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Luo S, Zhou X, Wu M, Wang G, Wang L, Feng X, Wu H, Luo R, Lu M, Ju J, Wang W, Yuan L, Luo X, Peng D, Yang L, Zhang Q, Chen M, Liang S, Dong X, Hao G, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Optimizing Nav1.7-Targeted Analgesics: Revealing Off-Target Effects of Spider Venom-Derived Peptide Toxins and Engineering Strategies for Improvement. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2406656. [PMID: 39248322 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202406656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The inhibition of Nav1.7 is a promising strategy for the development of analgesic treatments. Spider venom-derived peptide toxins are recognized as significant sources of Nav1.7 inhibitors. However, their development has been impeded by limited selectivity. In this study, eight peptide toxins from three distinct spider venom Nav channel families demonstrated robust inhibition of hNav1.7, rKv4.2, and rKv4.3 (rKv4.2/4.3) currents, exhibiting a similar mode of action. The analysis of structure and function relationship revealed a significant overlap in the pharmacophore responsible for inhibiting hNav1.7 and rKv4.2 by HNTX-III, although Lys25 seems to play a more pivotal role in the inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3. Pharmacophore-guided rational design is employed for the development of an mGpTx1 analogue, mGpTx1-SA, which retains its inhibition of hNav1.7 while significantly reducing its inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3 and eliminating cardiotoxicity. Moreover, mGpTx1-SA demonstrates potent analgesic effects in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, accompanied by an improved in vivo safety profile. The results suggest that off-target inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3 by specific spider peptide toxins targeting hNav1.7 may arise from a conserved binding motif. This insight promises to facilitate the design of hNav1.7-specific analgesics, aimed at minimizing rKv4.2/4.3 inhibition and associated toxicity, thereby enhancing their suitability for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Meijing Wu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Gongxin Wang
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical science, Institute of Electrophysiology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Li Wang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xujun Feng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Hang Wu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Ren Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Minjuan Lu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Junxian Ju
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Wenxing Wang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Lei Yuan
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xiaoqing Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Dezheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Advanced Carbon-based Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang, Hunan, 414006, China
| | - Li Yang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xiuming Dong
- Department of Research, Scope Research Institute of Electrophysiology, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Guoliang Hao
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical science, Institute of Electrophysiology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Department of Research, Scope Research Institute of Electrophysiology, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Advanced Carbon-based Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang, Hunan, 414006, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
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Kaye AD, Greene DR, Nguyen C, Ragland A, Granger MP, Wilhite WP, Dufrene K, Shekoohi S, Robinson CL. Emerging Medications and Strategies in Acute Pain Management: Evolving Role of Novel Sodium and Calcium Channel Blockers, Peptide-Based Pharmacologic Drugs, and Non-Medicinal Methods. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:853-862. [PMID: 38761297 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01265-z] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present investigation evaluated integration of novel medication technology to enhance treatment options, while improving patient outcomes in acute pain management. In this regard, we focused on determining the role of development and utilization of cutting-edge pharmaceutical advancements, such as targeted drug delivery systems, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions in addressing acute pain states. Further research in this area is warranted related to the need for increased patient comfort and reduced adverse effects. RECENT FINDINGS Recent innovations and techniques are discussed including pharmacologic drugs targeting sodium and calcium channels, peptide-based pharmacologic drugs, and non-medicinal methods of alleviating pain such as soothing music or virtual reality. The present investigation included review of current literature on the application of these innovative technologies, analyzing mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effectiveness. Our study also investigated the potential benefits in terms of pain relief, reduced side effects, and improved patient adherence. The research critically examines the challenges and considerations associated with implementing these technologies in acute pain management, considering factors like cost, accessibility, and regulatory aspects. Additionally, case studies and clinical trials are highlighted which demonstrate practical implications of these novel medication technologies in real-world scenarios. The findings aim to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape in acute pain management while guiding future research and clinical practices toward optimizing their use in enhancing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Driskell R Greene
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Catherine Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, New Orleans, 70112, LA, USA
| | - Amanda Ragland
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Mason P Granger
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - William Peyton Wilhite
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Kylie Dufrene
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Christopher L Robinson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Antunes A, Robin P, Mourier G, Béroud R, De Waard M, Servent D, Benoit E. Rattlesnake Crotalphine Analgesic Active on Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Na + Current in Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:359. [PMID: 39195769 PMCID: PMC11359915 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16080359] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Crotalphine is an analgesic peptide identified from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Although its antinociceptive effect is well documented, its direct mechanisms of action are still unclear. The aim of the present work was to study the action of the crotalid peptide on the NaV1.7 channel subtype, a genetically validated pain target. To this purpose, the effects of crotalphine were evaluated on the NaV1.7 component of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ current in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of adult mice, using the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration, and on cell viability, using propidium iodide fluorescence and trypan blue assays. The results show that 18.7 µM of peptide inhibited 50% of the Na+ current. The blocking effect occurred without any marked change in the current activation and inactivation kinetics, but it was more important as the membrane potential was more positive. In addition, crotalphine induced an increase in the leakage current amplitude of approximately 150% and led to a maximal 31% decrease in cell viability at a high 50 µM concentration. Taken together, these results point out, for the first time, the effectiveness of crotalphine in acting on the NaV1.7 channel subtype, which may be an additional target contributing to the peptide analgesic properties and, also, although less efficiently, on a second cell plasma membrane component, leading to cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Antunes
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), EMR CNRS/CEA 9004, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (A.A.); (P.R.); (G.M.); (D.S.)
- Smartox Biotechnology, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France; (R.B.); (M.D.W.)
| | - Philippe Robin
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), EMR CNRS/CEA 9004, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (A.A.); (P.R.); (G.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), EMR CNRS/CEA 9004, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (A.A.); (P.R.); (G.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Rémy Béroud
- Smartox Biotechnology, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France; (R.B.); (M.D.W.)
| | - Michel De Waard
- Smartox Biotechnology, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France; (R.B.); (M.D.W.)
- L’Institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Nantes, F-44007 Nantes, France
- LabEx “Ion Channels, Science and Therapeutics”, F-06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), EMR CNRS/CEA 9004, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (A.A.); (P.R.); (G.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Evelyne Benoit
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), EMR CNRS/CEA 9004, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (A.A.); (P.R.); (G.M.); (D.S.)
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4
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Pei S, Wang N, Mei Z, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, McIntosh JM, Zhu X, Luo S. Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:828-845. [PMID: 38914468 PMCID: PMC11331937 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000923] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are intimately involved in the generation and transmission of action potentials, and dysfunction of these channels may contribute to nervous system diseases, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, psychosis, autism, and cardiac arrhythmia. Many venom peptides selectively act on NaV channels. These include conotoxins, which are neurotoxins secreted by cone snails for prey capture or self-defense but which are also valuable pharmacological tools for the identification and/or treatment of human diseases. Typically, conotoxins contain two or three disulfide bonds, and these internal crossbraces contribute to conotoxins having compact, well defined structures and high stability. Of the conotoxins containing three disulfide bonds, some selectively target mammalian NaV channels and can block, stimulate, or modulate these channels. Such conotoxins have great potential to serve as pharmacological tools for studying the functions and characteristics of NaV channels or as drug leads for neurologic diseases related to NaV channels. Accordingly, discovering or designing conotoxins targeting NaV channels with high potency and selectivity is important. The amino acid sequences, disulfide bond connectivity, and three-dimensional structures are key factors that affect the biological activity of conotoxins, and targeted synthetic modifications of conotoxins can greatly improve their activity and selectivity. This review examines NaV channel-targeted conotoxins, focusing on their structures, activities, and designed modifications, with a view toward expanding their applications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV channels are crucial in various neurologic diseases. Some conotoxins selectively target NaV channels, causing either blockade or activation, thus enabling their use as pharmacological tools for studying the channels' characteristics and functions. Conotoxins also have promising potential to be developed as drug leads. The disulfide bonds in these peptides are important for stabilizing their structures, thus leading to enhanced specificity and potency. Together, conotoxins targeting NaV channels have both immediate research value and promising future application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrong Pei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Nan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Zaoli Mei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - David J Craik
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
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5
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Le Franc A, Da Silva A, Lepetre-Mouelhi S. Nanomedicine and voltage-gated sodium channel blockers in pain management: a game changer or a lost cause? Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2112-2145. [PMID: 38861139 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01615-9] [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] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Pain, a complex and debilitating condition affecting millions globally, is a significant concern, especially in the context of post-operative recovery. This comprehensive review explores the complexity of pain and its global impact, emphasizing the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC or NaV channels) as a promising avenue for pain management with the aim of reducing reliance on opioids. The article delves into the role of specific NaV isoforms, particularly NaV 1.7, NaV 1.8, and NaV 1.9, in pain process and discusses the development of sodium channel blockers to target these isoforms precisely. Traditional local anesthetics and selective NaV isoform inhibitors, despite showing varying efficacy in pain management, face challenges in systemic distribution and potential side effects. The review highlights the potential of nanomedicine in improving the delivery of local anesthetics, toxins and selective NaV isoform inhibitors for a targeted and sustained release at the site of pain. This innovative strategy seeks to improve drug bioavailability, minimize systemic exposure, and optimize therapeutic outcomes, holding significant promise for secure pain management and enhancing the quality of life for individuals recovering from surgical procedures or suffering from chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Le Franc
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Alexandre Da Silva
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
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6
