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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 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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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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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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Gomez K, Santiago U, Nelson TS, Allen HN, Calderon-Rivera A, Hestehave S, Rodríguez Palma EJ, Zhou Y, Duran P, Loya-Lopez S, Zhu E, Kumar U, Shields R, Koseli E, McKiver B, Giuvelis D, Zuo W, Inyang KE, Dorame A, Chefdeville A, Ran D, Perez-Miller S, Lu Y, Liu X, Handoko, Arora PS, Patek M, Moutal A, Khanna M, Hu H, Laumet G, King T, Wang J, Damaj MI, Korczeniewska OA, Camacho CJ, Khanna R. A peptidomimetic modulator of the Ca V2.2 N-type calcium channel for chronic pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305215120. [PMID: 37972067 PMCID: PMC10666126 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305215120] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels are genetically and pharmacologically validated, clinically relevant pain targets. Clinical block of Cav2.2 (e.g., with Prialt/Ziconotide) or indirect modulation [e.g., with gabapentinoids such as Gabapentin (GBP)] mitigates chronic pain but is encumbered by side effects and abuse liability. The cytosolic auxiliary subunit collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) targets Cav2.2 to the sensory neuron membrane and regulates their function via an intrinsically disordered motif. A CRMP2-derived peptide (CBD3) uncouples the Cav2.2-CRMP2 interaction to inhibit calcium influx, transmitter release, and pain. We developed and applied a molecular dynamics approach to identify the A1R2 dipeptide in CBD3 as the anchoring Cav2.2 motif and designed pharmacophore models to screen 27 million compounds on the open-access server ZincPharmer. Of 200 curated hits, 77 compounds were assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Nine small molecules were tested electrophysiologically, while one (CBD3063) was also evaluated biochemically and behaviorally. CBD3063 uncoupled Cav2.2 from CRMP2, reduced membrane Cav2.2 expression and Ca2+ currents, decreased neurotransmission, reduced fiber photometry-based calcium responses in response to mechanical stimulation, and reversed neuropathic and inflammatory pain across sexes in two different species without changes in sensory, sedative, depressive, and cognitive behaviors. CBD3063 is a selective, first-in-class, CRMP2-based peptidomimetic small molecule, which allosterically regulates Cav2.2 to achieve analgesia and pain relief without negative side effect profiles. In summary, CBD3063 could potentially be a more effective alternative to GBP for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Ulises Santiago
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Tyler S. Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Heather N. Allen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Sara Hestehave
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Erick J. Rodríguez Palma
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Santiago Loya-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Elaine Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY10016
| | - Upasana Kumar
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Rory Shields
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Eda Koseli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Bryan McKiver
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Denise Giuvelis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME04005
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ07103
| | | | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Handoko
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY10003
| | | | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Limited Liability Company, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO63104
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ07103
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824
| | - Tamara King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME04005
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY10016
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY10010
| | - M. Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Olga A. Korczeniewska
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ07101
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Carlos J. Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY10010
- Chemical, and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, NY11201
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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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Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Loya-López S, Wijeratne EK, Stratton H, Tang C, Duran P, Masterson K, Alsbiei O, Gunatilaka AL, Khanna R. Betulinic acid analogs inhibit N- and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels to attenuate nerve-injury associated neuropathic and formalin models of pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100116. [PMID: 36687466 PMCID: PMC9853350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, there has been a significant growth in the use of natural products, with approximately 80% of individuals using them for some aspect of primary healthcare. Our laboratories have identified and studied natural compounds with analgesic effects from dry land plants or their associated fungus during the past ten years. Here, we isolated and characterized thirteen betulin analogs and fifteen betulinic acid analogs for their capacity to prevent calcium influx brought on by depolarization in sensory neurons. The in vitro inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels by the top drugs was then assessed using whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. In vivo experiments, conducted at two sites, evaluated the best compound in acute and tonic, neuropathic, inflammatory, post-operative and visceral models of pain. We found that the betulinic acid analog 8 inhibited calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by inhibiting N- (CaV2.2) and T- (CaV3) type voltage-gated calcium channels. Moreover, intrathecal delivery of analog 8 had analgesic activity in both spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain and acute and tonic pain induced by formalin. The results presented herein highlight the potential antinociceptive properties of betulinic acid analog 8 and set the stage for the development of novel non-opioid pain therapeutics based on the triterpenoid scaffold of betulinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - E.M. Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Harrison Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 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 University, 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 University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kyleigh Masterson
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Omar Alsbiei
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - A.A. Leslie Gunatilaka
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 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 University, New York, NY, United States
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Antunes FTT, De Souza AH, Figueira J, Binda NS, Carvalho VPR, Vieira LB, Gomez MV. Targeting N-type calcium channels in young-onset of some neurological diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1090765. [PMID: 36601540 PMCID: PMC9806183 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1090765] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca 2+) is an important second messenger in charge of many critical processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including membrane excitability, neurotransmission, learning, memory, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In this way, the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) act as a key supply for Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm and organelles. Importantly, the dysregulation of these channels has been reported in many neurological diseases of young-onset, with associated genetic factors, such as migraine, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Notably, the literature has pointed to the role of N-type Ca2+ channels (NTCCs) in controlling a variety of processes, including pain, inflammation, and excitotoxicity. Moreover, several Ca2+ channel blockers that are used for therapeutic purposes have been shown to act on the N-type channels. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the NTCCs in neurological disorders focusing mainly on Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraine. It will discuss possible strategies to generate novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alessandra Hubner De Souza
- Post-Graduate Program of Health Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil,*Correspondence: Alessandra Hubner De Souza, ; Marcus Vinícius Gomez,
| | - Juliana Figueira
- Pharmacology Department, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nancy Scardua Binda
- Pharmacology Department, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Luciene Bruno Vieira
- Pharmacology Departament, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Gomez
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil,*Correspondence: Alessandra Hubner De Souza, ; Marcus Vinícius Gomez,
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8
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Li J, Stratton HJ, Lorca SA, Grace PM, Khanna R. Small molecule targeting NaV1.7 via inhibition of the CRMP2-Ubc9 interaction reduces pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. Channels (Austin) 2022; 16:1-8. [PMID: 34983286 PMCID: PMC8741281 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2021.2023383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.7 is a critical player in the transmission of nociceptive information. This channel has been heavily implicated in human genetic pain disorders and is a validated pain target. However, targeting this channel directly has failed, and an indirect approach – disruption of interactions with accessory protein partners – has emerged as a viable alternative strategy. We recently reported that a small-molecule inhibitor of CRMP2 SUMOylation, compound 194, selectively reduces NaV1.7 currents in DRG neurons across species from mouse to human. This compound also reversed mechanical allodynia in a spared nerve injury and chemotherapy-induced model of neuropathic pain. Here, we show that oral administration of 194 reverses mechanical allodynia in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we show that orally administered 194 reverses the increased latency to cross an aversive barrier in a mechanical conflict-avoidance task following CCI. These two findings, in the context of our previous report, support the conclusion that 194 is a robust inhibitor of NaV1.7 function with the ultimate effect of profoundly ameliorating mechanical allodynia associated with nerve injury. The fact that this was observed using both traditional, evoked measures of pain behavior as well as the more recently developed operator-independent mechanical conflict-avoidance assay increases confidence in the efficacy of 194-induced anti-nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Li
