall
- Division of Physical Biochemistry, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Ross A. Breckenridge
- Division of Developmental Biology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Justin E. Molloy
- Division of Physical Biochemistry, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
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