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Zhao F, Liu Y, Liu Y, Ye Q, Yang H, Gui M, Song Y. The road to evolution of ProTx2: how to be a subtype-specific inhibition of human Na v1.7. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374183. [PMID: 38756380 PMCID: PMC11096480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The human voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a widely proven target for analgesic drug studies. ProTx2, a 30-residue polypeptide from Peruvian green tarantula venom, shows high specificity to activity against human Nav1.7, suggesting its potential to become a non-addictive analgesic. However, its high sensitivity to human Nav1.4 raises concerns about muscle side effects. Here, we engineered three mutants (R13A, R13D, and K27Y) of ProTx2 to evaluate their pharmacological activities toward Nav1.7 and Nav1.4. It is demonstrated that the mutant R13D maintained the analgesic effect in mice while dramatically reducing its muscle toxicity compared with ProTx2. The main reason is the formation of a strong electrostatic interaction between R13D and the negatively charged amino acid residues in DII/S3-S4 of Nav1.7, which is absent in Nav1.4. This study advances our understanding and insights on peptide toxins, paving the way for safer, effective non-addictive analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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7
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Wang Q, Ye Y, Yang L, Xiao L, Liu J, Zhang W, Du G. Painful diabetic neuropathy: The role of ion channels. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116417. [PMID: 38490158 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116417] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common chronic complication of diabetes that causes neuropathic pain and negatively affects the quality of life. The management of PDN is far from satisfactory. At present, interventions are primarily focused on symptomatic treatment. Ion channel disorders are a major cause of PDN, and a complete understanding of their roles and mechanisms may provide better options for the clinical treatment of PDN. Therefore, this review summarizes the important role of ion channels in PDN and the current drug development targeting these ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linghui Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lifan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Guizhi Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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8
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Tian J, Bavencoffe AG, Zhu MX, Walters ET. Readiness of nociceptor cell bodies to generate spontaneous activity results from background activity of diverse ion channels and high input resistance. Pain 2024; 165:893-907. [PMID: 37862056 PMCID: PMC10950548 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nociceptor cell bodies generate "spontaneous" discharge that can promote ongoing pain in persistent pain conditions. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Recordings from nociceptor cell bodies (somata) dissociated from rodent and human dorsal root ganglia have shown that previous pain in vivo is associated with low-frequency discharge controlled by irregular depolarizing spontaneous fluctuations of membrane potential (DSFs), likely produced by transient inward currents across the somal input resistance. Using mouse nociceptors, we show that DSFs are associated with high somal input resistance over a wide range of membrane potentials, including depolarized levels where DSFs approach action potential (AP) threshold. Input resistance and both the amplitude and frequency of DSFs were increased in neurons exhibiting spontaneous activity. Ion substitution experiments indicated that the depolarizing phase of DSFs is generated by spontaneous opening of channels permeable to Na + or Ca 2+ and that Ca 2+ -permeable channels are especially important for larger DSFs. Partial reduction of the amplitude or frequency of DSFs by perfusion of pharmacological inhibitors indicated small but significant contributions from Nav1.7, Nav1.8, TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM4, and N-type Ca 2+ channels. Less specific blockers suggested a contribution from NALCN channels, and global knockout suggested a role for Nav1.9. The combination of high somal input resistance plus background activity of diverse ion channels permeable to Na + or Ca 2+ produces DSFs that are poised to reach AP threshold if resting membrane potential depolarizes, AP threshold decreases, or DSFs become enhanced-all of which can occur under painful neuropathic and inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbin Tian
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Alexis G. Bavencoffe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Michael X. Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Edgar T. Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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9
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Gomez K, Allen HN, Duran P, Loya-Lopez S, Calderon-Rivera A, Moutal A, Tang C, Nelson TS, Perez-Miller S, Khanna R. Targeted transcriptional upregulation of SENP1 by CRISPR activation enhances deSUMOylation pathways to elicit antinociception in the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain. Pain 2024; 165:866-883. [PMID: 37862053 PMCID: PMC11389604 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003080] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The voltage-gated sodium channel Na V 1.7 is an essential component of human pain signaling. Changes in Na V 1.7 trafficking are considered critical in the development of neuropathic pain. SUMOylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) regulates the membrane trafficking and function of Na V 1.7. Enhanced CRMP2 SUMOylation in neuropathic pain correlates with increased Na V 1.7 activity. Pharmacological and genetic interventions that interfere with CRMP2 SUMOylation in rodents with neuropathic pain have been shown to reverse mechanical allodynia. Sentrin or SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs) are vital for balancing SUMOylation and deSUMOylation of substrates. Overexpression of SENP1 and/or SENP2 in CRMP2-expressing cells results in increased deSUMOylation and decreased membrane expression and currents of Na V 1.7. Although SENP1 is present in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, its role in regulating Na V 1.7 function and pain is not known. We hypothesized that favoring SENP1 expression can enhance CRMP2 deSUMOylation to modulate Na V 1.7 channels. In this study, we used a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats activation (CRISPRa) SENP1 lentivirus to overexpress SENP1 in dorsal root ganglia neurons. We found that SENP1 lentivirus reduced CRMP2 SUMOylation, Na V 1.7-CRMP2 interaction, and Na V 1.7 membrane expression. SENP1 overexpression decreased Na V 1.7 currents through clathrin-mediated endocytosis, directly linked to CRMP2 deSUMOylation. Moreover, enhancing SENP1 expression did not affect the activity of TRPV1 channels or voltage-gated calcium and potassium channels. Intrathecal injection of CRISPRa SENP1 lentivirus reversed mechanical allodynia in male and female rats with spinal nerve injury. These results provide evidence that the pain-regulating effects of SENP1 overexpression involve, in part, the modulation of Na V 1.7 channels through the indirect mechanism of CRMP2 deSUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Heather N Allen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Santiago Loya-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aubin Moutal
- School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tyler S Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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10
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Hiranuma M, Okuda Y, Fujii Y, Richard JP, Watanabe T. Characterization of human iPSC-derived sensory neurons and their functional assessment using multi electrode array. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6011. [PMID: 38472288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons are afferent neurons in sensory systems that convert stimuli and transmit information to the central nervous system as electrical signals. Primary afferent neurons that are affected by non-noxious and noxious stimuli are present in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and the DRG sensory neurons are used as an in vitro model of the nociceptive response. However, DRG derived from mouse or rat give a low yield of neurons, and they are difficult to culture. To help alleviate this problem, we characterized human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived sensory neurons. They can solve the problems of interspecies differences and supply stability. We investigated expressions of sensory neuron related proteins and genes, and drug responses by Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) to analyze the properties and functions of sensory neurons. They expressed nociceptor, mechanoreceptor and proprioceptor related genes and proteins. They constitute a heterogeneous population of their subclasses. We confirmed that they could respond to both noxious and non-noxious stimuli. We showed that histamine inhibitors reduced histamine-induced neuronal excitability. Furthermore, incubation with a ProTx-II and Nav1.7 inhibitor reduced the spontaneous neural activity in hiPSC-derived sensory neurons. Their responsiveness was different from each drug. We have demonstrated that hiPSC-derived sensory neurons combined with MEA are good candidates for drug discovery studies where DRG in vitro modeling is necessary.
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11
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Loya-Lopez SI, Allen HN, Duran P, Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Kumar U, Shields R, Zeng R, Dwivedi A, Saurabh S, Korczeniewska OA, Khanna R. Intranasal CRMP2-Ubc9 inhibitor regulates Na V 1.7 to alleviate trigeminal neuropathic pain. Pain 2024; 165:573-588. [PMID: 37751532 PMCID: PMC10922202 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003053] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Dysregulation of voltage-gated sodium Na V 1.7 channels in sensory neurons contributes to chronic pain conditions, including trigeminal neuropathic pain. We previously reported that chronic pain results in part from increased SUMOylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), leading to an increased CRMP2/Na V 1.7 interaction and increased functional activity of Na V 1.7. Targeting this feed-forward regulation, we developed compound 194 , which inhibits CRMP2 SUMOylation mediated by the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9. We further demonstrated that 194 effectively reduces the functional activity of Na V 1.7 channels in dorsal root ganglia neurons and alleviated inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we used a comprehensive array of approaches, encompassing biochemical, pharmacological, genetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral analyses, to assess the functional implications of Na V 1.7 regulation by CRMP2 in trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons. We confirmed the expression of Scn9a , Dpysl2 , and UBE2I within TG neurons. Furthermore, we found an interaction between CRMP2 and Na V 1.7, with CRMP2 being SUMOylated in these sensory ganglia. Disrupting CRMP2 SUMOylation with compound 194 uncoupled the CRMP2/Na V 1.7 interaction, impeded Na V 1.7 diffusion on the plasma membrane, and subsequently diminished Na V 1.7 activity. Compound 194 also led to a reduction in TG neuron excitability. Finally, when intranasally administered to rats with chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve, 194 significantly decreased nociceptive behaviors. Collectively, our findings underscore the critical role of CRMP2 in regulating Na V 1.7 within TG neurons, emphasizing the importance of this indirect modulation in trigeminal neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago I. Loya-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Heather N. Allen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Upasana Kumar
- Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07101, United States of America
| | - Rory Shields
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ 07101, United States of America
| | - Rui Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, United States of America
| | - Akshat Dwivedi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, United States of America
| | - Saumya Saurabh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, United States of America
| | - Olga A. Korczeniewska
- Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07101, United States of America
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ 07101, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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12
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Ngo K, Lopez Mateos D, Han Y, Rouen KC, Ahn SH, Wulff H, Clancy CE, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Vorobyov I. Elucidating molecular mechanisms of protoxin-II state-specific binding to the human NaV1.7 channel. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313368. [PMID: 38127314 PMCID: PMC10737443 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313368] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channels are responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells, and mutations have been associated with numerous cardiac and neurological disorders. hNaV1.7 channels are expressed in peripheral neurons and are promising targets for pain therapy. The tarantula venom peptide protoxin-II (PTx2) has high selectivity for hNaV1.7 and is a valuable scaffold for designing novel therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we used computational modeling to study the molecular mechanisms of the state-dependent binding of PTx2 to hNaV1.7 voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). Using Rosetta structural modeling methods, we constructed atomistic models of the hNaV1.7 VSD II and IV in the activated and deactivated states with docked PTx2. We then performed microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the systems in hydrated lipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that PTx2 binds most favorably to the deactivated VSD II and activated VSD IV. These state-specific interactions are mediated primarily by PTx2's residues R22, K26, K27, K28, and W30 with VSD and the surrounding membrane lipids. Our work revealed important protein-protein and protein-lipid contacts that contribute to high-affinity state-dependent toxin interaction with the channel. The workflow presented will prove useful for designing novel peptides with improved selectivity and potency for more effective and safe treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yanxiao Han
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle C. Rouen
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Surl-Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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13