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harrison J Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sabina A Lorca
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter M Grace
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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9
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Kudo M, Wupuer S, Fujiwara M, Saito Y, Kubota S, Inoue KI, Takada M, Seki K. Specific gene expression in unmyelinated dorsal root ganglion neurons in nonhuman primates by intra-nerve injection of AAV 6 vector. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:11-22. [PMID: 34552999 PMCID: PMC8426475 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) has been proposed as a potential vector candidate for specific gene expression in pain-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, but this has not been confirmed in nonhuman primates. The aim of our study was to analyze the transduction efficiency and target specificity of this viral vector in the common marmoset by comparing it with those in the rat. When green fluorescent protein-expressing serotype-6 vector was injected into the sciatic nerve, the efficiency of gene expression in DRG neurons was comparable in both species. We found that the serotype-6 vector was largely specific to the pain-related ganglion neurons in the marmoset, as well as in the rat, whereas the serotype-9 vector resulted in contrasting effects in the two species. Neither AAV6 nor AAV9 resulted in DRG toxicity when administered via the sciatic nerve, suggesting this as a safer route of sensory nerve transduction than the currently used intrathecal or intravenous administrative routes. Furthermore, the AAV6 vector could be an optimal serotype for gene therapy for human chronic pain that has a minimal effect on other somatosensory functions of DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeko Kudo
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sidikejiang Wupuer
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Fujiwara
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Neuroscience, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Kubota
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Inoue
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Neuroscience, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahiko Takada
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Neuroscience, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Seki
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Yao Y, Ji Y, Ren J, Liu H, Khanna R, Sun L. Inhibition of autophagy by CRMP2-derived peptide ST2-104 (R9-CBD3) via a CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR pathway contributes to ischemic postconditioning-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mol Brain 2021; 14:123. [PMID: 34362425 PMCID: PMC8344221 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia, a common cerebrovascular disease, is characterized by functional deficits and apoptotic cell death. Autophagy, a type of programmed cell death, plays critical roles in controlling neuronal damage and metabolic homeostasis, and has been inextricably linked to cerebral ischemia. We previously identified a short peptide aptamer from collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), designated the Ca2+ channel-binding domain 3 (CBD3) peptide, that conferred protection against excitotoxicity and traumatic brain injury. ST2-104, a nona-arginine (R9)-fused CBD3 peptide, exerted beneficial effects on neuropathic pain and was neuroprotective in a model of Alzheimer's disease; however, the effect of ST2-104 on cerebral ischemia and its mechanism of action have not been studied. In this study, we modeled cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats with the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) as well as challenged SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with glutamate to induce toxicity to interrogate the effects of ST2-104 on autophagy following ischemic/excitotoxic insults. ST2-104 reduced the infarct volume and improved the neurological score of rats subjected to MCAO. ST2-104 protected SH-SY5Y cells from death following glutamate exposure via blunting apoptosis and autophagy as well as limiting excessive calcium entry. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of autophagy, promoted the effects of ST2-104 in inhibiting apoptosis triggered by glutamate while rapamycin, an activator of autophagy, failed to do so. ST2-104 peptide reversed glutamate-induced apoptosis via inhibiting Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated autophagy, which was partly enhanced by STO-609 (an inhibitor of CaMKKβ). ST2-104 attenuated neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy through CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR pathway. Our results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of ST2-104 are due to actions on the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy via the CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. The findings present novel insights into the potential neuroprotection of ST2-104 in cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinghong Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021 People’s Republic of China
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11
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Abstract
The chronification of pain can be attributed to changes in membrane receptors and channels underlying neuronal plasticity and signal transduction largely within nociceptive neurons that initiate and maintain pathological pain states. These proteins are subject to dynamic modification by posttranslational modifications, creating a code that controls protein function in time and space. Phosphorylation is an important posttranslational modification that affects ∼30% of proteins in vivo. Increased phosphorylation of various nociceptive ion channels and of their modulators underlies sensitization of different pain states. Cyclin-dependent kinases are proline-directed serine/threonine kinases that impact various biological and cellular systems. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), one member of this kinase family, and its activators p35 and p39 are expressed in spinal nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In neuropathic pain conditions, expression and/or activity of Cdk5 is increased, implicating Cdk5 in nociception. Experimental evidence suggests that Cdk5 is regulated through its own phosphorylation, through increasing p35's interaction with Cdk5, and through cleavage of p35 into p25. This narrative review discusses the molecular mechanisms of Cdk5-mediated regulation of target proteins involved in neuropathic pain. We focus on Cdk5 substrates that have been linked to nociceptive pathways, including channels (eg, transient receptor potential cation channel and voltage-gated calcium channel), proteins involved in neurotransmitter release (eg, synaptophysin and collapsin response mediator protein 2), and receptors (eg, glutamate, purinergic, and opioid). By altering the phosphoregulatory "set point" of proteins involved in pain signaling, Cdk5 thus appears to be an attractive target for treating neuropathic pain conditions.
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12
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Gomez K, Ran D, Madura CL, Moutal A, Khanna R. Non-SUMOylated CRMP2 decreases Na V1.7 currents via the endocytic proteins Numb, Nedd4-2 and Eps15. Mol Brain 2021; 14:20. [PMID: 33478555 PMCID: PMC7819318 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels are key players in neuronal excitability and pain signaling. Functional expression of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 is under the control of SUMOylated collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). When not SUMOylated, CRMP2 forms a complex with the endocytic proteins Numb, the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 15 (Eps15), and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 to promote clathrin-mediated endocytosis of NaV1.7. We recently reported that CRMP2 SUMO-null knock-in (CRMP2K374A/K374A) female mice have reduced NaV1.7 membrane localization and currents in their sensory neurons. Preventing CRMP2 SUMOylation was sufficient to reverse mechanical allodynia in CRMP2K374A/K374A female mice with neuropathic pain. Here we report that inhibiting clathrin assembly in nerve-injured male CRMP2K374A/K374A mice precipitated mechanical allodynia in mice otherwise resistant to developing persistent pain. Furthermore, Numb, Nedd4-2 and Eps15 expression was not modified in basal conditions in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of male and female CRMP2K374A/K374A mice. Finally, silencing these proteins in DRG neurons from female CRMP2K374A/K374A mice, restored the loss of sodium currents. Our study shows that the endocytic complex composed of Numb, Nedd4-2 and Eps15, is necessary for non-SUMOylated CRMP2-mediated internalization of sodium channels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Cynthia L Madura
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA. .,Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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13
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Khanna R, Moutal A, Perez-Miller S, Chefdeville A, Boinon L, Patek M. Druggability of CRMP2 for Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2492-2505. [PMID: 32693579 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are ubiquitously expressed phosphoproteins that coordinate cytoskeletal formation and regulate cellular division, migration, polarity, and synaptic connection. CRMP2, the most studied of the five family members, is best known for its affinity for tubulin heterodimers and function in regulating the microtubule network. Accumulating evidence has also demonstrated a key role for CRMP2 in trafficking of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. These functions are tightly regulated by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation and SUMOylation (addition of a small ubiquitin like modifier). Over the past decade, it has become increasingly clear that dysregulated post-translational modifications of CRMP2 contribute to the pathomechanisms of diverse diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, and bipolar disorder. Here, we review the discovery, functions, and current putative preclinical and clinical therapeutics targeting CRMP2. These potential therapeutics include CRMP2-based peptides that inhibit protein-protein interactions and small-molecule compounds. Capitalizing on the availability of structural information, we identify druggable pockets on CRMP2 and predict binding modes for five known CRMP2-targeting compounds, setting the stage for optimization and de novo drug discovery targeting this multifunctional protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Regulonix LLC, Tucson, Arizona 85718, United States
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Lisa Boinon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Marcel Patek
- BrightRock Path, LLC, Tucson, Arizona 85704, United States
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14
