1
|
Aglave NR, Sontakke RA, Bokade C, Jhunjhunwala K. Hyperekplexia: Unveiling a Rare Neurological Condition With a Treatable Solution. Cureus 2024; 16:e61770. [PMID: 38975479 PMCID: PMC11226931 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61770] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperekplexia (HPX) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by an exaggerated startle reflex and neonatal hypertonia. It exhibits both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns, depending on the gene involved. It could be a fatal neurogenetic disorder, but it is treatable. We reported a nine-month-old female child with mild gross motor delay, an exaggerated startle reflex, and multiple episodes of transient hypertonia. Neurological and electrophysiological investigations and clinical presentation suggested the diagnosis of hereditary HPX. The child showed a good response to oral clonazepam, with a reduced frequency of such episodes and attainment of age-specific milestones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha R Aglave
- Pediatrics, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Rachana A Sontakke
- Pediatrics, Narendra Kumar Prasadrao (NKP) Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, IND
| | - Chandrakant Bokade
- Pediatrics, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Kush Jhunjhunwala
- Pediatrics, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Wang W. Asymmetric gating of a human hetero-pentameric glycine receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6377. [PMID: 37821459 PMCID: PMC10567788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hetero-pentameric Cys-loop receptors constitute a major type of neurotransmitter receptors that enable signal transmission and processing in the nervous system. Despite intense investigations into their working mechanism and pharmaceutical potentials, how neurotransmitters activate these receptors remains unclear due to the lack of high-resolution structural information in the activated open state. Here we report near-atomic resolution structures resolved in digitonin consistent with all principle functional states of the human α1β GlyR, which is a major Cys-loop receptor that mediates inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system of adults. Glycine binding induces cooperative and symmetric structural rearrangements in the neurotransmitter-binding extracellular domain but asymmetrical pore dilation in the transmembrane domain. Symmetric response in the extracellular domain is consistent with electrophysiological data showing cooperative glycine activation and contribution from both α1 and β subunits. A set of functionally essential but differentially charged amino acid residues in the transmembrane domain of the α1 and β subunits explains asymmetric activation. These findings provide a foundation for understanding how the gating of the Cys-loop receptor family members diverges to accommodate specific physiological environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Liu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu X, Wang W. Asymmetric gating of a human hetero-pentameric glycine receptor. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2386831. [PMID: 36711971 PMCID: PMC9882600 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2386831/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hetero-pentameric Cys-loop receptors constitute a major type of neurotransmitter receptors that enable signal transmission and processing in the nervous system. Despite intense investigations in their working mechanism and pharmaceutical potentials, how neurotransmitters activate these receptors remain unclear due to the lack of high-resolution structural information in the activated open state. Here we report near-atomic resolution structures in all principle functional states of the human α1β GlyR, which is a major Cys-loop receptor that mediates inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system of adults. Glycine binding induced cooperative and symmetric structural rearrangements in the neurotransmitter-binding extracellular domain, but asymmetrical pore dilation in the transmembrane domain. Symmetric response in the extracellular domain is consistent with electrophysiological data showing similar contribution to activation from all the α1 and β subunits. A set of functionally essential but differentially charged amino-acid residues in the transmembrane domain of the α1 and β subunits explains asymmetric activation. These findings point to a gating mechanism that is distinct from homomeric receptors but more compatible with heteromeric GlyRs being clustered at synapses through β subunit-scaffolding protein interactions. Such mechanism provides foundation for understanding how gating of the Cys-loop receptor members diverge to accommodate specific physiological environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Liu
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
| | - Weiwei Wang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A novel nonsense autosomal dominant mutation in the GLRA1 gene causing hyperekplexia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1877-1883. [PMID: 30182260 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We present a family with two members affected by hyperekplexia and two unaffected members. All exons in the glycine receptor alpha 1 subunit gene (GLRA1) were sequenced in all four family members. Our index patient harbored a novel nonsense mutation (p.Trp314*; rs867618642) in the transmembrane domain three of the GLRA1 and a novel missense variant in the NH2-terminal part (p.Val67Met; rs142888296). After development of tolerance for the effective treatment with clobazam a drug holiday led to a sustained restoration of the treatment response.