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Tan ZY, Wu B, Su X, Zhou Y, Ji YH. Differential expression of slow and fast-repriming tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 16:1336664. [PMID: 38273939 PMCID: PMC10808659 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1336664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sodium channel Nav1.7 triggers the generation of nociceptive action potentials and is important in sending pain signals under physiological and pathological conditions. However, studying endogenous Nav1.7 currents has been confounded by co-expression of multiple sodium channel isoforms in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In the current study, slow-repriming (SR) and fast-repriming (FR) tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) currents were dissected electrophysiologically in small DRG neurons of both rats and mice. Three subgroups of small DRG neurons were identified based on the expression pattern of SR and FR TTX-S currents. A majority of rat neurons only expressed SR TTX-S currents, while a majority of mouse neurons expressed additional FR TTX-S currents. ProTx-II inhibited SR TTX-S currents with variable efficacy among DRG neurons. The expression of both types of TTX-S currents was higher in Isolectin B4-negative (IB4-) compared to Isolectin B4-positive (IB4+) neurons. Paclitaxel selectively increased SR TTX-S currents in IB4- neurons. In simulation experiments, the Nav1.7-expressing small DRG neuron displayed lower rheobase and higher frequency of action potentials upon threshold current injections compared to Nav1.6. The results suggested a successful dissection of endogenous Nav1.7 currents through electrophysiological manipulation that may provide a useful way to study the functional expression and pharmacology of endogenous Nav1.7 channels in DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Tan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei University School of Basic Medicine, Baoding, China
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bin Wu
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Institute of Special Environment Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolin Su
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Hebei University School of Basic Medicine, Baoding, China
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- Department of Physiology, Hebei University School of Basic Medicine, Baoding, China
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14
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Fu W, Vasylyev D, Bi Y, Zhang M, Sun G, Khleborodova A, Huang G, Zhao L, Zhou R, Li Y, Liu S, Cai X, He W, Cui M, Zhao X, Hettinghouse A, Good J, Kim E, Strauss E, Leucht P, Schwarzkopf R, Guo EX, Samuels J, Hu W, Attur M, Waxman SG, Liu CJ. Na v1.7 as a chondrocyte regulator and therapeutic target for osteoarthritis. Nature 2024; 625:557-565. [PMID: 38172636 PMCID: PMC10794151 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06888-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease. Currently there are no effective methods that simultaneously prevent joint degeneration and reduce pain1. Although limited evidence suggests the existence of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in chondrocytes2, their expression and function in chondrocytes and in OA remain essentially unknown. Here we identify Nav1.7 as an OA-associated VGSC and demonstrate that human OA chondrocytes express functional Nav1.7 channels, with a density of 0.1 to 0.15 channels per µm2 and 350 to 525 channels per cell. Serial genetic ablation of Nav1.7 in multiple mouse models demonstrates that Nav1.7 expressed in dorsal root ganglia neurons is involved in pain, whereas Nav1.7 in chondrocytes regulates OA progression. Pharmacological blockade of Nav1.7 with selective or clinically used pan-Nav channel blockers significantly ameliorates the progression of structural joint damage, and reduces OA pain behaviour. Mechanistically, Nav1.7 blockers regulate intracellular Ca2+ signalling and the chondrocyte secretome, which in turn affects chondrocyte biology and OA progression. Identification of Nav1.7 as a novel chondrocyte-expressed, OA-associated channel uncovers a dual target for the development of disease-modifying and non-opioid pain relief treatment for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dmytro Vasylyev
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yufei Bi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mingshuang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guodong Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Asya Khleborodova
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guiwu Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Libo Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Renpeng Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yonggang Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xianyi Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenjun He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiangli Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aubryanna Hettinghouse
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Good
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Strauss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philipp Leucht
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ran Schwarzkopf
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward X Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Samuels
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenhuo Hu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mukundan Attur
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Chuan-Ju Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Gomez K, Duran P, Tonello R, Allen HN, Boinon L, Calderon-Rivera A, Loya-López S, Nelson TS, Ran D, Moutal A, Bunnett NW, Khanna R. Neuropilin-1 is essential for vascular endothelial growth factor A-mediated increase of sensory neuron activity and development of pain-like behaviors. Pain 2023; 164:2696-2710. [PMID: 37366599 PMCID: PMC10751385 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that binds numerous ligands including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Binding of this ligand to NRP-1 and the co-receptor, the tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR2, elicits nociceptor sensitization resulting in pain through the enhancement of the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. We previously reported that blocking the interaction between VEGFA and NRP-1 with the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 attenuates VEGFA-induced dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal excitability and alleviates neuropathic pain, pointing to the VEGFA/NRP-1 signaling as a novel therapeutic target of pain. Here, we investigated whether peripheral sensory neurons and spinal cord hyperexcitability and pain behaviors were affected by the loss of NRP-1. Nrp-1 is expressed in both peptidergic and nonpeptidergic sensory neurons. A CRIPSR/Cas9 strategy targeting the second exon of nrp-1 gene was used to knockdown NRP-1. Neuropilin-1 editing in DRG neurons reduced VEGFA-mediated increases in CaV2.2 currents and sodium currents through NaV1.7. Neuropilin-1 editing had no impact on voltage-gated potassium channels. Following in vivo editing of NRP-1, lumbar dorsal horn slices showed a decrease in the frequency of VEGFA-mediated increases in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Finally, intrathecal injection of a lentivirus packaged with an NRP-1 guide RNA and Cas9 enzyme prevented spinal nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in both male and female rats. Collectively, our findings highlight a key role of NRP-1 in modulating pain pathways in the sensory nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Raquel Tonello
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Heather N. Allen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lisa Boinon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tyler S. Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Aubin Moutal
- School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University; Saint Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Nigel W. Bunnett
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University; New York, NY, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue; New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016 USA
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16
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Dongol Y, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1277143. [PMID: 38034993 PMCID: PMC10682951 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1277143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure-function and optimization studies of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins have focused on developing selective inhibitors for peripheral pain-sensing NaV1.7. With several NaV subtypes emerging as potential therapeutic targets, structure-function analysis of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins at such subtypes is warranted. Using the recently discovered spider toxin Ssp1a, this study extends the structure-function relationships of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins beyond NaV1.7 to include the epilepsy target NaV1.2 and the pain target NaV1.3. Based on these results and docking studies, we designed analogues for improved potency and/or subtype-selectivity, with S7R-E18K-rSsp1a and N14D-P27R-rSsp1a identified as promising leads. S7R-E18K-rSsp1a increased the rSsp1a potency at these three NaV subtypes, especially at NaV1.3 (∼10-fold), while N14D-P27R-rSsp1a enhanced NaV1.2/1.7 selectivity over NaV1.3. This study highlights the challenge of developing subtype-selective spider toxin inhibitors across multiple NaV subtypes that might offer a more effective therapeutic approach. The findings of this study provide a basis for further rational design of Ssp1a and related NaSpTx1 homologs targeting NaV1.2, NaV1.3 and/or NaV1.7 as research tools and therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashad Dongol
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David T. Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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17
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Nair SS, Pavelkova N, Murphy CM, Kollarik M, Taylor-Clark TE. Action potential conduction in the mouse and rat vagus nerve is dependent on multiple voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V1s). J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:684-693. [PMID: 37584077 PMCID: PMC10635471 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00041.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Action potential (AP) conduction depends on voltage-gated sodium channels, of which there are nine subtypes. The vagus nerve, comprising sensory afferent fibers and efferent parasympathetic fibers, provides autonomic regulation of visceral organs, but the voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1) subtypes involved in its AP conduction are poorly defined. We studied the A- and C-waves of electrically stimulated compound action potentials (CAPs) of the mouse and rat vagus nerves with and without NaV1 inhibitor administration: tetrodotoxin (TTX), PF-05089771 (mouse NaV1.7), ProTX-II (NaV1.7), ICA-121341 (NaV1.1, NaV1.3, and NaV1.6), LSN-3049227 (NaV1.2, NaV1.6, and NaV1.7), and A-803467 (NaV1.8). We show that TTX-sensitive NaV1 channels are essential for all vagal AP conduction. PF-05089771 but not ICA-121341 inhibited the mouse A-wave, which was abolished by LSN-3049227, suggesting roles for NaV1.7 and NaV1.2. The mouse C-wave was abolished by LSN-3049227 and a combination of PF-05089771 and ICA-121341, suggesting roles for NaV1.7 and NaV1.6. The rat A-wave was inhibited by ProTX-II, ICA-121341, and a combination of these inhibitors but only abolished by LSN-3049227, suggesting roles for NaV1.7, NaV1.6, and NaV1.2. The rat C-wave was abolished by LSN-3049227 and a combination of ProTX-II and ICA-121341, suggesting roles for NaV1.7 and NaV1.6. A-803467 also inhibited the mouse and rat CAP suggesting a cooperative role for the TTX-resistant NaV1.8. Overall, our data demonstrate that multiple NaV1 subtypes contribute to vagal CAPs, with NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 playing predominant roles and NaV1.6 and NaV1.2 contributing to a different extent based on nerve fiber type and species. Inhibition of these NaV1 may impact autonomic regulation of visceral organs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Distinct NaV1 channels are involved in action potential (AP) initiation and conduction from afferent terminals within specific organs. Here, we have identified the NaV1 necessary for AP conduction in the entire murine and rat vagus nerve. We show TTX-sensitive channels are essential for all AP conduction, predominantly NaV1.7 with NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 playing lesser roles depending on the species and fiber type. In addition, we show that NaV1.8 is also essential for most axonal AP conduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay S Nair
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Nikoleta Pavelkova
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Claire M Murphy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Marian Kollarik
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Thomas E Taylor-Clark
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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18
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Loya-Lopez SI, Allen HN, Duran P, Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Kumar U, Shields R, Zeng R, Dwivedi A, Saurabh S, Korczeniewska OA, Khanna R. Intranasal CRMP2-Ubc9 Inhibitor Regulates Na V 1.7 to Alleviate Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.16.549195. [PMID: 37502910 PMCID: PMC10370107 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.16.549195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of voltage-gated sodium Na V 1.7 channels in sensory neurons contributes to chronic pain conditions, including trigeminal neuropathic pain. We previously reported that chronic pain results in part from increased SUMOylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), leading to an increased CRMP2/Na V 1.7 interaction and increased functional activity of Na V 1.7. Targeting this feed-forward regulation, we developed compound 194 , which inhibits CRMP2 SUMOylation mediated by the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9. We further demonstrated that 194 effectively reduces the functional activity of Na V 1.7 channels in dorsal root ganglia neurons and alleviated inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we employed a comprehensive array of investigative approaches, encompassing biochemical, pharmacological, genetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral analyses, to assess the functional implications of Na V 1.7 regulation by CRMP2 in trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons. We confirmed the expression of Scn9a , Dpysl2 , and UBE2I within TG neurons. Furthermore, we found an interaction between CRMP2 and Na V 1.7, with CRMP2 being SUMOylated in these sensory ganglia. Disrupting CRMP2 SUMOylation with compound 194 uncoupled the CRMP2/Na V 1.7 interaction, impeded Na V 1.7 diffusion on the plasma membrane, and subsequently diminished Na V 1.7 activity. Compound 194 also led to a reduction in TG neuron excitability. Finally, when intranasally administered to rats with chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION), 194 significantly decreased nociceptive behaviors. Collectively, our findings underscore the critical role of CRMP2 in regulating Na V 1.7 within TG neurons, emphasizing the importance of this indirect modulation in trigeminal neuropathic pain.