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Zhou Y, Cai S, Gomez K, Wijeratne EMK, Ji Y, Bellampalli SS, Luo S, Moutal A, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. 1-O-Acetylgeopyxin A, a derivative of a fungal metabolite, blocks tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium, calcium channels and neuronal excitability which correlates with inhibition of neuropathic pain. Mol Brain 2020; 13:73. [PMID: 32393368 PMCID: PMC7216607 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00616-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain can be the result of an underlying disease or condition, medical treatment, inflammation, or injury. The number of persons experiencing this type of pain is substantial, affecting upwards of 50 million adults in the United States. Pharmacotherapy of most of the severe chronic pain patients includes drugs such as gabapentinoids, re-uptake blockers and opioids. Unfortunately, gabapentinoids are not effective in up to two-thirds of this population and although opioids can be initially effective, their long-term use is associated with multiple side effects. Therefore, there is a great need to develop novel non-opioid alternative therapies to relieve chronic pain. For this purpose, we screened a small library of natural products and their derivatives in the search for pharmacological inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels, which are outstanding molecular targets due to their important roles in nociceptive pathways. We discovered that the acetylated derivative of the ent-kaurane diterpenoid, geopyxin A, 1-O-acetylgeopyxin A, blocks voltage-gated calcium and tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels but not tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Consistent with inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, 1-O-acetylgeopyxin A reduced reduce action potential firing frequency and increased firing threshold (rheobase) in DRG neurons. Finally, we identified the potential of 1-O-acetylgeopyxin A to reverse mechanical allodynia in a preclinical rat model of HIV-induced sensory neuropathy. Dual targeting of both sodium and calcium channels may permit block of nociceptor excitability and of release of pro-nociceptive transmitters. Future studies will harness the core structure of geopyxins for the generation of antinociceptive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources & the Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Shreya S Bellampalli
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources & the Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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15
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Cai S, Shan Z, Zhang Z, Moutal A, Khanna R. Activity of T-type calcium channels is independent of CRMP2 in sensory neurons. Channels (Austin) 2020; 13:147-152. [PMID: 31025580 PMCID: PMC6527066 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1608129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amongst the regulators of voltage-gated ion channels is the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). CRMP2 regulation of the activity and trafficking of NaV1.7 voltage-gated sodium channels as well as the N-type (CaV2.2) voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) has been reported. On the other hand, CRMP2 does not appear to regulate L- (CaV1.x), P/Q- (CaV2.1), and R- (CaV2.3) type high VGCCs. Whether CRMP2 regulates low VGCCs remains an open question. Here, we asked if CRMP2 could regulate the low voltage-gated (T-type/CaV3.x) channels in sensory neurons. Reducing CRMP2 protein levels with short interfering RNAs yielded no change in macroscopic currents carried by T-type channels. No change in biophysical properties of the T-type currents was noted. Future studies pursuing CRMP2 druggability in neuropathic pain will benefit from the findings that CRMP2 regulates only the N-type (CaV2.2) calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Cai
- a Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , The University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson , AZ , USA
| | - Zhiming Shan
- a Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , The University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson , AZ , USA.,b Department of Anesthesiology , Shenzhen People's Hospital & Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University , Shenzhen , P.R. China
| | - Zhongjun Zhang
- b Department of Anesthesiology , Shenzhen People's Hospital & Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University , Shenzhen , P.R. China
| | - Aubin Moutal
- a Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , The University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson , AZ , USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- a Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , The University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson , AZ , USA.,c The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences , The University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson , AZ , USA
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16
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Meloni BP, Mastaglia FL, Knuckey NW. Cationic Arginine-Rich Peptides (CARPs): A Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents With a Multimodal Mechanism of Action. Front Neurol 2020; 11:108. [PMID: 32158425 PMCID: PMC7052017 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are virtually no clinically available neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders, hence there is an urgent need for the development of new neuroprotective molecules. Cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs) are an expanding and relatively novel class of compounds, which possess intrinsic neuroprotective properties. Intriguingly, CARPs possess a combination of biological properties unprecedented for a neuroprotective agent including the ability to traverse cell membranes and enter the CNS, antagonize calcium influx, target mitochondria, stabilize proteins, inhibit proteolytic enzymes, induce pro-survival signaling, scavenge toxic molecules, and reduce oxidative stress as well as, having a range of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer actions. CARPs have also been used as carrier molecules for the delivery of other putative neuroprotective agents across the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier. However, there is increasing evidence that the neuroprotective efficacy of many, if not all these other agents delivered using a cationic arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CCPPs) carrier (e.g., TAT) may actually be mediated largely by the properties of the carrier molecule, with overall efficacy further enhanced according to the amino acid composition of the cargo peptide, in particular its arginine content. Therefore, in reviewing the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of CARPs we also consider studies using CCPPs fused to a putative neuroprotective peptide. We review the history of CARPs in neuroprotection and discuss in detail the intrinsic biological properties that may contribute to their cytoprotective effects and their usefulness as a broad-acting class of neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Meloni
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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17
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Yu H, Shin SM, Xiang H, Chao D, Cai Y, Xu H, Khanna R, Pan B, Hogan QH. AAV-encoded Ca V2.2 peptide aptamer CBD3A6K for primary sensory neuron-targeted treatment of established neuropathic pain. Gene Ther 2019; 26:308-323. [PMID: 31118475 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of pain signals from primary sensory neurons to secondary neurons of the central nervous system is critically dependent on presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels. Calcium channel-binding domain 3 (CBD3), derived from the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), is a peptide aptamer that is effective in blocking N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) activity. We previously reported that recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated restricted expression of CBD3 affixed to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in primary sensory neurons prevents the development of cutaneous mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat neuropathic pain model. In this study, we tested whether this strategy is effective in treating established pain. We constructed AAV6-EGFP-CBD3A6K (AAV6-CBD3A6K) expressing a fluorescent CBD3A6K (replacing A to K at position 6 of CBD3 peptide), which is an optimized variant of the parental CBD3 peptide that is a more potent blocker of CaV2.2. Delivery of AAV6-CBD3A6K into lumbar (L) 4 and 5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats 2 weeks following tibial nerve injury (TNI) induced transgene expression in neurons of these DRG and their axonal projections, accompanied by attenuation of pain behavior. We additionally observed that the increased CaV2.2α1b immunoreactivity in the ipsilateral spinal cord dorsal horn and DRG following TNI was significantly normalized by AAV6-CBD3A6K treatment. Finally, the increased neuronal activity in the ipsilateral dorsal horn that developed after TNI was reduced by AAV6-CBD3A6K treatment. Collectively, these results indicate that DRG-restricted AAV6 delivery of CBD3A6K is an effective analgesic molecular strategy for the treatment of established neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA. .,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA.
| | - Seung Min Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA
| | - Hongfei Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 266000, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Dongman Chao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Yongsong Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 266000, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Departments of Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA
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18
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Ohtani-Kaneko R. Crmp4-KO Mice as an Animal Model for Investigating Certain Phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2485. [PMID: 31137494 PMCID: PMC6566569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that the collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP) family is involved in the formation of neural networks. A recent whole-exome sequencing study identified a de novo variant (S541Y) of collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4) in a male patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, Crmp4-knockout (KO) mice show some phenotypes similar to those observed in human patients with ASD. For example, compared with wild-type mice, Crmp4-KO mice exhibit impaired social interaction, abnormal sensory sensitivities, broader distribution of activated (c-Fos expressing) neurons, altered dendritic formation, and aberrant patterns of neural gene expressions, most of which have sex differences. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of CRMP4 during brain development and discusses the possible contribution of CRMP4 deficiencies or abnormalities to the pathogenesis of ASD. Crmp4-KO mice represent an appropriate animal model for investigating the mechanisms underlying some ASD phenotypes, such as impaired social behavior, abnormal sensory sensitivities, and sex-based differences, and other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with sensory processing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Ohtani-Kaneko
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Itakura, Oura 374-0193, Japan.