Collapse
|
5
|
Schaefer N, Roemer V, Janzen D, Villmann C. Impaired Glycine Receptor Trafficking in Neurological Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:291. [PMID: 30186111 PMCID: PMC6110938 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic glycine receptors (GlyRs) enable fast synaptic neurotransmission in the adult spinal cord and brainstem. The inhibitory GlyR is a transmembrane glycine-gated chloride channel. The immature GlyR protein undergoes various processing steps, e.g., folding, assembly, and maturation while traveling from the endoplasmic reticulum to and through the Golgi apparatus, where post-translational modifications, e.g., glycosylation occur. The mature receptors are forward transported via microtubules to the cellular surface and inserted into neuronal membranes followed by synaptic clustering. The normal life cycle of a receptor protein includes further processes like internalization, recycling, and degradation. Defects in GlyR life cycle, e.g., impaired protein maturation and degradation have been demonstrated to underlie pathological mechanisms of various neurological diseases. The neurological disorder startle disease is caused by glycinergic dysfunction mainly due to missense mutations in genes encoding GlyR subunits (GLRA1 and GLRB). In vitro studies have shown that most recessive forms of startle disease are associated with impaired receptor biogenesis. Another neurological disease with a phenotype similar to startle disease is a special form of stiff-person syndrome (SPS), which is most probably due to the development of GlyR autoantibodies. Binding of GlyR autoantibodies leads to enhanced receptor internalization. Here we focus on the normal life cycle of GlyRs concentrating on assembly and maturation, receptor trafficking, post-synaptic integration and clustering, and GlyR internalization/recycling/degradation. Furthermore, this review highlights findings on impairment of these processes under disease conditions such as disturbed neuronal ER-Golgi trafficking as the major pathomechanism for recessive forms of human startle disease. In SPS, enhanced receptor internalization upon autoantibody binding to the GlyR has been shown to underlie the human pathology. In addition, we discuss how the existing mouse models of startle disease increased our current knowledge of GlyR trafficking routes and function. This review further illuminates receptor trafficking of GlyR variants originally identified in startle disease patients and explains changes in the life cycle of GlyRs in patients with SPS with respect to structural and functional consequences at the receptor level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Roemer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Janzen
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thomas RH, Drew CJG, Wood SE, Hammond CL, Chung SK, Rees MI. Ethnicity can predict GLRA1 genotypes in hyperekplexia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:341-3. [PMID: 24970905 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-307903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hyperekplexia is predominantly caused by mutations in the α-1 subunit of the inhibitory glycine receptor (GLRA1). Three quarters of cases show autosomal-recessive inheritance. METHODS We carefully ascertained reports of ethnicity from our hyperekplexia research cohort. These were compared with all published cases of hyperekplexia with an identified genetic cause. Ethnicities were subgrouped as Caucasian, Asian, Arabic, Turkish, Jewish or Afro-American. RESULTS We report the ethnicity of 90 cases: 56 cases from our service augmented by 34 cases from the literature. Homozygous deletions of exons 1 to 7 are predominantly seen in people with Turkish backgrounds (n=16/17, p<0.001). In contrast, the dominant point mutation R271 is seen in people of Asian, Caucasian and African-American heritage (n=19) but not in people with Arab or Turkish ethnicities (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Self-declared ethnicity can predict gene-screening outcomes. Cultural practices influence the inheritance patterns and a Caucasian founder is postulated for R271 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R H Thomas
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Cathays, UK Wales Epilepsy Research Network (WERN), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Epilepsy Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C J G Drew
- Wales Epilepsy Research Network (WERN), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - S E Wood
- Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - C L Hammond
- Wales Epilepsy Research Network (WERN), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Genetic Counselling Service, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - S K Chung
- Wales Epilepsy Research Network (WERN), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - M I Rees
- Wales Epilepsy Research Network (WERN), College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bode A, Lynch JW. The impact of human hyperekplexia mutations on glycine receptor structure and function. Mol Brain 2014; 7:2. [PMID: 24405574 PMCID: PMC3895786 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperekplexia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by neonatal hypertonia, exaggerated startle responses to unexpected stimuli and a variable incidence of apnoea, intellectual disability and delays in speech acquisition. The majority of motor defects are successfully treated by clonazepam. Hyperekplexia is caused by hereditary mutations that disrupt the functioning of inhibitory glycinergic synapses in neuromotor pathways of the spinal cord and brainstem. The human glycine receptor α1 and β subunits, which predominate at these synapses, are the major targets of mutations. International genetic screening programs, that together have analysed several hundred probands, have recently generated a clear picture of genotype-phenotype correlations and the prevalence of different categories of hyperekplexia mutations. Focusing largely on this new information, this review seeks to summarise the effects of mutations on glycine receptor structure and function and how these functional alterations lead to hyperekplexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph W Lynch