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19
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Stratton HJ, Boinon L, Gomez K, Martin L, Duran P, Ran D, Zhou Y, Luo S, Perez-Miller S, Patek M, Ibrahim MM, Patwardhan A, Moutal A, Khanna R. Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor A/neuropilin 1 axis for relief of neuropathic pain. Pain 2023; 164:1473-1488. [PMID: 36729125 PMCID: PMC10277229 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002850] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a pronociceptive factor that causes neuronal sensitization and pain. We reported that blocking the interaction between the membrane receptor neuropilin 1 (NRP1) and VEGF-A-blocked VEGF-A-mediated sensory neuron hyperexcitability and reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in a rodent chronic neuropathic pain model. These findings identified the NRP1-VEGF-A signaling axis for therapeutic targeting of chronic pain. In an in-silico screening of approximately 480 K small molecules binding to the extracellular b1b2 pocket of NRP1, we identified 9 chemical series, with 6 compounds disrupting VEGF-A binding to NRP1. The small molecule with greatest efficacy, 4'-methyl-2'-morpholino-2-(phenylamino)-[4,5'-bipyrimidin]-6(1H)-one, designated NRP1-4, was selected for further evaluation. In cultured primary sensory neurons, VEGF-A enhanced excitability and decreased firing threshold, which was blocked by NRP1-4. In addition, NaV1.7 and CaV2.2 currents and membrane expression were potentiated by treatment with VEGF-A, and this potentiation was blocked by NRP1-4 cotreatment. Neuropilin 1-4 reduced VEGF-A-mediated increases in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Neuropilin 1-4 did not bind to more than 300 G-protein-coupled receptors and receptors including human opioids receptors, indicating a favorable safety profile. In rats with spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, intrathecal administration of NRP1-4 significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia. Intravenous treatment with NRP1-4 reversed both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats with L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain. Collectively, our findings show that NRP1-4 is a first-in-class compound targeting the NRP1-VEGF-A signaling axis to control voltage-gated ion channel function, neuronal excitability, and synaptic activity that curb chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison J. Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Lisa Boinon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Laurent Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Marcel Patek
- BrightRock Path, LLC, Tucson, Arizona 85704, United States
| | - Mohab M. Ibrahim
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Amol Patwardhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona; Tucson, Arizona, 85724 United States of America
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Saint Louis University - School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., Schwitalla Hall, Room 432, Saint Louis, MO 63104
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
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20
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Ngo K, Mateos DL, Han Y, Rouen KC, Ahn SH, Wulff H, Clancy CE, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Vorobyov I. Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms of Protoxin-2 State-specific Binding to the Human Na V1.7 Channel. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.27.530360. [PMID: 36909474 PMCID: PMC10002706 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.530360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channels are responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells and mutations have been associated with numerous cardiac and neurological disorders. hNaV1.7 channels are expressed in peripheral neurons and are promising targets for pain therapy. The tarantula venom peptide protoxin-2 (PTx2) has high selectivity for hNaV1.7 and serves as a valuable scaffold to design novel therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we used computational modeling to study the molecular mechanisms of the state-dependent binding of PTx2 to hNaV1.7 voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). Using Rosetta structural modeling methods, we constructed atomistic models of the hNaV1.7 VSD II and IV in the activated and deactivated states with docked PTx2. We then performed microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the systems in hydrated lipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that PTx2 binds most favorably to the deactivated VSD II and activated VSD IV. These state-specific interactions are mediated primarily by PTx2's residues R22, K26, K27, K28, and W30 with VSD as well as the surrounding membrane lipids. Our work revealed important protein-protein and protein-lipid contacts that contribute to high-affinity state-dependent toxin interaction with the channel. The workflow presented will prove useful for designing novel peptides with improved selectivity and potency for more effective and safe treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Yanxiao Han
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Kyle C. Rouen
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Surl-Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis
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21
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Salvage SC, Rahman T, Eagles DA, Rees JS, King GF, Huang CL, Jackson AP. The β3-subunit modulates the effect of venom peptides ProTx-II and OD1 on Na V 1.7 gating. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1354-1367. [PMID: 37042220 PMCID: PMC10953403 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV 1.7 is involved in various pain phenotypes and is physiologically regulated by the NaV -β3-subunit. Venom toxins ProTx-II and OD1 modulate NaV 1.7 channel function and may be useful as therapeutic agents and/or research tools. Here, we use patch-clamp recordings to investigate how the β3-subunit can influence and modulate the toxin-mediated effects on NaV 1.7 function, and we propose a putative binding mode of OD1 on NaV 1.7 to rationalise its activating effects. The inhibitor ProTx-II slowed the rate of NaV 1.7 activation, whilst the activator OD1 reduced the rate of fast inactivation and accelerated recovery from inactivation. The β3-subunit partially abrogated these effects. OD1 induced a hyperpolarising shift in the V1/2 of steady-state activation, which was not observed in the presence of β3. Consequently, OD1-treated NaV 1.7 exhibited an enhanced window current compared with OD1-treated NaV 1.7-β3 complex. We identify candidate OD1 residues that are likely to prevent the upward movement of the DIV S4 helix and thus impede fast inactivation. The binding sites for each of the toxins and the predicted location of the β3-subunit on the NaV 1.7 channel are distinct. Therefore, we infer that the β3-subunit influences the interaction of toxins with NaV 1.7 via indirect allosteric mechanisms. The enhanced window current shown by OD1-treated NaV 1.7 compared with OD1-treated NaV 1.7-β3 is discussed in the context of differing cellular expressions of NaV 1.7 and the β3-subunit in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We propose that β3, as the native binding partner for NaV 1.7 in DRG neurons, should be included during screening of molecules against NaV 1.7 in relevant analgesic discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taufiq Rahman
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - David A. Eagles
- Institute of Molecular BioscienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Johanna S. Rees
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Present address:
Babraham Research CampusPetMedix Ltd.CambridgeUK
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute of Molecular BioscienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Christopher L‐H. Huang
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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22
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Tran P, Tran HNT, McMahon KL, Deuis JR, Ragnarsson L, Norman A, Sharpe SJ, Payne RJ, Vetter I, Schroeder CI. Changes in Potency and Subtype Selectivity of Bivalent Na V Toxins are Knot-Specific. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 37262436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptide toxins have long been studied for their ability to inhibit voltage-gated sodium channel subtype NaV1.7, a validated target for the treatment of pain. In this study, we sought to combine the pore blocking activity of conotoxins with the gating modifier activity of spider toxins to design new bivalent inhibitors of NaV1.7 with improved potency and selectivity. To do this, we created an array of heterodimeric toxins designed to target human NaV1.7 by ligating a conotoxin to a spider toxin and assessed the potency and selectivity of the resulting bivalent toxins. A series of spider-derived gating modifier toxins (GpTx-1, ProTx-II, gHwTx-IV, JzTx-V, CcoTx-1, and Pn3a) and two pore-blocker μ-conotoxins, SxIIIC and KIIIA, were used for this study. We employed either enzymatic ligation with sortase A for C- to N-terminal ligation or click chemistry for N- to N-terminal ligation. The bivalent peptide resulting from ligation of ProTx-II and SxIIIC (Pro[LPATG6]Sx) was shown to be the best combination as native ProTx-II potency at hNaV1.7 was conserved following ligation. At hNaV1.4, a synergistic effect between the pore blocker and gating modifier toxin moieties was observed, resulting in altered sodium channel subtype selectivity compared to the parent peptides. Further studies including mutant bivalent peptides and mutant hNaV1.7 channels suggested that gating modifier toxins have a greater contribution to the potency of the bivalent peptides than pore blockers. This study delineated potential benefits and drawbacks of designing pharmacological hybrid peptides targeting hNaV1.7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poanna Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hue N T Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kirsten L McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander Norman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Simon J Sharpe
- Molecular Medicine Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Richard J Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
- Genentech, 1 DNA Way South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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23
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Deng T, Jovanovic VM, Tristan CA, Weber C, Chu PH, Inman J, Ryu S, Jethmalani Y, Ferreira de Sousa J, Ormanoglu P, Twumasi P, Sen C, Shim J, Jayakar S, Bear Zhang HX, Jo S, Yu W, Voss TC, Simeonov A, Bean BP, Woolf CJ, Singeç I. Scalable generation of sensory neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1030-1047. [PMID: 37044067 PMCID: PMC10147831 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of new non-addictive analgesics requires advanced strategies to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into relevant cell types. Following principles of developmental biology and translational applicability, here we developed an efficient stepwise differentiation method for peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptors. By modulating specific cell signaling pathways, hPSCs were first converted into SOX10+ neural crest, followed by differentiation into sensory neurons. Detailed characterization, including ultrastructural analysis, confirmed that the hPSC-derived nociceptors displayed cellular and molecular features comparable to native dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and expressed high-threshold primary sensory neuron markers, transcription factors, neuropeptides, and over 150 ion channels and receptors relevant for pain research and axonal growth/regeneration studies (e.g., TRPV1, NAV1.7, NAV1.8, TAC1, CALCA, GAP43, DPYSL2, NMNAT2). Moreover, after confirming robust functional activities and differential response to noxious stimuli and specific drugs, a robotic cell culture system was employed to produce large quantities of human sensory neurons, which can be used to develop nociceptor-selective analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Deng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Vukasin M Jovanovic
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Carlos A Tristan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Claire Weber
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jason Inman
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Seungmi Ryu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yogita Jethmalani
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Juliana Ferreira de Sousa
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Prisca Twumasi
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Chaitali Sen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jaehoon Shim
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Selwyn Jayakar
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Sooyeon Jo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Sophion Bioscience, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, USA
| | - Ty C Voss
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilyas Singeç
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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24