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19
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Chew LA, Bellampalli SS, Dustrude ET, Khanna R. Mining the Na v1.7 interactome: Opportunities for chronic pain therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:9-20. [PMID: 30699328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The peripherally expressed voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 (gene SCN9A) channel boosts small stimuli to initiate firing of pain-signaling dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and facilitates neurotransmitter release at the first synapse within the spinal cord. Mutations in SCN9A produce distinct human pain syndromes. Widely acknowledged as a "gatekeeper" of pain, NaV1.7 has been the focus of intense investigation but, to date, no NaV1.7-selective drugs have reached the clinic. Elegant crystallographic studies have demonstrated the potential of designing highly potent and selective NaV1.7 compounds but their therapeutic value remains untested. Transcriptional silencing of NaV1.7 by a naturally expressed antisense transcript has been reported in rodents and humans but whether this represents a viable opportunity for designing NaV1.7 therapeutics is currently unknown. The demonstration that loss of NaV1.7 function is associated with upregulation of endogenous opioids and potentiation of mu- and delta-opioid receptor activities, suggests that targeting only NaV1.7 may be insufficient for analgesia. However, the link between opioid-dependent analgesic mechanisms and function of sodium channels and intracellular sodium-dependent signaling remains controversial. Thus, additional new targets - regulators, modulators - are needed. In this context, we mine the literature for the known interactome of NaV1.7 with a focus on protein interactors that affect the channel's trafficking or link it to opioid signaling. As a case study, we present antinociceptive evidence of allosteric regulation of NaV1.7 by the cytosolic collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). Throughout discussions of these possible new targets, we offer thoughts on the therapeutic implications of modulating NaV1.7 function in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Chew
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Shreya S Bellampalli
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Erik T Dustrude
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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20
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Phosphorylated CRMP2 Regulates Spinal Nociceptive Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:5241-5255. [PMID: 30565051 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) has emerged as a central node in assembling nociceptive signaling complexes involving voltage-gated ion channels. Concerted actions of post-translational modifications, phosphorylation and SUMOylation, of CRMP2 contribute to regulation of pathological pain states. In the present study, we demonstrate a novel role for CRMP2 in spinal nociceptive transmission. We found that, of six possible post-translational modifications, three phosphorylation sites on CRMP2 were critical for regulating calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. Of these, only CRMP2 phosphorylated at serine 522 by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) contributed to spinal neurotransmission in a bidirectional manner. Accordingly, expression of a non-phosphorylatable CRMP2 (S522A) decreased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), whereas expression of a constitutively phosphorylated CRMP2 (S522D) increased the frequency of sEPSCs. The presynaptic nature of CRMP2's actions was further confirmed by pharmacological antagonism of Cdk5-mediated CRMP2 phosphorylation with S-N-benzy-2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((S)-lacosamide; (S)-LCM) which (i) decreased sEPSC frequency, (ii) increased paired-pulse ratio, and (iii) reduced the presynaptic distribution of CaV2.2 and NaV1.7, two voltage-gated ion channels implicated in nociceptive signaling. (S)-LCM also inhibited depolarization-evoked release of the pro-nociceptive neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal cord. Increased CRMP2 phosphorylation in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) was decreased by intrathecal administration of (S)-LCM resulting in a loss of presynaptic localization of CaV2.2 and NaV1.7. Together, these findings indicate that CRMP2 regulates presynaptic excitatory neurotransmission in spinal cord and may play an important role in regulating pathological pain. Novel targeting strategies to inhibit CRMP2 phosphorylation by Cdk5 may have great potential for the treatment of chronic pain.
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21
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François-Moutal L, Dustrude ET, Wang Y, Brustovetsky T, Dorame A, Ju W, Moutal A, Perez-Miller S, Brustovetsky N, Gokhale V, Khanna M, Khanna R. Inhibition of the Ubc9 E2 SUMO-conjugating enzyme-CRMP2 interaction decreases NaV1.7 currents and reverses experimental neuropathic pain. Pain 2018; 159:2115-2127. [PMID: 29847471 PMCID: PMC6150792 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that destruction of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification site in the axonal collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) was sufficient to selectively decrease trafficking of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 and reverse neuropathic pain. Here, we further interrogate the biophysical nature of the interaction between CRMP2 and the SUMOylation machinery, and test the hypothesis that a rationally designed CRMP2 SUMOylation motif (CSM) peptide can interrupt E2 SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9-dependent modification of CRMP2 leading to a similar suppression of NaV1.7 currents. Microscale thermophoresis and amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous alpha assay revealed a low micromolar binding affinity between CRMP2 and Ubc9. A heptamer peptide harboring CRMP2's SUMO motif, also bound with similar affinity to Ubc9, disrupted the CRMP2-Ubc9 interaction in a concentration-dependent manner. Importantly, incubation of a tat-conjugated cell-penetrating peptide (t-CSM) decreased sodium currents, predominantly NaV1.7, in a model neuronal cell line. Dialysis of t-CSM peptide reduced CRMP2 SUMOylation and blocked surface trafficking of NaV1.7 in rat sensory neurons. Fluorescence dye-based imaging in rat sensory neurons demonstrated inhibition of sodium influx in the presence of t-CSM peptide; by contrast, calcium influx was unaffected. Finally, t-CSM effectively reversed persistent mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity induced by a spinal nerve injury, a model of neuropathic pain. Structural modeling has now identified a pocket-harboring CRMP2's SUMOylation motif that, when targeted through computational screening of ligands/molecules, is expected to identify small molecules that will biochemically and functionally target CRMP2's SUMOylation to reduce NaV1.7 currents and reverse neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberty François-Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Erik T. Dustrude
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Tatiana Brustovetsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Weina Ju
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
- Department of Pharmacology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Nickolay Brustovetsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Vijay Gokhale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724
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22
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Moutal A, Luo S, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW, Khanna R. Cdk5-mediated CRMP2 phosphorylation is necessary and sufficient for peripheral neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN 2018; 5. [PMID: 31080913 PMCID: PMC6505708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CRMP2 phosphorylation levels are dysregulated in the SNI model of experimental neuropathy. CRMP2 phosphorylation by Cdk5 is increased at the pre-synaptic sites of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. CRMP2 expression is necessary for neuropathic pain. Genetic targeting of CRMP2 phosphorylation by Cdk5 reverses neuropathic pain. CRMP2 phosphorylation by Cdk5 is sufficient to elicit allodynia.
Neuropathic pain results from nerve injuries that cause ectopic firing and increased nociceptive signal transmission due to activation of key membrane receptors and channels. The dysregulation of trafficking of voltage-gated ion channels is an emerging mechanism in the etiology of neuropathic pain. We identify increased phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a protein reported to regulate presynaptic voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels. A spared nerve injury (SNI) increased expression of a cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-phosphorylated form of CRMP2 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in the ipsilateral (injured) versus the contralateral (non-injured) sites. Biochemical fractionation of spinal cord from SNI rats revealed the increase in Cdk5-mediated CRMP2 phosphorylation to be enriched to pre-synaptic sites. CRMP2 has emerged as a central node in assembling nociceptive signaling complexes. Knockdown of CRMP2 using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) reversed SNI-induced mechanical allodynia implicating CRMP2 expression as necessary for neuropathic pain. Intrathecal expression of a CRMP2 resistant to phosphorylation by Cdk5 normalized SNI-induced mechanical allodynia, whereas mimicking constitutive phosphorylation of CRMP2 resulted in induction of mechanical allodynia in naïve rats. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Cdk5-mediated CRMP2 phosphorylation is both necessary and sufficient for peripheral neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.,The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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23
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder linked to inactivating mutations or a homozygous deletion of the Nf1 gene, is characterized by tumorigenesis, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, migraine, and pain. Omic studies on human NF1 tissues identified an increase in the expression of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a cytosolic protein reported to regulate the trafficking and activity of presynaptic N-type voltage-gated calcium (Cav2.2) channels. Because neurofibromin, the protein product of the Nf1 gene, binds to and inhibits CRMP2, the neurofibromin-CRMP2 signaling cascade will likely affect Ca channel activity and regulate nociceptive neurotransmission and in vivo responses to noxious stimulation. Here, we investigated the function of neurofibromin-CRMP2 interaction on Cav2.2. Mapping of >275 peptides between neurofibromin and CRMP2 identified a 15-amino acid CRMP2-derived peptide that, when fused to the tat transduction domain of HIV-1, inhibited Ca influx in dorsal root ganglion neurons. This peptide mimics the negative regulation of CRMP2 activity by neurofibromin. Neurons treated with tat-CRMP2/neurofibromin regulating peptide 1 (t-CNRP1) exhibited a decreased Cav2.2 membrane localization, and uncoupling of neurofibromin-CRMP2 and CRMP2-Cav2.2 interactions. Proteomic analysis of a nanodisc-solubilized membrane protein library identified syntaxin 1A as a novel CRMP2-binding protein whose interaction with CRMP2 was strengthened in neurofibromin-depleted cells and reduced by t-CNRP1. Stimulus-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from lumbar spinal cord slices was inhibited by t-CNRP1. Intrathecal administration of t-CNRP1 was antinociceptive in experimental models of inflammatory, postsurgical, and neuropathic pain. Our results demonstrate the utility of t-CNRP1 to inhibit CRMP2 protein-protein interactions for the potential treatment of pain.