- Queensland Brain Institute and School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Choudhury PR, Lahiri S, Rajamma U. Glutamate mediated signaling in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 100:841-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
10
|
Dreissen YE, Bakker MJ, Koelman JH, Tijssen MA. Exaggerated startle reactions. Clin Neurophysiol 2012; 123:34-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
11
|
Zhang L, Hu XZ, Li H, Li X, Smerin S, Benedek DM, Ursano R. Startle response related genes. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:685-91. [PMID: 21855231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The startle reaction (also known as the startle response, the startle reflex, or the alarm reaction) is the psychological and physiological response to a sudden unexpected stimulus, such as a flash of light, a loud noise (acoustic startle reflex), or a quick movement near the face. Abnormalities of startle response have been observed in many stress-related mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the molecular mechanisms of startle in stress-associated conditions--for example, whether the startle reaction is associated with any gene variance--is still unknown. In this paper, we will carry out a systematic review by retrieving, assessing, and combining, when applicable, individual studies investigating association of the molecular variation of candidate gene with the startle response. The systematic review is based on the search for numerous publications using the keywords "startle gene" on September 15, 2010 using PubMed, which comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE and life science journals. A total of 486 publications regarding genes associated with startle have been obtained and reviewed here. There are fewer than 20 publications associating genes with the startle response between 1979, when the first valuable paper was published, and 1999. However, publications have dramatically increase from 2001 and reaches over 70 in 2009. We have characterized them into three categories: startle-associated gene studies in humans, in animals, as well as in both human and animals. This review of research strategy may provide the information for identifying a biomarker for startle response, with the objective of translating research into clinical utility: diagnosis and treatment of stress-induced mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fine architecture and mutation mapping of human brain inhibitory system ligand gated ion channels by high-throughput homology modeling. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2011; 80:117-52. [PMID: 21109219 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381264-3.00004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The common architecture of the brain inhibitory system ligand-gated ion-channels was examined at the level of each of the subunits and in their assembled pentameric arrangements. Structural modeling of the GABAA receptor, GlyR1, and the serotonin receptor, 5HTR3A, was carried out on a multi-homolog basis employing a high-throughput homology modeling pipeline. The locations of all the known mutations of each of the subunits of the receptor subfamily were mapped upon their computed structures and structural relationships between patterns of mutations in different subunits were identified, resulting in the zoning of mutations to four specific regions of the common subunit structure. These classifications may be of value in discerning probable molecular mechanisms and functional manifestations of emerging mutations and polymorphisms, providing the foundation for a family-specific predictive algorithm that may allow researchers to focus experimental effort on the most probable molecular indicators of compromised receptor function and disease mechanism.
Collapse
|
13
|
Jordan LM, Sławińska U. Chapter 12--modulation of rhythmic movement: control of coordination. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2011; 188:181-95. [PMID: 21333810 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53825-3.00017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Three rhythmic movements, breathing, walking, and chewing, are considered from the perspective of the emerging factors that control their coordination. This takes us beyond the concept of a core excitatory kernel and into the common principles that govern the interaction between components of the neural networks that must be orchestrated properly to produce meaningful movement beyond the production of the basic rhythm. We focus on the role of neuromodulators, especially 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), in the production of coordinated breathing, walking, and chewing, and we review the evidence that at least in the case of breathing and walking, 5-HT input to the CPGs acts through the selection of inhibitory interneurons that are essential for coordination. We review data from recently developed mouse models that offer insight into the contributions of inhibitory coordinating neurons, including the development of a new model that has allowed the revelation that there are glycinergic pacemaker neurons that likely contribute to the production of the respiratory rhythm. Perhaps walking and chewing will not be far behind.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larry M Jordan
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|