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Mateos DL, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Structural modeling of peptide toxin-ion channel interactions using RosettaDock. Proteins 2023. [PMID: 36729043 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels play essential physiological roles in action potential generation and propagation. Peptidic toxins from animal venoms target ion channels and provide useful scaffolds for the rational design of novel channel modulators with enhanced potency and subtype selectivity. Despite recent progress in obtaining experimental structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes, structural determination of peptide toxins bound to ion channels in physiologically important states remains challenging. Here we describe an application of RosettaDock approach to the structural modeling of peptide toxins interactions with ion channels. We tested this approach on 10 structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes and demonstrated that it can sample near-native structures in all tested cases. Our approach will be useful for improving the understanding of the molecular mechanism of natural peptide toxin modulation of ion channel gating and for the structural modeling of novel peptide-based ion channel modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopez Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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25
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Loya-López SI, Duran P, Ran D, Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Moutal A, Khanna R. Cell specific regulation of NaV1.7 activity and trafficking in rat nodose ganglia neurons. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 12:100109. [PMID: 36531612 PMCID: PMC9755031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 channel sets the threshold for electrogenesis. Mutations in the gene encoding human NaV1.7 (SCN9A) cause painful neuropathies or pain insensitivity. In dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, activity and trafficking of NaV1.7 are regulated by the auxiliary collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). Specifically, preventing addition of a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), by the E2 SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9, at lysine-374 (K374) of CRMP2 reduces NaV1.7 channel trafficking and activity. We previously identified a small molecule, designated 194, that prevented CRMP2 SUMOylation by Ubc9 to reduce NaV1.7 surface expression and currents, leading to a reduction in spinal nociceptive transmission, and culminating in normalization of mechanical allodynia in models of neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated whether NaV1.7 control via CRMP2-SUMOylation is conserved in nodose ganglion (NG) neurons. This study was motivated by our desire to develop 194 as a safe, non-opioid substitute for persistent pain, which led us to wonder how 194 would impact NaV1.7 in NG neurons, which are responsible for driving the cough reflex. We found functioning NaV1.7 channels in NG neurons; however, they were resistant to downregulation via either CRMP2 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of CRMP2 SUMOylation by 194. CRMP2 SUMOylation and interaction with NaV1.7 was consered in NG neurons but the endocytic machinery was deficient in the endocytic adaptor protein Numb. Overexpression of Numb rescued CRMP2-dependent regulation on NaV1.7, rendering NG neurons sensitive to 194. Altogether, these data point at the existence of cell-specific mechanisms regulating NaV1.7 trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago I. Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
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26
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Elleman AV, Du Bois J. Chemical and Biological Tools for the Study of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Electrogenesis and Nociception. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100625. [PMID: 35315190 PMCID: PMC9359671 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The malfunction and misregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV s) underlie in large part the electrical hyperexcitability characteristic of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. NaV s are responsible for the initiation and propagation of electrical impulses (action potentials) in cells. Tissue and nerve injury alter the expression and localization of multiple NaV isoforms, including NaV 1.1, 1.3, and 1.6-1.9, resulting in aberrant action potential firing patterns. To better understand the role of NaV regulation, localization, and trafficking in electrogenesis and pain pathogenesis, a number of chemical and biological reagents for interrogating NaV function have been advanced. The development and application of such tools for understanding NaV physiology are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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27
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Goodwin G, McMurray S, Stevens EB, Denk F, McMahon SB. Examination of the contribution of Nav1.7 to axonal propagation in nociceptors. Pain 2022; 163:e869-e881. [PMID: 34561392 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nav1.7 is a promising drug target for the treatment of pain. However, there is a mismatch between the analgesia produced by Nav1.7 loss-of-function and the peripherally restricted Nav1.7 inhibitors, which may reflect a lack of understanding of the function of Nav1.7 in the transmission of nociceptive information. In the periphery, the role of Nav1.7 in transduction at nociceptive peripheral terminals has been comprehensively examined, but its role in axonal propagation in these neurons is less clearly defined. In this study, we examined the contribution of Nav1.7 to axonal propagation in nociceptors using sodium channel blockers in in vivo electrophysiological and calcium imaging recordings in mice. Using the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) (1-10 µM) to inhibit Nav1.7 and other tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels along the sciatic nerve, we first showed that around two-thirds of nociceptive L4 dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the skin, but a lower proportion innervating the muscle (45%), are blocked by TTX. By contrast, nearly all large-sized cutaneous afferents (95%-100%) were blocked by axonal TTX. Many cutaneous nociceptors resistant to TTX were polymodal (57%) and capsaicin sensitive (57%). Next, we applied PF-05198007 (300 nM-1 µM) to the sciatic nerve between stimulating and recording sites to selectively block axonal Nav1.7 channels. One hundred to three hundred nanomolar PF-05198007 blocked propagation in 63% of C-fiber sensory neurons, whereas similar concentrations produced minimal block (5%) in rapidly conducting A-fiber neurons. We conclude that Nav1.7 is essential for axonal propagation in around two-thirds of nociceptive cutaneous C-fiber neurons and a lower proportion (≤45%) of nociceptive neurons innervating muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Goodwin
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Franziska Denk
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, United Kingdom
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28
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Jiang D, Zhang J, Xia Z. Structural Advances in Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:908867. [PMID: 35721169 PMCID: PMC9204039 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.908867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are responsible for the rapid rising-phase of action potentials in excitable cells. Over 1,000 mutations in NaV channels are associated with human diseases including epilepsy, periodic paralysis, arrhythmias and pain disorders. Natural toxins and clinically-used small-molecule drugs bind to NaV channels and modulate their functions. Recent advances from cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of NaV channels reveal invaluable insights into the architecture, activation, fast inactivation, electromechanical coupling, ligand modulation and pharmacology of eukaryotic NaV channels. These structural analyses not only demonstrate molecular mechanisms for NaV channel structure and function, but also provide atomic level templates for rational development of potential subtype-selective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize recent structural advances of eukaryotic NaV channels, highlighting the structural features of eukaryotic NaV channels as well as distinct modulation mechanisms by a wide range of modulators from natural toxins to synthetic small-molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohua Jiang
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Daohua Jiang,
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanyi Xia
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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Muller JAI, Chan LY, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Mortari MR, Craik DJ, Koehbach J. Antinociceptive peptides from venomous arthropods. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2065510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. I. Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica C. Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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30
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Huang G, Liu D, Wang W, Wu Q, Chen J, Pan X, Shen H, Yan N. High-resolution structures of human Na v1.7 reveal gating modulation through α-π helical transition of S6 IV. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110735. [PMID: 35476982 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nav1.7 represents a preeminent target for next-generation analgesics for its critical role in pain sensation. Here we report a 2.2-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 complexed with the β1 and β2 subunits that reveals several previously indiscernible cytosolic segments. Reprocessing of the cryo-EM data for our reported structures of Nav1.7(E406K) bound to various toxins identifies two distinct conformations of S6IV, one composed of α helical turns only and the other containing a π helical turn in the middle. The structure of ligand-free Nav1.7(E406K), determined at 3.5-Å resolution, is identical to the WT channel, confirming that binding of Huwentoxin IV or Protoxin II to VSDII allosterically induces the α → π transition of S6IV. The local secondary structural shift leads to contraction of the intracellular gate, closure of the fenestration on the interface of repeats I and IV, and rearrangement of the binding site for the fast inactivation motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Dongliang Liu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huaizong Shen
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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31
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Ngum NM, Aziz MYA, Latif ML, Wall RJ, Duce IR, Mellor IR. Non-canonical endogenous expression of voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 subtype by the TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. J Physiol 2022; 600:2499-2513. [PMID: 35413129 PMCID: PMC9325523 DOI: 10.1113/jp283055] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The human TE671 cell line was originally used as a model of medulloblastoma but has since been reassigned as rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite the characterised endogenous expression of voltage‐sensitive sodium currents in these cells, the specific voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) subtype underlying these currents remains unknown. To profile the VGSC subtype in undifferentiated TE671 cells, endpoint and quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blot and whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology were performed. qRT‐PCR profiling revealed that expression of the SCN9A gene was ∼215‐fold greater than the SCN4A gene and over 400‐fold greater than any of the other VGSC genes, while western blot confirmed that the dominant SCN9A RNA was translated to a protein with a molecular mass of ∼250 kDa. Elicited sodium currents had a mean amplitude of 2.6 ± 0.7 nA with activation and fast inactivation V50 values of −31.9 ± 1.1 and −69.6 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. The currents were completely and reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin at concentrations greater than 100 nm (IC50 = 22.3 nm). They were also very susceptible to the NaV1.7 specific blockers Huwentoxin‐IV and Protoxin‐II with IC50 values of 14.6 nm and 0.8 nm, respectively, characteristic of those previously determined for NaV1.7. Combined, the results revealed the non‐canonical and highly dominant expression of NaV1.7 in the human TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. We show that the TE671 cell line is an easy to maintain and cost‐effective model for the study of NaV1.7, a major target for the development of analgesic drugs and more generally for the study of pain. Key points Undifferentiated TE671 cells produce a voltage‐sensitive sodium current when depolarised. The voltage‐gated sodium channel isoform expressed in undifferentiated TE671 cells was previously unknown.
Through qRT‐PCR, western blot and toxin pharmacology, it is shown that undifferentiated TE671 cells dominantly (>99.5%) express the NaV1.7 isoform that is strongly associated with pain.