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24
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Moutal A, Sun L, Yang X, Li W, Cai S, Luo S, Khanna R. CRMP2-Neurofibromin Interface Drives NF1-related Pain. Neuroscience 2018; 381:79-90. [PMID: 29655575 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
An understudied symptom of the genetic disorder Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is chronic idiopathic pain. We used targeted editing of Nf1 in rats to provide direct evidence of a causal relationship between neurofibromin, the protein product of the Nf1 gene, and pain responses. Our study data identified a protein-interaction network with collapsin response meditator protein 2 (CRMP2) as a node and neurofibromin, syntaxin 1A, and the N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channel as interaction edges. Neurofibromin uncouples CRMP2 from syntaxin 1A. Upon loss/mutation of neurofibromin, as seen in patients with NF1, the CRMP2/Neurofibromin interaction is uncoupled, which frees CRMP2 to interact with both syntaxin 1A and CaV2.2, culminating in increased release of the pro-nociceptive neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Our work also identified the CRMP2-derived peptide CNRP1, which uncoupled CRMP2's interactions with neurofibromin, syntaxin 1A, as well as CaV2.2. Here, we tested if CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the Nf1 gene, which leads to functional remodeling of peripheral nociceptors through effects on the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) Na+ voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV1.7) and CaV2.2, could be affected using CNRP1, a peptide designed to target the CRMP2-neurofibromin interface. The data presented here shows that disrupting the CRMP2-neurofibromin interface is sufficient to reverse the dysregulations of voltage-gated ion channels and neurotransmitter release elicited by Nf1 gene editing. As a consequence of these effects, the CNRP1 peptide reversed hyperalgesia to thermal stimulation of the hindpaw observed in Nf1-edited rats. Our findings support future pharmacological targeting of the CRMP2/neurofibromin interface for NF1-related pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 71#, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wennan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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25
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain represents a significant and mounting burden on patients and society at large. Management of neuropathic pain, however, is both intricate and challenging, exacerbated by the limited quantity and quality of clinically available treatments. On this stage, dysfunctional voltage-gated ion channels, especially the presynaptic N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) (Cav2.2) and the tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) (Nav1.7), underlie the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and serve as high profile therapeutic targets. Indirect regulation of these channels holds promise for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In this review, we focus on collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a protein with emergent roles in voltage-gated ion channel trafficking and discuss the therapeutic potential of targetting this protein.
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26
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Moutal A, Li W, Wang Y, Ju W, Luo S, Cai S, François-Moutal L, Perez-Miller S, Hu J, Dustrude ET, Vanderah TW, Gokhale V, Khanna M, Khanna R. Homology-guided mutational analysis reveals the functional requirements for antinociceptive specificity of collapsin response mediator protein 2-derived peptides. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:2244-2260. [PMID: 28161890 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-type voltage-gated calcium (Cav 2.2) channels are critical determinants of increased neuronal excitability and neurotransmission accompanying persistent neuropathic pain. Although Cav 2.2 channel antagonists are recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain, calcium-current blocking gabapentinoids inadequately alleviate chronic pain symptoms and often exhibit numerous side effects. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) targets Cav 2.2 channels to the sensory neuron membrane and allosterically modulates their function. A 15-amino-acid peptide (CBD3), derived from CRMP2, disrupts the functional protein-protein interaction between CRMP2 and Cav 2.2 channels to inhibit calcium influx, transmitter release and acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we have mapped the minimal domain of CBD3 necessary for its antinociceptive potential. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Truncated as well as homology-guided mutant versions of CBD3 were generated and assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, binding between CRMP2 and Cav 2.2 channels, whole-cell voltage clamp electrophysiology and behavioural effects in two models of experimental pain: post-surgical pain and HIV-induced sensory neuropathy induced by the viral glycoprotein 120. KEY RESULTS The first six amino acids within CBD3 accounted for all in vitro activity and antinociception. Spinal administration of a prototypical peptide (TAT-CBD3-L5M) reversed pain behaviours. Homology-guided mutational analyses of these six amino acids identified at least two residues, Ala1 and Arg4, as being critical for antinociception in two pain models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results identify an antinociceptive scaffold core in CBD3 that can be used for development of low MW mimetics of CBD3. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wennan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Weina Ju
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.,Department of Pharmacology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Jackie Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Erik T Dustrude
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Vijay Gokhale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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27
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Sustained relief of ongoing experimental neuropathic pain by a CRMP2 peptide aptamer with low abuse potential. Pain 2017; 157:2124-2140. [PMID: 27537210 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Uncoupling the protein-protein interaction between collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) and N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) with an allosteric CRMP2-derived peptide (CBD3) is antinociceptive in rodent models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We investigated the efficacy, duration of action, abuse potential, and neurobehavioral toxicity of an improved mutant CRMP2 peptide. A homopolyarginine (R9)-conjugated CBD3-A6K (R9-CBD3-A6K) peptide inhibited the CaV2.2-CRMP2 interaction in a concentration-dependent fashion and diminished surface expression of CaV2.2 and depolarization-evoked Ca influx in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons. In vitro studies demonstrated suppression of excitability of small-to-medium diameter dorsal root ganglion and inhibition of subtypes of voltage-gated Ca channels. Sprague-Dawley rats with tibial nerve injury had profound and long-lasting tactile allodynia and ongoing pain. Immediate administration of R9-CBD3-A6K produced enhanced dopamine release from the nucleus accumbens shell selectively in injured animals, consistent with relief of ongoing pain. R9-CBD3-A6K, when administered repeatedly into the central nervous system ventricles of naive rats, did not result in a positive conditioned place preference demonstrating a lack of abusive liability. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of R9-CBD3-A6K over a 24- to 72-hour period reversed tactile allodynia and ongoing pain, demonstrating a lack of tolerance over this time course. Importantly, continuous infusion of R9-CBD3-A6K did not affect motor activity, anxiety, depression, or memory and learning. Collectively, these results validate the potential therapeutic significance of targeting the CaV-CRMP2 axis for treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Collapsin response mediator protein 2: high-resolution crystal structure sheds light on small-molecule binding, post-translational modifications, and conformational flexibility. Amino Acids 2017; 49:747-759. [PMID: 28044206 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2376-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) is a neuronal protein involved in axonal pathfinding. Intense research is focusing on its role in various neurological diseases. Despite a wealth of studies, not much is known about the molecular mechanisms of CRMP-2 function in vivo. The detailed structure-function relationships of CRMP-2 have also largely remained unknown, in part due to the fact that the available crystal structures lack the C-terminal tail, which is known to be a target for many post-translational modifications and protein interactions. Although CRMP-2, and other CRMPs, belong to the dihydropyrimidinase family, they have lost the enzymatic active site. Drug candidates for CRMP-2-related processes have come up during the recent years, but no reports of CRMP-2 complexes with small molecules have emerged. Here, CRMP-2 was studied at 1.25-Å resolution using X-ray crystallography. In addition, ligands were docked into the homotetrameric structure, and the C-terminal tail of CRMP-2 was produced recombinantly and analyzed. We have obtained the human CRMP-2 crystal structure at atomic resolution and could identify small-molecule binding pockets in the protein. Structures obtained in different crystal forms highlight flexible regions near possible ligand-binding pockets. We also used the CRMP-2 structure to analyze known or suggested post-translational modifications at the 3D structural level. The high-resolution CRMP-2 structure was also used for docking experiments with the sulfur amino acid metabolite lanthionine ketimine and its ester. We show that the C-terminal tail is intrinsically disordered, but it has conserved segments that may act as interaction sites. Our data provide the most accurate structural data on CRMPs to date and will be useful in further computational and experimental studies on CRMP-2, its function, and its binding to small-molecule ligands.
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Khodr CE, Chen L, Dave S, Al-Harthi L, Hu XT. Combined chronic blockade of hyper-active L-type calcium channels and NMDA receptors ameliorates HIV-1 associated hyper-excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 94:85-94. [PMID: 27326669 PMCID: PMC4983475 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection induces neurological and neuropsychological deficits, which are associated with dysregulation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other vulnerable brain regions. We evaluated the impact of HIV infection in the mPFC and the therapeutic potential of targeting over-active voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channels (L-channel) and NMDA receptors (NMDAR), as modeled in HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rats. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to assess the membrane properties and voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) potentials (Ca(2+) influx) in mPFC pyramidal neurons. Neurons from HIV-1 Tg rats displayed reduced rheobase, spike amplitude and inwardly-rectifying K(+) influx, increased numbers of action potentials, and a trend of aberrant firing compared to those from non-Tg control rats. Neuronal hyper-excitation was associated with abnormally-enhanced Ca(2+) influx (independent of NMDAR), which was eliminated by acute L-channel blockade. Combined chronic blockade of over-active L-channels and NMDARs with open-channel blockers abolished HIV effects on spiking, aberrant firing and Ca(2+) potential half-amplitude duration, though not the reduced inward rectification. In contrast, individual chronic blockade of over-active L-channels or NMDARs did not alleviate HIV-induced mPFC hyper-excitability. These studies demonstrate that HIV alters mPFC neuronal activity by dysregulating membrane excitability and Ca(2+) influx through the L-channels. This renders these neurons more susceptible and vulnerable to excitatory stimuli, and could contribute to HIV-associated neuropathogenesis. Combined targeting of over-active L-channels/NMDARs alleviates HIV-induced dysfunction of mPFC pyramidal neurons, emphasizing a potential novel therapeutic strategy that may effectively decrease HIV-induced Ca(2+) dysregulation in the mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Khodr
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Sonya Dave
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Lena Al-Harthi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Xiu-Ti Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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Abstract
Migraine is one of the world's most common neurological disorders. Current acute migraine treatments have suboptimal efficacy, and new therapeutic options are needed. Approaches targeting calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) signaling are clinically effective, but small molecule antagonists have not been advanced because of toxicity. In this study, we explored the axonal growth/specification collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) as a novel “druggable” target for inhibiting CGRP release and for potential relevance for treatment of migraine pain. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 has been demonstrated to regulate N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity and Ca2+-dependent CGRP release in sensory neurons. The coexpression of CRMP2 with N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel and CGRP in trigeminal ganglia (TGs) sensory neurons suggested the possibility of a novel approach to regulate CGRP release in the trigeminal system. Screening protocols surprisingly revealed that (S)-lacosamide ((S)-LCM), an inactive analog of the clinically approved small molecule antiepileptic drug (R)-lacosamide (Vimpat), inhibited CRMP2 phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in rat TG slices and decreased depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx in TG cells in culture. (S)-LCM significantly blocked capsaicin-evoked CGRP release from dural nerve terminals in the rat in ex vivo cranial cup preparation. Additionally, cephalic and extracephalic cutaneous allodynia induced in rats by activation of dural nociceptors with a cocktail of inflammatory mediators, was inhibited by oral administration of (S)-LCM. The confirmation of CRMP2 as an upstream mediator of CGRP release, together with the brain penetrance of this molecule suggests (S)-LCM as a potential therapy for acute migraine.
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Quach TT, Lerch JK, Honnorat J, Khanna R, Duchemin AM. Neuronal networks in mental diseases and neuropathic pain: Beyond brain derived neurotrophic factor and collapsin response mediator proteins. World J Psychiatry 2016; 6:18-30. [PMID: 27014595 PMCID: PMC4804265 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v6.i1.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is a complex network system that has the capacity to support emotion, thought, action, learning and memory, and is characterized by constant activity, constant structural remodeling, and constant attempt to compensate for this remodeling. The basic insight that emerges from complex network organization is that substantively different networks can share common key organizational principles. Moreover, the interdependence of network organization and behavior has been successfully demonstrated for several specific tasks. From this viewpoint, increasing experimental/clinical observations suggest that mental disorders are neural network disorders. On one hand, single psychiatric disorders arise from multiple, multifactorial molecular and cellular structural/functional alterations spreading throughout local/global circuits leading to multifaceted and heterogeneous clinical symptoms. On the other hand, various mental diseases may share functional deficits across the same neural circuit as reflected in the overlap of symptoms throughout clinical diagnoses. An integrated framework including experimental measures and clinical observations will be necessary to formulate a coherent and comprehensive understanding of how neural connectivity mediates and constraints the phenotypic expression of psychiatric disorders.
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CRMPs: critical molecules for neurite morphogenesis and neuropsychiatric diseases. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:1037-45. [PMID: 26077693 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal polarity and spatial rearrangement of neuronal processes are central to the development of all mature nervous systems. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic expression of Collapsin-Response-Mediator Proteins (CRMPs) in neuronal dendritic/axonal compartments, described their interaction with cytoskeleton proteins, identified their ability to activate L- and N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) and delineated their crucial role as signaling molecules essential for neuron differentiation and neural network development and maintenance. In addition, evidence obtained from genome-wide/genetic linkage/proteomic/translational approaches revealed that CRMP expression is altered in human pathologies including mental (schizophrenia and mood disorders) and neurological (Alzheimer's, prion encephalopathy, epilepsy and others) disorders. Changes in CRMPs levels have been observed after psychotropic treatments, and disrupting CRMP2 binding to calcium channels blocked neuropathic pain. These observations, altogether with those obtained from genetically modified mice targeting individual CRMPs and RNA interference approaches, pave the way for considering CRMPs as potential early disease markers and modulation of their activity as therapeutic strategy for disorders associated with neurite abnormalities.
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François-Moutal L, Wang Y, Moutal A, Cottier KE, Melemedjian OK, Yang X, Wang Y, Ju W, Largent-Milnes TM, Khanna M, Vanderah TW, Khanna R. A membrane-delimited N-myristoylated CRMP2 peptide aptamer inhibits CaV2.2 trafficking and reverses inflammatory and postoperative pain behaviors. Pain 2015; 156:1247-1264. [PMID: 25782368 PMCID: PMC5766324 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeting proteins within the N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) complex has proven to be an effective strategy for developing novel pain therapeutics. We describe a novel peptide aptamer derived from the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a CaV2.2-regulatory protein. Addition of a 14-carbon myristate group to the peptide (myr-tat-CBD3) tethered it to the membrane of primary sensory neurons near surface CaV2.2. Pull-down studies demonstrated that myr-tat-CBD3 peptide interfered with the CRMP2-CaV2.2 interaction. Quantitative confocal immunofluorescence revealed a pronounced reduction of CaV2.2 trafficking after myr-tat-CBD3 treatment and increased efficiency in disrupting CRMP2-CaV2.2 colocalization compared with peptide tat-CBD3. Consequently, myr-tat-CBD3 inhibited depolarization-induced calcium influx in sensory neurons. Voltage clamp electrophysiology experiments revealed a reduction of Ca, but not Na, currents in sensory neurons after myr-tat-CBD3 exposure. Current clamp electrophysiology experiments demonstrated a reduction in excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons after exposure to myr-tat-CBD3. Myr-tat-CBD3 was effective in significantly attenuating carrageenan-induced thermal hypersensitivity and reversing thermal hypersensitivity induced by a surgical incision of the plantar surface of the rat hind paw, a model of postoperative pain. These effects are compared with those of tat-CBD3-the nonmyristoylated tat-conjugated CRMP2 peptide as well as scrambled versions of CBD3 and CBD3-lacking control peptides. Our results demonstrate that the myristoyl tag enhances intracellular delivery and local concentration of the CRMP2 peptide aptamer near membrane-delimited calcium channels resulting in pronounced interference with the calcium channel complex, superior suppression of calcium influx, and better antinociceptive potential.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Aptamers, Peptide/genetics