The TE671 cell line is, therefore, a very easy to maintain and cost‐effective model to study NaV1.7‐targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville M Ngum
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Muhammad Y A Aziz
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - M Liaque Latif
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Richard J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian R Duce
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian R Mellor
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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32
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Colecraft HM, Trimmer JS. Controlling ion channel function with renewable recombinant antibodies. J Physiol 2022; 600:2023-2036. [PMID: 35238051 PMCID: PMC9058206 DOI: 10.1113/jp282403] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective ion channel modulators play a critical role in physiology in defining the contribution of specific ion channels to physiological function and as proof of concept for novel therapeutic strategies. Antibodies are valuable research tools that have broad uses including defining the expression and localization of ion channels in native tissue, and capturing ion channel proteins for subsequent analyses. In this review, we detail how renewable and recombinant antibodies can be used to control ion channel function. We describe the different forms of renewable and recombinant antibodies that have been used and the mechanisms by which they modulate ion channel function. We highlight the use of recombinant antibodies that are expressed intracellularly (intrabodies) as genetically-encoded tools to control ion channel function. We also offer perspectives of avenues of future research that may be opened by the application of emerging technologies for engineering recombinant antibodies for enhanced utility in ion channel research. Overall, this review provides insights that may help stimulate and guide interested researchers to develop and incorporate renewable and recombinant antibodies as valuable tools to control ion channel function. Abstract figure legend Two different approaches for controlling ion channel function using renewable recombinant antibodies. On the left, an externally applied intact IgG antibody (purple) binds to an extracellular domain of an ion channel (light blue) to control ion channel function. On the right, a genetically-encoded intrabody, in this example a camelid nanobody (green) fused to an effector molecule (red) binds to an intracellular auxiliary subunit of an ion channel (dark blue) to control ion channel function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - James S Trimmer
- Department of Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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33
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The Antidiabetic Drug Metformin Regulates Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.7 via the Ubiquitin-Ligase NEDD4-2. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0409-21.2022. [PMID: 35131865 PMCID: PMC8906783 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0409-21.2022] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin has been shown to reduce pain hypersensitivity in preclinical models of chronic pain and in neuropathic pain in humans. Multiple intracellular pathways have been described as metformin targets. Among them, metformin is an activator of the adenosine 5′-monophosphate protein kinase that can in turn modulate the activity of the E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4-2 and thus post-translational expression of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs). In this study, we found that the bulk of the effect of metformin on Na1.7 is dependent on NEDD4-2. In HEK cells, the expression of NaV1.7 at the membrane fraction, obtained by a biotinylation approach, is only reduced by metformin when cotransfected with NEDD4-2. Similarly, in voltage-clamp recordings, metformin significantly reduced NaV1.7 current density when cotransfected with NEDD4-2. In mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, without changing the biophysical properties of NaV1.7, metformin significantly decreased NaV1.7 current densities, but not in Nedd4L knock-out mice (SNS-Nedd4L−/−). In addition, metformin induced a significant reduction in NEDD4-2 phosphorylation at the serine-328 residue in DRG neurons, an inhibitory phosphorylation site of NEDD4-2. In current-clamp recordings, metformin reduced the number of action potentials elicited by DRG neurons from Nedd4Lfl/fl, with a partial decrease also present in SNS-Nedd4L−/− mice, suggesting that metformin can also change neuronal excitability in an NEDD4-2-independent manner. We suggest that NEDD4-2 is a critical player for the effect of metformin on the excitability of nociceptive neurons; this action may contribute to the relief of neuropathic pain.
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Nguyen PT, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Towards Structure-Guided Development of Pain Therapeutics Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:842032. [PMID: 35153801 PMCID: PMC8830516 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.842032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are critical molecular determinants of action potential generation and propagation in excitable cells. Normal NaV channel function disruption can affect physiological neuronal signaling and lead to increased sensitivity to pain, congenital indifference to pain, uncoordinated movement, seizures, or paralysis. Human genetic studies have identified human NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7), hNaV1.8, and hNaV1.9 channel subtypes as crucial players in pain signaling. The premise that subtype selective NaV inhibitors can reduce pain has been reinforced through intensive target validation and therapeutic development efforts. However, an ideal therapeutic has yet to emerge. This review is focused on recent progress, current challenges, and future opportunities to develop NaV channel targeting small molecules and peptides as non-addictive therapeutics to treat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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35
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Feng S, He Z, Que L, Luo X, Liang L, Li D, Qin L. Primary erythromelalgia mainly manifested by hypertensive crisis: A case report and literature review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:796149. [PMID: 36052366 PMCID: PMC9424545 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.796149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary erythrocytic (PEM) is a rare autosomal dominant single gene disease. Most of the changes of gene loci can be found by whole exon gene sequencing, and the clinical symptoms and patient survival can be improved by specific site-to-site drug treatment. The other manifestations of this patient population are not remarkable. After the application of common drugs, the toxicity and side effects can be limiting. In addition to other common clinical manifestations, we found that the only unique manifestation of this patient was hypertensive crisis. Following multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (MDT), we decided to first control hypertension to alleviate the acute and critical patients. However, after controlling the hypertensive crisis, we unexpectedly found that the clinical symptoms of the patients had been significantly improved. Therefore, we concluded that the use of antihypertensive drugs can treat erythematous limb pain with the clinical manifestation of hypertensive crisis. Here, we describe a typical PEM disease, primary clinical features, diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Medical records of an 8-year-old boy with PEM were analyzed retrospectively, which included clinical characteristics, follow-up information, and SCN9A (Sodium Voltage-Gated Channel Alpha Subunit 9) gene analysis. RESULTS The 8-year-old boy had complained of abnormal paresthesia in his feet and ankles with burning sensation and pain for 2 years. The skin of both lower legs was red and underwent ichthyosis and lichenification. Genetic analysis confirmed the existence of a SCN9A gene mutation. The symptoms were gradually improved by treating with intravenous drip and oral administration of nitroglycerin to slow his heart rhythm. CONCLUSION Primary erythrocytic is characterized by skin ulceration, redness, elevated temperature, and severe burning pain primarily in both lower extremities. PEM can be diagnosed by genetic analysis. As this case demonstrates, treating with nitroglycerin as the drug of choice to control the hypertensive crisis significantly improved the symptoms of PEM and hypertension in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Feng
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanwen He
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Que
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Luo
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyang Liang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Qin
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Nguyen PT, Nguyen HM, Wagner KM, Stewart RG, Singh V, Thapa P, Chen YJ, Lillya MW, Ton AT, Kondo R, Ghetti A, Pennington MW, Hammock B, Griffith TN, Sack JT, Wulff H, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Computational design of peptides to target Na V1.7 channel with high potency and selectivity for the treatment of pain. eLife 2022; 11:81727. [PMID: 36576241 PMCID: PMC9831606 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 channel plays a key role as a mediator of action potential propagation in C-fiber nociceptors and is an established molecular target for pain therapy. ProTx-II is a potent and moderately selective peptide toxin from tarantula venom that inhibits human NaV1.7 activation. Here we used available structural and experimental data to guide Rosetta design of potent and selective ProTx-II-based peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels. Functional testing of designed peptides using electrophysiology identified the PTx2-3127 and PTx2-3258 peptides with IC50s of 7 nM and 4 nM for hNaV1.7 and more than 1000-fold selectivity over human NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.4, NaV1.5, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 channels. PTx2-3127 inhibits NaV1.7 currents in mouse and human sensory neurons and shows efficacy in rat models of chronic and thermal pain when administered intrathecally. Rationally designed peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels have transformative potential to define a new class of biologics to treat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Karen M Wagner
- Department of Entomology and Nematology & Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Robert G Stewart
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Parashar Thapa
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Yi-Je Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Mark W Lillya
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruce Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology & Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Theanne N Griffith
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Jon T Sack
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
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37
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Kwon M, Jung IY, Cha M, Lee BH. Inhibition of the Nav1.7 Channel in the Trigeminal Ganglion Relieves Pulpitis Inflammatory Pain. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759730. [PMID: 34955831 PMCID: PMC8694709 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulpitis causes significant changes in the peripheral nervous system, which induce hyperalgesia. However, the relationship between neuronal activity and Nav1.7 expression following pulpal noxious pain has not yet been investigated in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The aim of our study was to verify whether experimentally induced pulpitis activates the expression of Nav1.7 peripherally and the neuronal activities of the TGs can be affected by Nav1.7 channel inhibition. Acute pulpitis was induced through allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) application to the rat maxillary molar tooth pulp. Three days after AITC application, abnormal pain behaviors were recorded, and the rats were euthanized to allow for immunohistochemical, optical imaging, and western blot analyses of the Nav1.7 expression in the TG. A significant increase in AITC-induced pain-like behaviors and histological evidence of pulpitis were observed. In addition, histological and western blot data showed that Nav1.7 expressions in the TGs were significantly higher in the AITC group than in the naive and saline group rats. Optical imaging showed that the AITC group showed higher neuronal activity after electrical stimulation of the TGs. Additionally, treatment of ProTxII, selective Nav1.7 blocker, on to the TGs in the AITC group effectively suppressed the hyperpolarized activity after electrical stimulation. These findings indicate that the inhibition of the Nav1.7 channel could modulate nociceptive signal processing in the TG following pulp inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Kwon
- Department of Nursing, Kyungil University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Il Young Jung
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Science Research Center, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeounghoon Cha
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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38
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Adams GL, Pall PS, Grauer SM, Zhou X, Ballard JE, Vavrek M, Kraus RL, Morissette P, Li N, Colarusso S, Bianchi E, Palani A, Klein R, John CT, Wang D, Tudor M, Nolting AF, Biba M, Nowak T, Makarov AA, Reibarkh M, Buevich AV, Zhong W, Regalado EL, Wang X, Gao Q, Shahripour A, Zhu Y, de Simone D, Frattarelli T, Pasquini NM, Magotti P, Iaccarino R, Li Y, Solly K, Lee KJ, Wang W, Chen F, Zeng H, Wang J, Regan H, Amin RP, Regan CP, Burgey CS, Henze DA, Sun C, Tellers DM. Development of ProTx-II Analogues as Highly Selective Peptide Blockers of Na v1.7 for the Treatment of Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 65:485-496. [PMID: 34931831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitor cystine knot peptides, derived from venom, have evolved to block ion channel function but are often toxic when dosed at pharmacologically relevant levels in vivo. The article describes the design of analogues of ProTx-II that safely display systemic in vivo blocking of Nav1.7, resulting in a latency of response to thermal stimuli in rodents. The new designs achieve a better in vivo profile by improving ion channel selectivity and limiting the ability of the peptides to cause mast cell degranulation. The design rationale, structural modeling, in vitro profiles, and rat tail flick outcomes are disclosed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Adams