- Aptamers, Peptide/metabolism
- Aptamers, Peptide/therapeutic use
- Calcium Channels, N-Type/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/therapeutic use
- Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy
- Pain, Postoperative/genetics
- Pain, Postoperative/metabolism
- Protein Transport/drug effects
- Protein Transport/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Karissa E. Cottier
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yuying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Weina Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | | | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Rouwette T, Avenali L, Sondermann J, Narayanan P, Gomez-Varela D, Schmidt M. Modulation of nociceptive ion channels and receptors via protein-protein interactions: implications for pain relief. Channels (Austin) 2015; 9:175-85. [PMID: 26039491 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2015.1051270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 2 decades biomedical research has provided great insights into the molecular signatures underlying painful conditions. However, chronic pain still imposes substantial challenges to researchers, clinicians and patients alike. Under pathological conditions, pain therapeutics often lack efficacy and exhibit only minimal safety profiles, which can be largely attributed to the targeting of molecules with key physiological functions throughout the body. In light of these difficulties, the identification of molecules and associated protein complexes specifically involved in chronic pain states is of paramount importance for designing selective interventions. Ion channels and receptors represent primary targets, as they critically shape nociceptive signaling from the periphery to the brain. Moreover, their function requires tight control, which is usually implemented by protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Indeed, manipulation of such PPIs entails the modulation of ion channel activity with widespread implications for influencing nociceptive signaling in a more specific way. In this review, we highlight recent advances in modulating ion channels and receptors via their PPI networks in the pursuit of relieving chronic pain. Moreover, we critically discuss the potential of targeting PPIs for developing novel pain therapies exhibiting higher efficacy and improved safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Rouwette
- a Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine. Somatosensory Signaling Group ; Goettingen , Germany
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35
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Moutal A, François-Moutal L, Brittain JM, Khanna M, Khanna R. Differential neuroprotective potential of CRMP2 peptide aptamers conjugated to cationic, hydrophobic, and amphipathic cell penetrating peptides. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:471. [PMID: 25674050 PMCID: PMC4306314 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated axonal specification collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) is a novel target for neuroprotection. A CRMP2 peptide (TAT-CBD3) conjugated to the HIV transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein's cationic cell penetrating peptide (CPP) motif protected neurons in the face of toxic levels of Ca(2+) influx leaked in via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hyperactivation. Here we tested whether replacing the hydrophilic TAT motif with alternative cationic (nona-arginine (R9)), hydrophobic (membrane transport sequence (MTS) of k-fibroblast growth factor) or amphipathic (model amphipathic peptide (MAP)) CPPs could be superior to the neuroprotection bestowed by TAT-CBD3. In giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) derived from cortical neurons, the peptides translocated across plasma membranes with similar efficiencies. Cortical neurons, acutely treated with peptides prior to a toxic glutamate challenge, demonstrated enhanced efflux of R9-CBD3 compared to others. R9-CBD3 inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked Ca(2+) influx to a similar extent as TAT-CBD3 while MTS-CBD3 was ineffective which correlated with the ability of R9- and TAT-CBD3, but not MTS-CBD3, to block NMDAR interaction with CRMP2. Unrestricted Ca(2+) influx through NMDARs leading to delayed calcium dysregulation and neuronal cell death was blocked by all peptides but MAP-CBD3. When applied acutely for 10 min, R9-CBD3 was more effective than TAT-CBD3 at neuroprotection while MTS- and MAP-CBD3 were ineffective. In contrast, long-term (>24 h) treatment with MTS-CBD3 conferred neuroprotection where TAT-CBD3 failed. Neither peptide altered surface trafficking of NMDARs. Neuroprotection conferred by MTS-CBD3 peptide is likely due to its increased uptake coupled with decreased efflux when compared to TAT-CBD3. Overall, our results demonstrate that altering CPPs can bestow differential neuroprotective potential onto the CBD3 cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Joel M Brittain
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA ; Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
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36
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Sodium hydrosulfide relieves neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injured rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:514898. [PMID: 25506383 PMCID: PMC4260443 DOI: 10.1155/2014/514898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal activity in injured peripheral nerves is believed to be an important factor in the development of neuropathic pain (NPP). Channel protein pCREB of that activity has been shown to mitigate the onset of associated molecular events in the nervous system, and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) could inhibit the expression of pCREB. However, whether NaHS could relieve the pain, it needs further experimental research. Furthermore, the clinical potential that NaHS was used to relieve pain was limited so it would be required. To address these issues, the rats of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) were given intraperitoneal injection of NaHS containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The experimental results showed that NaHS inhibited the reduction of paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL), mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), and the level of pCREB in CCI rats in a dose-dependent manner and they were greatly decreased in NaHSM group (P < 0.05). NaHS alleviates chronic neuropathic pain by inhibiting expression of pCREB in the spinal cord of Sprague-Dawley rats.
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Brustovetsky T, Pellman JJ, Yang XF, Khanna R, Brustovetsky N. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) interacts with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and regulates their functional activity. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:7470-82. [PMID: 24474686 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.518472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) is traditionally viewed as an axonal growth protein involved in axon/dendrite specification. Here, we describe novel functions of CRMP2. A 15-amino acid peptide from CRMP2, fused to the TAT cell-penetrating motif of the HIV-1 protein, TAT-CBD3, but not CBD3 without TAT, attenuated N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity and protected neurons against glutamate-induced Ca(2+) dysregulation, suggesting the key contribution of CRMP2 in these processes. In addition, TAT-CBD3, but not CBD3 without TAT or TAT-scramble peptide, inhibited increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) mediated by the plasmalemmal Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) operating in the reverse mode. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed an interaction between CRMP2 and NMDAR as well as NCX3 but not NCX1. TAT-CBD3 disrupted CRMP2-NMDAR interaction without change in NMDAR localization. In contrast, TAT-CBD3 augmented the CRMP2-NCX3 co-immunoprecipitation, indicating increased interaction or stabilization of a complex between these proteins. Immunostaining with an anti-NCX3 antibody revealed that TAT-CBD3 induced NCX3 internalization, suggesting that both reverse and forward modes of NCX might be affected. Indeed, the forward mode of NCX, evaluated in experiments with ionomycin-induced Ca(2+) influx into neurons, was strongly suppressed by TAT-CBD3. Knockdown of CRMP2 with short interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented NCX3 internalization in response to TAT-CBD3 exposure. Moreover, CRMP2 down-regulation strongly attenuated TAT-CBD3-induced inhibition of reverse NCX. Overall, our results demonstrate that CRMP2 interacts with NCX and NMDAR and that TAT-CBD3 protects against glutamate-induced Ca(2+) dysregulation most likely via suppression of both NMDAR and NCX activities. Our results further clarify the mechanism of action of TAT-CBD3 and identify a novel regulatory checkpoint for NMDAR and NCX function based on CRMP2 interaction with these proteins.