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Parul S Pall
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Steven M Grauer
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Marissa Vavrek
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Richard L Kraus
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Nianyu Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Stefania Colarusso
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Anandan Palani
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Rebecca Klein
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Deping Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Matthew Tudor
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Andrew F Nolting
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Mirlinda Biba
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Timothy Nowak
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | | | - Wendy Zhong
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | - Xiao Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Qi Gao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | - Yuping Zhu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Daniele de Simone
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Tommaso Frattarelli
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Nicolo' Maria Pasquini
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Paola Magotti
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Roberto Iaccarino
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Yuxing Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Kelli Solly
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Keun-Joong Lee
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Weixun Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Feifei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Haoyu Zeng
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Jixin Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Hilary Regan
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Rupesh P Amin
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | | | - Darrell A Henze
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Chengzao Sun
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - David M Tellers
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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40
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Neff RA, Wickenden AD. Selective Targeting of Nav1.7 with Engineered Spider Venom-Based Peptides. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:179-193. [PMID: 33427574 PMCID: PMC7808416 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1860382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental mechanism that drives the propagation of electrical signals in the nervous system is the activation of voltage-gated sodium channels. The sodium channel subtype Nav1.7 is critical for the transmission of pain-related signaling, with gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 resulting in various painful pathologies. Loss-of-function mutations cause complete insensitivity to pain and anosmia in humans that otherwise have normal nervous system function, rendering Nav1.7 an attractive target for the treatment of pain. Despite this, no Nav1.7 selective therapeutic has been approved for use as an analgesic to date. Here we present a summary of research that has focused on engineering peptides found in spider venoms to produce Nav1.7 selective antagonists. We discuss the progress that has been made on various scaffolds from different venom families and highlight the challenges that remain in the effort to produce a Nav1.7 selective, venom-based analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Neff
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alan D. Wickenden
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
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41
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Costa PAC, Silva WN, Prazeres PHDM, Picoli CC, Guardia GDA, Costa AC, Oliveira MA, Guimarães PPG, Gonçalves R, Pinto MCX, Amorim JH, Azevedo VAC, Resende RR, Russo RC, Cunha TM, Galante PAF, Mintz A, Birbrair A. Chemogenetic modulation of sensory neurons reveals their regulating role in melanoma progression. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:183. [PMID: 34784974 PMCID: PMC8594104 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons have recently emerged as components of the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, whether sensory neuronal activity is important for tumor progression remains unknown. Here we used Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by a Designer Drug (DREADD) technology to inhibit or activate sensory neurons' firing within the melanoma tumor. Melanoma growth and angiogenesis were accelerated following inhibition of sensory neurons' activity and were reduced following overstimulation of these neurons. Sensory neuron-specific overactivation also induced a boost in the immune surveillance by increasing tumor-infiltrating anti-tumor lymphocytes, while reducing immune-suppressor cells. In humans, a retrospective in silico analysis of melanoma biopsies revealed that increased expression of sensory neurons-related genes within melanoma was associated with improved survival. These findings suggest that sensory innervations regulate melanoma progression, indicating that manipulation of sensory neurons' activity may provide a valuable tool to improve melanoma patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A C Costa
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Walison N Silva
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Pedro H D M Prazeres
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Caroline C Picoli
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Alinne C Costa
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mariana A Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Pedro P G Guimarães
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Gonçalves
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mauro C X Pinto
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Jaime H Amorim
- Centro das Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, BA, Brasil
| | - Vasco A C Azevedo
- Departamento de Genetica, Ecologia e Evolucao, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo R Resende
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Remo C Russo
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro A F Galante
- Centro de Oncologia Molecular, Hospital Sirio-Libanes, Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Akiva Mintz
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Cai S, Moutal A, Yu J, Chew LA, Isensee J, Chawla R, Gomez K, Luo S, Zhou Y, Chefdeville A, Madura C, Perez-Miller S, Bellampalli SS, Dorame A, Scott DD, François-Moutal L, Shan Z, Woodward T, Gokhale V, Hohmann AG, Vanderah TW, Patek M, Khanna M, Hucho T, Khanna R. Selective targeting of NaV1.7 via inhibition of the CRMP2-Ubc9 interaction reduces pain in rodents. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabh1314. [PMID: 34757807 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abh1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 channel, critical for sensing pain, has been actively targeted by drug developers; however, there are currently no effective and safe therapies targeting NaV1.7. Here, we tested whether a different approach, indirect NaV1.7 regulation, could have antinociceptive effects in preclinical models. We found that preventing addition of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) on the NaV1.7-interacting cytosolic collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) blocked NaV1.7 functions and had antinociceptive effects in rodents. In silico targeting of the SUMOylation site in CRMP2 (Lys374) identified >200 hits, of which compound 194 exhibited selective in vitro and ex vivo NaV1.7 engagement. Orally administered 194 was not only antinociceptive in preclinical models of acute and chronic pain but also demonstrated synergy alongside other analgesics—without eliciting addiction, rewarding properties, or neurotoxicity. Analgesia conferred by 194 was opioid receptor dependent. Our results demonstrate that 194 is a first-in-class protein-protein inhibitor that capitalizes on CRMP2-NaV1.7 regulation to deliver safe analgesia in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Lindsey A Chew
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, University Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str 9, Cologne D-50931, Germany
| | - Reena Chawla
- BIO5 Institute, 1657 East Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Cynthia Madura
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shreya Sai Bellampalli
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - David D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Liberty François-Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Zhiming Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Taylor Woodward
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-2204, USA
| | - Vijay Gokhale
- BIO5 Institute, 1657 East Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 East Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-2204, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Marcel Patek
- Regulonix LLC, 1555 E. Entrada Segunda, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
- Bright Rock Path LLC, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- BIO5 Institute, 1657 East Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Regulonix LLC, 1555 E. Entrada Segunda, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
| | - Tim Hucho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, University Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str 9, Cologne D-50931, Germany
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- BIO5 Institute, 1657 East Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Regulonix LLC, 1555 E. Entrada Segunda, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
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Thapa P, Stewart R, Sepela RJ, Vivas O, Parajuli LK, Lillya M, Fletcher-Taylor S, Cohen BE, Zito K, Sack JT. EVAP: A two-photon imaging tool to study conformational changes in endogenous Kv2 channels in live tissues. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:212666. [PMID: 34581724 PMCID: PMC8480965 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A primary goal of molecular physiology is to understand how conformational changes of proteins affect the function of cells, tissues, and organisms. Here, we describe an imaging method for measuring the conformational changes of the voltage sensors of endogenous ion channel proteins within live tissue, without genetic modification. We synthesized GxTX-594, a variant of the peptidyl tarantula toxin guangxitoxin-1E, conjugated to a fluorophore optimal for two-photon excitation imaging through light-scattering tissue. We term this tool EVAP (Endogenous Voltage-sensor Activity Probe). GxTX-594 targets the voltage sensors of Kv2 proteins, which form potassium channels and plasma membrane–endoplasmic reticulum junctions. GxTX-594 dynamically labels Kv2 proteins on cell surfaces in response to voltage stimulation. To interpret dynamic changes in fluorescence intensity, we developed a statistical thermodynamic model that relates the conformational changes of Kv2 voltage sensors to degree of labeling. We used two-photon excitation imaging of rat brain slices to image Kv2 proteins in neurons. We found puncta of GxTX-594 on hippocampal CA1 neurons that responded to voltage stimulation and retain a voltage response roughly similar to heterologously expressed Kv2.1 protein. Our findings show that EVAP imaging methods enable the identification of conformational changes of endogenous Kv2 voltage sensors in tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parashar Thapa
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Robert Stewart
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Rebecka J Sepela
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Oscar Vivas
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Laxmi K Parajuli
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Mark Lillya
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sebastian Fletcher-Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA.,The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
| | - Bruce E Cohen
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.,Division of Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jon T Sack
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
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44
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Mechanisms Underlying the Selective Therapeutic Efficacy of Carbamazepine for Attenuation of Trigeminal Nerve Injury Pain. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8991-9007. [PMID: 34446571 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0547-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Different peripheral nerve injuries cause neuropathic pain through distinct mechanisms. Even the site of injury may impact underlying mechanisms, as indicated by the clinical finding that the antiseizure drug carbamazepine (CBZ) relieves pain because of compression injuries of trigeminal but not somatic nerves. We leveraged this observation in the present study hypothesizing that because CBZ blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), its therapeutic selectivity reflects differences between trigeminal and somatic nerves with respect to injury-induced changes in VGSCs. CBZ diminished ongoing and evoked pain behavior in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the infraorbital nerve (ION) but had minimal effect in rats with sciatic nerve CCI. This difference in behavior was associated with a selective increase in the potency of CBZ-induced inhibition of compound action potentials in the ION, an effect mirrored in human trigeminal versus somatic nerves. The increase in potency was associated with a selective increase in the efficacy of the NaV1.1 channel blocker ICA-121431 and NaV1.1 protein in the ION, but no change in NaV1.1 mRNA in trigeminal ganglia. Importantly, local ICA-121431 administration reversed ION CCI-induced hypersensitivity. Our results suggest a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study is based on evidence of differences in pain and its treatment depending on whether the pain is above (trigeminal) or below (somatic) the neck, as well as evidence that voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) may contribute to these differences. The focus of the present study was on channels underlying action potential propagation in peripheral nerves. There were differences between somatic and trigeminal nerves in VGSC subtypes underlying action potential propagation both in the absence and presence of injury. Importantly, because the local block of NaV1.1 in the trigeminal nerve reverses nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, the selective upregulation of NaV1.1 in trigeminal nerves suggests a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of pain associated with trigeminal nerve injury.