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Feldman P, Khanna R. Challenging the catechism of therapeutics for chronic neuropathic pain: Targeting CaV2.2 interactions with CRMP2 peptides. Neurosci Lett 2013; 557 Pt A:27-36. [PMID: 23831344 PMCID: PMC3849117 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain management is a worldwide concern. Pharmaceutical companies globally have historically targeted ion channels as the therapeutic catechism with many blockbuster successes. Remarkably, no new pain therapeutic has been approved by European or American regulatory agencies over the last decade. This article will provide an overview of an alternative approach to ion channel drug discovery: targeting regulators of ion channels, specifically focusing on voltage-gated calcium channels. We will highlight the discovery of an anti-nociceptive peptide derived from a novel calcium channel interacting partner - the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). In vivo administration of this peptide reduces pain behavior in a number of models of neuropathic pain without affecting sympathetic-associated cardiovascular activity, memory retrieval, sensorimotor function, or depression. A CRMP2-derived peptide analgesic, with restricted access to the CNS, represents a completely novel approach to the treatment of severe pain with an improved safety profile. As peptides now represent one of the fastest growing classes of new drugs, it is expected that peptide targeting of protein interactions within the calcium channel complex may be a paradigm shift in ion channel drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Feldman
- Sophia Therapeutics LLC, 351 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Sophia Therapeutics LLC, 351 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Program in Medical Neurosciences, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 950 West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Fischer G, Pan B, Vilceanu D, Hogan QH, Yu H. Sustained relief of neuropathic pain by AAV-targeted expression of CBD3 peptide in rat dorsal root ganglion. Gene Ther 2013; 21:44-51. [PMID: 24152582 PMCID: PMC3881029 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Ca2+ channel-binding domain 3 (CBD3) peptide, derived from the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), is a recently discovered voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) blocker with a preference for CaV2.2. Rodent administration of CBD3 conjugated to cell penetrating motif TAT (TAT-CBD3) has been shown to reduce pain behavior in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. However, TAT-CBD3 analgesia has limitations, including short half-life, lack of cellular specificity and undesired potential off-site effects. We hypothesized that these issues could be addressed by expressing CBD3 encoded by high-expression vectors in primary sensory neurons. We constructed an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing recombinant fluorescent CBD3 peptide and injected it into lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of rats before spared nerve injury (SNI). We show that selective expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-CBD3 in lumbar 4 (L4) and L5 DRG neurons and their axonal projections results in effective attenuation of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in the SNI model. We conclude that AAV-encoded CBD3 delivered to peripheral sensory neurons through DRG injection may be a valuable approach for exploring the role of presynaptic VGCCs and long-term modulation of neurotransmission, and may also be considered for development as a gene therapy strategy to treat chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fischer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - B Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - D Vilceanu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Q H Hogan
- 1] Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA [2] Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - H Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Quach TT, Wilson SM, Rogemond V, Chounlamountri N, Kolattukudy PE, Martinez S, Khanna M, Belin MF, Khanna R, Honnorat J, Duchemin AM. Mapping CRMP3 domains involved in dendrite morphogenesis and voltage-gated calcium channel regulation. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:4262-73. [PMID: 23868973 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.131409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hippocampal neurons are well-distinguished by the morphological characteristics of their dendrites and their structural plasticity, the mechanisms involved in regulating their neurite initiation, dendrite growth, network formation and remodeling are still largely unknown, in part because the key molecules involved remain elusive. Identifying new dendrite-active cues could uncover unknown molecular mechanisms that would add significant understanding to the field and possibly lead to the development of novel neuroprotective therapy because these neurons are impaired in many neuropsychiatric disorders. In our previous studies, we deleted the gene encoding CRMP3 in mice and identified the protein as a new endogenous signaling molecule that shapes diverse features of the hippocampal pyramidal dendrites without affecting axon morphology. We also found that CRMP3 protects dendrites against dystrophy induced by prion peptide PrP(106-126). Here, we report that CRMP3 has a profound influence on neurite initiation and dendrite growth of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Our deletional mapping revealed that the C-terminus of CRMP3 probably harbors its dendritogenic capacity and supports an active transport mechanism. By contrast, overexpression of the C-terminal truncated CRMP3 phenocopied the effect of CRMP3 gene deletion with inhibition of neurite initiation or decrease in dendrite complexity, depending on the stage of cell development. In addition, this mutant inhibited the activity of CRMP3, in a similar manner to siRNA. Voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors prevented CRMP3-induced dendritic growth and somatic Ca(2+) influx in CRMP3-overexpressing neurons was augmented largely via L-type channels. These results support a link between CRMP3-mediated Ca(2+) influx and CRMP3-mediated dendritic growth in hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam T Quach
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, F-69372 Lyon, France
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Ju W, Li Q, Wilson SM, Brittain JM, Meroueh L, Khanna R. SUMOylation alters CRMP2 regulation of calcium influx in sensory neurons. Channels (Austin) 2013; 7:153-9. [PMID: 23510938 DOI: 10.4161/chan.24224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon/dendrite specification collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) bidirectionally modulates N-type voltage-gated Ca ( 2+) channels (CaV2.2). Here we demonstrate that small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein modifies CRMP2 via the SUMO E2-conjugating enzyme Ubc9 in vivo. Removal of a SUMO conjugation site KMD in CRMP2 (K374A/M375A/D376A; CRMP2AAA) resulted in loss of SUMOylated CRMP2 without compromising neurite branching, a canonical hallmark of CRMP2 function. Increasing SUMOylation levels correlated inversely with calcium influx in sensory neurons. CRMP2 deSUMOylation by SUMO proteases SENP1 and SENP2 normalized calcium influx to those in the CRMP2AAA mutant. Thus, our results identify a novel role for SUMO modification in CRMP2/CaV2.2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Ju
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Ju W, Li Q, Allette YM, Ripsch MS, White FA, Khanna R. Suppression of pain-related behavior in two distinct rodent models of peripheral neuropathy by a homopolyarginine-conjugated CRMP2 peptide. J Neurochem 2013; 124:869-79. [PMID: 23106100 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) is a clinically endorsed target in chronic pain treatments. As directly targeting the channel can lead to multiple adverse side effects, targeting modulators of CaV2.2 may prove better. We previously identified ST1-104, a short peptide from the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), which disrupted the CaV2.2-CRMP2 interaction and suppressed a model of HIV-related neuropathy induced by anti-retroviral therapy but not traumatic neuropathy. Here, we report ST2-104 -a peptide wherein the cell-penetrating TAT motif has been supplanted with a homopolyarginine motif, which dose-dependently inhibits the CaV2.2-CRMP2 interaction and inhibits depolarization-evoked Ca(2+) influx in sensory neurons. Ca(2+) influx via activation of vanilloid receptors is not affected by either peptide. Systemic administration of ST2-104 does not affect thermal or tactile nociceptive behavioral changes. Importantly, ST2-104 transiently reduces persistent mechanical hypersensitivity induced by systemic administration of the anti-retroviral drug 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC) and following tibial nerve injury (TNI). Possible mechanistic explanations for the broader efficacy of ST2-104 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Ju
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Wilson SM, Schmutzler BS, Brittain JM, Dustrude ET, Ripsch MS, Pellman JJ, Yeum TS, Hurley JH, Hingtgen CM, White FA, Khanna R. Inhibition of transmitter release and attenuation of anti-retroviral-associated and tibial nerve injury-related painful peripheral neuropathy by novel synthetic Ca2+ channel peptides. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:35065-35077. [PMID: 22891239 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.378695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
N-type Ca(2+) channels (CaV2.2) are a nidus for neurotransmitter release and nociceptive transmission. However, the use of CaV2.2 blockers in pain therapeutics is limited by side effects resulting from inhibition of the physiological functions of CaV2.2 within the CNS. We identified an anti-nociceptive peptide (Brittain, J. M., Duarte, D. B., Wilson, S. M., Zhu, W., Ballard, C., Johnson, P. L., Liu, N., Xiong, W., Ripsch, M. S., Wang, Y., Fehrenbacher, J. C., Fitz, S. D., Khanna, M., Park, C. K., Schmutzler, B. S., Cheon, B. M., Due, M. R., Brustovetsky, T., Ashpole, N. M., Hudmon, A., Meroueh, S. O., Hingtgen, C. M., Brustovetsky, N., Ji, R. R., Hurley, J. H., Jin, X., Shekhar, A., Xu, X. M., Oxford, G. S., Vasko, M. R., White, F. A., and Khanna, R. (2011) Suppression of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by uncoupling CRMP2 from the presynaptic Ca(2+) channel complex. Nat. Med. 17, 822-829) derived from the axonal collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a protein known to bind and enhance CaV2.2 activity. Using a peptide tiling array, we identified novel peptides within the first intracellular loop (CaV2.2(388-402), "L1") and the distal C terminus (CaV1.2(2014-2028) "Ct-dis") that bound CRMP2. Microscale thermophoresis demonstrated micromolar and nanomolar binding affinities between recombinant CRMP2 and synthetic L1 and Ct-dis peptides, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that CRMP2 association with CaV2.2 was inhibited by L1 and Ct-dis peptides. L1 and Ct-dis, rendered cell-penetrant by fusion with the protein transduction domain of the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein, were tested in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Depolarization-induced calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was inhibited by both peptides. Ct-dis, but not L1, peptide inhibited depolarization-stimulated release of the neuropeptide transmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide in mouse DRG neurons. Similar results were obtained in DRGs from mice with a heterozygous mutation of Nf1 linked to neurofibromatosis type 1. Ct-dis peptide, administered intraperitoneally, exhibited antinociception in a zalcitabine (2'-3'-dideoxycytidine) model of AIDS therapy-induced and tibial nerve injury-related peripheral neuropathy. This study suggests that CaV peptides, by perturbing interactions with the neuromodulator CRMP2, contribute to suppression of neuronal hypersensitivity and nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Wilson
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Brian S Schmutzler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Joel M Brittain
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Erik T Dustrude
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Matthew S Ripsch
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Jessica J Pellman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Tae-Sung Yeum
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Joyce H Hurley
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Cynthia M Hingtgen
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Fletcher A White
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Program in Medical Neurosciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; Sophia Therapeutics LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
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