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45
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Schroder RV, Cohen LS, Wang P, Arizala JD, Poget SF. Expression, Purification and Refolding of a Human Na V1.7 Voltage Sensing Domain with Native-like Toxin Binding Properties. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100722. [PMID: 34679015 PMCID: PMC8541342 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 is an important target for drug development due to its role in pain perception. Recombinant expression of full-length channels and their use for biophysical characterization of interactions with potential drug candidates is challenging due to the protein size and complexity. To overcome this issue, we developed a protocol for the recombinant expression in E. coli and refolding into lipids of the isolated voltage sensing domain (VSD) of repeat II of NaV1.7, obtaining yields of about 2 mg of refolded VSD from 1 L bacterial cell culture. This VSD is known to be involved in the binding of a number of gating-modifier toxins, including the tarantula toxins ProTx-II and GpTx-I. Binding studies using microscale thermophoresis showed that recombinant refolded VSD binds both of these toxins with dissociation constants in the high nM range, and their relative binding affinities reflect the relative IC50 values of these toxins for full-channel inhibition. Additionally, we expressed mutant VSDs incorporating single amino acid substitutions that had previously been shown to affect the activity of ProTx-II on full channel. We found decreases in GpTx-I binding affinity for these mutants, consistent with a similar binding mechanism for GpTx-I as compared to that of ProTx-II. Therefore, this recombinant VSD captures many of the native interactions between NaV1.7 and tarantula gating-modifier toxins and represents a valuable tool for elucidating details of toxin binding and specificity that could help in the design of non-addictive pain medication acting through NaV1.7 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan V. Schroder
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (R.V.S.); (L.S.C.); (P.W.); (J.D.A.)
- The Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Leah S. Cohen
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (R.V.S.); (L.S.C.); (P.W.); (J.D.A.)
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (R.V.S.); (L.S.C.); (P.W.); (J.D.A.)
| | - Joekeem D. Arizala
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (R.V.S.); (L.S.C.); (P.W.); (J.D.A.)
- The Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sébastien F. Poget
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (R.V.S.); (L.S.C.); (P.W.); (J.D.A.)
- The Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- The Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
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Hu H, Mawlawi SE, Zhao T, Deuis JR, Jami S, Vetter I, Lewis RJ, Cardoso FC. Engineering of a Spider Peptide via Conserved Structure-Function Traits Optimizes Sodium Channel Inhibition In Vitro and Anti-Nociception In Vivo. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:742457. [PMID: 34621788 PMCID: PMC8490825 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.742457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom peptides are potent and selective modulators of voltage-gated ion channels that regulate neuronal function both in health and in disease. We previously identified the spider venom peptide Tap1a from the Venezuelan tarantula Theraphosa apophysis that targeted multiple voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in visceral pain pathways and inhibited visceral mechano-sensing neurons contributing to irritable bowel syndrome. In this work, alanine scanning and domain activity analysis revealed Tap1a inhibited sodium channels by binding with nanomolar affinity to the voltage-sensor domain II utilising conserved structure-function features characteristic of spider peptides belonging to family NaSpTx1. In order to speed up the development of optimized NaV-targeting peptides with greater inhibitory potency and enhanced in vivo activity, we tested the hypothesis that incorporating residues identified from other optimized NaSpTx1 peptides into Tap1a could also optimize its potency for NaVs. Applying this approach, we designed the peptides Tap1a-OPT1 and Tap1a-OPT2 exhibiting significant increased potency for NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.3, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 involved in several neurological disorders including acute and chronic pain, motor neuron disease and epilepsy. Tap1a-OPT1 showed increased potency for the off-target NaV1.4, while this off-target activity was absent in Tap1a-OPT2. This enhanced potency arose through a slowed off-rate mechanism. Optimized inhibition of NaV channels observed in vitro translated in vivo, with reversal of nocifensive behaviours in a murine model of NaV-mediated pain also enhanced by Tap1a-OPT. Molecular docking studies suggested that improved interactions within loops 3 and 4, and C-terminal of Tap1a-OPT and the NaV channel voltage-sensor domain II were the main drivers of potency optimization. Overall, the rationally designed peptide Tap1a-OPT displayed new and refined structure-function features which are likely the major contributors to its enhanced bioactive properties observed in vivo. This work contributes to the rapid engineering and optimization of potent spider peptides multi-targeting NaV channels, and the research into novel drugs to treat neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S E Mawlawi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - T Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S Jami
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - I Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - R J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - F C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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47
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Jiang Y, Castro J, Blomster LV, Agwa AJ, Maddern J, Schober G, Herzig V, Chow CY, Cardoso FC, Demétrio De Souza França P, Gonzales J, Schroeder CI, Esche S, Reiner T, Brierley SM, King GF. Pharmacological Inhibition of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.7 Alleviates Chronic Visceral Pain in a Rodent Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1362-1378. [PMID: 34423271 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The human nociceptor-specific voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (hNaV1.7) is critical for sensing various types of somatic pain, but it appears not to play a primary role in acute visceral pain. However, its role in chronic visceral pain remains to be determined. We used assay-guided fractionation to isolate a novel hNaV1.7 inhibitor, Tsp1a, from tarantula venom. Tsp1a is 28-residue peptide that potently inhibits hNaV1.7 (IC50 = 10 nM), with greater than 100-fold selectivity over hNaV1.3-hNaV1.6, 45-fold selectivity over hNaV1.1, and 24-fold selectivity over hNaV1.2. Tsp1a is a gating modifier that inhibits NaV1.7 by inducing a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of channel inactivation and slowing recovery from fast inactivation. NMR studies revealed that Tsp1a adopts a classical knottin fold, and like many knottin peptides, it is exceptionally stable in human serum. Remarkably, intracolonic administration of Tsp1a completely reversed chronic visceral hypersensitivity in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome. The ability of Tsp1a to reduce visceral hypersensitivity in a model of irritable bowel syndrome suggests that pharmacological inhibition of hNaV1.7 at peripheral sensory nerve endings might be a viable approach for eliciting analgesia in patients suffering from chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jiang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Linda V Blomster
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paula Demétrio De Souza França
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
| | - Junior Gonzales
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Reiner
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, United States
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.,Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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48
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Tetrodotoxin: A New Strategy to Treat Visceral Pain? Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070496. [PMID: 34357968 PMCID: PMC8310099 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Although the origin of these symptoms has not been clearly defined, the implication of both the central and peripheral nervous systems in visceral hypersensitivity is well established. The role of several pathways in visceral nociception has been explored, as well as the influence of specific receptors on afferent neurons, such as voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). VGSCs initiate action potentials and dysfunction of these channels has recently been associated with painful GI conditions. Current treatments for visceral pain generally involve opioid based drugs, which are associated with important side-effects and a loss of effectiveness or tolerance. Hence, efforts have been intensified to find new, more effective and longer-lasting therapies. The implication of VGSCs in visceral hypersensitivity has drawn attention to tetrodotoxin (TTX), a relatively selective sodium channel blocker, as a possible and promising molecule to treat visceral pain and related diseases. As such, here we will review the latest information regarding this toxin that is relevant to the treatment of visceral pain and the possible advantages that it may offer relative to other treatments, alone or in combination.
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49
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Alvarez P, Bogen O, Green PG, Levine JD. Nociceptor Overexpression of Na V1.7 Contributes to Chronic Muscle Pain Induced by Early-Life Stress. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:806-816. [PMID: 33636374 PMCID: PMC8406703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adult rats previously submitted to neonatal limited bedding (NLB), a model of early-life stress, display muscle mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, the underlying mechanism for which is unknown. Since voltage-gated sodium channel subtype 7 (NaV1.7) contributes to mechanical hyperalgesia in several preclinical pain models and is critical for nociceptor excitability, we explored its role in the muscle hyperalgesia exhibited by adult NLB rats. Western blot analyses demonstrated increased NaV1.7 protein expression in L4-L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from adult NLB rats, and antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN) targeting NaV1.7 alpha subunit mRNA attenuated the expression of NaV1.7 in DRG extracts. While this AS ODN did not affect nociceptive threshold in normal rats it significantly attenuated hyperalgesia in NLB rats. The selective NaV1.7 activator OD1 produced dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia that was enhanced in NLB rats, whereas the NaV1.7 blocker ProTx-II prevented OD1-induced hyperalgesia in control rats and ongoing hyperalgesia in NLB rats. AS ODN knockdown of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which enhances NaV1.7 function, also inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia in NLB rats. Our results support the hypothesis that overexpression of NaV1.7 in muscle nociceptors play a role in chronic muscle pain induced by early-life stress, suggesting that NaV1.7 is a target for the treatment of chronic muscle pain. PERSPECTIVE: We demonstrate that early-life adversity, induced by exposure to inconsistent maternal care, produces chronic muscle hyperalgesia, which depends, at least in part, on increased expression of NaV1.7 in nociceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alvarez
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Oliver Bogen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; UCSF Pain and Addiction Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul G Green
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; UCSF Pain and Addiction Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Preventative and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jon D Levine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; UCSF Pain and Addiction Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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50
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Foxo1 selectively regulates static mechanical pain by interacting with Nav1.7. Pain 2021; 162:490-502. [PMID: 32868747 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mechanical allodynia is a debilitating condition for millions of patients with chronic pain. Mechanical allodynia can manifest in distinct forms, including brush-evoked dynamic and filament-evoked static allodynia. In the nervous system, the forkhead protein Foxo1 plays a critical role in neuronal structures and functions. However, the role of Foxo1 in the somatosensory signal remains unclear. Here, we found that Foxo1 selectively regulated static mechanical pain. Foxo1 knockdown decreased sensitivity to static mechanical stimuli in normal rats and attenuated static mechanical allodynia in rat models for neuropathic, inflammatory, and chemotherapy pain. Conversely, Foxo1 overexpression selectively enhanced sensitivity to static mechanical stimuli and provoked static mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, Foxo1 interacted with voltage-gated sodium Nav1.7 channels and increased the Nav1.7 current density by accelerating activation rather than by changing the expression of Nav1.7 in dorsal root ganglia neurons. In addition, the serum level of Foxo1 was found to be increased in chronic pain patients and to be positively correlated with the severity of chronic pain. Altogether, our findings suggest that serum Foxo1 level could be used as a biological marker for prediction and diagnosis of chronic pain. Moreover, selective blockade of Foxo1/Nav1.7 interaction may offer a new therapeutic approach in patients with mechanical pain.
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